RIYADH — British explorer, BBC presenter, and author Alice Morrison has embarked on the final stage of her historic journey to become the first person on record to walk the entire length of Saudi Arabia, from north to south.
Accompanied by her two camels, Juicy and Lulu, and supported by a team of local guides, Morrison set off from Madinah on Oct. 10 to begin the 1,370-kilometer final leg of her 2,300-kilometer trek, which will conclude in Najran, near the Saudi-Yemen border, on Dec. 17.
The Scottish-born adventurer completed the first 930 kilometers of her journey in February 2025, walking from the Jordanian border to Madinah.
Over the next 70 days — including 63 days of walking and seven rest days — Morrison will cover an average of 21 kilometers daily, roughly half a marathon, traversing some of the most remote and untamed terrain in the Kingdom’s western interior.
“Being a woman is my superpower here in Saudi,” Morrison said.
“I’m able to mix with both men and women and hear women’s stories — stories that are rarely told. What I discovered on the first stage is that there’s a kind of cultural revolution happening as women here move into their future.”
She explained that her goal is to become the first recorded person to walk the full north-to-south route across Saudi Arabia, founded in 1932.
“People have always crossed the Kingdom, but I am doing it entirely on foot — not using camels or wheels. We cannot find any records in English or Arabic of anyone else doing it,” she said.
Throughout the expedition, Morrison’s team will scan for wildlife using night cameras, documenting gazelles, hyenas, and wolves, and possibly even the Arabian leopard.
They will also search for ancient rock carvings, tombs, and archaeological traces hidden in the desert landscape.
Her route includes stretches of the ancient Derb el Fil (The Elephant’s Road), one of Arabia’s most historic trade routes. Along the way, she plans to meet Saudi communities such as the Flower Men of Aseer, known for their fragrant floral crowns, and explore cultural sites including the Cradle of Gold, believed by some to be the site of King Solomon’s mythical mines.
Journey in brief:
• Route: 1,370km from Madinah to Najran, following parts of the ancient Incense Route
• Duration: 70 days (63 walking, 7 for rest and exploration)
• Average pace: 21km per day (~33,000 steps)
• Terrain: Wild, remote interior; all nights spent wild camping
• Support: One vehicle for water resupply and logistics
“What I’m really excited about is being right out in the wilderness,” Morrison said. “We’ll walk before dawn to avoid the afternoon heat, and water will definitely be a logistical challenge. I just hope I can avoid the blisters I got on stage one.” — SG
