Sabah Al-Ahmad Natural Reserve

The Sabah Al-Ahmad reserve covers a large block of northern Kuwaiti desert that was fenced off from grazing and vehicles, and what happened next is the point: the vegetation came back. Perennial shrubs, grasses and desert flowers recovered on ground that had been bare, and gazelle, oryx and desert hare were reintroduced. It shows what the Kuwaiti desert looks like when it is left alone. The reserve covers around three hundred and twenty square kilometres, making it the largest protected area in the country.

The landscape

• The recovered vegetation - shrubs and grasses back on ground that was bare.
• The reintroduced animals - gazelle, oryx and hare inside the fence.
• The spring flowering - the desert bloom after winter rain.
• The contrast - fenced ground against the grazed desert outside.

When to go

November to March is the cool season; spring flowering follows winter rain. Summer heat is extreme. Permits must be arranged in advance.

Practical notes

Entry requires a permit arranged ahead and access is not casual. Facilities inside are minimal. Wildlife is scattered across a large area and sightings need patience.

Nearby

Al Jahra is south, and Mutla Ridge is southeast.