Wadi Bani Khalid
Wadi Bani Khalid
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- Dyena MugenSydney, Australia97 contributionsJuxtaposition of two scenic landscapes: valley and desertHad an amazing experience in the wadi where the water was clear and the temperature was just right! It was about a 15 minute walk from the car park with children. The walk isn’t hard but can be slippery and challenging when you’re walking in flip flops. I’ve read blogs and have seen pictures of people wearing one piece swimmers but in reality you should be covered modestly (mid torso - arms, shoulders, thighs) otherwise you won’t be let in. We left early in the morning from Muscat and arrived 11am. It became super busy around 12pm onwards (parking was a nightmare when we left). While we were there, tourists and locals were taking advantage of the great weather and picnicking around the wadi. There is a place to buy food however we just carried some small snacks along with us. Our tour guide told us that if it rained, it was unlikely we were able get to the wadi as the road becomes flooded and not accessible! In fact, people who live in the area are usually trapped in their homes during wet weathers. Overall, it was truly a beautiful place to visit and the experience was very unique! One thing we were surprised about is feeling and seeing little fishes pecking our skin in the wadi. It was certainly a strange sensation, getting nibbled on by sea creatures whilst frolicking in the water.Visited January 2022Traveled with familyWritten January 9, 2022
- Philip_BolsterGroningen, The Netherlands806 contributionsRefreshing swimSwimming in the wadi is a nice experience. To get there please do not rely on google maps which directs you to the left shortly before arrival to a road that cannot be used with a normal car. Just follow the surfaced road till the end and you will find sufficient parking spots. After parking the car follow the path to the large waterhole and continue at the right to the cave. After 5 minutes you will find smaller waterholes which are less crowded.Visited February 2020Traveled with familyWritten March 1, 2020
- Cheryl GOttawa, Canada140 contributionsBeautiful spot but very busyWow, definitely a beautiful spot and worth the visit! But extremely busy to the point that it was tough to really enjoy it. We did a picnic lunch on the lower pool but my recommendation to you would be to climb and head back to the upper pools to get away from the crowds. Wish I had done that! Ended up not swimming due to time limitations but would love to have done so (despite the restrictions on what I would have had to wear) -- again, in the upper pools. The lower pool was very busy. Worth the stop. If you have the time, there is a road on the right hand side as you leave the Wadi that leads through a small village then up up up the mountain. At the top, there are FANTASTIC views of the wadi. Loved the advantages of having a guide to show you secret places like this! Enjoy!Visited February 2020Written February 20, 2020
- Peter MVienna, Austria154 contributionsNice, but crowded.Its quite a trip to go there. The landscape is really great, but I was there on a Friday and it was totally crowded. I arrived at around 11:30 AM and the parking space was filled with about 300 cars. The landscape is really nice but I didn't want to swim there with hundreds of other people. Should be there early in the morning. There are smaller wadis with almost no people around.Visited December 2019Written January 24, 2020
- Kimia KhaneghahDubai, United Arab Emirates46 contributionsBeautiful NatureThe Wadi is amazing. Its desert meets tropical climate meets fresh water meets mountains. Really nice temperature to swim in as well. Even in the summer months! What I don't see here is guidance that the water is actually quite deep. Reaching over 3 meters at some points so recommended that you are a decent swimmer.Visited April 2022Written May 4, 2022
- Howarth SWorcestershire, United Kingdom544 contributionsPhotogenic sceneryWonderful water colours in this wadi. Also lots of fish, beetles, water weed and snails. Lovely temperature. Take shorts and tshirts if you are female for swimming. Another 15 min walk from the first wadi takes you to a second one with an entrance to a cave system.Visited January 2020Written January 11, 2020
- khadoojaMuscat, Oman34 contributionsA Must in OmanA Must when in Oman, its beautiful with so much to do. you can walk around the rocks, swim in the pools, get into a narrow cave with water inside. for day/night tours in Oman you can contract Khadija on +968 79102401Visited January 2022Written January 8, 2022
- Brun066Florence, Italy12,000 contributionsAn attraction not to be missed for those in the vicinity of Al Kamil.Compared to other wadis of the Hajar mountains (for example Wadi Shab), Wadi Bani Khalid has a more fancy look; in the sense that the lower part of it, closer to the paved roads, has an almost busy public park appearance (even if the running water is obviously of natural origin). In the lower part of the wadi, the waters are contained in a basin of placid water, due to its width tending to be stagnant in some corners. On the other hand, it is equipped with picnic areas, romantic bridges and other architectural elements. However, going up the gorge the canyon becomes rougher, although it can be traveled without particular difficulties (however, it is not allowed to people with reduced mobility). You walk along a path partly dug into the rock (but still not exposed), or you can choose to dive into the natural pools, featuring green waters, which fill the white limestone basins. The temperature is pleasant for swimming, even in the cooler months. Proceeding further, we arrive at a point where the valley widens, and therefore instead of the flow of water, its bottom is largely occupied by a dry and pebbly expanse, which is, among other things, a picnic spot, more secluded than that of the lower wadi course. As I understand it, further on is the so-called Moqal Cave; when you don't even want to face the crossing of the eastern Hajar Mountains, which after almost thirty Kms and two days leads to Tiwi, on the northern coast. But that was not our purpose. Overall, Wadi Bani Khalid, even if in my opinion it is less glamorous than Wadi Shab, is still a must-see attraction for those who are (or pass by) in the vicinity of Al Kamil town.Visited January 2023Written February 16, 2023
