The caving network in the Hajar Mountains of Oman is extensive, and much of it has yet to be explored and mapped. The area includes what’s believed to be the second largest cave system in the world. The most famous cave in Oman, and the most stunning in terms of size, is the Majlis Al Jinn. Entering it is not for the fainthearted as it starts with a 180m abseil from the entrance in the roof. Caving here ranges from the fairly safe to the extremely dangerous. Even with an experienced leader, it’s not for the casual tourist or the poorly equipped. It’s important to understand the dangers. Make sure you take plenty of water and basic first aid equipment. Some of the cave exploration here is among the most hair-raising in the world and should only be attempted by experienced, fit cavers, preferably accompanied by someone who has traversed the caves before. 

The Al Hoota Cave (also seen as Al Hotti or Hoti Cave) can be found at the foot of Jabal Shams in Tanuf Valley. At over five kilometres long, Al Hoota was previously one of the most challenging caves in Oman, with its one entrance being strictly for experienced cavers equipped with ropes, safety equipment, and a guide familiar with the cave. However, the Oman Ministry of Tourism has recently completed an overhaul of the caves, making them safer and transforming them from an adventurous location reserved only for experience cavers, into a fascinating ecotourism attraction. The first entrance to the cave can be found near the village of Al Hotta (about 1,000m above sea level), and the other is near the town of Al Hamra (about 800m above sea level). Inside the cave, you can see an amazing collection of crystals, stalactites and stalagmites, but perhaps the most interesting sight is the underground lake in the main cave. The lake is inhabited by thousands of blind, transparent fish, who rely on floods to carry in nourishment from the outside world.

The lower cave can only be reached in a train that transports visitors through a tunnel near the main entrance. You will be able to see the underground lake from a special viewing balcony (monitors are provided so that you can get a more close-up view). After you have toured the caves, spend some time in the visitor centre (this, by the way, is where you will get your ticket for the cave tour). A natural history museum was still under construction at time of going to print, but the visitor centre has a couple of restaurants and some heritage shops where you can buy locally made pottery, silver and carpets. To get to the caves, head for Nizwa, and when you reach Nizwa old town take the road for Al Hamra. When you get to Wadi Tanuf, turn right and head for Al Hotta. The cave is approximately a 20 minute drive from Nizwa. Please note that the main cave is closed during July and August. See alhootacave.com for more information. One of the largest sinkholes in the world, Teyq Cave, is located between Taqa and Mirbat. The two wadis in the sinkhole keep it topped up with water when it rains. Sultan Qaboos University houses an active Earth Sciences Department, and this is a good source of information on the sinkhole (squ.edu.om).