Oman's Wadis
A wadi is the Arabic word for a riverbed. Sometimes wadis are dry and sometimes they have flowing water like a river. Oman has several dozen wadis with large pools of water, boulders and waterfalls. They comprise a magical haven from the heat and are an acclaimed tourist attraction especially because they are free. We experienced two wadis and both of them were beyond spectacular. We truly appreciated that Omani wadis are by and large undeveloped with scant commercial intrusions.
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Wadi Bani Khalid
We had to drive up into the Hajar Mountains to reach Wadi Bani Khalid. It is sort of divided into several parts. The entrance is calm and the water appears more like a lake. This area has a restaurant and many people just stay here and don't venture further. We kept walking on a dirt path following crude arrows drawn on boulders. The route was easy although sometimes the arrows were not obvious or the descent on rock steps was a little dicey.
After about 15-20 minutes, we came upon a grand luxurious pool of crystal clear water with a little beach (see above banner photo). We left everything there except Colleen took the Go Pro in its waterproof case and we plunged into the cool springs. We half waded, half swam (the water level varies) until we reached Muqal Cave, the end point. Cathleen entered the cave led by a sweet young man, appropriately named Khalid, who had taken it upon himself to be our guide. Take the marvelous journey with us on Wadi Bani Khalid's waterway in this 3:45 min VIDEO |
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Wadi Shams
Omani guide books advise,"If you can only visit one wadi, let it be Wadi Shams." Wadi Ben Khalid is diminutive compared to the high cliff walls enclosing the gorge-like route into Wadi Shams.
Near Nizwa in the mountains of Jebel Shams (shams means sun in Arabic), we met an athletic Omani who was hiking barefoot! We later saw Khalfan again at the Nizwa Fort. What a treat to encounter him a third time at Jebel Shams, his home town. He was a terrific companion to take us into the depths of this canyon. You enter Wadi Shams path by a two minute boat crossing. Khalfan set a quick pace and within 20 minutes we arrived to the spot where we continued by water. The scenery got more dazzling the further we journeyed. We seemingly reached the end of the river, but Khalfan showed us that we had not. He proceeded to lead us through a barely noticeable very narrow otherworldly passageway between two white boulders. On the other side is a large pool area with a roaring waterfalls that you can walk behind and look through the falls. See 1:32 min VIDEO of this enchanting space and 20 sec VIDEO of Khalfan sliding into the pool. Watch daredevil youth jump from the cliffs in this 21 sec VIDEO We arrived at Wadi Shams the moment it opened at 7:00 am and had the place almost all to ourselves. It is a very popular weekend getaway for Muscatis, only 1.5 hours south by car. As we left by 11:00 am, hordes were arriving, some with lawn chairs and coolers. We are so grateful for our secluded time in Wadi Shams with Khalfan, a very special Omani. |