Wadi Bani Khalid: an oasis of turquoise water

Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the few wadis in Oman with water all year round. In the middle of a rocky desert landscape, emerald and turquoise pools are surrounded by palm trees and smooth boulders. It is an ideal place to swim and relax, and the easiest of the famous wadis to reach.

Top things to see and do

• Swim in the main pools: A short, paved path leads from the car park to the large, calm pools at the entrance.
• Walk upstream: Follow the trail and boulder-hop for 20 to 30 minutes to quieter, deeper pools and narrow gorges.
• Moqal Cave: Adventurous visitors can explore this small cave further up the wadi. Bring a torch.
• Combine with the desert: Wadi Bani Khalid is on the way to Wahiba Sands, making it a perfect stop before a night in the dunes.

Best time to visit

You can visit all year round, but October to April is the most comfortable. Go early on weekdays. Fridays and holidays are very busy with local families.

Getting there

The wadi is about 2.5 hours by car from Muscat, and about 1 hour from the edge of Wahiba Sands. The road is paved all the way to the car park.

Travel tips

• Wear a T-shirt and shorts over your swimwear. Bikinis are not appropriate here.
• Water shoes help on the slippery rocks.
• There is a small restaurant near the main pools, but bring water and snacks if you walk further.

Explore Wadi Bani Khalid with Gotour

Join a private tour with a local guide, or combine Wadi Bani Khalid with other highlights of Oman on a multi-day trip. See our tours or contact us to plan your trip.

Photos: Diego Delso (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.