Oman's wadis are some of the best in the Middle East. Adventure lovers in Oman continue to be attracted by these wadis because they offer different levels of entertainment and without a doubt, these natural waterparks are bringing more joy as they offer relaxation and allow visitors to be closer to nature.
One of the most visited wadis as of late is Wadi Al Hoqain in the wilayat of Rustaq located about two hours drive away from the capital Muscat. With its year-round flowing waterfalls and crystal clear waters, a visit to this place would justify why it's becoming a beloved destination for many adventure seekers.
Wadi Al Hoqain is an extension of Wadi Bani Ghafer. During rainy seasons, it is a force of nature you don't want to be caught in as the flooding usually is so strong the water will take away whatever is on its way.
But in summer and calm season, it is one of the most scenic destinations with beautiful cliffs and stone structures and allows access to beautiful gardens right at the end of the wadi. For many visitors, Al Khandaq, a portion of the wadi where beautiful rock formations can be found is the best place where tourists come to stay.
Many portions of the wadi are lush green because of the collection of date palms and gardens. Other than the beautiful terrain where the water flows, some portions are also beloved by guests because of the sulphuric sediments collected on rocks and the bottom of the pools. This enhances the overall aesthetic of some swimming holes. There are also therapeutic hot springs that people visit either for pleasure or relaxation and locals believe that dipping into these pools can cure some skin diseases.
Camping enthusiasts love Al Hoqain because of the many different options one can camp with easy access to the water. In summer times, dozens of campers can be found in nearly all of the best spots enjoying the chance to have a nice long bath and get refreshed by the sulfur water.
For those who haven't visited Wadi al Hoqain yet, there are several distinct attractions you have to see. Near one of the villages is a man-made dam where the water overflows and creates a mesmerising waterfall that allows you to take beautiful Instagram-worthy photos.
The water from the wadi also flows to different aflaj that irrigates the farms in places like Al Janaiba, Al Hafi, Ain Aali and Al Shuaiba — all homes of farmers that rely on agricultural crops and fruit trees for day to day living. Other than the date palm trees, lemons, mangoes and various other seasonal crops also grow in the gardens here.
For those who enjoy caving, the cliffs of the wadi also offer many different caves for you to explore. Scattered in the long stretch of cliffs are the caves of Khubat Al-Zarqa, Al-Saradib, Al-Sarifiniyah, Jewar Thuraya, Al-Murasrasah, Janat Al-Fard, Al-Ma’idin, and Jewar Helis. The caves are usually shallow and cannot be compared to other cave systems in Oman but they are worth checking out from some amazing features inside and outside the caves.
Beyond the wadi, there are many astonishing ancient buildings that can be explored to learn more about the history of the area. One of these is Al Hoqain Fort built around a hundred years ago on a hill surrounded by lush gardens. The fort has several towers that were used for military purposes and observation. A few metres from this tower is the beautiful Al Hazm Castle built originally for defence but also includes some of the most beautiful architectural wonders one can find in an old building. Renovated recently, the castle is now equipped with digital guides and descriptions to make your tour a great experience.
If you're looking for a destination to check out next, consider Wadi Al Hoqain in your plans. Just a heads up, to access some of the best places, you may have to leave your car and hike several metres.
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