Mount Safa
Southern end of the Mas’a
The starting point of the sa’i, where the rock of the hill is still visible.
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Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Safa and Marwah
Two small hills, now enclosed within Masjid al-Haram, between which pilgrims walk seven times in the sa'i, remembering Hajar's search for water.
Favourite places
Mount Marwah
Northern end of the Mas’a
The end point of the sa’i, where pilgrims finish the seventh length.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)The Mas’a gallery
Between the two hills
The multi-level walkway where pilgrims perform the sa’i.
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Middle of the Mas’a
The marked stretch where men hasten their pace, as Hajar ran in the valley.
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Local food
Zamzam water
Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Not a dish but the drink every pilgrim remembers: water from the well of Zamzam inside Masjid al-Haram, available in coolers throughout the mosque. Pilgrims drink it standing, facing the Qibla, and many take it home.
Tamees bread with ful
Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Large, round flatbread baked against the walls of a clay oven, sold hot from small bakeries and eaten with ful, cheese or honey — a typical Makkah and Jeddah breakfast.
Where to eat
Food courts around the Haram
Abraj Al Bait (Clock Towers) and the hotels around Masjid al-Haram
The malls and hotels facing the mosque have large food courts with Saudi, South Asian, Turkish and international food, open long hours for pilgrims.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Local Hejazi bakeries and restaurants
Aziziyah, Ajyad and the neighbourhoods around the Haram
Small bakeries sell hot tamees bread and ful for breakfast, and neighbourhood restaurants serve saleeg, mandi, kabsa and grills — often better value than the food courts.
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Where to stay
Around the Haram (Abraj Al Bait and Ajyad)
Makkah, Saudi Arabia
Hotels facing or a few minutes from Masjid al-Haram, including the Clock Tower complex. The most convenient for praying in the mosque, and the most in demand in Ramadan and Hajj.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Aziziyah
Makkah, Saudi Arabia
A residential district between the Haram and Mina, popular with Hajj and Umrah groups. Quieter and better value, with shuttle buses or taxis to the mosque.
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Culture
The sa'i honours a mother's faith and perseverance, and it is one of the rites shared by men and women alike, walking side by side.
History
Safa and Marwah are two low hills close to the Kaaba. In Islamic tradition, Hajar, the wife of Ibrahim, ran between them seven times searching for water for her infant son Ismail, until the spring of Zamzam appeared. Pilgrims repeat her walk in the rite of sa'i during Umrah and Hajj.
The route between the hills, the Mas'a, was once an open street lined with houses and shops. It is now a long, air-conditioned gallery of several floors inside Masjid al-Haram, with the tops of the hills still visible at each end.
Tour plans
Sa'i after tawaf
1–2 hoursStep 1: Climb Safa
Face the Kaaba, make du’a and begin.
Step 2: Walk to Marwah
Hasten between the green lights; this is one length.
Step 3: Complete seven lengths
Finish at Marwah.
Step 4: Cut or shave the hair
Complete the Umrah.
Travel information
Best time to visit
Sa'i is performed as part of Umrah or Hajj, after tawaf. Upper floors are often less crowded at peak times.
How to get there
Inside Masjid al-Haram: follow the signs for the Mas'a from the mataf; Safa is near the Kaaba's eastern side.
Getting around
- Each length between the hills is several hundred metres; seven lengths make up the sa'i.
- Floors above the ground level and lanes for wheelchairs and electric carts are available.
- Green lights mark the stretch where men walk briskly.
Travel tips
- Muslims only: non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah. Road checkpoints mark the boundary of the Haram area, and signs direct non-Muslim traffic around the city.
- Permits: Umrah needs a permit booked in the official Nusuk app, and Hajj is performed only with an official Hajj permit or package from your country. Check the current visa and permit rules before you travel.
- The walk is long and the floors are marble — pace yourself and rest if you need to.
- Start at Safa and finish at Marwah; count the lengths (Safa to Marwah is one).
- Stay hydrated; Zamzam coolers line the gallery.
