Oman Off-road Week 4: Of sunken villages, turtles and driving limits
- Kiki
- Mar 26
- 4 min read
Our journey took us deeper into the heart of Oman. Before reaching the Arabian Ocean, we stopped at the submerged village of Wadi Murr . In this surreal setting, far removed from any civilization, we set up camp.
The silence of the desert was only interrupted at night by the loud bellowing of the mules – a wake-up call from nature that one does not easily forget.
Coastal Magic and the Shipyards of Sur
The next day, the water beckoned. We discovered a secluded stretch of beach that promised absolute peace and quiet, until the fishermen thwarted our plans and we promptly postponed our swim. Our journey continued towards Sur . Shortly before reaching the town, we found a campsite right by the sea, which was so inviting that I immediately put on my snorkel mask.
The next morning was pure magic: early in the morning, I encountered countless turtles and fish of all sizes in the water. A peaceful moment before heading into town.
In Sur we visited the traditional shipyard where dhows are still built entirely by hand – a fascinating piece of living history.
Adrenaline in Wadi Tiwi & Wadi Shab
The drive to Wadi Tiwi was a real adventure. The extremely steep and narrow passages demanded the utmost concentration, even from us experienced campers. But the effort was worth it: we were rewarded with a campsite right next to the spectacular Mibam Waterfall. rewarded.
To prevent mass tourism in the neighboring area
Wadi Shab To avoid the crowds, we set off before 9:00 a.m. the next day. The hike through the wadi is beautiful but challenging – good fitness is essential. While Rainer waited on the shore, I swam through four pools and an extremely narrow crevice into a hidden cave. An unforgettable experience, but definitely not for people with claustrophobia!
A brief moment of alarm:
After the hike, we discovered that our camera had been on the car roof the entire time. Four hours later, it was still there – proof of the incredible honesty and safety in Oman.
Escape into solitude:
As the crowds on the coast and at the famous sinkhole became too much for us, we retreated to the solitude of the mountains. The drive to Majlis al-Jinn cave was one of the absolute highlights of our trip in terms of scenery. The views from the mountain ridges are simply breathtaking.
We navigated our way through the rather unspectacular Wadi Alarbeieen and the Wadi Dayqah Dam (which you can safely skip) using Google Maps to find the old mountain road towards Muscat. We ended this leg of our journey on a hill near...
Wadi Aday , full of anticipation for the crossing.
of Wadi al Maih the next day.
Our tips for this route:
• Wadi Tiwi: Only for experienced drivers with four-wheel drive! The sections are extremely steep.
• Wadi Shab: Be sure to start before 9:00 AM. After that, the wadi fills up instantly with masses of tourists.
• Equipment: For the cave in Wadi Shab you should be a confident swimmer; a life jacket alone is not sufficient for the narrow crevice.
Farewell to the wilderness and the hustle and bustle of Muscat
After experiencing boundless freedom in nature, it was time for us to head to Muscat. The journey there was another real highlight, as we let ourselves drift along through the beautiful scenery of the
Wadi al Mandaria and Wadi Spardy .
But the idyllic setting didn't last forever – the closer we got to the capital, the louder and more bustling it became.
Arriving in Muscat, we headed straight for our hotel, checked in and treated ourselves to what you crave most after so many days in the dust of the wadis: a wonderfully long, hot shower!
A farewell and a real insider tip
Then it was time to say goodbye to our trusty four-wheeled companion. The return process at Activeoverlander.com was so relaxed and straightforward that we can wholeheartedly recommend their team to everyone.
Before we fully switched into city mode, our landlord gave us a fantastic tip: Café Fara . It's right on the water, the food was excellent, and the view was simply breathtaking. A perfect moment to reflect on the experiences of the past few days before the taxi took us back to Hotel Al Falaj. brought.
Light and shadow in the city
Regarding the hotel, we have mixed feelings this time. The staff was incredibly welcoming, the room was excellent, and the food was superb – but: if you're looking for a good night's sleep, this isn't the place for you. Party music blared every night until 3 a.m., making any peace and quiet impossible. Definitely not recommended for those seeking relaxation!
We spent the last two days in the old town, strolling through the souq and exploring the area around Muscat. Our conclusion? We don't need to visit the city itself again, but the country... the country completely won us over. The nature, the solitude, and above all, the incredible warmth of the locals are simply unique.
An ending that smells of a new beginning
Camping in the wadis and at these completely remote spots really resonated with us. We enjoyed it so much that we started making plans right there and then. We're already dreaming of another trip – and this time with a very special vehicle...
But what exactly is it? You'll find out more when the time comes!
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