Oman
From the moment you witness a dazzling sunrise across the azure
waters of the Arabian Gulf to the dying embers of light
flickering across the rugged mountain ranges at dusk, your day
will be overwhelmed by a fusion of unique memorable experiences
as you are awestruck by stunning landscapes, vibrant souks, an
ancient culture, a rich marine life and a hospitable people.
Journey with us through what can only be described as one of
the most striking nations of the Middle East.
Oman Origins – Exploring the Past
Situated
in the southeastern region of the Arabian Peninsula,
the Sultanate of Oman is bordered by the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia (676km) to the west, Yemen (288km) to the southwest and
the United Arab Emirates (410km) to the north-west. Estimates
of its total land area do vary but it is the third largest
country in the peninsula. Mountain ranges (15% of the total
land mass) and a narrow strip of coastal plains (3%) break up a
topography that is predominantly made up of valleys and deserts
(82%). Oman's stunning coastline, which is about 1,700km long,
extends to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea as well as the
Indian Ocean. The capital of Oman is Muscat.
A unique feature of the country is that it is split
by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to form the Musandam
region at the furthest eastern point of the peninsula and a
small enclave within the UAE; the village of Al Madha. The
Musandam peninsula, known as the Norway of Arabia because of
its majestic fjords, is an area of strategic importance, as it
lies south of Iran controlling the main navigable stretch of
the Straits of Hormuz, through which 90% of the world's crude
oil passes. Off the coast there are several islands, the
largest of which is Masirah Island in the southeast. It is
another strategic location, an entry point from the Arabian Sea
to the Gulf of Oman housing a military facility used by the
United States of America.
Oman's countryside is among the most stunning and varied in the
Gulf region, featuring salt flats, lagoons, oases and
stretches of sand and gravel plains dominated by stark
mountains of rock and brownish-green ranges of ophiolites. The
Hajar Mountains are the largest range, stretching from
Musandam, through the UAE, to northern Oman, and rising to
3,000 meters at Jebel Shams. The countryside is crossed by
wadis which are formed by the force of torrential water during
the rainy season.
Oman is home to a large part of the seemingly
endless Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert, and the
Ramlat Al Wahaybah desert, home to the nomadic Bedouin tribes,
where dunes can rise to a spectacular 200 metres. In contrast,
the Dhofar region in the south is renowned for its green,
tropical appearance and monsoon season with relatively high
rainfall. It is one of the few places in the world where the
frankincense trees grow; ancient trade in this resin features
prominently in Oman's history.
Archaeological evidence suggests that an early form
of civilization existed in Oman at least 5,000 years
ago. The name Oman is said to come from the Arab tribes that
migrated to the area from a place in Yemen called Uman. The
Omanis were among the first Arabs to embrace Islam, back in
630AD, and Oman became an Ibadhi state ruled by an elected
religious leader, the Imam.
Oman's geographical position on some of the world's most
important trade routes between Africa and Asia has
given it a unique dimension. From the first to third centuries,
the southern part of the country was one of the wealthiest
regions in the world due to the ancient trade in Arabian horses
and frankincense. Oman also became a prosperous seafaring
nation sending dhows to Africa, India and the Far East.
The Portuguese arrived in force in 1507
with a view to protecting supply lines to the east and
constraining Oman's trading power. However by 1650 they were
driven out by Sultan bin Saif Al-Yaarubi marking Oman's
independence. From the 1600s to the 1800s Oman vied with both
Portugal and Britain for trade in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean
and from 1624 to 1744 entered a period of great prosperity
during which many of its forts were built. Tribal warfare then
halted expansion and Persia took advantage by invading the
coastal regions.
The history of Oman has always been a struggle for
economic and political power between the interior
(ruled by an Imam) and the coastal areas and Muscat (ruled by a
Sultan). In 1744, Omani tribes elected Imam Ahmed bin Said, who
then expelled Persian forces, united the country, restored
Oman's fortunes and moved the capital to Muscat. He also
adopted the title of Sultan which remains to this day.
The Omani empire reached the height of its power in
the mid 19th century under Sayyid Said bin Sultan
extending control all the way to Zanzibar and Mombassa, and to
parts of Persia and India. He also established political links
with France, Britain and the United States.
