GEOLOGY IN THE EASTERN HAJAR

DAY 1

      Transfer Muscat - Wadi Dima (Ibra Road)

      Transfer Wadi Dima (Ibra Road) - Ghubrat At Tam

      Stops on Oman's Ophiolites in Wadi Dima

Wadi Dima runs across ophilitic rocks : the rocks from te oceanic crust and the mantel. We first cross the upper layers mainly made of gabbros. We then stop to have a look at special gabbros : the layered gabbros that cristalized in a magmatic chamber near the mantel. We'll then drive across the mantel rocks, mainly harzburgite. We will then have driven across the Moho, although it is not clearly visible in this wadi.

- Approximative length : 1 Hours

      Short hike in Wadi Dayqah

This wadi cuts the whole Oriental Hajar Plateau. It was an ancient way to cross the mountain known as the 'Devil's Gap'. Water is flowing here all year round. We walk up the wadi (we cross the river several times ; don't forget shoes to walk in the water) and we swim where the canyon narrows.

- Level 1    
- Approximative length : 3 Hours
- Walking time : 1 a 2 Hours

      Camping at Wadi Dayqah's Entrance

We set up our camp near a huge waterpool, at the entrance of Wadi Dayqah… a wonderful place for camping!

Individual camping tent

DAY 2

      Transfer Ghubrat At Tam - Fins

We drive off-road for a wonderful crossing of the eastern Hajar. We first drive across the low colourful hills and then start climb up the plateau. Once we arive up we have a rest under the shade of a big tree and enjoy a barbecue. Next stop few kilometers after to see amazing tombs built 2000 B.C. We cross the whole plateau and stop near Majilis Al Jins, 2nd bigger cavity in the world. Finaly we start driving down to the sea on a very steep road offering stunning views.

      Geological stops across the Eastern Hajar

This a crossing rich in geological interest. First, at the feet of the plateau, we'll find pillow-lavas and indigenoussediments covered by transgressive limestone.Then, climbing up the plateau we'll have intersting views that will help us understand how the omani mountain range was formed and then covered in its eastern part by more recent limestone that we call 'transgressive'. On the plateau, we'll stop to look for fossils, above all numulites. As we'll go down to the seaside we'll see the numerous terraces pointing out the steps of the second surrection of the mountain range.

- Approximative length : 2 Hours

      Swimming in Fins

The coast here is rocky : some small plateau overlook the sea. At the foot of these, we find wonderful white sandy beaches.

- Approximative length : 1 Hours

      Camping on the beach

We set up our camp in one of the numerous beaches around Fins and Tiwi. We sleep hearing the sound of the waves…

Individual camping tent

DAY 3

      Transfer Fins - Tiwi

      Transfer Tiwi - Saymah (Wadi Tiwi)

      Observation of serpentine outcrops

On the way we'll see several outcrops of ophiolites and in some places very beautififul serpentine.

- Approximative length : 3 Hours
- Elevation gain/loss : +50m/-50m
- Walking time : 1 a 2 Hours

      Transfer Saymah (Wadi Tiwi) - Tiwi

      Transfer Tiwi - Ras Al Jinz

      Stop to see hawasina wall

the layers are thin, red and white, and very folded. They are very easily distinguishable. It is a wonderful place to study fold types

- Approximative length : 1 Hours

      Nighttime turtle watching

The coast is here declared Natural Reserve to protect the numerous green turtles which lay eggs there. The visits are well organized and gathered on only 2 beaches ; the other ones are forbidden in order not to disturb too much the turtles. The high season for turtles is in summer : in that time we can find up to 50 turtles laying eggs at the same time on the same beach. But they come all year long and you are almost sure that you will see some. You'll see turtles digging hole, laying eggs, covering eggs, and going back to the sea. You'll also see baby turtles getting out of the sand and heading to the sea…

- Approximative length : 2 Hours

      Overnight in the Turtle Beach Resort

This resort is pleasant. There is a small beach with deckchairs. The bar and the restaurant are located in an old arabic dhow. You can also play snooker. The small bungaows are in a traditional style : covered with palm stems.

DAY 4

      Transfer Ras Al Had - Tiwi

      Walk and unforgettable swim in Wadi Shab

We start from the sea and start hiking in the wadi. After 45 minutes or 1 hour walk in this beautiful wadi we'll go to the water : we swim from pool to pool to discover a incredible place. But we don't tell you more about this, since it has to be a surprise!

- Level 1    
- Approximative length : 3 Hours
- Walking time : 1 a 2 Hours

      Transfer Tiwi - Dibab

      Transfer Dibab - As Suwaih (Wadi Al Arbeyeen)

      Swimming in Wadi Al Arbeyeen

A the end of the track we discover a wonderful pool and a waterfall. They are located at the foot of the village of As Suwayh and its palm garden. The surroundings are fabulous and swimming there is very pleasant. For those who like jumping in the water, a 5 meters jump is possible there.

- Approximative length : 1 Hours 30

      Observation of indigenous and transgressive sediments

This wadi offers us very clear examples of the transgressive limestone that covers already folded indigenous sediments.

- Approximative length : 1 Hours

      Transfer As Suwaih (Wadi Al Arbeyeen) - Dibab

      Transfer Dibab - Muttrah

End of Our Services

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