*** Discovering Oman ***

The country that stole our hearts

>> Middle East // Oman // Wadi Shab

Highlights: About Oman // Muscat // Nizwa // Jebel Akhdar // Wadi Shab // Wahiba Desert // Dimaniyat // Highlights

Wadi Shab: >> A paradise oasis nestled in a canyon

This proved to be one of our absolute favorite days in Oman. Wadi Shab is one of the country’s most popular wadis to visit, and for good reason. It’s easily accessible, and the 8km return hike is a pleasant journey through beautiful landscapes. A wadi in Oman is a dry riverbed or valley that often contains seasonal streams, lush vegetation, and stunning natural scenery, offering a unique oasis in the desert terrain.

To make the most of your visit, start your hike early. We set off around 9 am and were able to reach the cave at the end of the hike with relatively few other visitors.

The hike begins at the car park, where you board a boat that takes you across a short stretch of water. The cost is around 1 OMR per person, and payment must be made in cash. It’s also worth noting that to complete the hike, you’ll need to enter the water, so be sure to wear your swimming gear and bring waterproof bags for your valuables.

The hike takes you through a beautiful valley filled with rugged terrain and sand-colored rocks. The paths are well-marked, and we saw many families with children along the way. The absolute highlight of the day was reaching the end of the trail and having to dive into the water to complete the rest of the hike. The water was deep enough that we had to swim, but the warm waters and stunning landscapes made for an incredible experience.

At the very end of the wadi, you'll find a narrow entrance that leads to a cave with a small waterfall. We navigated through the tight crack in the stone walls, but the smarter visitors simply swam underneath it.

Latest Update: Mar. 2025