[OMAN] Wadi Bani Khaled

Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the best known wadis in Oman. In case you are wondering what wadi means, it means ‘valley’ or a river bed that is dry except in rainy season. The emerald pool and pastel canyon of Wadi Bani Khalid make it perfect for a swim and small hike.



Wadi Bani Khaled is located west of Sur town and north of Wahiba Sands. Most people also combine it with Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole in a day tour.







From the car park area, we still need to walk a short distance to reach the main pool of Wadi Bani Khaled. Sun screen, hat and sun glasses are highly recommended.





The pool is definitely a welcomed change of scenery from the desert scene of Wahiba Sands.



You can either swim in this large main pool or in the smaller ones upstream.





There are small ‘doctor’ fishes in the pool which will eat away your dead skin if you soak your feet in the water.



There is only one restaurant at Wadi Bani Khalid and a small bridge was built connecting to the restaurant. Toilet is also available at the back of the restaurant in case you need to change into swimwear.



It is recommended for ladies to cover yourself and dress appropriately as this is a place frequented by locals and their families. If you want to swim in bikinis, it would better to head to the upper pool where it is more secluded.



To reach the upper pool, there is another 10-minute zigzag hike among the white boulders.



From here, you can keep walking for 1km to reach a cave called Muqal Cave.





Good walking shoes is recommended since the rocks can be slippery.







Visitors enjoying a swim in the upper pool.



If you want to explore the cave, you will need a flash light.



We spent around an hour here as the mid-day sun soon became unbearable.



I would recommend a swim and picnic here and it would be perfect if the weather was not too hot. Again, summer is not the best time to visit the Gulf countries.