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Hajj Guide UK

Hajj Guide UK / Journeys and stories

Hajj 2027

Walking, cycling and sailing to Hajj

A few modern pilgrims have walked to Makkah. Adam Mohammed walked about 6,500 km from Wolverhampton, arriving in June 2022, and Senad Hadžić walked about 5,700 km from Bosnia, arriving in October 2012. Before air travel, most pilgrims came by camel caravan or by ship.

Last checked: November 2026. Written for pilgrims travelling from the UK.

Adam Mohammed: Wolverhampton to Makkah (2021 to 2022)

Adam Mohammed set off from Wolverhampton on 1 August 2021 and walked through Europe, Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, reaching Makkah on 26 June 2022, almost 6,500 km in under a year. Saudi authorities granted him and his family Hajj permits, and they joined him for the final stretch.

Senad Hadžić: Bosnia to Makkah (2011 to 2012)

Senad Hadžić left Banovići in Bosnia in December 2011 and walked through Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Syria and Jordan, reaching Makkah in October 2012 after 314 days and about 5,700 km.

Before planes

For most of history, pilgrims travelled in great camel caravans along fixed routes from Cairo, Damascus and Baghdad, or by ship across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Journeys could take months, and many pilgrims never returned.

Thinking of walking or cycling?You still need a Hajj permit and visa through Nusuk, and border, visa and safety rules change. Check the FCDO advice for every country on your route, and speak to Nusuk about permits before you set off.

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