If you’re planning a trip but don’t really know where the best wadis in Oman are then keep reading. We will give you an outline of 3 Oman wadis you should visit on your road trip to Oman.
How to get to Oman
If you are living in the UAE then you have 2 options to get to Oman. The first and quickest is to fly. Many airlines fly from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Oman like Fly Dubai, Emirates, Etihad, Oman Air and Wizz Air. The flight takes around 1hr 10mins and is a really easy option.
The second option is to drive from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Muscat. The journey takes about 5 hours including the border crossing through Hatta. For a family it is the most cost effective option and then you have the added bonus of having your own car.
If you fly then to get around the wadis you will need to either find a driver to take you around or hire a car. Personally, I think having your own car and driving around would be the best option to give you flexibility. It would also mean you can reach the 3 best wadis in Oman easily.
Which wadi is near Muscat?
If you are planning on just a short trip to Muscat and don’t want to travel much further then you can still visit Oman wadis. It is possible to take a day trip to two of the best Oman wadis which are Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab Oman. Read on for more details.
If you are looking for other activities to do during your time in Muscat then check out our post on How to Spend a Weekend in Muscat.
Where to stay in Muscat?
Muscat has plenty of gorgeous 5* beachside resort hotels like the stunning Jumeirah Muscat Bay, The Chedi Muscat and the unique Muscat Hills Resort. We stayed at the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah which is a perfect family friendly resort. Shangri-La Al Husn is also a wonderful adults only resort in Muscat if you’re looking for some peace and tranquility.
If you are looking for a budget friendly stay then check out the Ramada Encore Muscat which only opened in 2020. It is centrally located on the Sultan Qaboos Highway which is a gateway to all major locations around Muscat. The hotel was perfect with large rooms, we got an extra bed for the kids, rooftop pool, hot shower, fridge, plentiful breakfast and warm, welcoming and friendly staff. It is really reasonable at only 230dhs per night. Ramada Encore is a perfect hotel for a weekend in Muscat. You can check out our highlight reel here.
The 3 Best Wadis in Oman
1. Bimmah Sinkhole, Dibab
Bimmah Sinkhole is an Oman wadi that is easily accessible as a day trip from Muscat. If you are staying in Muscat and want to visit some wadis and get out in nature then make sure to include a visit to Bimmah Sinkhole.
Bimmah Sinkhole is a natural turquoise pool only 1.5hours from Muscat off the highway from Muscat to Sur. When you arrive it looks like a park or playground but park up and walk through the greenery to the pool. There are about 30 steps down to the water so you need to be of able mobility. Take water shoes and watch out for the nibbling fish – a free fish spa!
The water is gorgeously clear, clean and cool. A perfect wadi Oman for cooling off in the Middle Eastern sun!
2. Wadi Shab Oman
Wadi Shab or Wadi Ash Shab Oman as it is also known is only 25 minutes further down the highway from Bimmah Sinkhole. You can join Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab Oman in one day trip from Muscat.
We loved Wadi Shab as it gives you the option to do a little bit of Oman hiking whilst on your Oman road trip. When you arrive at Wadi Ash Shab there is lots of parking, but it does get busy so try and arrive early. Watch out for the over friendly goats who will be eager for plenty of snacks!
Make sure to have cash with you when you arrive as you will need to pay 1 OMR to the boat driver. There are plenty of boats and the crossing only takes a few minutes. Once you are across the boat the walk is about 1 hour. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of water.
The scenery and views are breathtaking at Wadi Shab Oman. Lots of fresh, bright greenery and bright water. The high, dramatic cliffs overhang the path and watch out for a few boulders to climb. Make sure you wait until the end to jump in the water, as alluring as it is.
Bring a waterproof bag to leave your belongings and make sure to wear swimming clothes underneath. Remember that you are in Oman, an Islamic country so be respectful of local culture when changing and swimming. Leave the bikini for the hotel swimming pool.
3. Wadi Bani Khalid Oman
Our most favourite wadi in Oman was Wadi Bani Khalid. Wadi Bani Khalid is a 2.5hour drive from Muscat, so could be done in a day trip but it is quite far.
Wadi Bani Khalid is a very family friendly wadi and is a perfect wadi to take the whole family. On arrival to this wadi you will notice a stall selling cold drinks and snacks. Inside there is a small cafe and toilets.
Look out for the signs to the cave and follow them. It does involve walking over some large rocks and boulders so make sure to wear walking shoes or trainers. Bring swimming shoes or flip flops for the pools as there are lots of small rocks at the water. Although it is tempting to get into the water straight away continue to find the flags on the rocks and the signs for the cave as it is worth it.
When you get in the water, if you are a confident swimmer, you can swim through the cliffs further down to a waterfall. Make sure to check it out before you leave Wadi Bani Khalid.
There are lots of tour buses and tourists so make sure to arrive early before the crowds.
Where to stay close to Wadi Bani Khalid
We stayed close to Ras Al Jinz turtle sanctuary the night before we went to Wadi Bani Khalid in a budget guest house Turtle Guest House. We have friends who have stayed at Sama Ras Al Jinz who highly recommended it too.
Otherwise, check out Wahiba Sands desert in Oman for some beautiful dome tents, family tents and basic tents. Some of the most popular are Thousand Nights Camp, Arabian Nights Resort and Sands Dream Tourism Camp. If you have never experienced a night in the desert we would highly recommend you experience it at least once! A truly unforgettable experience!
Summary of the 3 Best Wadis in Oman
We loved all three of these Oman wadis. They are all family friendly and accessible for everyone. If you can manage to fit in all 3 during your road trip in Oman then do! There is nothing better than being out in nature, walking and jumping in cool water after.
We absolutely love Oman, the people, the nature and everything it has to offer. We can’t wait to explore of it in the future so watch this space!
If you want to read more of our posts on Oman check out our Oman Page. For other parts of Oman check out a weekend in Musandam, just a 3 hour drive from Dubai. Also, hiking and camping in Dibba for another amazing Oman experience. For a truly unique hotel experience then check out a Traditional Oman Hotel in Jebel Akhdar. For other worldwide family travel inspiration check out our Destinations Page.
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