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Mountains
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Jabal Shams
Mountain of sun is a mountain located in northeastern Oman . It is the highest mountain of the country and part of Al Hajar Mountains range. It is a popular sightseeing area located 240 km from Muscat . In the summer temperature is around 20 °C and in the winter it drops just above 0 °C.
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Al Jabal Al Akhdar
Jebel Akhdar in Arabic means "Green Mountains" and this region of the most verdant outside of Salalah and the Batinah Coast. To go there requires a 4-wheel drive ( and a road permit because of military installations in the area). One of the most scenic areas in Oman, coupled with the friendly local inhabitants, this region is a natural spot for tourism. Points of interest include the towns of Wadi Bani Habib, Saiq and Al Ayn .
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Samhan Mountain
Samhan Mountain is one of the most important mountain ranges in the Governorate of Dhofar, with a maximum height of 2,100 metres. Samhan Mountain includes many plateaus punctuated by narrow and deep gorges, some of which are about 1,000 metres deep.
Various plants grow in the plain of Jabal Samhan, such as acacia and gum trees. The narrow mountain passes have little water but there are a number of streams, which are an important source of water for most animals found in the region. Besides the Arabian leopard (considered a rare animal), these mountains are home to a number of other mammals such as the Arabian gazelle, foxes and the Nubian ibex.
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Lion’s Jaws Gate
This is a mountainous configuration in the form of a lion's head and is named because of the two rock masses that look like an open lion’s jaw.
Traders and sailors used to consider entering through this gate a security measure that shielded them from storms and ocean currents that form at the meeting point of the Sea of Oman with the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean.
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Natif- Hasik (Water Mountain)
Natef is the site of a spring located in Wilayat Hasik in Dhofar Governorate.
The location of this spring is an extension of Samhan mountaintops, in particular the Natif .Natif means distillation of water. This site is characterised by constantly dripping water from the sediments and pools present on the mountaintop
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Sand Dunes
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Outskirts of the Empty Quarters
The Desert of Empty Quarters (Al-Rub'a Al-Khali in Arabic) is the largest desert in the world. Measuring 1000 Km in length and 500 Km in width, the Desert spans across four countries: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Sultanate of Oman and Republic of Yemen. Within Omani territory, the Desert extends from Mahdah in the North to Fahud in the South passing through Ibri and Al-Buraimi .
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Sharqiah Sands
Should one dream up the perfect looking desert and the ideal dunes undulation, it would still fall short of what is on offer at Sharqiah Sands, formerly Wahiba Sands.
Spread over an area of 9,000 Km2, the Sands extend northward from the coast opposite Masirah Island to Wadi Al-Batha'a, surrounded by forests of Al-Ghaf trees in Eastern and Western edges. Rolling sand dunes varying from deep red to a rich honey colour sands stretching as far as the eye can see, many of which span 100 Km long and peak up to 100 meters heigh .
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The Empty Quarter
This is the biggest desert in the Arabian Peninsula, and void of any oasis. To this day, there are still large expanses of unexplored and uninhabited terrain. It is located to the far north of the city of Salalah, the capital of Dhofar Governorate. Specialised companies organise tours of the Empty Quarter, led by experienced guides.
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Bawshar Sands
Not far from the beaches of Muscat with its harmonious architecture, and within walking distance of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in the heart of the capital, the visitor will find golden hills packed with drivers who enjoy sand-duning with their SUVs, or those who enjoy gliding on the sand bikes that are easy to rent in this area.
Many visitors like to climb the hills to watch the sunset bidding farewell to Muscat, with its white-washed buildings surrounded by fresh greenery on those beautiful hills.
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Ramlat Tawq
Ramlat Tawq is an area of beautiful sand dunes, extending for tens of kilometres and located between Wilayat Barka and Nahil in Al Batinah Region, and is one of the sites frequented by tourists in large numbers due to its proximity to the capital Muscat.
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The Wadis (Valleys)
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Wadi Damm
Wadi Damm is located near Al Ayn village, Wilayat Ibri, A'Dhahirah Region, and is about 45 km (28 miles) from Ibri city. It is a seasonal wadi, dry much of the year. It relies on the rain which gathers in its water ponds. This wadi is remarkable for its characteristic rocky formations sculpted by erosion. Despite the small amount of water stored in its stream during the dry season, the stream is distinguished by a variety of smooth rocks, out of which nature has formed beautiful water ponds, and this smooth rocky nature is a feature of the water ponds. One of the rocky formations sculpted by erosion is a small cave near the water pool, and it makes a fine camping site for tourists. Also, the wide expanse of spaces of its dry riverbed a short distance from water sources, constitute the best location to take a break, camp and savour the virgin beauty of nature. All you need to get there is a four-wheel drive.