Sultan Said Bin Taimur came to power in
1932 enforcing his rule over the interior with the
backing of Britain who needed stability to search for oil.
However the ruler became increasingly isolated shielding his
country from outside influence, resulting in most of 20th
century life being as it was centuries before, despite the
discovery of oil in 1962.
On 23 July 1970, a day celebrated as Renaissance
Day, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said assumed power
and in the following year became a member of the United Nations
and the Arab League. In 1970, Oman had only three primary
schools, 10 kilometres of paved roads, two health centres, no
infrastructure to speak of, and a per capita income of less
than $50 a day. Nowadays it is peaceful, stable and relatively
prosperous. The Sultan is a strong yet benign leader, drawing
his people into the modern world but at the same time
preserving much of the character and heritage of his country,
thus making Oman a unique place to visit.
Oman Opportunities
The Sultanate's economic strategy is based on a
series of five year plans. In Vision 2020, Oman aims
to become a Newly Industrialised Economy and to double gross
domestic product (GDP) per capita currently at $8,593. Oman is
now a middle-income developing nation with the 18th most
liberal economy in the world, free universal welfare services
and impressive infrastructure so much different than the days
in 1970.
Oil remains the biggest contributor to GDP
but despite being endowed with modest oil reserves, Oman aims
to create a viable non-oil economy by shifting economic
emphasis to tourism, agriculture, fisheries, mining and light
industry, while continuing aggressive development of natural
gas to offset depleting oil production.
Fast-paced development is a regional phenomenon in the
Middle East and Oman is no exception with many key projects in
process. The most ambitious project must be Blue City (www.almadinaalzarqa.com) which will be a
new resort city integrating tourism and residences, including a
golf course, a tourist village, a heritage museum, a sports
stadium, luxury hotels, a harbour for cruise ships and many
shopping opportunities. Evason Hideaway & Spa at Zighy Bay
(www.sixsenses.com) is set to be a luxury
retreat within idyllic surroundings with dramatic mountains on
one side and sandy beaches on the other, incorporating 85 pool
villas and a private marina, and you can arrive by car, boat or
even paraglide in! The Muscat Golf and Country Club will be the
first green course complete with a state-of-the-art clubhouse
and villas to buy. The Salalah Free Zone will offer attractive
operational incentives for companies in the consumer product,
transport, real estate and logistics sectors. The Wave is a
staggering four zone entertainment, leisure and residential
project including a golf course, hotels and spas, a marina, a
shopping centre and a range of residential options. Both
airports at Salalah and Seeb are also being upgraded.
Exploring the Landscape
We usually begin with an introduction relating to
orientation and infrastructure to help you become acquainted
with how everything works in a new country; however as Oman is
such an exciting country to explore, let's dispense with the
boring procedures and leave them until the end of the document.
Let's get straight into the unique sights and sounds (we will
even leave the capital Muscat until later) by beginning with
its stunning desert and mountainous interior and offer you an
interesting array of activity ideas of how to explore the
countryside of Oman.
One of the most popular and must do experiences is a
desert safari, driving up and down huge sand dunes in
your own 4WD roller coaster, a thrilling and exhilarating ride
of steep inclines, sudden drops and precarious maneouvres as
the driver competes with soft sand and unpredictable terrain to
give you a travel experience that you will never forget. Most
tour operators organise a range of desert safari experiences
and many begin with collection in mid afternoon to be driven
inland towards the Hajar Mountains and then off-road through
the lush green scenery and freshwater pools of Wadi Abayd. Then
you will head for the undulating dunes of the nearby Abayd
desert for some exciting dune driving. The hair-raising and
stomach churning occasion is gratefully complemented by a
relaxing evening in a Bedouin-style camp with a barbecue, camel
rides, a superlative sunset and no doubt a beautiful and exotic
belly dancer who takes great pleasure selecting a couple of
unsuspecting people to get up close and personal to try out
this mesmerising dancing experience!
