Wadi Sahtan & Wadi Bani Awf
4 Days
A great four days tour with moderate mountain hikes and an easy canyon accessible to most regular hikers. It will allow you to discover the two most beautiful valleys of the Western Hajar.
Day 1
- Transfer Muttrah - Ar Rustaq (2 h - 190 Km)
- Transfer Ar Rustaq - a hamlet in Wadi Sahtan (1 h - 35 Km)
Hike across villages in Wadi Sahtan, under the northern face of Jebel Shams (4 h). Wadi Sahtan is an impressive valley with Jebel Shams towering over it. Its north face is a 2000m cliff which evokes the feeling of being in the Himalayas. We walk along centuries old paths linking remote villages built over the mountain. We pass 3 villages before arriving at our camp. The path sometimes goes through screes which might be a bit difficult.
Bivouac in Wadi Sahtan. A wonderful campsite with unbelievable views over the north face of Jebel Shams. Individual camping tent.
JDay 2
- Hike across villages in Wadi Sahtan, in the heart of the bowl (6 h)
Hiking and swimming in Wadi Tiwi (6 h). We start hiking from our campsite and walk up and down several valleys. Almost each valley harbours a village which has its own charm. Palm gardens, falaj, terraced fields, beehives... We hike in traditional Oman. Some few passages might be a bit difficult.
- Transfer a hamlet in Wadi Sahtan - Bimah (1 h- 30 Km)
Mountain hut Bimah. A very nice and pleasant place to stay, located in the heart of Wadi Bani Awf, only a few steps from the Snake Canyon and a 5-minute drive (or 5-hour hike) from Balad Sit. It's a rustic but beautiful mountain hut with 4 dormitories (4 to 10 persons on bunkbeds), 2 private rooms, and 3 bathrooms with hot shower. Located in a natural and peaceful environment, you'll find many places to relax after hiking. Dormitory. Dormitories from 4 to 10 persons with bunkbeds and A/C. Breakfast and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3
- Walk and unforgettable swim in Wadi Shab (3 h)
Hike From Bimah to Balad Sit (5 hours ). We start in Bimah and walk up the wadi until the village of Selmah where only 3 families (3 brothers) are living. We then walk our way up through the palm gardens and go on until we reach a very narrow path. From there we see Balad Sit, another bigger village. We walk down to the village and enjoy a tour in the gardens. We finally find a very narrow gorge which we follow until we get to the car.
Mountain hut Bimah. A very nice and pleasant place to stay, located in the heart of Wadi Bani Awf, only a few steps from the Snake Canyon and a 5-minute drive (or 5-hour hike) from Balad Sit. It's a rustic but beautiful mountain hut with 4 dormitories (4 to 10 persons on bunkbeds), 2 private rooms, and 3 bathrooms with hot shower. Located in a natural and peacful environment. In the garden there are many places to relax after hiking... Dormitory Dormitories from 4 to 10 persons with bunkbeds and A/C. Breakfast and dinner at the hotel
Day 4
ACanyoning in the lower Snake Canyon (3 h). The Snake Canyon is a very narrow canyon located in Wadi Bani Awf. In some parts of the canyon, you can touch both sides at the same time… We'll start from the secondary entrance. No abseiling is required. You'll just have fun by jumping (max 4 meters), sliding, walking in the water and swimming! For thoses who don't want to jump we install short abseils.
- Transfer Zamah - Al Awabi (1 h - 30 Km)
- Transfer Al Awabi - Muttrah (2 h - 200 Km)
