In the Sultanate of Oman, environmental protection and the maintenance of the environment are given paramount importance. In this regard, the direction of ecotourism in the country is as popular as beach rest . The nature of Oman is very diverse and completely unique. Here you can see an amazing combination of mountain peaks and flat plateaus, protected areas and beaches, dry streams of rivers (wadi), deserts, oases and fjords.
In the Sultanate of Oman, environmental protection and the maintenance of the environment are given paramount importance. In this regard, the direction of ecotourism in the country is as popular as beach rest . The nature of Oman is very diverse and completely unique. Here you can see an amazing combination of mountain peaks and flat plateaus, protected areas and beaches, dry streams of rivers (wadi), deserts, oases and fjords.
Let us consider in more detail the main natural attractions of Oman .
National parks
In Oman, there are many nature conservation areas and reserves , including those on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These are Jeddat al-Harasis, Wadi Sarin, as-Salil, Damaniyat islands, Jebel-Cahuan parks, Jeddat al-Kharasis, al-Kurm and Sultan Qaboos kennel.
Much attention is paid to the protection of rare and endangered species of plants and animals, including the populations of Arabian gazelles of the Oryx, wild goat Tahr, Arabian wolves, leopards, flamingos and giant sea turtles.
The islands of Halaniyat, Cat Island and Al Jazeera, in the Bay of Semetri Bay, near the fjords of Musandam and Bandar Khairan, the rocks of Hayut, etc. You can see rich coral reefs and a diverse underwater world.
Hajjar Mountains
From the border with the UAE to the Gulf of Oman in the Indian Ocean stretches the mountain range Hajjar. The central part of it is called El-Akhdar. From the northern part of the mountains of Hajjar are fertile oases, from the south - the Arabian desert. Such a variety of landscapes gives the mountain chain a unique color, so sightseeing tours rarely bypass these places. Pay special attention to the gorge of Wadi Fins in the mountains. A long climb along the serpentine to wadi fins is worth to see a stunning panorama of the expanses of the Indian Ocean.
Wadi Omana
They are the drying up beds of mountain rivers and lakes, which periodically fill with water, forming around themselves stunning oases. In Oman, there are several wadi who deserve special attention. These include:
- Bani Khalid. The most popular oasis among tourists, as here you can drive up and leave the car in the parking lot, there is a restaurant for visitors and convenient walking paths. And in Bani Khalid there is a cave with an underground lake and a river, where you can go for free with a local guide.
- Bani Anuf. To him leads a winding road, passing into the gorge, which is the beginning of the wadi. The highlight of this place is the Snake Canyon, resembling a wriggling reptile.
- Grand Canyon (Jebel Shams). The deepest wadi in Oman.
- Shaab. Very beautiful and quiet corner of nature with a convenient trail for tourists. You can get to it only by boat or by swimming through the creek. Here grow banana palms, there are several springs with spring water.
- Tiwi. Closely connected with Wadi Shaab, they are usually visited during one excursion . Around Tiwi there are several villages, whose inhabitants cultivate the fertile soil of the oasis.
- Dike. This place is filled with water and does not dry out anymore. From Wadi Dyke you can go up to the gorge "Devil's Throat".
- Al Abyad. It's difficult to get there myself, there are lots where there is nothing to do without an SUV.
- Tanuf. It is located in a mountain crater on the way to the ancient city of Oman - Nizwa .
- Arbin. The road to it passes through the gorge. In the end you will see gardens with exotic fruit trees, a waterfall and a small settlement.
Bima Singhoul
This miracle of nature is located on the road from Sura to Muscat and is a water-filled dip in the earth's crust. Fresh rainwater in this place is mixed with sea water, because The lake is connected with the sea by an underground tunnel. Near Bima Singhole, you can simply sunbathe and swim, and if you want bright impressions - jump into the water, it's absolutely safe with observance of elementary precautions. Near Bima Singhool there is a fenced park with benches for rest and parking for cars.
Arabian desert
In size, it is only slightly inferior to the famous Sahara Desert in Africa and occupies almost the entire territory of the Arabian Peninsula. In this desert there are several regions that differ in flora and fauna. The main entertainment in the Arabian desert is jumping and boarding on sand dunes.
Omani Oasis
They represent irrigated thickets of date palms among the sands and mountains of the desert. A very beautiful oasis is Birkat El Moes, because, in addition to palm groves, the ruins of an ancient city are preserved here.
Beaches of Oman
From the northern and eastern sides of Oman, the waters of the Indian Ocean are washed: in the region of Muscat - by the Omani Gulf, and to the south of the capital by the Arabian Sea. The beach season in Oman lasts during autumn and spring, in summer it is very hot here.
One of the most popular zones in the country is the beach located near the Ras Al Jeans hotel, where hundreds of sea turtles sail to lay eggs.
On the coast of the Arabian Sea, the beauty of the beaches is emphasized by the rocks framing them. In Muscat and Salal there are also several very high-level beaches.
Fjords of Musandam
Go to the province of Musandam in northern Oman, and you can swim in mini-cruises and with your own eyes see the beauty of the fjords . You can get to them on a ship, plane or car. In the latter case, you will need an Emirate visa, because the Musandam will have to travel through the territory of the UAE.