Oman - Wadi

Traveling to Oman will give you a world of amazingly beautiful nature . Many compare Oman with the UAE , but this is a completely different country. Instead of hundreds of skyscrapers, it has incredible natural resources. harmoniously complement the local landscapes of Wadi Oman.

What are Wadi Oman?

Departing from the sea coast, the lands of Oman turn into a deserted and mountainous terrain. The riverbeds and many lakes dry up, but periodically they are filled with water. Such "temporary" lakes and rivers are called wadi. They can be seen everywhere where there are deserts. The word "wadi" can be found in the toponyms of Arabia, northern Africa calls them "ved", and in Central Asia they are called the word "Uzba". During the rainy season, they instantly fill with water, which rushes down the storms, flooding absolutely dry areas before and drifting huge masses of stones and soil along the way. Thanks to such water currents among the harsh mountains and deserts, the most picturesque oases are formed.

Wadi Oman are popular objects of ecotourism and recreation . They form quite unique oases with lush vegetation, stony paths and trickles of peacefully flowing water. The most visited are the following Wadi of Oman:

1. Wadi Shaab. This is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Banana plantations, birds singing and azure water against the backdrop of picturesque rocks are all Wadi Shaab of Oman. The oasis is located between the mountains in the gorge, surrounded by picturesque lakes and mesmerizing greenery. If you swim across the lake, you can be in a cave with a waterfall. On the way along the Wadi Shaab there are many springs with spring water.
2. Wadi Bani Khalid. Very popular with tourists and locals alike. Bani Khalid is a colorful, bright oasis, surrounded on one side by mountains, on the other by a desert. There is also a cave inside of which flows underground river and lake. You can park to the wadi. Local guides take tourists to the cave for free.
3. Wadi Tivi. The road leading to the wadi is a beautiful long serpentine. The valley is surrounded by mountains , rural villages and farms. On the way to Wadi Tivi there are many springs with crystal clear water. The main attraction of Tiwi is 7 lakes. Azure water pierces the rays of the sun, and jumping into the water echoes reflected from the mountains - this makes the valley a wonderful place to relax. From the hill in the mountains you can see an incredible view of the Gulf of Oman.
4. Wadi Dyke. This place is the most popular oasis of Oman. Nearby is the gorge "Devil's Throat", where it is worth to climb after visiting the wadi. Wadi is always filled with water and has not dried out for many years. Nearby there is a village in which you can restore your strength with comfort.
5. Wadi Arbin. On the way here you need to overcome a steep road in the gorge, over which rocks rise. As a result, you find yourself in a small settlement with gardens of fruit exotic trees. The main attraction is the waterfall, in which you can swim.
6. Wadi Bani Anuf. The most complex and diverse Wadi of Oman. The road to it leads through a winding "snake" canyon along the picturesque terrain. During the rainy season, you can see many waterfalls. In addition to the opportunity to swim in the natural pools, you can still jump from a height. The depth of wadi reaches 6 m, and small caves will add a bit of extreme fun to jumping.
7. Wadi Tanuf. Resting in the ancient city of Nizwa, diversify the trip by visiting a unique wadi. This oasis is located in a mountain crater, and in the canyon mineral springs are pummeling.
8. Wadi al-Abyad. This incredibly beautiful place is different from other Wadi Omanas by the fact that small streams flow incessantly into the Wadi Al-Abyad basin. You can get here only on an off-road car.
9. Wadi Jebel Shams, or the Grand Canyon of Oman. This is the deepest wadi in the country, a real miracle of nature. Many tourists come here to enjoy the extraordinary views. At the top of Jebel Shams can be reached by dirt road.
10. Bimmach Singhoul . This is not exactly wadi, but tourists invariably include this place in the mustsee list. It is a dip in the earth's crust filled with emerald water. Here the sea water is mixed with fresh water thanks to a long underground tunnel leading to the sea. This is the most suitable place for safe jumping into the water (depth about 20 m). For visitors there are places for rest and parking for cars.

To tourists on a note

When visiting Wadi Oman, you need to know some of the nuances that can significantly protect travel in mountainous areas:

1. Visits to most of Wadi Oman are included in the program of a jeep tour to Al-Hajar mountains, while others are included in excursion tours.
2. Before a trip with a visit to the Wadi, it is better to stock up trekking boots. These sites are great for hiking, but on a rocky surface it's easy to tuck your leg.
3. The rivers of Oman are filled in the winter months. All locals know that if there are clouds in the sky, then it is necessary to leave the territory of the wadi as soon as possible.
4. "Be careful, wadi!" - these are the road signs in Oman. They draw a vertical triangle in the form of an arrow crossed by three horizontal wavy lines. During the rain, many roads can be flooded. However, the worst thing is during the flow of stones and water in the wadi itself.