Another thrilling 4WD experience is through the
wadis. Natural streams run all year round in several
wadis, transforming the dry, rocky landscape into fertile areas
of lush greenery and clear rock pools that are often home to
fish, frogs and other wildlife. The height and extent of Oman's
mountain ranges surprise many visitors. Mountain safaris take
you into the highest range, Jebel Akhdar, and up to Jebel
Shams, which is Oman's highest peak at over 3,000m. On the way
you will pass through towns such as Nizwa and remote villages
set on terraces cut into the mountains. Some of the
unforgettable sights you may see on the way are traditional
mud-brick homes clinging to steep valley walls, clear streams
carrying fresh water into deep pools and manmade irrigation
systems called falaj. The top of Jebel Shams feels like the top
of the world with the entire mountain range and the
awe-inspiring Grand Canyon of Oman way below.
Many of these desert and mountain tours can be extended with
a camp overnight.
Nature lovers and happy campers will love Oman, where you
can pitch your tent just about anywhere for a night out under
the stars. Many expatriates pack their 4WDs with camping gear
and food and set out for a weekend, particularly during the
winter months. There are many wadis (dry riverbeds) within two
or three hours of Muscat and some of the more popular sites,
such as Wadi Shabs and Wadi Tiwi are along the coastal road
from Quiryat to Sur. As well as finding a campsite by yourself,
Oman does have a number of official camping grounds with full
amenities, and here are few excellent examples. Desert Camp (99
762 337 / www.desert-camp.com) lies about 220km from
Muscat and is a good opportunity to get a taste of Omani
hospitality. You can choose a Bedouin tent and enjoy dinner
under the stars accompanied by traditional music. Various
activities available in the camp include camel rides, desert
cycles for kids, or even a desert crossing on foot with an
experienced guide. Al Areesh Camp (99 328 858 / www.desert-discovery.com) is in the Wahiba
Sands allowing a moment of tranquility in a back to nature
environment while still enjoying a good level of luxury. The
camp consists of 12 tents with camp-style beds and meals are
prepared on-site and cooked over open fires. Operating out of
the Nahar Farm in Ibra, 30 minutes from the famous Wahiba
Sands, Empty Quarter Tours (99 387 654 / www.emptyquartertours.com) has a
comfortable Bedouin-style camp. Accommodation is in fixed
barasti (palm frond) shelters with modern conveniences
including clean showers, toilets and a swimming pool surrounded
by palm trees. Delicious Omani meals are served in a date palm
garden and there are traditional performances by dancers and
musicians.
The spectacular mountain scenery of Oman, with its
miraculous staircases criss-crossing the mountains, is paradise
for those who like exploring the country by foot. The climate
in these higher areas is usually perfect, which can be a relief
after the heat of the plains and coastal areas. The variety of
scenery for walkers is breathtaking; the land's ancient
geological history has created inspiring gorges, wadis, peaks,
ridges and plateaux. There are many excellent routes that
follow ancient Bedouin and Shihuh trails through the mountains.
The terrain is incredible and you will find yourself marvelling
at the skill of the hardy mountain people who pioneered these
routes. The main mountain area is the Hajar range and the
highest peak is Jebel Shams at just over 3,000m. There are
numerous hikes in this region. One of the shorter, less
rigorous, at four hours, is the Balcony Walk along Jebel Shams
Plateau. Incredible canyon views and a trek through an
abandoned village will delight everyone who summons up the
energy to try it out. The spectacular Grand Canyon of Oman, in
the Dhofar Mountain area near Salalah, offers a demanding but
very beautiful walk around the rim. Be sure that on any hike
you take sensible precautions as there is no mountain rescue
service available.
Oman's caves provide a mystical underground world containing
glittering stalagmites and stalactites, white gypsum crystal
and underground lakes. These underground treasures are there
for you to explore but remember to respect and preserve them,
since they are part of Oman's heritage. The caving network in
the Hajar Mountains is extensive and much of it is yet to be
explored and mapped; indeed it is believed to be the second
largest cave system in the world. The most famous cave in Oman,
and the most stunning in terms of size, is the Majlis Al Jinn.
