Wadi means "valley" in Arabic and these dissect and run through the mountains forming narrow or large gaps. They are mainly dry with a few of them having water year round. Should there be rain however, these wadis get flooded with fast flowing water from the mountains.The wadis usually hold luscious greenery, amidst idyllic settings with blue pools of water, running streams and small but clear sparkling waterfalls. These wadis usually support dozens of small villages due to its fertility and are fringed by lime, mango and bananna trees besides others including date palms.
Wadi
Ghul: is located approx 15 Kms from Al Hamra. Over here one can see an
abandoned persian village perched on the sides of a steep cliff. Wadi ghul
has a recharged dam built to stop floodwaters from washing into Al Hamra
and to allow water to be stored and drained down into the Wadi
bed.
Misfah: located approx 10 Kms from Al Hamra is an incredible
village of ancient houses and narrow streets perched in a valley amidst the
mountains. The village abounds in greenery and date palms. The falaj system
in Misfah is fascinating since the water weaves its way in a snakelike fashion
along the mountain side and special channels in-turn redirect the water down
to different levels of the mountain side.
Jebel Akhdar Mountains: A good approach to the Jebel Akhdar mountains
is from past Wadi Ghul, around 45 Kms up. Jebel Akhdar is called "Green Mountain"
due to the number of small bushes and trees that grow along the mountain
sides.
The mountain village people who live around here weave a lot of handicrafts
like rugs, slippers and belts all woven from the hairs of the goats they
look after. The
road which snakes up the side of the mountain reaching the high plateau,
rewards the traveller with a dramatic bird's-eye view of the famous Grand
Canyon of Oman.
Wadi Abyadh: Located around 75 Kms from Barka. Wadi Abyadh means "White
valley" and is so called becuase of the formations of calcite mineralised
pools visible in the area. It has year round flowing water and is enclosed
at either ends by mountains and skirting sand dunes. Vast date plantations
can be seen along this valley.
The Dhofar region which experiences monsoon showers from June to
September,
turn the slopes and plains lush green and with the mountain tops covered
with mist, make it look like a piece of heaven.
The Wild oryx - a rare species is the national animal of Oman.
