Wadi Shab: rough, green and completely unexpected

When you think of Oman, you usually imagine endless sand dunes and arid desert landscapes. But Wadi Shab doesn't fit any of these stereotypes. What awaits you there is the opposite: a green valley, hidden pools with turquoise water, and a hiking trail that feels like a mini-expedition.

The trail begins with a short boat transfer across a river, costing one rial per person, and then off you go. You walk through the gorge for about an hour, partly along small paths, partly over rocks. Sometimes you have to climb a bit, but nothing extreme. At the end, you're rewarded with a natural pool where you can swim. Those who want to continue can swim through a narrow crevice in the rock directly into a cave where a waterfall rushes. A rather unique experience, especially considering where you are.

What stuck with me most was this feeling of freshness in the middle of a region that, on the map, is almost entirely brown. It was quiet, no mass tourism, just a few local families spending their day off there. That's precisely what makes it so appealing. It doesn't feel like a tourist attraction, but rather like a place that's simply there, one you can discover if you're willing to walk a bit.

It's most pleasant if you set off early in the morning. In the midday heat, the walk can be strenuous. And good shoes that can get wet make all the difference.

Oman surprises you in many ways, but Wadi Shab is one of those places you don't expect, and that's exactly why it sticks in your mind.