Entering is not for the faint hearted as it starts with a 180m
abseil from the entrance of the roof. Some of the cave
exploration here is among the most hair-raising in the world
and should only be attempted by experienced, fit cavers,
preferably accompanied by someone who has traversed the caves
before. However there is a tourist cave for the sightseers. Al
Hoota Cave is located on the Al Hoota plateau on the southern
slopes of Jabal Akhdar, at the foot of Jabal Shams. The Show
Cave features an electrical train that runs through a tunnel
alongside the main entrance, and to enhance the visitor
experience, pathways and a lighted system have been installed
to highlight the natural formations and varied hues and colours
within the cave. Supporting a fragile ecosystem, the cave is
unique in the fact that it is home to rare and endemic animal
species. The main cave features an underground lake with
natural ventilation, resulting in the phenomenon whereby blind,
transparent fish thrive in large shoals. In the Dhofar Region
you will find the Tawi Atayr & Wadi Darbat, a Natural Park,
with stunning views of waterfalls, lakes, mountains and lush
vegetation. There are also caves to explore that are rich in
stalactites and stalagmites, and a wide range of wildlife.
Oman's interesting topography makes canyoning a
popular activity here. It is not for the timid though
as it's often challenging and treacherous and involves using
various methods, such as abseiling, scrambling and swimming, to
ascend or descend a canyon. There are some awesome treks in the
country including Wadi Shab, Snake Canyon, Wadi Hajir, Wadi
Haylayn and Wadi Qashah, each with its own challenge and
beauty, and each with opportunities for canyoning. Although
canyoning is an activity more commonly enjoyed by experienced
groups, some tour companies do offer adventurous treks.
Avid mountain bikers will love pedalling along the tracks
that wind their way through Oman's rocky mountains, the wadis,
and along the coast. The Bawshar dunes are close to the city
and offer some great rides. Riding in the mountains is
adventurous and generally rocky, technical and challenging.
There are many tracks to follow and the terrain is on a par
with the classic trail areas of Utah and Arizona in the USA.
Contact the Muscat Cycling Club (99 324 594).
Exploring the Coastline
Oman has a long coastline and many beautiful beaches and
rocky coves. Qurm Beach in particular is a very popular, very
long stretch of beach that spreads from the Crowne Plaza to
Azaiba and beyond. Most of the beaches are public, although the
five-star hotels (such as the Chedi and the Al Bustan Palace
Hotel) have their own private beaches. Azaiba or Aviation Beach
is a long stretch backed by dense bushes that act as a good
windbreak; it is also a popular camping spot. Access is mainly
by 4WD but a short walk will get you there if you have a car.
Not good for snorkelling but great for windsurfing. The Beach
Promenade stretches from the Hyatt Regency Muscat to the
Intercontinental Hotel and becomes a lively spot before sunset
with walkers, joggers, jet skiers, barbecuers and footballers!
The Majan Beach at Qurm Heights is small and quiet and is ideal
for snorkellers due to its superb coral reefs. On good days you
can see parrot fish, rays and turtles. There a number of
exclusive beach clubs to join or use for the day including the
Beach and Country Club (Al Bustan 24 799 666), the Cliff Club
(Crowne Plaza 24 560 100), the Club Olympus Fitness Centre
(Grand Hyatt 24 641 155), the Palm Beach Club (Hotel
Intercontinental 24 680 000) and the Sheraton Resort Health
Club (Sheraton Resort 24 605 945).
There are many opportunities to explore the coastline from
the water. Many tour operators can organise cruises by dhow.
Bahwan Travel Agencies (www.bahwantravels.com / 24 704 455) is a
recommended agency. Others include Eihab Travels LLC (www.omanvalueholidays.com / 24 702 231),
Gulf Ventures Oman (www.gulfventures.ae / 24 700 363), Mark
Tours (www.marktoursoman.com / 24 562 444),
Treasure Tours Land & Sea Adventure (www.treasureoman.com / 99 349 399), Marina
Bander Al Rowdha Sea Tours (www.marinaoman.com / 99
368 808) and many more. Indeed these agencies will also provide
any adventure package that you are seeking.
