Khasab and Musandam Travel Guide
Attractions for the Intrepid Traveller
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From diving and 4WD safaris to walking and dhow trips Khasab is the centre of all things Musandam. The region’s largest settlement has just 18000 people but its strategic position has ensured its success and today people visit to start their explorations of the area. With a fort to explore and the hinterland and coast to discover Khasab is bound to be on the itinerary of any traveller to the region.
Khasab Harbour continues to play an important role just as it did when, in the 17th century, the Portuguese built the nearby fort. Then as now the Musandam region was the realm of the Shihuh tribe, whose origins are thought to be in Yemen. Khasab provides a place for them and the Kamazirah people of the north to trade, buy provisions and in the hot summer months fish.
The town provides a place for people to start dhow cruises along the fjord-ridden coast, or a place to pick up provisions part way through - just as sailors have done for centuries before. Meanwhile divers can explore the warm tropical waters of the coast around Khasab where strong currents ensure much plankton and the large fish that follow.
Behind the town rugged mountains rise up over 2,000 meters and provide superb opportunities to explore on a 4WD safari meeting local people living unchanged lifestyles along the way.
Attractions in Khasab and Musandam
Khasab Fort dates from the 17th century when the Portuguese occupied the region and used Khasab as a supply base. Another fort at Bukha to the west of Khasab can also be visited whilst Kumzar to the north is accessible only by boat and is a great stop on dhow cruises. Khor A’ Najd is the only one of Musandam’s famous fjords that can be visited by road – of benefit for those without the time for a dhow trip.
Activities in Khasab and Musandam
Most people include Khasab as part of a journey around the Musandam rather than as a destination in its own right. The exception, of course, is for those that are exploring the hinterland by 4WD or on scuba trips.
Relaxing
An evening dhow trip along the coast is a great way to chill out
Getting Around
Most people tend to travel around the city by taxi (negotiate the fare before setting off) or on a guided city-tour given that they only tend to stay a day or so in the city. If exploring beyond the city itself it’s best to arrange a packaged sightseeing tour with a local travel expert who will have a number of itineraries to choose from or will be able to tailor-make something to meet your specific requirements.
Khasab and Musandam Reviews
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