Taif ziyarat: the mosques, Al Hada, Al Shafa and the rose farms

Why Taif

Saudipedia describes Taif as the largest governorate in Makkah Province, with a mild climate, standing about 1,800 m above sea level. It is also a station for pilgrims travelling by land to Makkah from the east. Saudipedia gives summer averages that do not exceed 30 degrees Celsius, and a July average of about 27 degrees.

The usual route from Makkah is the Al Hada mountain road, which Saudipedia gives as 87 km long. Our drivers use it regularly, and the drive takes about 1 hour 30 each way.

The Taif ziyarat mosques

• Masjid Abdullah ibn Abbas. Saudipedia says it stands at the foot of Mount al-Madhoon, in late Ottoman style, and that the grave of Abdullah ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, lies in its south west part. He was a cousin of the Prophet and a well known scholar among the companions.
• Masjid al-Qantara. Saudipedia lists it on the main street of Wadi Waj, built in 1846, small in size with a tall tapered minaret.
• Masjid al-Kou. A mosque where the Prophet is believed to have stood. Saudipedia places it near Masjid al-Khubzah.

We do not give religious guidance. Our drivers know the roads and the places, but they are not scholars. For questions about what is recommended at a site, ask your group leader or a scholar.

Qarn al-Manazil on the road

Saudipedia says Qarn al-Manazil, also called as-Sayl al-Kabir, is the miqat for the people of Najd. It lies on the Taif to Makkah road, about 80 km north east of Makkah and 35 km north of Taif. Read more on the Makkah to Taif taxi page.

Al Hada, the cable car and Al Shafa

• Al Hada. The mountain area on the road up from Makkah. Saudipedia places it about 20 km from Taif, rising to about 2,000 m. The drive up has viewpoints over the escarpment.
• Al Shafa. Highland farming country, about 25 km south west of Taif according to Saudipedia, with a cool and wet climate. It is known for berries, figs, roses and honey.

Rose farms and the rose season

Saudipedia says Taif produces about 650 million roses a year, and that the harvest starts at the end of March, after cultivation begins in December. It also says there are more than seventy distilleries and workshops that make rose water and rose oil.

That means the best time to see roses in bloom is spring.

Shubra Palace and Souq Okaz

• Souq Okaz. An old market north of Taif. Saudipedia says it was revived in 2007, and it is now a seasonal cultural event, so dates change each year.
• Al-Ruddaf Park. One of the largest parks in the Kingdom, over 500,000 square metres, according to Saudipedia.

How a day in Taif usually goes

1. Leave Makkah after Fajr. You reach Taif in the cool of the morning.
2. Two or three stops. Most people choose from the mosques, Al Hada and a rose farm.
3. Lunch and rest. The driver waits through the day.
4. Back before Maghrib. Most groups are back in Makkah by the evening.

Tell us what you most want to see, and the driver plans the order. Stops add up quickly, so six or seven places in one day is too many for most families.

Practical notes

• Bring a light layer. Taif can be much cooler than Makkah, especially in the morning and in winter. Saudipedia gives a winter minimum around 3 degrees.
• The road. The Al Hada road has many bends. Travel sickness tablets help some visitors.
• Wheelchairs. A folding wheelchair travels in the Staria or Hiace boot at no extra charge, and the driver helps the passenger into a seat. Tell us before booking if the passenger cannot leave the wheelchair.
• Entry fees. The cable car and some farms charge their own fees, which are paid to them.

Which of our trips includes Taif

The Makkah to Taif and back day trip takes you to the Taif places above, with the driver waiting. From Jeddah, use the Jeddah to Taif and back trip. Neither is part of the Makkah ziyarat tours.

Fares are for the whole vehicle, return included, in Saudi Riyal. You pay the driver at the end, with no deposit and no booking fee. See the ziyarat hub and every published fare.