Canoeing and kayaking is a great way of exploring a
fantastic coastline that is full of inlets and sheltered bays,
many of which have isolated beaches that make for excellent
picnic stops. Paddling allows you access to otherwise hidden
places of natural beauty and its a good way to appreciate the
country's abundant bird and marine life. Adventurous canoeists
with sea-going canoes can tour the Musandam peninsula, where
you will see some spectacular rocky coastlines with fjord-like
inlets and towering cliffs some of which reach heights of
1,000m. The Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre (www.holiday-in- oman.com / 24 485 663)
hires out single and double sea kayaks or you can take the
family out in a glass bottom canoe.
Sailing off the coast of Muscat is a wonderful experience,
both in winter when temperatures are perfect for watersports
and in the summer when it offers a great escape from the
scorching heat inland. Unfortunately much of the club sailing
in and around Muscat is closed to outsiders and the facilities
are limited to employees of particular companies. You can try
Arabian Sea Safaris (24 693 223) and Muscat Diving and
Adventure Centre (24 485 663).
Big game fishing is a must during your time in the Middle
East; the season from October to April is best. The most common
big game fish is yellowfin tuna. Sailfish dominate the waters
off Muscat during September and October and it is thought that
they migrate through the region on their way to the Arabian
Gulf for breeding. Black marlin sometimes travels into the
coastal waters off Muscat and you can allegedly hunt marlin off
the coastal area off Ras Al Hadd. The team at Arabian Sea
Safaris is dedicated to arranging memorable fishing trips for
you in their luxurious, fast and comfortable boats, which are
rigged with a shaded seating area, a fish finder and
outriggers. There is Gulf Leisure (99 819 006) and Sidbad Sea
Tours (24 737 885) also.
Oman offers all year diving to explore a long coastline and
a variety of underwater treasures coral reefs and ship wrecks
provide a multitude of dwellings for an array of marine life.
While you are underwater you will see turtles, cuttlefish,
sting rays, moray eels and lots more. While Oman's waters suit
novice and advanced divers alike, experienced divers with a
penchant for more adventure will find cave diving a unique
experience. Night dives are very popular and provide the
opportunity to see many nocturnal creatures. The
phosphorescence in Oman's waters is more visible after dark and
this green-blue substance, released by plankton as a result of
chemical reactions from their vigorous movements, makes for an
amazing underwater display. Here are some example dive sites:
Fahal Island, located in Muscat's Qurm region, offers isolated
reefs, a swim through cave and artificial reef balls. You will
see angelfish, stingrays and friendly sharks. Non-divers will
find good snorkelling on the western side of the island. Bander
Khayran, located near Muscat, consists of a small fjord system
with inlets, offering diverse and beautiful corals. The
Al-Munassir Naval Shipwreck located nearby was sunk on purpose
to create an artificial reef. The Daymaniyat Islands consist of
9 islands and are a national nature reserve with an abundance
of coral and marine life. There are many dive clubs from which
to choose including Arabian Sea Adventures (24 693 223), Gulf
Leisure (99 819 006), Moon Light Diving Centre (99 317 700),
Muscat Diving & Adventure Centre (24 485 663) and
others.
Exploring the Wildlife
One of the major attractions in Oman is a trip to see the
nestling turtles. Watching these huge creatures lumber up the
beach to lay their eggs, then making their way back into the
sea is to see nature at its most miraculous. Turtle nesting
sites on the coast have been recorded on over 275 beaches, from
the Mussandam in the north to near the border with Yemen in the
south. Five out of seven recognised species of marine turtle
are found in Oman's water, while the green turtle, the
loggerhead, hawksbill and olive ridley are known to come ashore
and nest. Turtles face many threats to their survival, not
least being caught in fishing nets and having their nesting
sites destroyed my man. Green turtles are estimated to lay up
to 60,000 egg clutches each year in Oman; the effort of 20,000
female turtles. While they nest all along the coast, the
majority of nest sites are along a 50km stretch of coastline
around Ras Al Hadd (the most eastern point of the Arabian
Peninsula). Here, the government has set up a reserve to allow
the public to view the amazing spectacle of nesting females and
newborn hatchlings. The area has been limited to the beaches at
Ras Al Jinz, with access to the other beaches being prohibited.