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Wadi Ar Rawdha
On the way to this valley the visitor passes many fossils and ruins that speak of civilizations past. The spring rains bring beauty to the landscape, with an enchanting aromatic mix of wild flowers and herbs. You get glimpses of animals grazing on the lush grass in some seasons. Buckthorns lend large expanses of shade that tourists use as camping and resting spots.
The wadi is located in Khasab, Musandam Governorate
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Wadi Al Arbiyeen
This is one of the most beautiful wadis in Muscat Governorate. It is situated 3 kilometres away from Wilayat Qurayat on the road leading to the villages of Fins and Bamah. The wadi cleaves a deep furrow in the flank of the A'Sharqiyah AlHajar Mountains. An abundance of water characterises the area, where deep pools are found in the wadi. Four villages on both banks form Wadi Al Arbiyeen. These villages are famous for the cultivation of palm trees, bananas, lemon and mango trees.
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Wadi Al Khoud
This wadi is situated in Wilayat AlSeeb Muscat Governorate, and is considered one of the largest wadi basins in the Sultanate. Pools are formed in the wadi following heavy rain. According to the villagers, children used to wade through the abundant water of the village, and that is how the village got its name, as Khoud is the Arabic for wade.
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Wadi Muayden
The gateway to Al Jabal al Akhdhar (Green Mountain), Birkat Al-Mawz, A'Dakhiliyah Region, and one of the biggest wadis in Oman, its water runs all year round. It is home to Al Muayden village. Trekking fans can reach Al Jabal al Akhdhar through this wadi.
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Wadi Bani Khalid
Located 203 kilometres (126 miles) from Muscat. Take the Bidbid – Sur Road in A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region), which forks into a side road leading to Bani Khalid Governorate, then weaves up across the eastern AlHajar Mountains to Bida village deep in the mountains. There you can enjoy the spectacular views of the fertile valley with its spreading trees and abundant water that tumbles down as waterfalls in some areas to form natural pools of water. The road then cuts through the valley to reach Muqal town, well known for its cave. To explore this cave, you’ll have to exercise great caution as you may need to crawl or even scramble in some places. Here the gushing waters creates a loud rushing sound and collects in pools, only to dissipate and gather - once again – in small lakes which the villagers have used to fill three irrigation canals.
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Wadi Bani Kharous
This is one of the best known Omani wadis. A visitor to Wadi Bani Kharous is attracted by its fascinating flora and fauna and beautiful landscapes. You are curious to discover unknown sights in its various villages. The landscape casts a magic spell, and the gentle breeze woos you to love its nature, air, and water, an irresistible trio.
This wadi is located in Wilayat Ar Rustaq, Al Batinah Region.
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Wadi Danak (Fida)
This wadi originates in Fida town in Dhank Province, specifically in Al Khili, an area so steep it is considered a water reservoir for Yanqul and Shuab wadis, whose waters cascade down the face of the mountains. Wadi Danak’s water runs all year round and is home to a multitude of birds. Flanking this wadi on both banks are picturesque villages, which prompted Dhank Province to take A'Dhahirah Region as its emblem.
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Wadi Andam
Its remoteness from the sea endows this wadi with a mellow climate, magical nature and tiered trees. Here you’ll find a seamless amalgamation of trees and rocky formations that will steep your senses in total serenity, calmness, rejuvenation and relaxation. This is the beautiful Wadi Andam in the Ash Sharqiyah region.
Wadi Andam extends from Willayat Samail to Willayat AL Mudaybi, and ends in Willayat Mahut in the A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region).
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Wadi Shab
This wadi is located in Tiwi, part of Sur in A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region). It lies 140 kilometres (87 miles) from Muscat on the Qurayat – Sur Coastal Road. Fresh water cascading from tops of the mountains meet the briny sea water on its banks, creating an environmental diversity unique to this wadi, and making it stand on a pedestal of its own when compared with the other wadis (valleys) in the Sultanate.
You’ll doubtless enjoy the adventurous journey through Wadi Shab, as you can only meander through certain areas by boat, or take pleasure in a refreshing hike through this mountainous region.
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Wadi An Nakhr
Waterfalls cascading from Jabal Shams (Sun Mountain) form this valley. The valley contains a village that bears its name and which can be seen from the top of Jabal Shams.
