Al Hoota Cave
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Nestled at the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains, the two-million-year-old Al Hoota Cave has been opened to visitors. Guided tours are provided throughout the day along ramps that run alongside the stalactites and stalagmites that cover the expanse of these large caves. The caves also support an ecosystem comprising of several lakes and cave-dwelling wildlife.
Estimated to be over 2 million years old, Al Hoota Cave is located at the foot of Jabal Shams, Oman’s epic mountain. It is the first and only show cave in the Arabian Peninsula with a total length of around 4.5 kilometres, of which just 500 metres is accessible to the general public.
Al Hoota Cave contains a rich ecosystem that includes four lakes. Three are small and located in the north of the cave, the other is the accessible central lake. It is estimated that the lake holds about 30,000 m³ of water, is 800 metres long and 10 in width, with a maximum depth of 15 metres. It is here that one can see the rare blind fish – Garra Barreimiae or more commonly known to us as Bu Naseh and his friends. We are exceptionally lucky to have many other animal species living in the cave including bats (Rhinopoma Muscatellum), arthropods, mollusks, spiders, snails and water beetles.
More Places To See
- All
- A’Dakhiliyah
- A’Dhahirah
- A’Sharqiyah
- A’Sharqiyah North
- A’Sharqiyah South
- Al Batinah
- Al Batinah North
- Al Batinah South
- Al Buraimi
- Al Wusta
- Dhofar
- Musandam
- Muscat
Things to do
Interested in a particular type of holiday experience? there is so much to do in Oman that you will want to keep coming back. Here are just a few of the possibilities to help make your next visit to Oman perfect.
In centuries past, Oman’s forts held enemy forces at bay. Today, these historic structures welcome guests with impressive facades that continue to stand proud and have become a living testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the period.
Oman looks back on a proud maritime history, renowned for Dhow building and trading across the seas. As such, Omanis are known to have a special connection with the sea, settling where there are natural harbours and great fishing grounds.
From aromatic Frankincense to traditional clothing and silver works, Oman’s souqs provide an atmospheric shopping experience that is uniquely Omani. Most larger settlements in Oman have their own souq, the most famous being Muttrah Souq, situated on the Old Muscat waterfront and selling everything from clothes, to silver, spices, Frankincense and more.