How to Plan the Ultimate Wadi-Hopping Adventure in Oman

For years, when I envisioned the natural beauty of the Middle East, I imagined endless sand dunes and caravans of camels, reminiscent of One Thousand and One Nights. However, when a friend returned from Oman and shared stunning photos—not just of deserts, but also terraced mountains, turquoise swimming holes, and river gorges known as wadis—I was taken aback. I felt a bit embarrassed for being unaware of the geographical diversity on the Arabian Peninsula.

My curiosity about Oman deepened when I edited Dinogo’s print feature story about the country last year, penned by Sarah Thankam Mathews, who spent her childhood there. Mathews explored a river gorge called Wadi Shab; after viewing the breathtaking photos by Nathalie Mohadjer, I knew it had to be near the top of my “must-visit” list. The orange rock formations reminded me of Utah's slot canyons, and the combination of date palm trees and natural pools created a dreamlike landscape.

My husband, toddler, and I finally traveled to Oman for 10 days in December 2023, and it turned out to be one of the best family vacations we've ever had. We were touched by the warmth and hospitality of the Omani people, enjoyed starting our mornings with cardamom-infused coffee, and became enthusiastic fans of the wadis. If anything, I wish we had allocated more time to explore them. If you're contemplating a trip to Oman, here’s a guide to these unique natural wonders along with tips for visiting them.

What exactly is a wadi?

In its most literal sense, “wadi” is the Arabic term for “valley.” In Oman, it generally refers to rocky river gorges that are filled with water, creating natural swimming pools. These areas are perfect for hiking, swimming, rock climbing, rappelling, and a variety of adventurous activities. Many wadis can be visited on day trips from Muscat or during a multi-day road trip around the country (see below for details on visiting these river gorges).

Top Wadys to Visit in Oman

I have yet to uncover a complete list of every wadi in Oman. Given the country’s relatively small population compared to its size, there are likely many river gorges that receive few, if any, visitors. Here are some of the more well-known ones:

Wadi Bani Khalid

Pin: Wadi Bani Khalid Parking Area (avoid searching simply for “Wadi Bani Khalid”) | View on Google Maps
Location: 150 miles southeast of Muscat; 30 miles northeast of Bidiyah, the main entry point for Wahiba Sands Desert
Time required: 1-2 hours (the times mentioned in this article are estimates; feel free to extend them if you wish to explore more or have a picnic)
Difficulty level: Easy–Moderate

Situated approximately three hours from Muscat, Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the most frequented wadis in Oman, and for good reason. It is more accessible for children and individuals with physical limitations than many others on this list. The first pool is only a few minutes' walk from the parking area, requiring a trek across some flat rocks and a falaj, or an ancient Omani irrigation channel. Here, you'll find a small restaurant and restrooms, which are uncommon at other wadis. Continuing along the path, you'll wander through whitewashed canyons, a winding stream, and robin’s-egg-blue pools. To our delight, as we stepped into the warm water, tiny fish welcomed us with gentle nibbles (in reality, they were feasting on our dead skin; some spa treatments use these fish too). We chose to unwind in the upper pools and enjoy our free pedicures, while other visitors ventured further to Muqal Cave, which houses one of the wadi’s water sources.

Wadi Shab

Pin: Wadi Shab Parking (avoid searching simply for “Wadi Shab”) | View on Google Maps
Location: 100 miles southeast of Muscat; 30 miles northwest of Sur, a coastal town often included in road trip itineraries
Time required: 3-4 hours
Difficulty level: Moderate. You must be a confident swimmer to explore all the pools.

I have two contrasting memories of Wadi Shab. First, the vibrant colors stand out: the bright green of the lily pads on the river we crossed by boat, the deep green leaves of the date palms, the rocks in hues of ochre to beige, and the striking turquoise water. At the cave entrance (more on that later), the water appeared to glow from beneath, transforming into a neon blue. My second memory is less enjoyable: the slippery rocks that caused me to cut my knees and elbows after a tumble. To help you avoid a similar fate, check out my packing list below.

Wadi Shab involves a short boat ride across a river (1 Omani rial, or US$2.60, per person), followed by a -mile canyon hike that can take up to an hour to complete, culminating in a series of natural pools. The hike starts off relatively flat, but about 20 minutes in, you'll need to climb over some large rocks. It’s not technically challenging but does require some scrambling. There are spots where the path narrows and drops off on one side. I’d rate the trek as moderate.

