The Great Mountain Crossing

Wadi Bani Awf is one of Oman's most spectacular "shortcut" routes through the Hajar Mountains. The road is a marvel of engineering—and a test of nerves—as it clings to vertical cliffs and passes through ancient oases. Whether you are canyoning through narrow slots or simply driving the ridge, the sheer scale of the limestone peaks here is unmatched.

Things to Do

The "Snake Canyon" Adventure: This is Oman's premier canyoning spot. The narrow, winding gorge requires jumping into deep pools, sliding down natural rock chutes, and abseiling down waterfalls.

Note: You MUST hire a professional guide for the full Snake Canyon.

Little Snake Canyon: If you aren't ready for a 5-hour technical trek, the "Little Snake Canyon" offers a shorter, easier aquatic hike that is perfect for families and beginners.

Extreme 4x4 Driving: The drive from the wadi floor up to the Sharaf Al Alamain pass is one of the most famous off-road routes in the Middle East. It features steep gradients and heart-stopping cliff-edge views.

Football with a View: Visit the famous Balad Sayt Football Field. It is arguably the most picturesque pitch in the world, a bright green rectangle carved into the brown mountain landscape.

Places to See

Balad Sayt Village: Often called the most beautiful village in Oman. It is a fairy-tale settlement of stone houses and terraced fields tucked into a hidden mountain fold.

Bimah Village: Not to be confused with the Sinkhole, this mountain village is the gateway to the "Left Fork" of Snake Canyon and offers stunning views of the valley.

Sharaf Al Alamain: The high point of the drive. From this ridge, you can see both the Al Batinah plains to the north and the Al Hamra region to the south. It’s a popular spot for wild camping.

The "Eye" of the Needle: Keep an eye out for natural rock arches and "windows" high up in the cliffs that frame the Omani sky.

Trip & Itinerary Advice

Best Time to Visit

Season: October to April is the only time for hiking and canyoning. Weather Alert: Never enter the wadi if rain is forecast. Because of its narrow walls, flash floods in Wadi Bani Awf are instant and deadly.

Pro Tips

Vehicle: A 4WD is 100% mandatory. Many rental agencies explicitly forbid this route in 2WD cars because the descent is too steep for standard brakes. Guide: For Snake Canyon, I recommend booking with local experts. They provide the necessary helmets, life jackets, and ropes. Supplies: There are no petrol stations in the wadi. Fill up in Al Awabi (Batinah side) or Al Hamra (Interior side) before starting.

Suggested Full-Day Itinerary

7:30 AM: Depart Muscat toward Nakhal/Al Awabi.

9:00 AM: Enter Wadi Bani Awf. Stop at Little Snake Canyon for a quick 1-hour splash and walk.

11:00 AM: Continue the drive toward Balad Sayt. Walk through the village's narrow alleys and see the terraced gardens.

1:00 PM: Have a picnic lunch overlooking the Balad Sayt Football Field.

2:30 PM: Begin the steep climb toward the Sharaf Al Alamain pass. Stop frequently for photos of the "snake-like" road below.

4:00 PM: Reach the summit. Enjoy the cool air (usually 10°C cooler than the valley) and the panoramic views.

5:30 PM: Descend into Al Hamra and drive back to Muscat via the main highway.