Thumamah National Park is the former name of the King Khalid Royal Reserve, a large protected area northeast of Riyadh.
A day trip from Riyadh is a chance to spend time in open natural terrain, but you should arrange access in advance and plan to travel by car. Roof Hotel Apartments, a hotel in Riyadh, is one possible starting point for planning your trip.
- Location: northeast of Riyadh and southeast of King Khalid International Airport.
- Access: request a reserve visit through the Fatri platform; visits are free.
- Timing: reserve visits are described as daytime visits.
What to expect at Thumamah National Park
Thumamah National Park refers to the area now known as the King Khalid Royal Reserve, northeast of Riyadh and southeast of King Khalid International Airport. The reserve covers approximately 720 km², according to Saudipedia, and is accessible by road from four directions.
The name reflects an earlier status: approval to convert al-Thumamah Wildlife Park into a royal reserve was issued on October 2, 2019. Sources use more than one name for the former park, including al-Thumamah Wildlife Park and ath-Thumamah Park.
How do you get from Riyadh to Thumamah National Park?
You’ll need to travel by road: public transport to protected areas is not currently available, according to the National Center for Wildlife. Saudipedia gives the reserve’s distance as about 80 km from downtown Riyadh and about 65.6 km from King Khalid International Airport; your driving distance depends on your route and destination within the reserve.
A dual-road network provides access from four directions. Since the reserve is a broad area rather than one single destination, confirm your specific destination and access arrangements before setting out. For other Riyadh journeys, the guide to getting around Riyadh from the north of the city covers transport around the capital.
Facilities and outdoor activities
Reserve visits are requested through the Fatri platform and are free. The National Center for Wildlife says visits are accessible with reserve staff accompaniment, and guided or exploratory trips are available.
General entry to the King Khalid and Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed royal reserves is also described as free by the development authority, though licensed operators may charge for particular ecotourism activities.
Don’t assume that a general entry arrangement covers every activity or service. The National Center for Wildlife says recycling facilities are not currently available in the reserves, so plan to take your waste with you.
Weather, seasons and preparation
Prepare for an outdoor visit by checking weather conditions and bringing enough food, water and first-aid equipment. The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification also advises driving carefully, avoiding damage to vegetation and leaving the site clean.
Camping information needs particular care: a camping portal lists permit fees, but does not establish that those fees apply to Thumamah or the King Khalid Royal Reserve. A separate authority’s rules for its own reserve should not be treated as Thumamah rules. Ask the relevant reserve authority about camping and fires before making plans.
Access rules and day-trip checklist
For a day trip, arrange your visit through Fatri, confirm the access details for your intended destination and allow for a daytime visit. The National Center for Wildlife says overnight stays are not currently allowed in reserves except at eco-camps in some reserves.
- Request access through the Fatri platform and confirm visit arrangements.
- Check the weather and pack food, water and first-aid equipment.
- Plan to travel by car; public transport to protected areas is not currently available.
- Ask the relevant authority about any specific activity, camping or operator fees.
For another outdoor trip from the city, planning a day trip to Heet Cave offers a different Riyadh-area outing. Before you go, check the official site of the National Center for Wildlife for current access guidance.
FAQs
Is Thumamah National Park the same as the King Khalid Royal Reserve?
Thumamah National Park is the former name associated with the King Khalid Royal Reserve. Sources also refer to the earlier area as al-Thumamah Wildlife Park or ath-Thumamah Park.
Do you need to pay to enter?
Reserve visits requested through Fatri are free, and the development authority says there is no general entry fee. Licensed operators may charge for particular ecotourism activities.
Can you stay overnight in the reserve?
Overnight stays are not currently allowed except at eco-camps in some reserves. Confirm current arrangements with the relevant authority before planning an overnight visit.
Can you reach the reserve by public transport?
The National Center for Wildlife says public transport to protected areas is not currently available, so plan to travel by car.