Excursions

This tour takes us on a visit to the capital of Musandam, Khasab, a calm fishing town and oasis, which overlooks the Gulf of Arabia and the Straits of Hormuz. Khasab has a population of approximately 18,000Have a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the fishermen and Bedouins.

Visit to the restored Portuguese Fort of Khasab. In its prime it was famous for supplying the Portuguese troops with fresh water, dates and fish. A central tower predates the rest of the low walled fort, also the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th Century. Oman's Imam Nasir bin Murshid Al Ya'rubi managed to regain control of the coast in 1644. The fort itself was renovated in the 17th century and was used as a strategic outpost, and again restored in 1989-92. Today this fort has a Museum where many Omani handicraft items are displayed.

Visits to the old and new souk offer the opportunity to bargain for a souvenir or two, including the Musandam axe, known as a 'jerz,' or the clay incense burner, its decorations unique to Musandam. The Iranian souk is still a bustling trade zone. The tour also includes the nearby villages of Qadah and Tawi. The village of Qadah is set inside a deep bay, with palm tress and mountains overshadowing it. Behind Qadah is Tawi, where there are prehistoric rock carvings depicting camels, ships and warriors, said to be more than 2000 years old.

Using 4Wheel Drive vehicles join us on a panoramic journey into the barren interior; we drive to Jebel Harim, translated as the Mountain of Women (2087 metres), the highest mountain in Musandam. Our vehicle will stop at 1600 metres, with a view south towards Dibba and the canyon. Here you will see how the farmers manage to catch every drop of water.

We will draw your attention to the fossils dating back several million years. On the way we pass the Bedouin village of Sayh situated at 1100 metres above sea level. This is a plateau of arable land. Drive to Khawr Najid, a stunning view overlooking to Indian Ocean side, you will be surprised at the scenery here, created by the road dropping steeply from 480 metres to sea level.

Then we will drive to see the natural park of Acacia trees at Khalidiya, watered by Musandam's largest drainage system, and return back to Khasab.

The full day trip also includes Rowdah village where one can also see the pre-Islamic graveyard and original stone houses, including the 'Bait al Qufl' or storehouse.

The Khor Sham is a sheltered, 17 km long Fjord. The water is crystal clear and calm, very inviting for snorkelling or swimming. The mountains rise out of the sea and reflect back on the water. There are almost always dolphins playing and following the boats as they cruise around the villages:

Nadifi the first village we will pass by, with around 100 inhabitants, mainly fishermen. There is no land access so most of the villagers own small speed boats. The children travel by boat to school, stay over in Khasab from Saturday to Wednesday morning. You will see here that there are water tanks near the beach, the Omani government provides fresh water, free of charge, on a regular basis.

Qanaha a small fishing village where the stone houses blend into the cliffs, made from the local stone. In the old days, this was the first line of defence, not to be seen.

Maqlab a mountain village where the people are earning their living by goat-herding and fishing, the main occupation of the area. This small village is made up of only around 10 houses. This area is the shortest distance to the east coast and can be reached by climbing over the Jabal Maqlab.

Telegraph Island – (Jazirat al Maqlab) the most famous landmark in this area. Here the British laid the first telegraph cable in 1864, it ran from India to Basra, Iraq and the island was manned for some 5 years.

Seebi this village is located at the end of the fjord and has around 100 inhabitants, very secluded. This area has many species of sea birds nestling in the cliffs. On the island take a plunge in to the crystal clear water.

Seebi Island – Dhow anchor for snorkelling. Snorkelling here is a treat, don your masks and enjoy the clear, calm waters. Watch out for butterfly fish, Groupers, angel fish and the coral growth is among the best in the fjords

Sham another village with around 100 residents.