Wadi Bani Auf Travel Guide
Spectacular, isolated villages
- Ratings:
- Be the first to rate this.
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
Oman has many qualities but one of its key attractions is its mountains and the people who live within them. The Wadi Bani Auf is a spectacularly-sited valley littered with mountain streams and pools, green fields and the occasional, sometimes ruined, settlement. It provides a great excursion by 4WD drive or, for those with more time, opportunities for trekking and canyoning.
The entrance to Wadi Bani Auf is about 10 minutes' drive from Rustaq; a tiny gap in the mountains, barely seen from the main road, indicates where you enter the wadi which extends from here for some 26 km inside the hills: look for the ancient watchtower that marks its entrance.
The valley is subject to flooding when rain falls in the mountains bringing both life and destruction to villages such as Bilad Sayt, located at the head of the valley. The villagers here use the falaj system, some of which run underground, to grow mangos, citrus fruits, bananas, fodder crops, date palms and more. Their terraced fields are an attempt to beat the flooding that occurs. The springs that feed the falaj’s are said to have curative properties for skin ailments, like those at Nakhl.
Off the main valley are those of Wadi Sahtan and Wadi Bimah, also known as Snake Gorge amongst visitors. Wadi Bimah is difficult to explore with canyoning required to enter – great fun if approached properly with a knowledgeable local guide as is recommended given the propensity to flash floods in the region.
Wadi Sahtan lies off a track to the west of the main valley and leads back to Rustaq. Villagers here farm too but also make a living from keeping bees and their honey is famous.
Attractions in Wadi Bani Auf
The wadi itself is of course interesting but visits to the village of Bilad Sayt and others are the highlight and most rewarding for the visitor.
Activities in Wadi Bani Auf
The main activities are walks and treks/canyoning for which you will require a competent and experienced travel expert who can supply a good local guide. The area is visited by tourists but still in small enough numbers that local people have not been negatively affected by the visits. It is imperative that only positive encounters results from a visit to such places so use a local travel expert that understands responsible tourism and takes care to ensure visits are rewarding for all parties – and the environment. Do not be tempted to explore whether on foot or by 4WD without someone who understands the nature of flooding in the area; such floods have and do continue to cause loss of life.
Relaxing
Take a cooling dip in one of the streams and pools that are common throughout the area.
Getting Around
Access is by 4WD but there is much trekking and canyoning to enjoy – a great low-impact way of exploring. Walk into villages rather than drive in to create less disturbance.
Wadi Bani Auf Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?
