OFF-ROADING EXPERIENCE IN OMAN

WHETHER it is the tough rugged terrains of Jabal Shams or the long sand dunes stretches of Sharqiyah Sands, Oman gives you enough and more choices to have off-road adventures.

As these places are mostly well connected with roads and highways, going off-roads in Oman isn’t difficult.

All you need in a sturdy fourwheel drive, plenty of water and food on-board, first aid kit, route maps, GPS and communication devices. But most important is to be aware of the roads and the weather on the day of your travel.

If you are driving in the wadis or mountains, be careful of sharp rocks and turns to avoid tyre punctures and accidents. And if you are in a desert, make sure to deflate the tyres. Also ensure that your vehicle has enough fuel.

According to Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, “Driving four-wheel vehicles is different in the desert from the mountain, and driving in the rugged valleys is different from driving in shallow waters. When travelling through Oman, you are bound to find in each valley and mountain a semi-paved road that cuts through the top of the mountain or the bottom of the valley.

“Valleys differ in nature and some are easy to traverse, while others require superb driving and manoeuvring skills.” One such drive is in Wadi Al Ta’iyeen which stretches for a distance of around 82 kilometres from start to finish.

Located in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, Wadi Al Ta’iyeen extends over 80 kilometres across Al Hajar Mountains on Bidbid- Sur Road. It is dotted with rocks, acacia trees and small hills overlooked by the mountains on both sides.

There are some ruins at the foot of the mountain visible on the left side of the road as you make your way through the farming villages towards Al Subul Village, which is at the junction of Ta’iyeen and Wadi Ad Dayqah, a narrow valley that is difficult to manoeuvre by car.

For those who love to go offroads in wadis, Wadi Shab, off the Muscat-Sharqiyah highway near Tiwi village is a must visit.

And if you are looking for some adrenaline rush visit Oman’s highest peak, Jabal Shams situated at 3009 metres above sea level.