One of the most popular day tours in Oman is the one involving a visit to the ancient Al Hoota Caves in Nizwa.

We depart from Muscat towards the Nizwa region where we will first visit the famous Nizwa Fort for a tour. This seventeenth-century fort best represents the architecture of its time and is famous for its circular main tower, one of the largest of its kind. After the Nizwa Fort we will take a quick tour of the Nizwa souq(marketplace), renowned for its Friday cattle auction, intricately crafted khanjars(daggers), handicrafts and jewellery.

From here we proceed to the Al Hoota Cave, the only caves in Oman that has been developed for tourism and opened for all visitors. Only about 500m of the 5km long cave is accessible to the public and one has to take a short ride on an electric train to reach the main cave. These massive caves were created by water erosion and are now hold massive stalactites and stalagmites  as well and being home to a lake where the fish have adapted to living deep underground by losing their pigment and external eyes. The main cave is equipped with pathways and special lighting systems for guided tours that explain its history and significance. Post the cave visit we can visit the small geological exhibition centre there to get a better understanding of the geology of the region and the way the cave was formed.

We then head back towards Muscat stopping for a bit at the crumbling ruins of Birkat Al Mauz village. It offers an insight in to the lives of common Omani villagers of the past and is home to the ancient Falaj irrigation system which is currently labelled as Unesco World heritage. Sometimes also written Birkat al Mouz, here you canthe village is situated at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountains) and we can enjoy a pleasant walk through the oasis and the date plantations here.

Post the village tour we head back to Muscat where this tour ends.

After the village tour, we head back to Muscat where this tour ends

Timing:
As the caves Opening times (Cave visiting hours): Sat – Thu 0900 Hrs to 1700 Hrs, Fridays 0900 Hrs to 1100 Hrs, 1300 Hrs – 1700 Hrs
 
Days:
Available on all days
 
Special Note-
Kindly Note that cameras are not allowed within the cave, however, if you intend to carry one you can submit it at the entry for safekeeping at the entry.
The caves are very humid, it is advisable to take a bottle of water on the walk.
Please wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a long flight of stairs.
Train is under maintenance work.
Not recommended for elderly clients

Above rate is based on Saloon car vehicle applicable for one pax. Supplement is applicable if there are more passengers. Saloon car for maximum 3 pax and 4wd for maximum 4 pax.