At 61, Explorer Alice Morrison Embarks on a 2,500km Trek Across Saudi Arabia

Get to know the acclaimed adventurer who is undertaking an extraordinary journey on foot across Saudi Arabia, where she will traverse vast deserts, ancient oases, and rugged mountains

A 61-year-old woman spending five months walking across Saudi Arabia might sound like the plot of an adventure film, but it’s the extraordinary reality for explorer Alice Morrison. Her epic 2,500km journey takes her through the Kingdom’s vast deserts, oases, and mountains, showcasing both her resilience and Saudi Arabia's breathtaking landscapes.

A highlight of the journey: AlUla

One of the first major milestones of Alice’s expedition is AlUla, a region rich in heritage, culture, and natural beauty. AlUla has been central to ancient civilisations and trade routes, and its timeless charm was recently featured in Alice’s BBC series ‘Arabian Adventures: The Secrets of the Nabateans’.

For Alice, visiting AlUla on this journey is particularly poignant. This destination exemplifies the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and self-exploration — an environment where travellers can connect with themselves while facing unique challenges.

Whether it’s experiencing the adrenaline of the Giant Swing, conquering a tough hike up a dormant volcano, or tackling a night hike through the Sharaan Nature Reserve, AlUla invites explorers to push their limits and grow.

Reflecting on the journey she faces, Alice shared: “The desert is a harsh mistress, and I am sure she will be teaching me many lessons along the route. I am a mid-life woman (61) and I hope my adventure inspires others to get out and follow their dreams. I couldn’t have attempted this at 25, I needed the life experience to get me here.”

About Alice Morrison

Dubbed an ‘Indiana Jones for Girls’, Alice Morrison is an adventurer with a mission to empower others through exploration. Fluent in Arabic, she has undertaken remarkable journeys, including being the first woman to walk the length of Morocco’s Draa River as part of a Sahara crossing with camels.

Born in Edinburgh and raised in Uganda and Ghana, Alice has lived across the globe, from Cairo to Dubai to London. Her adventurous spirit has fuelled incredible feats, such as competing in the gruelling 2011 Tour d’Afrique, cycling 12,500km from Cairo to Cape Town across 10 countries in 100 days.

Recently, Alice filmed a two-part BBC series in Petra, Jordan, and AlUla, Saudi Arabia. Already a best-selling author of four travel books, she is documenting her current expedition in a forthcoming book and film.

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