Tucked away in the middle of the desert, the Wadi Bani Khalid is a beautiful oasis that both tourists and locals have a wonderful time visiting. Adding a visit here is something that should definitely be on your itinerary. Here’s what you need to know about Wadi Bani Khalid.
Getting to Wadi Bani Khalid
The ride from Muscat to Wadi Bani Khalid takes between 2.5-3 hours, and you can set off from your stay at a hotel in Muscat such as the property Avani Muscat Hotel, early and get there before the heat makes going outside uninviting. The ride off the highway to the Wadi takes about 40 minutes because you have to drive slowly through the villages.
The Large Pool at Wadi Bani Khalid
This pool is hard to miss, as it is the largest pool in the area. It is usually the most crowded, and you’ll usually find people gathered around the lake enjoying picnics. You can take a dip in the pool if you wish (dress modestly!), and there are several spots you can dive from since the water is quite deep. If swimming isn’t your thing, dip your feet into the water and let the fish nibble away the dead skin, a tingling yet pleasant sensation that’s a popular form of therapy.
The Upper Pool and Canyons
Traverse higher up from the lower pools to get to these canyons, as they’re usually far less crowded compared to the lower pools. Be careful when climbing, however, the rocks can be a bit slippery. The pools are warm from the blazing sunlight but can still be quite a refreshing dip, and some even have miniature waterfalls.