'Nactafi Athar Aslafina' (following our ancestors’ traces) is not merely a long-distance walking journey. It is a cultural and heritage-driven vision that seeks to revive the historic routes once travelled by Omanis between villages and towns, restoring the meaning of the road as an essential part of identity itself.
Here, stories blend with places and every step becomes a form of “field storytelling”, introducing people, especially young generations, to paths that once served as lifelines for life, trade and social connection long before modern roads and highways existed.
Hilmi al Kindi, founder and originator of the initiative, explains that the philosophy behind the initiative represents a “conscious return” to the geography that shaped the memory of earlier generations. The aim, he says, is not only physical endurance, but connecting history with lived experience: walking the same routes, passing through the same villages, standing before forts and ancient quarters; and listening to the stories of residents who still preserve the spirit of these places as their forefathers knew them.
Speaking about the initiative, Al Kindi said ”we don’t walk just to arrive... we walk to understand how our ancestors arrived. These paths carry stories and every village you pass through teaches you patience, cooperation and simplicity”. The initiative operates under the supervision of Saud al Kindi, who provides strategic direction, sets priorities and strengthens partnerships. It is led by Hilmi al Kindi, who established its framework and methodology. Nawaf al Sulaimani serves as a key pillar, supporting planning, logistics and on-ground execution alongside the team.
During the current season, the team completed the first phase of the initiative in preparation for its official launch. The heritage expedition lasted five days, during which the adventurers covered nearly 130 km across four wilayats in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, retracing the ancient routes that once connected Omani communities.
The journey included Hilmi al Kindi, Nawaf al Sulaimani and Nasser al Falahi; and began from Misfat al Abriyeen in the Wilayat of Al Hamra.
THE ROUTE OF THE JOURNEY
The journey began in Misfat al Abriyeen, passing through Al Bilad village before heading toward Bahla, the first major station between rural settlements and historic towns.
Day Two: In a stage combining history and nature, the team continued towards Jabrin Fort, passing Bahla Fort and several traditional neighbourhoods that still preserve their authentic architectural character.
Day Three: The longest stretch of the expedition covered nearly 45 kilometres, from Jabrin Fort to Harat Al Bilad in Manah, crossing several villages between Bahla and Nizwa.
On the fourth day, the route extended towards Al Maamad and Al Mara, then through Karsha, Radt Al Busaidi, Al Jil and Farq in the Wilayat of Nizwa, marking the end of the penultimate stage.
On the final day, the team entered Nizwa city centre, walking through Nizwa Souq, Harat Al Aqr and Al Ghantq, visiting Al Samad Mosque and Radda Al Kunood, before concluding at Harat Al Suwaiq heritage quarter, where residents warmly welcomed the group with a cultural programme and guided tour through the old alleyways.
The expedition was sponsored by Durrat Al Misfahand led by Dr Engineer Mohammed al Mughairi, the lodge's founder and owner. He noted that the journey was completed according to schedule and highlighted that supporting “Tracing Our Ancestors” reflects a commitment to promoting Oman’s historical pathways, cultural landmarks and heritage tourism.
Dr Al Mughairi said Initiatives like this transform heritage from images into lived experiences. When young people walk these routes themselves, history becomes real and personal.
Following the completion of Phase One, the “Following Our Ancestors’ Traces” team is preparing for its next launch from Samad Al Kindi, continuing the previous route through Misfat Al Abriyeen, Bahla, Manah and Nizwa.
The long-term vision will gradually expand from Around Oman to around the Gulf to around the world.
The team hopes to conduct two expeditions this winter, or at least one, while preparing for a stronger upcoming season aimed at completing a comprehensive journey around Oman.
Summing up the initiative’s ambition, Al Kindi said we want the old paths to become a living map that people walk, not forget... and for ‘Tracing Our Ancestors’ to grow into a continuous project that introduces people to Oman the way our forefathers once knew it step by step.
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