- pizote67Sondrio, Italy439 contributionsNice wadi experienceWe arrived around 10am and took an easy hike (10min) to the second pool (the first one you need to wear long swimsuit). We relaxed and swam for half an hour with nodoby else around. The water is pretty warm in April. Nice wadi experience.Visited April 2022Written April 25, 2022
- wadi shab Local Tour Guide 🇴🇲Tiwi, Oman25 contributionsWadi bani Khalidn 🇴🇲 ahmedWe Guide you in wadi bani khalid, so nice and exelante cave and Adventure, with good resturant in the leak (pool) with good food. For book your Adventure just whatsapp 0096892114171 omawadishabresort@gmail.comVisited March 2020Traveled soloWritten March 8, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
4.5
853 reviews
Excellent
489
Very good
286
Average
61
Poor
11
Terrible
6
Peter M
Vienna, Austria154 contributions
Dec 2019
Its quite a trip to go there. The landscape is really great, but I was there on a Friday and it was totally crowded. I arrived at around 11:30 AM and the parking space was filled with about 300 cars. The landscape is really nice but I didn't want to swim there with hundreds of other people. Should be there early in the morning. There are smaller wadis with almost no people around.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimia Khaneghah
Dubai, United Arab Emirates46 contributions
Apr 2022
The Wadi is amazing. Its desert meets tropical climate meets fresh water meets mountains. Really nice temperature to swim in as well. Even in the summer months! What I don't see here is guidance that the water is actually quite deep. Reaching over 3 meters at some points so recommended that you are a decent swimmer.
Written May 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howarth S
Worcestershire, UK544 contributions
Jan 2020
Wonderful water colours in this wadi. Also lots of fish, beetles, water weed and snails. Lovely temperature. Take shorts and tshirts if you are female for swimming. Another 15 min walk from the first wadi takes you to a second one with an entrance to a cave system.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
khadooja
Muscat, Oman34 contributions
Jan 2022
A Must when in Oman, its beautiful with so much to do. you can walk around the rocks, swim in the pools, get into a narrow cave with water inside.
for day/night tours in Oman you can contract Khadija on +968 79102401
for day/night tours in Oman you can contract Khadija on +968 79102401
Written January 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brun066
Florence, Italy12,000 contributions
Jan 2023
Compared to other wadis of the Hajar mountains (for example Wadi Shab), Wadi Bani Khalid has a more fancy look; in the sense that the lower part of it, closer to the paved roads, has an almost busy public park appearance (even if the running water is obviously of natural origin).
In the lower part of the wadi, the waters are contained in a basin of placid water, due to its width tending to be stagnant in some corners. On the other hand, it is equipped with picnic areas, romantic bridges and other architectural elements.
However, going up the gorge the canyon becomes rougher, although it can be traveled without particular difficulties (however, it is not allowed to people with reduced mobility). You walk along a path partly dug into the rock (but still not exposed), or you can choose to dive into the natural pools, featuring green waters, which fill the white limestone basins. The temperature is pleasant for swimming, even in the cooler months.
Proceeding further, we arrive at a point where the valley widens, and therefore instead of the flow of water, its bottom is largely occupied by a dry and pebbly expanse, which is, among other things, a picnic spot, more secluded than that of the lower wadi course.
As I understand it, further on is the so-called Moqal Cave; when you don't even want to face the crossing of the eastern Hajar Mountains, which after almost thirty Kms and two days leads to Tiwi, on the northern coast. But that was not our purpose.
Overall, Wadi Bani Khalid, even if in my opinion it is less glamorous than Wadi Shab, is still a must-see attraction for those who are (or pass by) in the vicinity of Al Kamil town.
In the lower part of the wadi, the waters are contained in a basin of placid water, due to its width tending to be stagnant in some corners. On the other hand, it is equipped with picnic areas, romantic bridges and other architectural elements.
However, going up the gorge the canyon becomes rougher, although it can be traveled without particular difficulties (however, it is not allowed to people with reduced mobility). You walk along a path partly dug into the rock (but still not exposed), or you can choose to dive into the natural pools, featuring green waters, which fill the white limestone basins. The temperature is pleasant for swimming, even in the cooler months.
Proceeding further, we arrive at a point where the valley widens, and therefore instead of the flow of water, its bottom is largely occupied by a dry and pebbly expanse, which is, among other things, a picnic spot, more secluded than that of the lower wadi course.
As I understand it, further on is the so-called Moqal Cave; when you don't even want to face the crossing of the eastern Hajar Mountains, which after almost thirty Kms and two days leads to Tiwi, on the northern coast. But that was not our purpose.