To visit the turtle reserve at Ras Al Jinz you must get a
permit; and this can be obtained at the main gate. It is
advisable to book in advance as places are limited. You will
need to provide your personal information to receive a permit
that will allow you to use the camp site too. A few kilometres
from Ras Al Hadd, the Turtle Beach Resort (25 540 068 / www.surtoursonline.com) offers no-nonsense
accommodation and facilities, as well as varied activities and
all at reasonable prices. Guest rooms consist of 22 traditional
barasti huts, which are small and basic but perfect for rolling
out of bed straight onto the beach. There is also a large
restaurant built in the shape of an old boat. The big
attraction of course is the turtle watching not to mention
dolphin and bird watching, snorkelling and diving, and dhow
cruises in their own vessel.
The next huge fauna attraction in Oman are the dolphins and
whales that frequent the warm off-shore waters. Indeed there
are more than 20 species either living or passing through the
seas of Oman. Although no tour operator can guarantee a
sighting of these beautiful creatures, the odds are definitely
high that you will get to see a school of playful dolphins
swimming and showing off alongside your boat. Whales are not so
frequently seen as these gentle giants travel in smaller groups
and stay under the surface for a lot longer. Early mornings and
evenings are the best time for whale sightings. There are many
tour companies that offer excursions including Arabian Sea
Safaris (24 693 223 / www.arabianseasafaris.com), who also
provide a hydrophone, Gulf Leisure (99 819 006 / www.gulfleisure.com) who have a
glass-bottom boat and the Muscat Diving and Adventure Center
(24 485 663 / www.holiday-in-oman.com).
One of the most unique animals in Oman is the Arabian Oryx.
There is an Arabian Oryx Sanctuary located in the isolated area
of Juddat Al Harasis, the home of Arabia's last true nomads.
The environmental resources in this area (flat plains, sand
dunes, high hills and rocky slopes) support a unique desert
ecosystem that benefits diverse species of flora and fauna. The
Arabian Oryx is a medium-sized antelope that is well adapted to
its desert existence, particularly because it has the capacity
to conserve water. Unfortunately, wild Oryx died out in 1972,
but thanks to the efforts of HM Sultan Qaboos, the first Oryx
from a captive herd was successfully released into the wild. An
entry permit for the reserve is available from the Office of
the Advisor for Conservation of the Environment, Diwan of Royal
Court (24 693 536). To get there from Muscat, follow the main
Salalah highway about 500km to Hayma, and then follow the Duqm
graded road to the Habab Junction. Head north on a secondary
graded road for a further 23km, and then head due east
following a desert track for another 23km. It is recommended
that you travel in a convoy with at least two 4WD vehicles.
Camel racing is a popular traditional sport and you should
not miss the chance to see it up close. The camels are bred
specifically for the track and it is still Bedouin families
that raise and train them. The racing season runs from August
to April, and races are held mainly on Fridays and public
holidays, during the winter months. Races start at around 6am
and continue until 9am, so you may have to sacrifice a lie-in.
Announcements for camel races appear mostly in the Arabic
newspapers, but if you are keen to go you can find out the
details from a tour operator. Race tracks are found all over
the country, including Seeb, the main location, in the north
and Salalah in the south.
Bullfighting, unlike the Spanish version, is bloodless and
the animals suffer little or no injury. This is not a gory
sport, but rather a contest of strength between two powerful
animals. The Brahmin bulls used in fighting are often pampered
family pets. At the beginning of the fight, two bulls of
similar size are led into the centre of the ring to lock horns
for battle. The fight is over when the weaker of the two either
gives up and runs away, or is forced out of the ring. Each
fight lasts for just a few minutes and usually the worst injury
suffered is a bruised ego on the part of both the losing bull
and its owner! There is no prize money. This historical form of
entertainment is loved by Omanis, and you will find that half
the fun is watching the locals cheering for their favourite
bull, and trying to recapture it at the end of the fight.
Bullfights are held in several places along the Batinah
coastline, usually on Friday afternoons at around 4.30pm. Barka
and Seeb are the two main bullfighting sites, and a smaller
ring is located in Al Sawadi. There is also a well-known
bullfighting ring in Sohar. Entrance is free and visitors are
welcome. Fights are not held during the hot summer months or
during Ramadan.
