ELEPHANT ROCK (Jabal Alfil) : Everything You Need to Know
The AlUla Elephant Rock
The AlUla Elephant rock is one of the many explorable rock formations situated in Saudi Arabia. Offering an experience for sightseeing, the Jabal Alfil, as it is known in Arabic, in AlUla is a must-visit destination if you enjoy history and nature. Discover when to go to AlUla’s elephant rock standing at 52 metres tall and the many experiences along with it.
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Culture and History
As you step foot and see the Elephant Rock beyond its geological significance, the Jabal Alfil greets you with carvings and inscriptions dating back to ancient civilizations. These intricate markings tell the stories of the region's rich history, shaped organically by the forces of nature over millions of years.
Embarking on an exploration of the cultural wealth of the Elephant Rock, visitors can witness rock carvings that unfold a visual narrative of ancient civilizations. You can encounter weathered pottery and tools, dating back to local legends and folklore surrounding AlUla’s identity.
When should I visit?
It is recommended to wear sun protection and protective clothing if visiting during the day. While at night the temperature can drop significantly and become much cooler, therefore it is recommended to bring warm clothing.
For a specialised experience, embark on a journey into rich history with the Hegra tour, offering a private escapade for an intimate experience, or discover the secrets of Ikmah & Dadan with a tailored private tour. If you want to see the AlUla from the sky, you can also hop on for a helicopter tour.
You can book your exciting experiences at guestrelations-alula@banyantree.com.
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Dining and Other Exciting Experiences
For a taste of local flair, experience AlUla's cuisines and communal dining not limited to a single flavour. Indulge in AlUla's culinary diversity, where the options span from traditional Saudi Arabian dishes like Kabsa and Mandi while sitting across the many landscapes of AlUla. You can also visit bustling markets that usually offer street food for a quick snack after visiting the Elephant Rock. Otherwise, you can find your favourite stall and enjoy food in your own ways.
You can find hidden gems anywhere in the heart of AlUla, where local eateries showcase the true essence of the destination through AlUla's dishes. Indulge your palate at Saffron, where an exquisite culinary journey unfolds with authentic Thai flavours. Harrat also offers a multisensory immersion into local culture, seamlessly blending cuisine, arts, and crafts. Adorned with locally crafted treasures, from rugs to earthenware, this rustic restaurant provides guests with an authentic and vibrant taste of the locale.
Plan your opportunity to explore AlUla's culture with dining, and you can discover more recommendations for other exciting dessert dining here.
AlUla International Airport (ULH)
AlUla Airport is conveniently located 25 kilometres southeast of Banyan Tree AlUla. It currently offers direct flights from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, and Dammam, with flights from Cairo launching in early October. TRANSFER For enquiries on how to get to Banyan Tree AlUla, please contact our concierge team at: Concierge.AlUla@Banyantree.com.
Hegra
Visit Hegra and experience Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can explore over 110 remarkably preserved tombs set against a desert backdrop and learn about the ancient people and culture of AlUla.Maraya
Only one minute from Banyan Tree AlUla, the magnificent venue of Maraya has set a Guinness record for the world's largest mirrored building. Guests enjoy direct access to this architectural marvel (meaning "mirror" or "reflection" in Arabic) in the desert canyon of the Ashar Valley. With its 9,740 mirrored panels, Maraya reflects AlUla's natural beauty. It has also hosted concerts, events, conferences, and more.