Wadi Bani Awf & Snake Gorge

Wadi Bani Awf is stunning. Renowned as one of the most fantastic tourist locations in the nearby area surrounding Muscat.

The entrance of the wadi is about one and a half hours from Muscat, some 43 km after Nakhal.

Wadi Bani Awf is by far the most diverse and challenging wadi. Every bend is a photo opportunity. Jumps into the crystal pools range from two to six meters into deep waters. The caverns add fun and extra challenges to the trek.

Wadi Bani Awf leads to the famous Snake Gorge. It is an awesome hike although definitely not considered to be easy but, having completed it you will feel inspired.

The name ‘Snake Gorge’ refers to the serpentine effect created by the mountains snaking throughout the wadi.

Snake gorge is cut into the mountains and offers a fantastic 4 hours trip past waterfalls, through rocks pools and over boulders. The hike will have you jumping into pools of water and swimming in caves under the mountains. At places, it is so narrow that you can barely swim between the sides of the mountain.

Wadi Bani Awf and its sense of discovery within the winding gorge will keep you occupied for many hours.
 

Cost 180 RO Per Car (approximate US $ 470)

Wadi Shab

Wadi Shab is a canyon type valley with flowing water throughout the year. A long walk past the green grass, banana and mango trees along the narrow winding, old rock paths will bring you to a series of streams and pools. After wading and swimming through some gentle ponds your extreme adventure begins.

You will have the opportunity to swim through a pond of crystal clear water and dive through a narrow keyhole, surfacing inside a magnificent cave, which contains an inspiring waterfall. The cave is a magical place and provides the opportunity to climb up into the ceiling and jump 7 meters into the crystal water.

Next stage is a climb up the rock-face through the mouth of the waterfall. Once through to the other side more crystal ponds, massive boulders and stunning waterfalls await your discovery.

Wadi Shab is one of Oman’s most scenic wadis and the swim through the famous keyhole and beyond will leave you with a lasting memory.

Cost 130 RO Per Car (approximate US $ 340)

Jebel Shams

The Jebel Shams mountain hike will have you walking along the cliff face on goat trails, narrow ledges and passages. It is one of the most popular treks in Oman and is known as the ‘Jebel Shams Rim Walk’. From this amazing vantage point you will enjoy incredible views of the mountains and the rugged landscape.

This hike has all the ingredients of high adventure. Commencing from the village of Al Khateem situated on the edge of the mountain at a height of 2,000 meters, you will hike approximately 10 kilometers to the canyon floor and back. The hike will take anything from 4 hours to 5 hours depending on the length of time you stop and enjoy this incredible location. The views from the trail are spectacular and offer unparalleled vistas of both Wadi Nakhr and Wadi Ghul. You will pass an abandoned village perched on the mountain side and then on to a secluded lagoon balanced on the cliff face. There will be time for you to swim across the water and explore the cave with its amazing variety of ferns and mosses.



You need to be fit to undertake this hike as it is demanding, however the views are unsurpassed throughout Oman and will leave a lasting image of this incredible ‘Grand Canyon’.

Cost 160 RO Per Car (approximate US $ 420)

Al Hota Cave

The well known name for this magnificent underground cavern and lake system is "Hoti Cave." Its correct name is Al Fallah-Al Hota Cave and this cave trek is highly recommended and one of the most popular in Oman. Al Hota Cave is about 5km tunnel which runs in a north-south direction through the Hajar Mountains.

Entry into Al Hoti Cave is through the Al Fallah entrance, which is a large gaping entrance below a cliff overhang.

The main chamber of Al Hota Cave is around the size of the Al Bustan Palace Hotel's ballroom and contains some magnificent cave formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and columns which have evolved over millions of years.

When you reach the end of the track, to the north you can see a cliff-side looming up, and a vast rocky plateau above it. Below this cliff-line and further below a massive overhang of rock is a big black space. This is the huge mouth of Al Fallah Cave.


Cost 120 RO Per Car (approximate US $ 320)