The pools are incredibly clear. The first of the three is the most family-friendly; in hindsight, since we were traveling with our toddler, it might have been smarter to stick to the rivers and lakes we’re used to (sorry, couldn’t resist). We were grateful to have rented a life vest for her at the parking area. As we made our way further down the pool, the water became shallower, allowing us to walk in ankle-deep water over smooth river rocks. Eventually, the depth increased again, requiring us to swim. This was where the rocks turned extra slippery. Finally, we arrived at the narrow entrance to a cave that we had to swim through. We slipped inside and discovered another pool and a waterfall. Ultimately, we turned around and retraced our steps; somehow, four hours had flown by.

Wadi Tiwi

Google Maps Pins: Hikers can start at either the beginning of Wadi Tiwi or its end at Mibam village. The conclusion of this blog post provides Google Maps locations, including stops for public restrooms before entering the wadi.
Location: 7 miles further inland than Wadi Shab
Time required: 4+ hours
Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult; a 4WD vehicle is necessary, and you should be a confident swimmer to explore all the pools.

Wadi Tiwi sees fewer visitors than Wadi Bani Khalid or Wadi Shab, likely due to its inland location and the need for chains when climbing steep rocks. Sarah Thankham Mathews, who authored our feature story about Oman, visited Wadi Tiwi, but her trip was cut short by a challenging drive and rain. Although we didn't have the chance to visit, we met fellow travelers who did and enjoyed their experience—especially with local guides. It’s advisable to book a guide in advance; two companies are mentioned below.

As Mathews noted, “Wadi Tiwi is a 22-mile-long gorge that winds from the Hajar Mountains to the Gulf of Oman.” Visitors can opt to park nearer to the coast and hike for miles to reach the river gorge, or take the rugged road to Mibam Village. From there, a steep descent leads to a series of stunning pools and a waterfall.

Wadi Al Arbaeen

Google Maps Pin: Refer to the end of this blog post for Google Maps locations
Location: 80 miles southeast of Muscat; 18 miles inland from Bimmah Sinkhole
Time required: 2+ hours
Difficulty level: Varies from easy to difficult; a 4WD vehicle is necessary.

Although Wadi Al Arbaeen (also spelled Al Arbiyyin or Al Arbeieen) is the closest wadi to Muscat, it attracts relatively few visitors. This may be due to limited signage and the offroading required to reach it.

If you're willing to navigate the drive, expect a day that can be peaceful or thrilling. While I haven’t personally visited, this wadi appears to offer endless opportunities for exploration.

Families and those with mobility limitations can enjoy a brief walk from the parking area to swim in a beautiful emerald pool. For the more adventurous, there are full-day hikes leading to hidden waterfalls and additional pools. This blog post provides a helpful map and directions for various trails. True thrill-seekers can even try rock climbing or cliff diving. As with Wadi Tiwi, I suggest booking technical activities in advance with a reliable guide.

Bimmah Sinkhole

Google Maps Pin: Bimmah Sinkhole | View on Google Maps
Location: 80 miles southeast of Muscat
Time required: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy

This oval sunken pool, encircled by layers of limestone, has various origin tales. Local folklore suggests it was formed by a meteorite impact, earning it the Arabic name “Hawiyyat Najm,” meaning “falling star.” However, the more scientific explanation is that it resulted from a depression in the limestone surface. Due to its coastal location, the sinkhole is filled with brackish water that shimmers emerald green when sunlight strikes it at the right angle.

Bimmah Sinkhole offers an easy, family-friendly outing from Muscat. On-site amenities include restrooms for changing into swimwear, a children’s playground, a small park, and a long staircase (with railing) leading down to the swimming area. Visitors with mobility issues can enjoy viewing the sinkhole from above. Our family found the pool delightful, enjoying free pedicures while exploring its different sections. My daughter noted the temperature variations in the water, particularly near the cave compared to sunnier spots. Although technically a sinkhole rather than a wadi, it remains one of Oman’s most accessible natural pools.

