Wadi Shab ? 5 Reasons You Should Go To Right Now.

Why is wadi ash shab so popular?

A secret waterfall, an incredible hiking trail, walking through rocks in a valley between mountains, jumping in crystal clear blue natural water pools in a narrow canyon, and swimming to a cave with falling water. And ticking off all the boxes, Wadi Shab makes it to the top of every adventurer’s list. Wadi Ash Shab is one of the most famous valleys in Oman, with water descending from the highest mountains of Bani Jaber.

History

This valley has an archaeological history; the circular huts of fishers dating back to the fourth millennium BC indicate the practice of fishing craft in this era. You may enjoy many activities, including hiking, swimming in pools of pure water, and a journey of adventure. Wadi Shab is going to give you an experience of a lifetime.

Before heading to wadi shab, we will give you all you need to know so that you may clear your brain and learn how to have a wonderful time.

How to get there?

Wadi Shab is located in Tiwi, which is a part of Sur in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. The place is easily accessible from Muscat with only a two-hour drive, and you can combine your trip here with a visit to Wadi Tiwi. If you have your own car, you should click this MAP, and the map will do the rest.

Planning tips

• I recommend going early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to swim nearly alone.
• Avoid going on weekends since it becomes quite busy with locals (Fri-Sat).
• The best time to visit Wadi Shab is during the summer months. During the winter months, the water will be cold.

Considering how beautiful and moderate the weather gets in that season in Oman, it can make your tour as comfortable as possible.

Things to do ( The five reasons)

Boat ride

The first task here starts with a boat ride to the Wadi. However, it is a fun experience to start off your trip. You can explore the canyon and enjoy all the beautiful sights. The hike begins after the mini-cruise, which takes you from the parking lot to the trailhead, costing only 1 OMR (2ways) per person. The boats usually start at 8 am and close up by 5 pm. So make sure to reach the point where the boats dropped you by 5 in the evening, cause you don’t want to miss the last boat and get abandoned in the Wadi all alone.

Hiking

After getting off of the boat, the main hike starts. First, you’ll be greeted with plain lands of farms and palm trees telling you you’re in Oman, which is mostly desert land. But as you move ahead, the bare ground starts narrowing into the valley. And soon, you’ll be on a trail surrounded by boulders, and below you can see the river with water that looks phenomenal. The sights you’ll be presented with will blow off your mind. The trek isn’t that hard until now. Most of the trail can be enjoyed by “any moderately active, healthy person,” But from the boulders, as the roads get narrower, it gets a little tricky. So be careful in taking your steps and follow the arrows that lead you to the pools.

Swimming

To get the utmost experience in the pools in Wadi, you should absolutely consider your swimming skills as essentials. You should at least know how to take a dive through narrow caves or stay afloat for at least 10-15 mins cause there’ll be nothing to hold onto inside the cave when you’ll be enjoying the waterfalls.

Pools

The Pools are mainly what you always see on the internet. The crystal clear blue water attracts the tourists to visit this Wadi mostly, right after the waterfall.

The first pool

The first pool you’ll find is pretty long and of moderate depth. If you’re not carrying a Waterproof bag for your belongings, this is where you’ll be leaving your stuff. If you’re not that good of a swimmer, the first pool is for you. This one is a bit narrow and shallow and mostly remains crowded. But with the day increasing, the crowd dies off. And you can have the pool to yourself by 3 in the afternoon.

The second pool

As you move on to the second pool, the road to it comes off a bit rock-strewn with pebbles. If you’re carrying flip-flops in your bag, it’s time to take them out. The second pool is not as big as the first one but is a bit deeper. 

The third pool

The third pool is the deepest and longest of all. It would be best if you were very skilled to cross the third one. By the end of this pool, you’ll meet a small crack or a narrow cave that will look somewhat like only your head will fit through, but you can swim through it or take a dive to the exit. Beyond this cave lies the gem that everyone comes to this Wadi in the first place.

The waterfall and cave

Inside the narrow slit in the rocks, you’ll discover a hidden, fantastic, natural waterfall of crystal-clear blue water. You’ll find people diving from heights into the pool inside the cave. By the waterfall side, you can climb up the rocks to get to the top and jump off. Or, from the outside of the cave, you can find ropes to climb up and enter the waterfall through that way. If you are not into that, there is a natural bench carved from the rock which you can just sit and take in the beauty of the place. However, if you are not a good swimmer, do not enter.

What to Pack for wadi shab hike

Water, Water, Water:

Yes, you’re correct. I mentioned water three times because staying hydrated is essential. You have to walk in the sun which burns numerous calories, and you will be tired. As a result, carry sufficient water for yourself.

Sun protection: 

Sunglasses are required for the trip, although you may avoid wearing them by wearing a cap. More important, remember to apply sunscreen to your skin. The product has a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, while SPF 30 is suggested for a trip.

Hiking or Waterproof Shoes:

You’ll be going through rocky roads that may get slippery. It’s even possible to walk through water. Hiking isn’t much fun if you don’t have good sports shoes that provide the necessary comfort for hiking or climbing hills.

Waterproof bag:

It’s inconvenient without a waterproof bag. You’re going to be swimming in the pools. Make sure you have waterproof bags and covers for all of your electronic gadgets. You will not be able to snap photographs unless you can cover your camera. You can also keep your food dry.