Oman Diary Week 3: Of canyon bliss, shoe thieves and the call of the desert

Kiki
Mar 25
3 min read

Our third week in Oman was a real rollercoaster of emotions – from breathtaking canyons and heartwarming encounters to tourist disappointments and a mysterious theft on New Year's Eve. Here's our recap of the leg from the mountains.

Towards the desert.

After our cultural stops, we were finally drawn back to nature.

Our destination: the breathtaking Wadi Tanuf . The canyon greeted us with a tranquility that is almost indescribable. We found an idyllic spot for the night and let the day end in complete relaxation.

A small warning on the side:

We had our first encounter with a scorpion there! Don't panic – these creatures are poisonous, but actually quite peaceful as long as you don't bother them. They live under almost any stone you lift.

So: Always give it a quick check before going to bed or putting on your shoes!

Summit climbers on Jabal al Akhdar

Since the locals flooded the wadi as early as six in the morning, we set off early for Jabal al Akhdar . The road at over 2,000 meters is incredible – superbly maintained, but beware: there are checkpoints! You can't get up here without four-wheel drive (4WD).

Compared to the more rustic Jabal Shams, Jabal al Akhdar is now very touristy. New resorts are springing up everywhere. Nevertheless, the trip was worthwhile.

• Diana View Point: A must for the perfect panoramic photo.

• Terraced villages: We explored a small, abandoned village – highly recommended for explorers.

Tip for the route: Those who want to go even higher will unfortunately often encounter military restricted areas. So it's best to plan more time for the villages and viewpoints.

The luxury of a shower & culinary highlights

Back at the hotel, the shower was the absolute highlight. It's often underestimated, but public washing facilities are scarce in Oman. Since our hotel didn't have a restaurant, we grabbed a bite at the local grill next door.

Honest, authentic, and simply delicious! Afterwards, it was time as always to sort pictures, type up reports, and – if the Wi-Fi cooperated – send greetings to loved ones back home.

Ibra : Girl Power & Hospitality

On our way towards the desert, we stopped in Ibra .

• Women's Market : A fascinating experience! Here, almost exclusively women sell to women. The atmosphere is very special.

• Ancient ruins: In a derelict village, we were spontaneously invited for coffee. The hospitality of the Omanis is simply heartwarming.

A slight disappointment: The famous Wadi Bani Khalid Unfortunately, it was completely overcrowded. If you want to go there, try to arrive as early as possible during the week – on weekends and at midday it's more like an outdoor swimming pool.

New Year's Eve drama: The Camel and the Shoe

Our New Year's Eve in the "pampa" outside Ibra was legendary – albeit not quite as we'd imagined. We slept right through midnight, but the next morning Rainer's shoe was missing! Despite an intensive search, it remained missing. Since fresh camel tracks led directly past the tent ladder, we're certain: somewhere in the desert, a camel is now wandering around in a stylish sandal.

Emergency tip: If your equipment lets you down, the Lulu Hypermarket in Ibra is a lifesaver for (almost) everything – including new sandals for Rainer.

Desert magic at Al Hawijah Camp

Finally in the desert! We opted against the large Wahiba Sands camps and chose the Al Hawijah Camp in the Rimad Waldhid Desert. A highly recommended option!

• Action: Quad bike tours through the dunes are addictive.

• Romance: The sunset with the camp leader was unforgettable.

• Early bird bonus: Getting on a camel at 5 a.m. for sunrise – tough, but the silence is worth it.