Trailblazing adventurer Alice Morrison, known for her daring expeditions and compelling storytelling, is nine days into a historic quest to cross Saudi Arabia from its northern border near Jordan to its southern frontier with Yemen entirely on foot. As the first recorded person to undertake this monumental journey, Morrison—BBC presenter, author, and fluent Arabic speaker—is combining her love of exploration with a mission to uncover the rich stories and landscapes of the kingdom. Thursday 8 January saw her first rest day – in Tabuk – where she sat down for a moment to chat with SA-FE editor-in-chief, Richard Barnes.
Alice’s expedition is driven by three main objectives: making new discoveries, amplifying the voices of Saudi women and shedding light on the Kingdom’s climate, landscapes, and conservation efforts. By retracing the ancient caravan routes, she aims to unearth hidden stories from the land’s rich history while offering fresh insights into the rapidly evolving Saudi Arabia of today.
“I’ve been studying Arabic and the Middle East for 45 years,” Morrison says. “Saudi Arabia has always been closed to me until now. It’s the heart of Arabia, and I’ve always wanted to explore it deeply. This journey is about much more than just walking—it’s about connecting with people, amplifying voices, and discovering the country’s untold stories.”
On 1 January 2025, the 61-year-old set out from Saudi Arabia’s northern border, accompanied by two camels and a team of local experts, including Alan Morrissey, a seasoned desert expedition planner, and Khalid Al Rabiah, a logistics specialist. By the time Morrison completes her trek, she will have covered an estimated 2,500 kilometres of diverse terrain, retracing ancient caravan routes, crossing vast deserts, and exploring hidden archaeological treasures.
Morrison’s expedition is as much about people as it is about landscapes. A key element of her mission is to amplify the voices of Saudi women and showcase their evolving roles in society. “I have an explorer’s superpower: being a woman,” Morrison shares. “The view of Saudi women in the West is very one-dimensional. As a female explorer, I can access stories and spaces that many others cannot.”
Among the highlights of her journey will be walking alongside Saudi Arabia’s first female wildlife rangers in the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. “These women are extraordinary,” Morrison says. “They’ve undergone the same rigorous training as their male counterparts, from fitness tests to conservation studies, and they take immense pride in their work. It’s inspiring to see them breaking new ground in this field.”
She also plans to meet notable Saudi women, such as Princess Abeer Al Saud, racing driver Mashael Obadain, and Sara Omar, the kingdom’s first female travel business owner. “These women are pioneers in their own right, and I’m excited to walk with them, listen to their stories, and share them with the world,” Morrison says.
Experiencing Saudi hospitality and history
Morrison has already encountered the warmth and generosity of Saudi hospitality. “We’ve been welcomed into homes with open arms,” she recalls. “One family greeted us with their children dressed in traditional clothing, presenting flowers and singing songs. Another farmer hosted us for a feast, slaughtering a sheep and inviting the town’s mayor and dignitaries to share the meal. Saudi hospitality is like nothing else—it’s heartfelt, generous, and unforgettable.”
The journey has already provided Alice with moments of historical discovery. “We found Stone Age hand axes near our campsite,” she says with awe. “These were tools from ancient communities, just lying in the desert where they were left thousands of years ago. We’ve also seen petroglyphs and even wolf tracks—it’s been a constant reminder of the deep history and wildness of this place.”
Overcoming challenges
Despite the hospitality and discoveries, the journey has been physically gruelling. “The hardest part so far? Blisters—terrible ones,” Morrison admits with a wince. “Every step is painful right now, but I’m hopeful they’ll toughen up as I go. If not, I might lose my feet entirely!”
The expedition is split into two stages, with the first spanning seven weeks, from the Jordanian border to the gates of Madinah, just before Ramadan. The second stage, set for next winter, will take her through the southern regions, concluding near Yemen.
“The desert is a harsh teacher,” Morrison reflects. “It challenges you physically, mentally, and emotionally. But that’s part of its beauty—it forces you to grow and adapt. This journey is about more than adventure; it’s about connection, discovery, and understanding.”
Inspiring others through adventure
Morrison hopes her expedition inspires others, especially women, to pursue their dreams. “I couldn’t have done this at 25,” she says. “It took life experience to get me here. I want to show people, particularly mid-life women, that it’s never too late to embark on something extraordinary. Adventure has no age limit.”
As Morrison leaves Tabuk and continues her trek southward, her journey symbolises not just a physical feat but a profound exploration of culture, history, and human connection. “Saudi Arabia is a land of surprises,” she says. “From its breathtaking landscapes to its warm people, it’s a place that deserves to be understood and celebrated.”
Through her journey, Morrison is crafting a narrative that challenges stereotypes and invites the world to see Saudi Arabia in a new light—one step at a time.
Expedition route
The expedition began at the Jordanian border near Halat Anmar, a crossing point of the historic Hejaz Railway, and continues through the mountains, passing key landmarks such as the Darb Al Hajj, including the traditional Attabukiya Hajj Pilgrimage Route. Along the way, Alice Morrison is exploring sites of immense historical and cultural significance, including Abbasid waystations, Ottoman fortifications, and the volcanic landscapes of Harrat Ar Raha and Harrat Uwayrid.
Highlights also include the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Royal Reserve (see above), and the ancient trade hub of AlUla, featured in her BBC show Arabian Adventures: The Secrets of the Nabateans. The journey is enriched by encounters with Bedouin waterways, secret tribal markings, Stone Age artifacts, and Moses Mountain. This stage of the trek will conclude at the gates of Madinah on the eve of Ramadan, marking a profound moment in this groundbreaking journey.
As the route is too long to accomplish in one season due to hot weather and the month of Ramadan, Alice will do it in two halves over two winter seasons.
From Madinah, the second stage of the trek (2026) will cross towards the coast and down to Jeddah, turning eastwards for the approach to Makkah and Taif. Heading south, Alice will pass through Rijal Almaa and the Uruq Bani Ma’arid wildlife sanctuary. The expedition will end near Najran at the border with Yemen.
Highlights from first stage
Highlights from the first stage of the expedition include:
- Treading the pilgrims’ route – Darb Al Hajj
- Abbasid waystations and forts
- The Hejaz Railway, trains in the desert and bullet holes from the Arab Revolt in WW1
- Ottoman fortifications
- Bedouin waterways and secret tribal markings
- The PMBS Royal Reserve and the newly-reintroduced species of which only 600 remain worldwide in 3 places
- Walking with Saudi Female Rangers
- Stone Age traces
- Moses Mountain – where he brought down the tablets
- Processing camels through the old trading route of AlUla
- Arriving at the gates of the holy city of Madinah on the eve of Ramadan
DISCOVER MORE ON ALICE’S WEBSITE – https://alicemorrison.co.uk/cross-saudi-arabia-on-foot/
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Photos: All Rights Reserved – 2025 – ALICE MORRISON
