Plizio Visual Lab

Harrat Kishb

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

plateau

Weather…

Harrat Kishb is a prominent volcanic field in the Makkah Province, occupying an area of about 5,900 square kilometers. It is most famous for the spectacular Al-Wahba Crater (also called Maqla Tamia), one of Saudi Arabia's largest and deepest volcanic craters, with a diameter of 2 kilometers and a depth of 250 meters. This crater was formed by a phreatomagmatic eruption where rising magma encountered groundwater. The crater floor is covered with a white salt deposit, creating a unique visual phenomenon in the black lava desert. The field itself consists of Quaternary basalts and contains numerous scoria cones and lava tubes. Geological activity in Harrat Kishb is closely linked to the extension of the Arabian Plate. Historically, the area was sparsely populated due to its extreme aridity and rugged terrain. Today, the Al-Wahba Crater attracts numerous adventure tourists and geologists who wish to explore the striking relief and well-preserved volcanic structures.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	17	19	23	27	30	33	33	34	32	26	22	18
Rain mm	3	1	2	9	7	3	1	1	1	2	5	2

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Reaching the Harrat Kishb volcanic plateau is typically best accomplished from Taif or Riyadh, strictly requiring a sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicle due to the general absence of paved roads in the rough volcanic region.

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Best season

The optimal conditions for exploring this area are found during the cooler winter months between November and March, as the summer temperatures in this open and entirely unshaded volcanic landscape can be dangerously extreme.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape predominantly consists of harsh, uneven lava fields and dry plains, meaning that exploring the edges of the impressive craters, including Al-Wahbah, demands good physical balance and exceptional surefootedness.

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What to bring

It is highly recommended to bring heavy-duty hiking boots to protect against sharp rocks, comprehensive sun protection, satellite navigation devices, and most crucially, massive supplies of drinking water for the journey.

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Parking

Vehicles are usually parked at informal gathering spots near the rims of the major craters; visitors should not expect to find any structured, paved parking infrastructure or guarded facilities in this remote natural area.

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Safety

Visitors must remain vigilant regarding the high risk of heat exhaustion, the potential for deep cuts from sharp volcanic rocks, and the severe lack of mobile reception, making traveling in guided convoys the safest choice.

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Time needed

To fully appreciate the grand scale of the craters and the expansive lava fields, visitors should typically allocate a full day, while many choose to turn the visit into an overnight desert camping adventure under the stars.