<p><b>Shaumari Valley Hike</b></p><p>Guided only</p><p>Distance: Round trail 3 Km</p><p>Duration: 1.5 hours</p><p>Level of Difficulty: Easy</p><p>Required Gear: comfortable shoes, bottle of water, a hat in the summer</p><p>Season: Spring, summer, fall, and late winter</p><p>Description:</p><p>The circular trail starts off at the Visitor Center then passes by the picnic and children play areas. As you reach the Wadi’s entrance gate, RSCN’s tour guide will take a few minutes to introduce you to the reserve and what to expect along the trail.</p><p>As you enter, you will be taken by the beauty of the distinctive desert scenery and biodiversity. Shaumari is home to more than 190 registered species of plants. Hence, the route is filled with flora that makes a tapestry of colors and textures. Perennial or annual, some of these plants are plantago, peganum harmala, artemisia, achillea and tamarix, retama and hordeum, while many are ideal for grazing and/or human consumption like chubaisa mauve, mountain spinach (atriplex hortensi), and ferula.</p><p>By the time, you get to the fenced enclosure, the first thing that will grab your attention is how mesmerizing are the long antlers of the White Arabian Oryx! Further down in your trail you will begin to notice small birds chirping. After a brief stop at the Rehabilitation Unit for Confiscating Animals, your journey ends where you’ve started it; at the Visitor Center.</p>