The Lava Fields of the Harrat Khaybar

In the heart of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia lies a geological wonder that is unlike any other in the world. While it may come as a surprise to many, Saudi Arabia is home to numerous volcanoes, including some that are still active. This volcanic activity is linked to the hot spot activity on the Arabian Plate, which was uplifted on the eastern side of the Red Sea rift.

The basaltic lava fields in the western part of the country are known as “harrat.” These expansive fields cover approximately 180,000 square kilometers, stretching from Turkey in the north to Yemen in the south.

Harrat Khaybar: A Volcanic Giant

One of the most significant volcanic fields in Saudi Arabia is Harrat Khaybar, named after the city located on its western edge. This vast field of ancient and recent lava flows spans more than 14,000 square kilometers between the provinces of Madinah and Ha’il, northwest of the city of Madinah. Harrat Khaybar features a 100-kilometer-long north-south line of volcanic vents, including scoria cones, lava domes, maars, basalt lava flows, and the only stratovolcano in the Harrat of western Arabia, Jebel Qidr.

A Living Landscape

Harrat Khaybar remains active, with at least eight eruptions recorded during the Islamic era (less than 1,500 years ago). Notable eruptions include the prominent 55-kilometer-long Habir lava flow and flows from Jebel Qidr, which still exhibit a fluid appearance. However, only one eruption is documented in historical records from early Islamic times, occurring in the 7th century CE (1st century H).

The White Volcanoes

But the jewel of the Harrat Khaybar is to be found in its center, where a very rare kind of volcanoes made of silica-rich rock called comendite give them a whitish color. The two largest are Jebel Abiadh and Jebel Bayda, whose grandiose majesty revealed by satellite images is even more stunning once on site.

Jebel Abiadh (literally “white mount”) is the highest crater of the harra, standing at 2,093 meters in altitude, while Jebel Bayda (the feminine form of “white mount” in Arabic) is the largest, with a diameter of 1.5 kilometers.

The center of the Harrat Khaybar is not only about the clear colors of the white volcanoes. Other volcanic formations bring many shades of lava, ranging from the creamy ocher of Jebel Bayda, to the shades of red and brown of Jebel Al-'Aqir, and the deep dark lava flows of Jebel Qidr. The subsequent mixing of lava flows has created fantastic patterns of shades on the ground between the craters.

The contrast is most striking where the whitish creamy lava of Jebel Bayda meets the deep dark lava of Jebel Qidr. A track leads to the edge of both lava flows, where it is possible to stand on this volcanic border with one foot on each type of lava.

Nature’s creativity is not limited to a wide range of colors but is also marvelously attested by the incredible variety of volcano shapes found in the Harrat Khaybar. From a high viewpoint, one can admire the elegantly spread silhouette of Jebel Bayda, the Fujiyama-like volcanic cone of Jebel Qidr, and the fancy hat-shaped Jebel Al-'Aqir.

Exploring the White Volcanoes

It is possible to safely reach some of the craters on foot to fully appreciate the out-of-this-world sights this place offers. Local Bedouins drive up the sides of Jebel Bayda with their pickups, but it is advisable to go for a short hike uphill instead.

The sides of Jebel Abiadh are too steep for cars, but the southern slope of the volcanic cone is just gentle enough to allow a relatively safe (although slippery) climb up to the crater.

The viewpoint from the summit of Jebel Abiadh is absolutely worth the effort. As the highest volcano, peaking at 2,093 meters, it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes that seem to be from another world.

Given the difficulties in reaching the center of the Harrat Khaybar, the white volcanoes used to be a deserted place for a long time. However, nowadays, some Bedouins live there, and visitors are not uncommon. As a reminder of this no-longer-so-far human presence, camels can be found all around the area.

How to Visit the White Volcanoes

A Tough Terrain

It is very important to note that reaching the white volcanoes by car involves driving through 50 kilometers of lava fields where Bedouins have dug deep tracks. These tracks are the only option since the ground between them is covered with sharp basalt rocks that would shred any tire after a few kilometers or even damage the bottom of the car. Moreover, many tracks lead to dead-ends, so proper and accurate planning is essential before any trip. Guidance from locals should be taken seriously.

Guides Organizing Trips to the White Volcanoes

Our strong advice is to visit the White Volcanoes with a tour guide who knows the area and has the proper equipment to ensure a safe trip.