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Trip to Wadi Shaab
From Muscat you drive through Quriyat. This is one of the most scenic picture postcard areas in Oman. Going along the coastand the Eastern Hajar Mountains through wadis and dramatic landscapes. Here the black tarmac road ends and you now experience coastal off-road driving across ancient dry sea beds and dusty red mountain tracks towards Dibab arriving at a huge natural sinkhole known as Bait Al Afreet – ‘house of the demon’ - with its clear green water. Onwards to Wadi Shab, which means, ‘gorge between the cliffs’. The wadi is entered via a small ferry and it has cool pools of water all year round.
Further into the enchanting wadi is a deep pool ideal for swimming. The ravine is lush with trees, grasses and date palms. A single beach dotted with fishing boats at the mouth of the wadi completes the picturesque view. After an exhilarating hike, cool off on White Beach in the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. Once refreshed you travel to the coastal village of Tiwi before commencing your return journey towards the quaint fishing village of Quriyat about 80 KM from Muscat.
Travelling to Wadi Shab & Coastal Drive towards Sur
A travel to Sur, an ancient port and seafaring town which once played a major part in the trade between Oman, East Africa and India. It started its trading activities with the African coast as early as the 6th century. A walk through its labyrinth of streets reveals many fine old houses with carved doors and arabesque windows. The fishing dhows in the harbour make a splendid sight. Separated from Sur by the bay is the village of Al Ayja, well fortified by watchtowers and forts. On the sheltered lagoon is the traditional Dhow Building Yard - today, craftsmen still build dhows following traditional designs without the aid of drawings at all.
The journey continues along the coast to Qalhat, one of the oldest towns and seaports of Oman. Built by the Persians, it was a major and prosperous city during the 13th century and the main port of trade with the Interior, famous for its exports to and imports of spices from India. Stop at the enigmatic Bibi Mariam Tomb standing high on the cliff top. Along the coast and through the coastal village of Tiwi to Wadi Shab, which means, "gorge between the cliffs". The wadi is entered via a small ferry and it has cool pools of water all year round. Further into the enchanting wadi is a deep pool ideal for swimming. The ravine is lush with trees, grasses and date palms. A single beach dotted with fishing boats at the mouth of the wadi completes the picturesque view.
Through the coastline passing Fins and Bimah with many tiny coves tucked beneath the cliffs and stretches of white sandy beaches lapped by an incredible turquoise sea. Near Dibab is a huge sinkhole known as Bait Al Afreet - "house of the demon" - with its clear green water. Concrete steps lead down the sides making swimming possible. Inland for a while and then head for Quriyat, which lies on the east coast at the end of a sandy plain overlooked by the Eastern Hajar Mountains. Like other ports it suffered under Portuguese supremacy during the 16th century.
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