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Wadi Ad Dayqah
Wadi Ad Dayqah is a tourist attraction, being one of the easy-to-reach wadis, located near Governorate about 90 kilometres from Wadi Aday.
To cross this wadi is to explore the Omani mountains and their natural diversity. The wadi is an extension of similar wadis in Ash Sharqiyah Region. About 120 wadis converge into its path, which stretches from Wilayat Dimma Wa Ta’iyeen in the A'Sharqiyah Region (Eastern Region) to its estuary in Wilayat Qurayat, Muscat Governorate. It is one of the year-round flowing wadis.
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Wadi Bani Awf
If you love excitement, adventure, and winding mountain roads, you’ll find a challenge in Wadi Bani Awf (The Suspended Road), Al Batinah Region .
To traverse this road, you must have a four-wheel drive, and the driver must be an expert in mountain driving. The road is very steep, and it takes about 3 hours to cross this wadi.
You will have to swim sometimes, or jump, but excitement is guaranteed! The road goes along a 5 metre (15 feet) wide path that is more than 100 meters (300 feet) high in places.
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Wadi Al Hawqayn
Distances of about 40 and 150 kilometres separates it from Willayat Ar Rustaq and Muscat Governorate respectively. This valley is characterised by its year-round flowing streams, as well as beautiful waterfalls and ever-flowing water springs.
Wadi Al Qahfi
This is located nearly 50 km (31 miles) from Wilayat Mahdah, Al Buraymi Governorate. Water flows most of the year and is distinguished by its fresh quality.
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Caves
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Majlis al Jinn cave
It is the second largest underground chamber in the world covering an area of around 60,000m2.
This is an extremely difficult cave to negotiate, and it is important that the expedition is not undertaken lightly and without professional guidance.
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Hota Cave
It comprises an underground cavern and subterranean lake system. It is a 2.7 km tunnel which runs in a north-south direction. There are many offshoots to the main tunnel, but so far, only approximately 5km have been charted by experienced cavers.
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Teiq Cave
It is the largest sinkhole in the world and located between Taqa and Mirbat. The sinkhole has two wadis, which replenish the pool when it rains.
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Al-Merneif Cave
Situated in Al-Mughaisil area of Dhofar, roughly 40 Km from Salalah, Al-Merneif Cave is amongst the most beautiful caves in the Sultanate.
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Razzat Cave
Located some 25 Km from Salalah, Razzat Cave is one of the most popular destinations by visitors and residents alike, as it lies amidst the mountains overlooking the spring of Razzat.
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Ettein Cave
Located some 10 Km from Salalah, the Cave of Ettein lies 400 metres to the West of Jarzeez Spring, and is considered to be the largest, with respect to surface area, in the region.
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Al Kittan Cave
Al Kittan Cave is located in wilayat Ibri, the A'Dhahirah Region. A distance of 8 kilometres separates it from Ibri. The cave’s uniqueness lies in its extreme luminosity that looks like marble, which earned it the name of "the marble cave". Al Kittan Cave houses beautiful geological formations and rock engravings.
It’s noteworthy to mention here that this cave is not easily accessible and we strongly recommend using a guide.
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Jernan Cave
The cave is located in Wilayat Izki in the A'Dhahirah Region(interior region) at the foot of the Halfeen Valley below the ancient AlNizar village. The cave also enjoys a strategic location at Wilayat Izki in the interior region.
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Muqal Cave
Muqal Cave is located in Wadi Bani Khalid in the A'Sharqiyah Region(Eastern Region), near the famous water pools in Muqal. On entering the cave, the roar of underground water flowing through its hard rocks will assail your senses; your eyes will be captivated by the beautiful rock formations, and you’re sure to be mesmerised by the water pools and streams flowing along Wadi Muqal Road.
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Parks & Gardens
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Qurum Natural Park
It is 1715449 m2, the largest park in Muscat. The park contains a large boating lake and fountain Waterfall Hill.
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Oman Botanic Garden
The Botanic Garden contains a set of documented living plants for scientific research, as well as for conservation and display. Oman Botanic Garden was established near old Al Khawd over an estimated area of 425 hectares in Wilayt AsSeeb, Muscat Governorate.
When completed, the park will be one of the largest botanic gardens in the Gulf region.
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Riyam Park
It overlooks the sea and designed on several heights that gives distinguished dimension for the park which covers an area of 100,000 m2 .
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Al Naseem Public Park
It is the first park to be established in Oman and its gross area is 750,000 m2 and it is about 30km from the Airport.
