WADI DARBAT

Wadi Darbat is an immense green plateau located behind Taqah. It boasts Oman's largest permanent natural lake. This wadi winds its way through hills and high plateaus to flow into the Arabian Sea at Khawr Ruri. The water flows down from the mountains to the plains, forming splendid waterfalls that can reach several dozen metres in height. The Darbat, as everyone will tell you, is a classic for weekend outings in Dhofar, with its cool box and camping chairs. It's Dhofar's nugget! This wadi can be visited all year round, but is at its most beautiful between late June and early October, during the summer monsoon season. It's easy to see why this Helvetian-Omani landscape is so attractive to desert dwellers. Between December and April, the effect is less chlorophyllous, but during the dry season, the waters form interesting caverns to visit. The area is also very popular with the Jibbali (inhabitants of the nearby mountains), who come to take their herds of dromedaries out to feed. So be careful if you're driving! There are several observation points throughout the wadi. Boat and pedal-boat tours are also available. However, we strongly advise against swimming in the pools of Wadi Darbat, even if the temptation is great, as bilharzia-carrying worms have been discovered in the water.