RIYADH – British adventurer Alice Morrison has successfully completed the first phase of her ambitious 2,500-kilometer trek across Saudi Arabia, traversing the Kingdom from north to south. The 61-year-old TV presenter and writer, known for her extraordinary expeditions, finished the initial 930-kilometer leg on February 14, just before the start of Ramadan.
Morrison, accompanied by her camels Jusy and Lulu and local guides, embarked on her journey on January 1, averaging 23 kilometers or 33,000 steps per day. The trek, which is divided into two phases, aims to highlight Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and ongoing cultural transformation.
“This project has been a dream of mine for decades,” Morrison said in an interview with Arab News. “When I was 11, my father gave me a copy of Wilfred Thesiger’s ‘Arabian Sands,’ and it ignited my passion for the region. Studying Arabic at university further fueled my desire to explore Saudi Arabia.”
Despite initial hesitations about the unknown, Morrison found the Saudi people to be incredibly hospitable and welcoming. “I expected a strict and serious people, but I discovered a culture full of laughter, jokes, and immense kindness,” she noted.
The first phase of the trek took Morrison through diverse terrains, revealing ancient treasures such as Bronze Age tombs and 4,000-year-old rock carvings. A highlight of her journey was exploring AlUla, where she was guided by archaeologist Wissam Khalil and witnessed the resurgence of the Arabian oryx in the Sharaan Nature Reserve.
Morrison also had the opportunity to meet and walk with Saudi Arabia’s first female wildlife rangers in Wadi Al-Disah, part of the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve, reflecting the changing landscape of the Kingdom.
The journey was not without its challenges. Morrison faced severe blisters, a camel injury, and a harrowing sandstorm. “We had to overcome many obstacles, but the support of our guides and the local people kept us going,” she said.
The second phase of Morrison’s expedition is scheduled to begin in Madinah in October and will conclude near Najran on the Yemeni border in December, covering an additional 1,300 kilometers.
“I am eager to return and complete this incredible journey,” Morrison said. “Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid changes, and I am excited to witness and document this transformation.”
Morrison, who documents her adventures through books, documentaries, and her “Alice in Wanderland” podcast, is also filming the BBC show “Arabian Adventures: The Secrets of the Nabateans.” Her expedition continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide, showcasing the beauty and complexity of Saudi Arabia.
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