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Kalbou Beach Park
It is coastal strip extends from the Sea Road to the mountain edge, which is a distinguished location in the heart of Muscat City. It is an attraction spot for those who are willing to enjoy walking and fishing.
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Hawiyat Najm Park
The park is situated in the Dabab area of Wilayat Qurayat, Muscat Governorate, and can be reached via the road linking Qurayat to Sur. It is a deep natural depression filled with water, called Hawiyat Najm. The locals say that a meteor fell on this spot of land, resulting in the natural depression and forming a small lake.
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Al Sahua Park
It is located in Seeb covers an area of 300.000 m2. The park has various divisions like the main plaza on the middle of the park, Islamic gardens, fountain zone and flowers garden.
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Natural Reserves
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Ra's al Hadd Turtle Reserve
It is Turtles Reserve and located in Sur. Its covers 120km2 with a coastline of 42km.Between 6000 - 13000 turtles migrate here annually from the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and the East African coast. Oman is one of the most important sites for green turtles in the Indian Ocean. Many tourists visit the area to observe the estimated 20,000 nesting turtles.
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The Arabian Oryx Sanctuary
The desert region in al Wusta is an area of great interest to scientists and environmentalists alike. It is here that the last sightings of the Arabian Oryx in the wild were recorded, whose numbers were depleted drastically by hunters, and where His Majesty, Sultan Qaboos established the Arabian Oryx Reserve in 1974.
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Al Saleel National Park
It is located Al Kamil w'al Wafi and covers an area of 220km2. The park mainly consists of acacia woodland and provides a safe habitat for many of Oman's indigenous mammals. There are three main areas to the park: the first is the alluvial plain covered in acacias; the second consists of the wadis in the mountains and the third is the sparsely vegetated hills and rocky outcrops which form the northern boundaries and the higher elevations.
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Jebel Samhan Nature Reserve
This reserve is in Dhofar and covers an area of 4500km2. It is predominantly made of limestone highlands rising from the coastal plains. Jebel Samhan is a range of craggy peaks, which are separated by wadis and canyons. Hasik village, accessible only from the sea, lies on a small gravel area east of the Jebel. The sea has eroded much of the coastline and the limestone cliffs are dramatically sculptured and undercut at the base.
The canyons are filled with deep pools, and with the varied plant life, the area provides perfect habitat for the likes of the Arabian Leopard, Nubian Ibex, Arabian Gazelle, Striped Hyenas, Caracal, wild cats, foxes and wolves. The steep cliffs make ideal breeding sites for rare species of birds and the surrounding waters provide food for Masked Boobies and Socotra Cormorants. Shrimps, abalone, whales, Green turtles and Loggerhead turtles are also found in the waters.
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Dimaaniyat Islands Nature Reserve
This group of nine islands lies along the coast of Seeb and Barka. The islands cover a total area of 203km2 and can only be reached by boat. Many migratory birds nest here in the summer and there are various species of fish found in the coral reefs. Large numbers of Hawksbill turtles, a globally endangered species, lay their eggs here which enhance the islands' environmental importance. The green turtles also nest on the islands' sandy beaches.
Thousands of marine birds nest on the islands throughout the year, including terns, ospreys and Red-billed Tropic birds. The islands which have been turned into reserves are free from predators such as foxes, cats and dogs. There are two species of snakes living on the islands, whilst the sea contains marine snakes.
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The Khawrs' Reserve of Dhofar Coast
The khawrs and springs of the Dhofar coast contain many different species of wildlife. Historically, the khawrs have been natural harbors whilst the freshwater springs have provided water for settlements.
They contain large numbers of fish, in particular edible milkfish and mullet. These fish have a high tolerance to freshwater and can adapt to decreasing levels of salinity. Over 200 species of migrating birds rest and feed at the khawrs.
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Wadi Sireen Reserve
The Reserve is located in the eastern AlHajar Mountains about 45 kilometres south of Muscat. There a large number of wild animals in the area, such as the Arabian Tahr and deer. The Arabian Tahr, a unique animal that lives among the mountain cliffs and rocky slopes, is considered one of the rarest of all these animals. Its presence in the Arabian Peninsula is limited to the Sultanate of Oman, and is indigenous to Hajar Mountains. The Arabian Tahr is the smallest of its species in the world. It has a short body, hooked horns in both sexes, reddish-brown hair, as well as a dark line that extends along the back. The male Tahr has a long mane that covers its entire neck and continues to grow as the animal advances in age.
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