Another satellite town is Ash Shafa, located approximately 25–30 km south of Taif city centre, which you can reach via the 267 expressway, Ash Shafa Road. It is mainly popular with tourists who wish to go climbing, hiking or mountain biking in the area.
If you do not belong to this group but have chosen a hotel in Taif itself, you will probably not want to spend the whole day on your own in Ash Shafa. In that case, it is worth making a short detour into the countryside at various points along the road there. Either way, you will see a varied landscape ranging from hilly to mountainous. Barren, sparsely vegetated hills alternate with green agricultural land. Prickly pear cacti, lavender bushes and other flowers and shrubs blooming in a wide variety of colours in spring line the roadside. On both sides of the narrow roads, you will also spot terraced plots where fruit trees stand and vegetables are grown. Some of these feature wells, the water from which is also used for neighbouring terraces.
If you wish to go a little higher, you can take a short trip to the highest mountain in the wider area, Mount (Jabal) Dakka, which stands at approximately 2,550 m above sea level. Dakka Mountain Park offers beautiful views and the chance to go for a short walk.
