Land of Midian & Split Rock tour: Moses' biblical sites

The Split Rock of Horeb actually exists: struck by Moses' staff, it still stands in the Saudi desert.

A seven-hour guided tour through Saudi Arabia's Land of Midian, visiting the Split Rock of Horeb where Moses struck water from stone, the Springs of Moses with its natural hot springs and oasis palms, Moses' Well between desert and mountains, and Maghaer Shuaib in the red sandstone cliffs west of Tabuk. An English-speaking guide leads the route. Hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and snacks are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore ancient Midian and Moses sites

• Visit the Split Rock of Horeb
• Explore the Springs of Moses oasis
• See the site of Moses Well (Bir Al-Saidani)
• Tour Maghaer Shuaib archaeological site

The experience

Ten years Moses spent in this land before returning to free his people, and the tour traces the geography of that exile. The Split Rock of Horeb is the centerpiece, a geological formation discovered in the 1990s where the biblical account says Moses struck water from stone for his thirsty people in the desert. You scramble around this actual rock formation, the one physical evidence of the miracle story that anchors the whole journey.

The Springs of Moses form a small fertile oasis ringed by natural palms, fed by an underground spring said to sit where Moses met his future wife Zipporah. Some of the hot springs run sweet, others bitter. The water is believed to have healing properties and has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Moses' Well, also called Bir Al-Saidani, lies between the desert and the mountains in Bada. Though it has since dried up, the site still marks the landscape. Maghaer Shuaib, in the reddish desert west of Tabuk, is believed to date to the Nabataean civilization and sits among sandstone cliffs and rocky outcrops that frame the entire region.

The guide speaks English and Arabic, the vehicle is air-conditioned, and the route includes bottled water and snacks. Seven hours covers the ground. Hotel pickup means no need to arrange transport separately.

What’s included

• An English and Arabic professional guide leads the route.
• hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport are included.
• bottled water and snacks sustain you through the seven hours.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (10 to 89 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup means you don't need a car or local knowledge to reach these remote sites. The guide handles the route through the desert and between the scattered biblical landmarks, which would be difficult to navigate alone.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 9 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Split Rock of Horeb and why does it matter on this tour?

The Split Rock of Horeb is the geological formation where Moses struck water from stone according to biblical accounts, producing what the text describes as "rivers in the desert" for his thirsty people. It was discovered in the 1990s and stands as the physical centerpiece of the tour. You scramble around the actual rock formation itself.

Can I visit the Springs of Moses and what will I find there?

The Springs of Moses form a small fertile oasis with natural palm trees surrounding hot springs, some sweet and some bitter. An underground spring feeds the site, believed to be where Moses met his future wife Zipporah, and the water is said to have healing properties for wounds and to help regulate blood pressure.

How long is this tour and what's included in the price?

The tour runs seven hours and includes an English-speaking professional guide, hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and snacks throughout the day.

What is Maghaer Shuaib and where is it located?

Maghaer Shuaib is an archaeological site in the reddish desert west of Tabuk in northwest Saudi Arabia, surrounded by sandstone cliffs and rocky outcrops. It is believed to date to the Nabataean civilization, which thrived in the region from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD.