Wadi Sadah, ‘coolest’ place to head to this summer

An excellent opportunity for trekkers offering distinctive landscape

July 24: With the mercury levels hovering around 40 degrees Celsius, locals and other residents across the Sultanate are forced to seek out cooler places. For those who love some adventure, hiking and trekking expeditions come as a refreshing change.

Wadi Sadah, a part of Jabal Al Akhdar in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah, is known for its geographical diversity. It is one of the best destinations for those who like to explore nature. The weather here is cool during summer.

The wadi is surrounded by a high range of mountains. One can see several water streams and waterfalls since the region has been receiving light-to-heavy showers of late. Besides, small caves used as a refuge or a resting place by locals are visible at the mountain edges.

The Sultanate abounds in such attractive places, yet it is not easy to visit them because of its rough terrain. Visitors have to climb huge rocks and, at some places, wade through fresh pools blocking the trekking route. Other potential risks are poisonous snakes and reptiles on rocky edges or in the grass and plants.

Tourists, however, find it fun to scale high rocks or swim in deep green pools.

Wadi Sadah has been attracting many amateur and professional photographers. It is described as one of the best destinations that offers an excellent opportunity to come back home with photographs.

The locals refer to ‘Sadah’ as ‘happiness’. They define a person crossing Wadi Sadah without getting into trouble as one with the ‘Luck of Happiness’. Therefore, they recommend that visitors carry first-aid equipment as a precautionary measure.

“We have witnessed many visitors who could not continue with their a distinctive ‘landscape’ trekking expedition because they did not have enough strength. Many have lost their way since they did not have a proper guide,” said the locals.

It takes about eight hours to cross this wadi starting from Saloot village, which is located at the top of Jabal Al Akhdar and descend to reach Wadi Muaiden. Anyone embarking on such an adventure should be physically fit and be ready for the rigours of the trek.