Loading ...10 natural beauty spots in MENA you need to see before you die
By: Sarah Ahmed Shawky
Source: Stepfeed
The Arab world covers very rich and diverse natural landscapes. From the Mediterranean basin, to the vast desert in North Africa, to the majestic mountains of the gulf, to the greenery of the Levant…
So much beauty is sure to dazzle the eye of its beholder.
Would you be able to handle it?
Let’s see.
1. Ouzoud waterfalls in Morocco
At about 100 meters tall, the waterfalls of Ouzoud constitute one of the most popular natural beauty spots in Morocco, providing visitors and hikers with stunning views.
The name Ouzoud is a Berber word that means “the process of grinding grains.” The falls are located in a beautiful and friendly small village, about a two hour drive away from Marrakesh.
2. Constantine, the capital city of eastern Algeria
This stunning mountain city sits on the banks of the Rhumel river, about 80 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast.
“The City of Bridges,” as it is known, is made by nature and enhanced by man. Its landscape is carved out in rocky mountainous terrain and its slopes are connected together by 6 bridges.
3. Ubari Oasis in Libya
The Libyan oasis town is located in the Sahara desert southwest of the country, and surrounded by a vast sandy landscape.
The Berber-speaking oasis was established in this exceptional location, surrounded by dunes and some twenty lakes.
The lakes have shores that are lush with vegetation, and they offer an exhilarating and often much-needed swim to cool down after being in the sun all day.
Ancient ruins of Amazigh villages can also be found here, adding an extra reason to visit the town.
4. The blue hole in Egypt
Snorkeling in the Blue Hole in Dahab is a must try. The famous hole and the surrounding area have an abundance of coral and reef fish. Legend says that the Blue Hole is cursed by the ghost of a girl who drowned herself there to escape an arranged marriage.
But legends aside, the Blue Hole is a major touristic attraction and a very popular site for free diving, as the depth is easily accessible from the shore.
5. Wadi Rum in Jordan
This enchanting red desert landscape, rich in rock formations, may look familiar to some as it has made its way on to the big screen in David Lean’s Lawrence of Arabia, which in turn kick-started Jordan’s tourism industry.
The red sand valley is an unspoiled natural wonder created by millions of years of changing climate conditions and erosion.
6. Lebanon’s Pigeon Rocks (Raouché)
Off the coast of Beirut’s Raouché, there is a natural wonder and a staple landmark called the Pigeons’ Rock, Sabah Nassar’s Rock, or the Rock of Raouché.
Located in the western part of Beirut, the two huge rock formations stand tall and proud, surrounded by the glittering waters of the Mediterranean. The place is a widely popular destination for locals and foreigners alike.
7. Iraqi Kurdistan
جمال الطبيعة الخلابة في إقليم كردستان – شمال العراق.#روائع_من_وطني pic.twitter.com/72nceegPk7
— عِراقي مُنهك. (@hx_iq) August 19, 2016
When we hear the word Kurdistan, we immediately think of lush green mountains, rivers, and fertile plains.
The mountainous landscape, difference in temperature of its different parts, and its wealth of waters and lakes – like Lake Ducan – make it a land fit for agriculture and a major touristic attraction.
8. Jabal Shams, the highest mountain in Oman
Jabal Shams, or mountain of the sun, is located in the northeastern part of Oman, to the north of Al Hamra town.
It is a very popular hiking and sightseeing area located 240 km from Muscat.
The high mountain is part of the Al Hajar Mountains range. Like all mountains of Oman, it offers respite to travelers and it’s perfect for a weekend getaway.
9. Ibb hills in Yemen
Ibb, nicknamed the green province, is one of the most beautiful regions in Yemen. It’s blessed with the longest rain season in Yemen.
This stunning piece of greenery sits on high hills 193 km from the capital Sana’a. The mountains of Ibb peak at 1900m above sea level.
10. Jabal Marra in Sudan
This range of volcanic peaks is situated at the center of the Darfur region of Sudan.
Amid the dry savanna and scrub of the Sahel below, the upper reaches of the mountain feature temperate climate, high rainfall and permanent water springs.
The last volcanic eruption occurred around 1500 BC.
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