A Day of Hiking in Akroum

Rich in forests, plateaus, heritage, and archaeological sites, Akroum offers hiking enthusiasts a complete experience. This hike caters to all levels of difficulty. It starts off relatively easy and gradually increases to a moderate difficulty level, becoming more challenging as you approach Al-Nir in Wadi Es-Sabaa. Along the way, the captivating nature and breathtaking landscapes will captivate your attention, ensuring an unforgettable hiking experience.

Steps & Interest Points

Start of the Hike

The hike begins in the village of Akroum (Akroum ed-day'a) at the police station. From there, it ascends to the village's water tower, gradually becoming narrower and more rugged.

The Three Roman Temples (Al Hsein)

The trail takes you to a viewpoint that offers a magnificent panorama of Akroum, Wadi Es-Sabaa, and the neighboring region of Homs (Syria). There, you will be able to see the remains of an olive oil press carved into the rock, as well as the ruins of three Roman temples.

Akroum Roman Temple

Viewpoint on Akroum

Viewpoint on Homs

Akroum's old olive oil press

Viewpoint on Wadi Es-Sabaa

Arrival at Nir

Once you have passed the temples, the trail ascends slightly. Then begins a challenging descent towards Al-Nir (an olive grove plateau) and Wadi Es-Sabaa (the Valley of Lions). We will make a stop at the Al-Nir cave, which offers a magnificent view of Wadi Es-Sabaa.

Al-Nir Plateau

Al-Nir Cave

Descent to Wadi Es-Sabaa

Once you have reached the bottom of this impressive valley, we continue along the trail amidst pink laurel trees. On the left, you will notice a stele dating back to Nebuchadnezzar (550 BCE) depicting a Babylonian warrior fighting a lion (Sabaa), which gave its name to the valley. There is another stele above the first one, to the left. You can easily spot it as it is engraved with a sun and a crescent moon.

Wadi Es-Sabaa

Wadi Es-Sabaa Babylonian steles

Final stage: Arrival at the bridge

After passing the steles, the hike continues on a flat trail. The long and wide valley is still not left behind. Due to its dimensions, this valley was once the best route for the military forces of Mesopotamia to reach the Mediterranean Sea, and vice versa. Finally, the hike concludes at the bridge and a refreshing water source.

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