Description
WADI BANI KHALID, OMAN
View Points
Heights
Kid Friendly
Water features
Oman
Intermediate
Water Canyoning - Camping
Wadi Bani Khalid, located at the end of the Village of Bada, is one of the most popular weekend destinations within the Sultanate. It is both a magical canyoned-oasis and a proper family park. Emerald pools, ghayl irrigation networks, fish, long slender reeds, and white limestone canyon walls are just a few of the wonders to behold. Towards the end of the park, you will find Maqal Cave, which contains a small network of low passages brimming with bats, limestone walls, and even a rapid-moving water channel funneling at the end of the cave.
The wadi lies 220 kilometers from Muscat and receives its name from the tribes of Bani Khalid, who had settled the area a few hundred years prior. The villagers still practice traditional methods of agriculture, livestock breeding, and handicraft making. Shepherding is done by elder-Omani women of the local families. The number of livestock in the province, or ‘Wilayat’ of Bani Khalid, is estimated at more than 25,000 domestic animals, becoming a main source of livelihood for many families of the valley. Cultivating of the “Red banana”, a banana with a unique red color and sweet taste, is a summer attraction provided by the local farms. It is said that these red bananas were brought by the first Omanis who traveled back from Africa in the nineteenth century.
Hike
After driving from the border for most of the morning, we will use the late afternoon/early evening to explore the park area with the water pools and the cave. Most of the swimming, climbing, and proper canyoning will be reserved for the following day. Be prepared for scrambling, deep water swimming, as well as some narrow and slippery canyons to test your adventure spirit!
Upcoming dates
| DATE | TIME | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, May 11, 2024 – Sunday, May 12, 2024 | 7:00 AM Meet-up | AED 550 |
Note:
+ AED 85 Border Crossing Fees for Residents/AED 235 for Tourists
+ AED 120 Oman Car insurance if not covered in the Sultanate (both to be paid at the border)
Trip Details
Schedule
Day 1
5:00 AM: Leave Dubai
7:00 AM: Meet at the Hatta Border (UAE Side)
8:00-9:00 AM: Complete border crossing (UAE exit, visa and car insurance checks)
2:30 – 4:30 PM: Travel to Wadi Bani Khalid (keeping in mind stops along the way, including lunch and bathroom breaks)
3:30 – 8:00 PM: Explore Wadi Ban Khalid Park and Muqal Cave
8:00 – 10:00 PM: Set up camp, prepare dinner, chat by the fire or head to bed early
Day 2
6:00 – 7:30 AM: Pack and have breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 AM: Arrive at second wadi location to begin waterfall route
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Complete canyoning activity, begin the drive home
6:00 – 7:30 PM: Arrive at Hatta Border (Oman Side)
9:30 – 10:30 PM: Arrive back in Dubai
What’s Included
— Guided trek by certified trip leaders (Wilderness First Aid)
— Dinner/Breakfast (lunch for both days will not be provided)
— Personal Flotation Devices
— Assistant guide(s)
What to Bring
— Original Passport (6 Months Validity)
— Copy of Vaccination (Al Hosn) or PCR that has validity for 48 hours from when you need to cross the border again
— Comfortable clothes for trekking (can get wet), swimming, and change for two days
— Sunblock
— Water and snacks for hiking
— Shoes for hiking (Keen water sandals)
— 3+ Liters of water
— Snacks
Optional:
— Waterproof camera case
What to bring for the camp:
— Tent
— Blankets/sleeping bag
— Inflatable mattress or sleeping pad
— Flashlights/camping light
— Toiletries
— Warm clothing at night
— Portable charger
— Sandals
Trail Info
Trail Type: One-way
Distance: 5 KM
Elevation Gain: 92 M
Trail Time: 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty level
Day 1 Beginner+ (4/10)
Day 2 Intermediate (6/10)
(slippery areas, light bouldering, climbing up the canyon and waterways at points, hazardous species, off-roading into remote locations)
