At the beginning of the fall of each year, Saudis get used to doing various desert activities, including camping, adventures, and many sports, as the temperature moderates and it becomes possible for families and friends to gather outside the home.
These activities are considered one of the usual traditions among the residents of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and are called “Kashta”. Their forms vary between what was prevalent in the past and what is the case now, as people previously went out for sessions and camping with family and friends or to practice wild hunting, and the traditions of those sessions were based on conversations, entertainment, drinking tea and coffee, and lighting a fire. Now, activities have diversified to include, in addition to camping, riding motorcycles, riding horses or camels, rock climbing, experimenting with hot air balloons, skiing on sand dunes, and many others.
These desert adventures in Saudi Arabia have become famous worldwide, not just in the country. Desert safaris are now one of the top attractions for tourists from all over the world. Tourism agencies and companies are creating special programs for these experiences.
The “kashta” is accompanied by special equipment that every Saudi family must have to ensure the enjoyment of a complete desert trip. These equipment include lamps and night lights, tents and sleeping equipment, barbecue tools, chairs and tables, safe fire-making equipment and stoves, and small water tanks and others that preserve heat.
The desert experience in Saudi Arabia is a special escape from everyday life, offering a break from home, work, and city noise. It provides a peaceful environment with great conditions. This makes 'kashta' or safaris a crucial activity that brings Saudi families together during this time of the year.