Other wadis

Here are five additional wadis I discovered during our travels. Each one is now on my must-visit list for my next trip to Oman:

1. Wadi Damm: Located 70 miles west of Nizwa, Oman’s historic capital. This wadi features year-round pools formed by water cascading over rocky walls adorned with ferns and moss.
2. Wadi Dayqah: Found 70 miles southeast of Muscat. Although it’s relatively close to Wadi Al Arbaeen, the roads can be challenging. It boasts a series of bright blue pools created by a dam that irrigates nearby villages.
3. Wadi Qurai: Positioned roughly midway between Muscat and Nizwa, requiring a walk up a falaj (an ancient Omani irrigation system) to reach the pool.
4. Wadi Bimmah: Distinct from Bimmah Sinkhole mentioned earlier, this wadi is also known as Snake Canyon due to its serpentine shape. It’s a favored spot for canyoneering and adventure sports.
5. Wadi Darbat: Just 30 miles north of Salalah, Oman’s southernmost major city. Reaching Salalah from Muscat involves almost a 10-hour drive or a 90-minute flight. This wadi is famous for its waterfalls and the camels that occasionally wander through its teal waters.

Tips for visiting wadis

Oman’s wadis are surprisingly accessible and free to visit. However, there are a few insights I wish my family and I had before heading out.

How to reach them

Most of the wadis mentioned above can be visited on a day trip from Muscat. Renting a car is the best option; we were amazed by the smoothness of the Omani roads and the precision of the GPS. Venture City Oman provides private guided tours to many of these wadis, including most of those listed. Another highly recommended operator is Twenty3Extreme.

If you're planning a more extensive road trip around Oman, consider renting a 4WD vehicle. While many of the wadis are accessible in 2WD, a 4WD allows for greater exploration, including spontaneous side trips.

For most wadis, aim to arrive as early as possible. This gives you the chance to hike and swim at a relaxed pace, explore before the midday heat sets in, and potentially avoid crowds at the more popular locations.

What to bring

Here's the ultimate packing list I wish I had for a day trip to a wadi:

• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for hiking. Keep in mind that Oman is a conservative country, so women should try to cover their shoulders and knees in public.
• Durable footwear. Unless you're planning on a challenging trek that necessitates hiking boots, standard sneakers or running shoes should suffice. Sandals with good traction are also a great choice, as they work for both hiking and swimming. Except for Bimmah Sinkhole, I wouldn’t recommend visiting any of these sites in shoes without traction.
• Swimwear. If you're comfortable wearing your swimsuit under your clothes, it's a good idea to do so to avoid searching for a place to change once you reach the swimming spots. I suggest a one-piece suit for women, paired with shorts for added coverage if needed.
• A pair of water shoes. I wish we had brought these, especially for Wadi Shab. The pools are lined with river rocks that can pinch your feet after a while. Some rocks were slippery with moss, leading to a few tumbles and scrapes. I mention this not to discourage anyone from visiting the wadis, but better preparation could have made our experience smoother.
• Light towels. These are useful for drying off after swimming and can also provide privacy while changing back into hiking clothes.
• Fresh underwear! Trust me—it's uncomfortable to drive back from a wadi with wet clothes.
• A dry bag and underwater phone case. A dry bag is handy for keeping valuables safe while swimming. (Oman is very safe, and we never had issues leaving our bags unattended while exploring the wadis.) An underwater phone case (preferably with a strap) allows you to capture amazing photos while swimming.
• Sunscreen and a hat. The sun in the Middle East can be intense!
• A life vest. If you're not a strong swimmer, consider bringing a life vest or renting one in Oman. Wadi Shab had life vests available for my daughter; if you're with a group, you should have access to one, too.
• Water to drink.
• Snacks or food. Many wadi rocks make perfect picnic spots. Having food on hand lets you explore longer without worrying about when and where to stop for lunch.

Visiting with kids

It's definitely feasible to explore wadis with young children. Depending on their age and your comfort level with risks, it may influence how far into the river gorge you decide to venture.

For context, we brought our three-year-old along during our wadi-hopping adventure. Since it was the December holiday season, we noticed many other families with kids enjoying the wadis too. We didn’t have a toddler hiking backpack, which would have been beneficial during stretches when our daughter wanted to be carried. However, we did rent a life jacket for her at Wadi Shab, which I highly recommend.

Prioritize safety

Avoid visiting a wadi if rain is expected. During rainfall, some wadis may flood, creating hazardous conditions for visitors. The dry ground often has hydrophobic properties, causing water to run off rather than being absorbed, which increases the risk of flash floods.