The Ostrich Breeding Farm in Barka is surprisingly
interesting. Visitors can see the 100 adult birds or their eggs
being incubated and also chicks between February and June. The
farm started in 1993 when the eggs were imported from South
Africa. They were the first ostriches to have been hatched in
Oman since early last century when the birds became extinct in
this region. The ostrich is farmed for a variety of reasons and
the aim of the farm is to sustain a 300-bird breeding group to
meet the ever-increasing demands for healthy meat, fine leather
and exquisite feathers. Ostrich meat is considered an excellent
alternative to beef, since it is low in cholesterol, but has a
very similar consistency and texture. The farm is also home to
30 crocodiles. Entrance to the farm costs 500 baisas per adult
and 300 baisas per child and the timings are 7am to 12pm and
3pm to 6pm, seven days a week. To get there, turn on to Nakhal
Road from the Barka roundabout, and after 4km you'll see the
Majan Water Factory on the right. Turn right into the private
road just before the factory, and the ostrich farm is first on
the left.
Wolves can be seen, if you are very lucky, along with
gazelles, wildcats and foxes, in the As Saleel Natural Park in
Al Kamil Al Wafi which is approximately 55km south-west of Sur.
It is divided into three vegetation areas: alluvial plain
covered with acacia woodland, wadis in the higher mountains,
and sparsely vegetated hills and rocky outcrops forming the
northern boundaries. These zones provide really good habitats
for these animals and have been designated for the future
development of wildlife education and tourism. Unfortunately
restricted access in the past has made the animals quite shy,
so a visit to the park is no guarantee of a sighting.
And there are leopards too, but will you actually see one?
The immense Jebel Samhan Nature Reserve is in Dhofar and
stretches from Marbat in the south to Shuwimiya in the
north-east. The limestone highlands, scalloped mountain peaks,
wadis and canyons, and the 1,500m escarpment overlooking
foothills and the coastal plain between Marbat and Sadh provide
ideal habitat for the last known wild population of Arabian
leopard. Other wildlife present in the area includes Nubian
ibex, Arabian gazelle, striped hyenas, caracal, wild cats,
foxes and wolves. Whales can sometimes be seen along the coast
between Hadbin and Shuwaymiya. Green and loggerhead turtles
nest on the sandy beaches, and the adjacent cliffs provide a
nesting place for migrating birds. To get there, turn left at
the signpost marked Tawi Atayr (32km before you reach Taqah).
In Tawi Atayr, turn left following the signpost for Khis Adeen.
Turn right after 12km, and then drive along the graded road for
about 66km, at which point you will reach the plateau on top of
the Jebel Samhan.
Back to the tamer animals, you can trek with a donkey along
Oman's fairly new hiking trails in the spectacular Hajar
Mountains. Donkeys can do all the hard work like carrying your
luggage, freeing you up to enjoy the views. The trails take you
into remote areas of the mountains, near the village of Misfat
Al Abriyeen where you can sleep under the stars, eat
traditional food and get into the local culture. Trips can be
custom designed, depending on your requirements. Call 99 348
440 or catch the website www.trekkingoman.com.
Horse riding is very popular too. The Al Fursan Stable (99
386 978) in Al Qurm caters for riders of all ages and levels.
In addition to riding and showjumping lessons given by their
qualified trainers, they also offer pleasure trips to Qurm
Garden, Qurm Nature Reserve, the Creek, and the breathtaking
beach in Shati Al Qurm, all accompanied by a guide. Located in
the beautiful Qurm Park, The Qurm Equestrian School (99 339
222) is open all hours and teaches everyone from beginners to
advanced riders.
Oman has a good variety of birds, thanks to its varied
landscapes and habitats from lush green slopes, open seas and
beaches, to the tidal mudflats, coastal lagoons and arid desert
plains. Oman also lies on the migration path for thousands of
exotic birds doing the long haul flight between Asia and
Africa. The beaches and lagoons along the coastline are good
places to spot a rich variety of marine birdlife from storks
and herons to flamingoes and ducks. For a detailed introduction
to the bird life in Oman, the Bird watching Guide in Oman is
invaluable or check out the website www.birdsoman.com. You can also contact the
Oman Bird Group on 24 695 498. The Muscat Diving &
Adventure Centre and Arabian Sea Safaris offer birding
tours.