Adventure Tours in Oman

By kent, on 29-06-2008 16:03

Favoured : None

Published in : adrenaline sports articles, general

Oman's landscape offers some exciting opportunities for full-scale adventure. From intimidating deserts, to rugged mountains, serene beaches and tranquil wadis or oases. For more on Oman visit the website www.destinationoman.com

Canyoning

This special kind of trekking may not require special equipement, but perhaps a special zest for adventure. If you enjob narrow slot canyons with sheer faces, crystalline pools of water, caverns and grottos, then Oman has just what you are looking for. Wadi Shab, Snake Canyon, Wadi Hajir, Wadi Haylayn, Wadi Qashah are just some of the spelendid treks, each of which can be accomplished in a day's outing. Dress light and bring of dry box for your camera, because you are sure to get wet.

Hiking and Trekking

Avid trekkers will enjoy the walks through trails over mountains and into canyons, some which have running water all the year round. At the village of Mazara you will find a bustling community of farmers, extensive date plantations, rocky tracks fording the wadi, crystal clear pools of water ideal for a swim. And if you realy want to make an adventure of it, you can hike 13 km into the canyon clear through the other side. This trek is best done over a two day period. Heading out of Mazara on the track to the coast will take you to scenic overlooks of the canyon, unusual limestone formations and a track that leads to another scenic area of Wadis Arbien and Suwaih. Both of these Wadis having running water with spots ideal for picnicing and swimming.

Camping

Oman is a camper's paradisw with a variety of settings to offer from the sweeping sands of the desert, to mountain plateaus, fertile valley oases, and sparkiling beaches. Whether you provide your own gear or rely on one of the specialty tour operators and outfitters, you will find many a placid moment to relax and reflect on your voyage through a heretofore hidden world. Note: most areas are accessible to camping, but some, like the Turtle Beach at Ra's al Junayz and the Saiq Plateau require permits from government ministries. Check with a local tour operator to see if permits are required.

Splelunking (Caving)

The limestone rich sedimentary deposits of Oman's mountains provide the backdropfor those who seek to find the inner path. There are caves of to suit all adventurer's tastes from simple to complex. Oman is now recognized as home of the world's second largest cave (cataloged) the stunning Majlis Al Jinn (Meeting place of the Spirits). Checking in at over 4,000,000 cubic metres, and located in a remote region of the Eastern Hajar Mountains, Majlis Al Jinn is big enough to house five of the Al Bustan Palace Hotel. But, cavers be prepared; The entrance to the cave is 160 metre free descent. Be sure to bring a long rope. Other caves of interest are Al Hoti/Falahi Cave near Al Hamra, Moqul cave in Wadi Bani Khalid, Three Windows Cave System in the Eastern Hajars, and the mostly unexplored Tiq Cave in Salalah.

Desert Safaris

Offered by most tour operators, this is an authentic camp-out-in-the-desert that nobody should miss. Facilities generaly include sleeping out in Barsti huts, Omani BBQ under the stars and a morning full of gritty dune bashing, camel riding and visiting the Bedouins.