Wadi Shab - Oman

Wadi Shab is probably one of the better things I have experienced whilst travelling. Roughly an hour and a half drive south of Muscat, right between the sea and the mountains lies the infamous Wadi Shab. It is arguably one of the most gorgeous and scenic places in Muscat and is well worth a visit if you are ever in Oman.

The entrance isn't overly inspiring, and doesn't do the trek ahead any justice.. Well sign posted off the main road you will arrive under a bridge where cars are parked up. From there, locals are waiting with boats to transport you across the river so you can begin your adventure.  Beyond the entrance, the wadi rewards you with gorgeous aquamarine pools filled with tiny frogs and fish, rocky mountains, caves and waterfalls. The terrain throughout the hike varies as you go along, starting off with a well laid out path, leading to walking around the sides of cliffs, followed by large rocks and finishing off with a 10 minute swim into a cave which is covered in waterfalls. Pools are conveniently situated throughout the trek giving hikers the perfect opportunity to jump in and cool off! There is also a great jumping point where one can safely fling them self off a cliff into deep, cool, refreshing water.

The hike takes around 3 hrs to complete (if you are stopping for swims) and it is advised to bring water and food with you (we bought neither and struggled) as well as appropriate footwear (we wore flip flops - worst idea) as the rocks can get slippy. It is untouched nature at its best and for an added bonus it is also free (except the boat ride at the beginning which costs 1 OMR).

If you are making the trip down to Wadi Shab and looking for somewhere to stay, your best bet is Wadi Shab Resort. A mere 5 minutes away from the wadis, its cheap and cheerful and a perfect resting place. Each guest is given a large room with clean bathroom and terrace out the front. The pool is small (and slightly warm!) but there are sun beds and great views of the skyline and beach from the pool side. With one cafe, buffets are popular but the food is decent, and fills you up before the trek - for more info visit: http://wadishabresort.com/. Please note that the staff speak very little English, so head to reception if you have any queries - they are extremely helpful.

If you have time to squeeze in one more thing, head to the Sink Hole. Roughly 15 minutes away from the hotel, the big sink is a natural watering hole where anyone can go for a swim. Situated in the Hawiyat Najm Park, on the road between Dibab and Bimmah (slightly closer to Dibab) it is also a free attraction and a great site to see.