Wadi al Arabiyeen

The first 8 km of Wadi Arabyieen

The Wadi al Arabyieen is well developed with a mostly single-lane gravel road. Scattered throughout the wadi are several small settlements that are still inhabited today. Especially in the rear part of the wadi, where the water increases in volume and even small waterfalls can be seen.

At the mouth of the wadi, dry rock faces rise into the sky. We have to drive a good 8 km before the wadi becomes more overgrown. This is where the first pools of water and vegetation appear and from here onwards the wadi becomes more varied.

Evening walk

We decide to stay overnight for the first time. Very few vehicles, most of them locals in their pick-ups, drive through the valley. Instead, we hear the wonderful singing of birds and the croaking of toads as we fall asleep. The peace and quiet is wonderful again and the moderate wind creates a pleasant climate.

We set off on an evening walk before sunset and enjoy the golden evening light. The light and shade enhance the beauty of the valley even more.

And another 20 kilometers of Wadi Arabyieen

We set off in the beautiful morning light. Our destination is the end of the road. The wadi itself goes even further, but we want to leave it at that.
Wonderful morning light, hardly any other vehicles, the diesel engine humming away. What a feeling. The gravel road leads in places through overflowing water on a rolling gravel surface. That’s why we always switch to four-wheel drive. We also use the four-wheel drive for better traction on particularly steep inclines, which can easily exceed the 20% mark. And our MAN runs and runs.

End of the drivable gravel road

At the end of the drivable gravel road, we set off on foot. We follow small streams and come to small waterfalls, hear toads croaking and birds singing – a peaceful atmosphere hangs over the countryside. Taking photos is fun and helps us to immerse ourselves even more in the landscape. We are simply content and happy.
But it’s a good thing we set off in good time, because small groups of tourists soon appear. But we drive back to our beautiful campsite.

Thierry and Christine

We met them in Namibia with their motorhome “Gandalf”, then met twice in Zambia and now here. Therry is of French descent, Christine of German. They are traveling the world in their 4×4 Iveco Daily and have already explored Africa extensively.

We are happy to be with the two of them and have fun together. We had planned to drive the Wahiba Sands in Oman together, but a defect in their vehicle prevented us from doing so.

Onward journey to Muscat

At about 2/3 of the wadi there is an exit via a gravel road in the direction of Muscat. So you don’t have to drive all the way back. The track is in good condition, but again with some longer sections with a gradient of 20% or more. With the four-wheel drive, however, we have no grip problems and our MAN with its 280 hp has plenty of power. In an emergency, we could even engage the crawling gear and the reduction, but this is not necessary.

Nutmeg – Mutrah Corniche

Our destination today is the Mutrah Corniche. The well-kept coastal road near Mutrah with sidewalks for strolling. Here, at the Greek restaurant Thalasso and at “The Sustainable City – Yiti Experience Center”. There is a relatively quiet parking lot by the sea here, which we are happy to use for the time being during our stay in Muscat. Yes, and the Greek restaurant on the doorstep is also convenient for us, which is why we stop here twice.

The Sustainable City – Yiti Experience Center

Next to the restaurant, we visit the exhibition that presents a new city in the south of Muscat. The city model fascinates us. In this sustainable city, emphasis is placed on renewable energies. The entire settlement is also aimed at non-Omanis. Foreigners receive a permanent visa for their entire family when they buy a house or apartment.

All necessary facilities, as well as health care etc. are available. There are bridle paths, cycle paths, footpaths and hiking trails and much more. Certainly an idea worth considering to spend the cold European winters here in the warmth and sun.