Every summer thousands of families escape the heat for the green mountains of the south. The most beautiful way to get there is by car along the high road from Taif to Abha, with forests, terraced farms and stone villages on the way. Sajil's branch in Taif is the ideal starting point.
The route
- Taif to Al Baha: about 220 km through the mountain towns of the Bani Saad and Bani Malik areas.
- Al Baha to Abha: about 330 km via Baljurashi, Al Namas and Tanomah.
- In total: about 550 km. Take two or three days to enjoy it.
Stops along the way
- Al Baha: the Raghadan forest park and its viewpoints. Read the Al Baha guide.
- Dhi Ain village: a white marble village on a hill below Al Baha, surrounded by banana and basil farms. It is down the mountain road towards Al Makhwah, so plan extra time.
- Al Namas and Tanomah: cool towns with wide views, stone houses and colourful mountain markets.
- Abha: Al Soudah, the highest point in the area, and the heritage village of Rijal Alma down the escarpment. See the Abha guide.
Which car for mountain roads?
Mountain roads mean long climbs and sharp descents, so choose power and comfort:
- Small family: the Geely Coolray with its turbo engine climbs easily.
- Big family: the Geely Okavango or Kia Carnival.
- Comfort on every road: the Toyota Land Cruiser.
Driving safely in the mountains
- Descents: use a low gear and let the engine slow the car; do not ride the brakes.
- Fog: common in summer afternoons around Al Soudah and Al Namas. Slow down and switch on your low beams.
- Rain: summer storms can make roads slippery and wash stones onto the road.
- Animals: baboons and grazing animals often stand near the road. Do not feed them.
Booking tips
- Summer and Eid are the peak season for Taif cars, so book weeks ahead. See car rental prices in Taif.
- For a trip of a week, weekly rental costs less than daily.
- There is no Sajil branch in Abha yet, so plan to return to Taif.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Taif to Abha?
About 550 km, roughly 7 to 8 hours of driving without stops, more with mountain traffic in summer.
Is a 4x4 needed for the southern mountains?
No. The main roads are paved. A car with a strong engine makes the climbs more comfortable.
When is the best time to go?
June to September for cool weather, and late winter for clear views and fewer crowds.
Ready for the road?
Daily, weekly and monthly car rental from our branches across the Kingdom.
