Wadi Shab: the trail to the pools

Wadi Shab is a gorge in the Al Hajar mountains at Tiwi, on the Muscat to Sur highway, under two hours' drive from Muscat. From the car park by the wadi mouth, cross to the start of the path by boat, then follow the Wadi Al-Shab Hiking Trail up the gorge. The path climbs and drops along the side of the canyon above the water, with palms and green pools below, and ends at the pools, where this walk turns back. Beyond them OpenStreetMap grades the next stretch of path demanding mountain hiking, so the line stops here.

It is 5.3 km there and back; the height data gives 430 m of ascent, which looks too much for a path that stays below 225 m, and we could find no published figure. Allow about 3 hours. The grade is Easy by the clock, but the path is rocky and in places steep, so wear shoes with grip.

Never go into a wadi when rain is forecast in the mountains, and leave at once if the water rises or turns muddy. There is no shade on the way in the warm months: go early, carry water and wear a hat. The boat fare was reported in 2023 as nominal and including the return; ask at the landing. Dress to the local rules away from the water, covering arms and knees.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.