#2: [14-Mar-02]

#1: [21-Nov-01] (incomplete)

16-May-2003 -- Those who consider that the views in the area of the Edge of the World are pretty awesome should attempt this confluence point. The views from the promontory/spur 2 km southwest of the confluence point, and looking back to the Edge of the World 4.5 km distant, may render the viewer speechless, as it did us – the journey itself is well worth the effort. But how to get there?

Our interest in the area was sparked by a team member attempting this confluence point twice without success (see visit #1) in the weeks before it was captured by a team who hiked in (see visit #2). We set ourselves the challenge of either a closer approach or actually reaching the confluence point by vehicle.

Walkers attempting this Confluence will need to approach from one of three directions: Acacia valley, Sudūs, or near Ḥuraymilā. They all climb into these hills and with some careful way pointing the traveller will get to 3 km approximately from the Confluence. The climb down is not difficult but the sheer distance will prohibit the additional hike (another 4 km return) to view the edge of the escarpment.

The driving route does exist and starts at Ḥuraymilā. The entrance to the wādiy is fenced just beyond the end of the tarmac but the gate is open. Further down the wādiy, lush with trees, a further fence exists with the gate also open – still further a third barrier exists with no gate. However, the local herders have breached this barrier at the side of the wādiy and a tricky crossing can be made.

Thereafter a straightforward drive, but this is not the right wādiy. The crossing can be either around the end of the hills (looks possible but that was not our route) or via N25° 00.590' E46° 00.136', a beamed and fenced (breached) ascent between 2 hills. The rest of the journey is relatively easy, though watch the mini wādiy where you can easily scrape without care.

Take the time to enjoy the views from the spur nearby (N24° 58.834' E45° 58.410') by following the track past the confluence point and witness "some fantastic desert scenery that very few people have experienced" (AR and AM – March 2002).