Overall, Wadi Bani Khalid, even if in my opinion it is less glamorous than Wadi Shab, is still a must-see attraction for those who are (or pass by) in the vicinity of Al Kamil town.
Written February 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pizote67
Sondrio, Italy439 contributions
Apr 2022
We arrived around 10am and took an easy hike (10min) to the second pool (the first one you need to wear long swimsuit). We relaxed and swam for half an hour with nodoby else around. The water is pretty warm in April.
Nice wadi experience.
Nice wadi experience.
Written April 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wadi shab Local Tour Guide 🇴🇲
Tiwi, Oman25 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
n 🇴🇲 ahmedWe Guide you in wadi bani khalid, so nice and exelante cave and Adventure, with good resturant in the leak (pool) with good food. For book your Adventure just whatsapp 0096892114171 omawadishabresort@gmail.com
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kamila N
94 contributions
Dec 2019
Krásná příroda, čistá voda ale hodně lidí.
Beautiful place, clear water but many visitors there.
Parking OK.
Toiliets - yes, traditional
Restaurant - yes,but crowded
Beautiful place, clear water but many visitors there.
Parking OK.
Toiliets - yes, traditional
Restaurant - yes,but crowded
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AHR
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
The view was perfect ,and our driver @101bader was friendly, chatty , nice and understandable. He took us to the desert and lots more places. But wadi bani Khalid and the desert were the best. He was like A brother to us.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex S
East Kilbride, UK49 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Great spot well worth a visit. If you go I’d use walking shoes or boots till you get to the spot your happy with and change into flip flops there. There is a cafe doing a small but good selection of food and toilets. Be prepared to do a little climbing, nothing hard. If your visiting the cave take a head torch. If you forget there is sometimes a young man renting them, after school and weekends. Getting into the cave will require you to crawl the first few feet but it opens up after that and you can stand. There is a dress code for all who are swimming.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard P
Muscat, Oman
Hi good morning, you already open? i had good experience Here, that why i recommend to all my friend to visit with our friends. We planning to by this week, or next week if its ok now to visit your place. Thanks and regard.
Stefania M
Copenhagen, Denmark3 contributions
Hi,
Is anyone going to any Wadi’s in the next two days?
Unfortunately me and my boyfriend could not rent a car and there is no public transport from Muskat to Wadi. We could share the gas costs and enjoy Wadi together 😄
Hi, how about the next week and we can shear the car rent fees?
Vinni
Bolzano, Italy13 contributions
Ciao,
si trova un posto da parcheggiare se si arriva li a mezzogiorno ca.?
alex t. freelander
Rome, Italy529 contributions
si ma in effetti c'è moltissima gente, parcheggerai lontano soprattutto se è sabato
Pastenague
Paris, France17 contributions
D'accord avec votre appréciation sur le lieu, mais moyennement sur celle ce Couleurs d'Oman.
Leur prestation fut moyenne avec nous, et extrêmement chère.
nous ne recommanderons donc que le lieu, qui est magnifique.
Ale
Verona, Italy15 contributions
Si può raggiungere con una semplice berlina?
Gaetano Di Tursi
San Pietro in Bevagna, Italy55 contributions
Noi abbiamo affittato una Jeep 4x4 in quanto in molte recensioni consigliavano una 4x4. Ma se non si deve andare in posti sterrati non è assolutamente necessaria. Le strade in Oman sono buone e quindi anche una berlina va bene. Anche alle Wadi ci si arriva comodamente con strade asfaltate
Tambli
Engelberg, Switzerland184 contributions
Hi there, how much time would you plan to explore this Wadi? Some swimming time included, but no major hikes? Thank you!
AmandaWales72
Cardiff, UK54 contributions
You won't need much longer than an hour if you are doing the swimming. Although if you trek further up and swim down you may need another hour. It is worth going a little further up to experience the full beauty. Some of the swimming sections near the bottom can be a little mossy and slippery.
wathsala2017
Dubai, United Arab Emirates7 contributions
Hellow ! How much will cost me to get here from Muscat. Please tell in OMR.
Angelo O
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia220 contributions
Better you rent a car! It takes 3hours go there. Every hotel in Muscat offers different package depending the number of people. I can’t remember the price but I confirm it’s expensive.
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Claim your listingWadi Bani Khalid (Al Kamil Wal Wafi) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Wadi Bani Khalid
- We recommend booking Wadi Bani Khalid tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 33 Wadi Bani Khalid tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Wadi Bani Khalid:
- Private Safari Wahiba Sands and Wadi Bani Khalid from Muscat (From $200.00)
- Desert Safari Sharing Tours (From $149.99)
- Wadi Bani Khalid Tour ( per vehicle) (From $388.38)
- Wahiba Sands And Wadi Bani Khalid (From $208.00)
- Desert experience - Private Wahiba sands full day tour (From $199.00)
Wadi Bani Khalid Information
| Excellent Reviews | 489 |
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| Very Good Reviews | 286 |
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