Splashing About - Wadi Ash Shab
Summary:
Wadi Ash Shab about 2 hours' journey from Muscat is popular with day trippers. Located in a deep gorge it is a series of interconnected clear blue pools of different sizes, some with sandy beaches fringed with date palms and some deep enough to dive into from the cliffs around.
Content:
Among Oman's natural attractions are the wadis, riverbeds between steep sandstone cliffs. While many wadis present an attractive picture with pools of blue water and sandy shores edged with date palms others are completely dried up and turns into raging torrents after rainfall. Wadi Ash Shab, in a deep gorge is one that does not dry up completely but is a tantalizing sliver of turquoise in a barren and harsh landscape. Coming upon the interconnected azure pools of fresh water in the arid landscape is quite an amazing experience. Although access to the wadi is over rugged terrain, the first kilometer can be navigated in a 4WD. After that it is a slow slog over a path strewed with boulders. Further in, the gorge narrows and is choked with boulders, a narrow foot path being the only access way. The wadi comprises of large open areas and several small pools some with sandy beach areas and some deep enough to jump into from the cliffs around. The aim of many a visitor is to get to its famous underground waterfall in a cave.
Wadi Ash Shab is about a two hour journey from Muscat. It is a popular choice of day trippers wishing to get away from the heat of the city. For non swimmers the wadi offers spaces for a quiet stroll among the date palms and plenty of shallow areas to splash about. Attempting to get to the waterfall in the cave is somewhat hazardous and may not be for everyone. It involves a walk through more rugged terrain, splashing and swimming through the waterways, walking some more and arriving at a turquoise pool where the wadi seems to disappear. A narrow opening through the rocks beneath the water leads to the cave. This approach can be quite risky after the rain when the water level is high. Only strong swimmers should attempt the underwater swim through the narrow passage as the current is strong. Many who do get to the cave claim the trouble is worthwhile as it presents a fantastic sight. Not only is the view beautiful but every sound produces an echo. It is a good idea to take swimwear and sensible shoes when visiting the wadi and to avoid weekends when it is crowded with picnickers.
Stay at the Sur Plaza Hotel to enjoy access to many local attractions among which is Wadi Ash Shab. Enjoy the modern facilities and conveniences offered by hotel Sur Oman, including comfortable accommodation, dining venues serving a range of international and local cuisines and excellent in house recreational facilities. Take advantage of special offers at Oman hotels to experience an exciting beach destination.
Wadi Ash Shab about 2 hours' journey from Muscat is popular with day trippers. Located in a deep gorge it is a series of interconnected clear blue pools of different sizes, some with sandy beaches fringed with date palms and some deep enough to dive into from the cliffs around.
Content:
Among Oman's natural attractions are the wadis, riverbeds between steep sandstone cliffs. While many wadis present an attractive picture with pools of blue water and sandy shores edged with date palms others are completely dried up and turns into raging torrents after rainfall. Wadi Ash Shab, in a deep gorge is one that does not dry up completely but is a tantalizing sliver of turquoise in a barren and harsh landscape. Coming upon the interconnected azure pools of fresh water in the arid landscape is quite an amazing experience. Although access to the wadi is over rugged terrain, the first kilometer can be navigated in a 4WD. After that it is a slow slog over a path strewed with boulders. Further in, the gorge narrows and is choked with boulders, a narrow foot path being the only access way. The wadi comprises of large open areas and several small pools some with sandy beach areas and some deep enough to jump into from the cliffs around. The aim of many a visitor is to get to its famous underground waterfall in a cave.
Wadi Ash Shab is about a two hour journey from Muscat. It is a popular choice of day trippers wishing to get away from the heat of the city. For non swimmers the wadi offers spaces for a quiet stroll among the date palms and plenty of shallow areas to splash about. Attempting to get to the waterfall in the cave is somewhat hazardous and may not be for everyone. It involves a walk through more rugged terrain, splashing and swimming through the waterways, walking some more and arriving at a turquoise pool where the wadi seems to disappear. A narrow opening through the rocks beneath the water leads to the cave. This approach can be quite risky after the rain when the water level is high. Only strong swimmers should attempt the underwater swim through the narrow passage as the current is strong. Many who do get to the cave claim the trouble is worthwhile as it presents a fantastic sight. Not only is the view beautiful but every sound produces an echo. It is a good idea to take swimwear and sensible shoes when visiting the wadi and to avoid weekends when it is crowded with picnickers.
Stay at the Sur Plaza Hotel to enjoy access to many local attractions among which is Wadi Ash Shab. Enjoy the modern facilities and conveniences offered by hotel Sur Oman, including comfortable accommodation, dining venues serving a range of international and local cuisines and excellent in house recreational facilities. Take advantage of special offers at Oman hotels to experience an exciting beach destination.
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