Measuring 4km wide and 250-meters deep, the sprawling Al-Wa'bah Crater is one of Saudi Arabia’s most dramatic natural wonders: a vast hollow with an opaque lake at its heart. he lunarlike landscape offers a near-otherworldly experience for those who come to climb it – complete with glorious views over the desert from the crater’s rim. But as wonderful as the views are from above, the real magic happens when you climb down into the heart of the crater. In the center of the bowl, you’ll find white sodium phosphate crystals that create a glittering crust visible from the sky. This salt-bed transforms into a pearly lake whenever rain gathers in the hollow, fringed by the shrubs and palms that dot the crater’s rim. A dried lava field can also be seen snaking away from the northern edge of the hollow. The shallow hollows are caused by volcanic eruptions that occur when groundwater comes into contact with hot lava. Even in winter ensure you bring plenty of water and sturdy hiking boots and don’t expect to have a mobile phone signal this far out. It’s best to make the trip either early or late in the day and during the cooler winter months, as summer can see temperatures here top 50°C, making the 45-minute hike down and 90-minute hike back up significantly more of a challenge. (Harrat Kishb basalt plateau, Saudi Arabia)
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