Hiking Oman

The trailhead is next to the Sama Heights Resort at 1,900 m, and the finish line is at 3,000 m on the summit of Jebel Shams. Set off early in the morning and never go it alone. This trail is well signposted with the tricolour markings that are ubiquitous in Oman and presents no particular difficulty, but it is a long way with many ascents and descents. At an altitude of 2,900 m, you reach the military zone on your left. Continue along the path to the right to reach the summit at 3,000 m, where you'll find the orientation table.

The trek can be made in either direction, Wakan to Hadash or Hadash to Wakan. Practical info: the trail is in the shade in the morning if you climb from Hadash and in the shade in the afternoon if you climb from Wakan. There are also two trails, the lower trail and the upper trail via Jabal Akhdar.
The upper trail (W25 then W24a) is the longer but more popular. If you start from Wakan, follow the tricolour markers in the village center. Take the stairs up to the top of the steps (when the markings split into 2, don't turn left), which is where the trek really begins. The route is well signposted, but requires a great deal of attention, as it is very steep and consists mainly of rolling rocks and stones. It can even be a little treacherous. At an altitude of around 2,200 m, the path swings over to the other side, offering an exceptional panorama of the Jabal Akhdar plateau. The trail then continues for some time on the plateau before leading to the Wadi Mistal side and the descent to Hadash.
The lower trail (W24b) also starts in the village of Wakan. Follow the tricolour markings, start climbing the stairs, but turn left through the farms (it's signposted). This trail is shorter, but very technical and also sometimes perilous. The section towards Hadash is very steep and difficult, with slippery rocks.

Never set off alone, start early in the morning and bring a first-aid kit and plenty of water.

The C38a, as the route is called (yellow-white-red markings), begins with a flight of stone steps, reaches a viewpoint overlooking the souk, the corniche and the port, before descending into Mutrah, offering several panoramic views. This path was once the main route linking Mutrah's old town to the port. It is thought to have been used as far back as the Magan civilization 5,000 years ago. It also features some of the best-preserved and most exposed volcanic rock outcrops in the world, known as "ophiolites".

The starting point of this good hike, called Trek Al Aarkoub or Persian stairs (in reference to the many existing steps), is in the village of Imti, about 9 km from Izki. The start of the trek is at an altitude of 670 m and is well indicated on Google Map. This hike is for experienced walkers with good footwear. Remember to protect yourself from the heat (sunscreen, cap) and plan to set off early in the morning, as the 1,000 m elevation gain requires almost a full day's walk, including breaks and unforeseen circumstances.

At the start, head towards the Wadi and follow the red arrows. Shortly afterwards, you'll come across the famous tricolour markers that serve as signposts for the sultanate's hiking trails. From the start of the trek up to an altitude of around 1,350 m, the route is mainly made up of steps carved in stone and therefore relatively easy to climb. After that, there are no more steps and the trail becomes steeper and harder to find. But there are always the tricolour markers pointing the way. The trail continues into the Jabal Akhdar up to an altitude of 2,000 metres, taking you to the Saiq plateau, where the scenery is breathtaking.

Take plenty of water with you, never set off alone, and bring a first-aid kit and an anti-venom kit, as minor accidents can happen (scratches, ankle sprains...) and it's not uncommon to come across wasps or snakes (very shy) in these mountainous parts.

This trek can be made from either Sifah or Qurayyat, a small town south of Sifah on the coast. Total length 21 km, so bring good hiking boots, as the paths, like everywhere in Oman, are rocky and sometimes slippery. There are several places on the trek where you can cool off and swim, either in the wadis or in the sea.
Arriving in Sifah by car, turn right and continue to the end of the tarmac road. Then turn left onto the unpaved road leading to the sea. The traffic lights are visible at the end of this track. It is still possible to drive to the beginning of the trail, for about 2km, with a 4x4 vehicle. The trail is well signposted and often runs parallel to the coast. It crosses several wadis into which you have to descend and then climb again. It also passes several magnificent creeks where you can swim.
At the two-thirds point, the trail descends to a very long beach called Abu Dawood. This is the ideal place to take a break, feed and swim in the sea. You then have to cross the entire wadi to find the marks on the other side again. The trail then climbs back up to a plateau and the marks are harder to find. The trail then descends again to the beach, which you must walk along before starting the climb up the rocks opposite. The trek ends in the village of Qurayyat near the flamingo lake.