Alice Morrison, the seasoned explorer from Edinburgh, has completed the first stage of her incredible 2,500-kilometer journey to become the first person to cross Saudi Arabia on foot.
She started her journey at the Jordanian border on New Year’s Day and has already trekked 930 kilometers through the heart of the country. Known for her daring expeditions, including treks across Morocco and the Sahara, Alice is now immersing herself in Saudi Arabia’s rich history while continuing to push her physical limits on this monumental adventure.
Stage One: A Journey Through Saudi Arabia’s Heartland
Morrison just completed the first stage of her journey through Saudi Arabia, which covered 930 kilometers, taking her from the Jordanian border to the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. Over the course of seven weeks, she walked an average of 23 kilometers each day—about 33,000 steps.
She was accompanied by two camels, Juicy and Lulu, and local guides who helped her navigate the desert terrain. As she journeyed, she uncovered fascinating historical sites, including Bronze Age tombs, rock carvings, and relics of the old Hejaz railway.
Cultural Encounters: Exploring Saudi Arabia’s Rich History
Along the way, Morrison discovered important historical treasures that deepened her understanding of Saudi Arabia. One such discovery was the Dadanite ruins in AlUla, where the famous tombs with lion carvings stand as a testament to the ancient past.
On top of that, in Wadi Al Deesah, Morrison joined some of the first female wildlife rangers in Saudi Arabia. Together, they explored conservation initiatives aimed at reintroducing extinct plants and animals to the desert.
Facing Challenges: Heat, Fatigue, and the Road Ahead
Despite the fascinating discoveries, Morrison faced significant physical and mental challenges. The intense desert heat tested her endurance, and the long distances took a toll on her body.
She averaged long hours on her feet, and as she humorously admitted, her feet took quite a beating. Nevertheless, Morrison remained upbeat, drawing strength from the beauty around her.
Even when her camels, Juicy and Lulu, provided moments of mischief—whether eating flowers or rolling in the dust—Morrison’s sense of humor kept her going.
She also expressed excitement about the second stage of her journey, even as her tired feet longed for a bit of rest.
Stage Two: Looking Ahead to New Discoveries
As Morrison prepares for the second stage of her journey, which begins in October 2025, she looks forward to new adventures. The stage will take her from Medina to the southern region near Yemen. With this new chapter, Morrison hopes to uncover more of Saudi Arabia’s historical treasures, particularly in the southern areas.
Her resilience, curiosity, and passion continue to inspire her followers, showing that a journey isn’t just about reaching the destination—it’s about the stories and discoveries along the way!
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