Central Oman - endless plains and marvelous coast
The flat plains of Central Oman extend from the Hajar Mountains in the north to the mountains of Dhofar in the south for a distance of 800 kilometers. Vegetation is sparse and also human activity is hardly found in this naturally hostile environment.
The flat plains of Central Oman extend from the Hajar Mountains in the north to the mountains of Dhofar in the south for a distance of 800 kilometers. Vegetation is sparse and also human activity is hardly found in this naturally hostile environment.
In the west the dunes of the Empty Quarter cross the boundary from Saudi Arabia. Single dunes spreading over the gravel plains into the savannah of the Jiddat al-Harasis where another wildlife reserve has been set aside to protect the Arabian Oryx.
The one paved road from Muscat to Salalah runs right through the plains and passes by the small settlement of Hayma. Further to the east along the coast long sandy beaches are found running from at al-Khaluf, near al-Duqm, down through fissured coastal shelf at Ra’s Madrakah to beautiful bays and wadis at Shuwaimiyah, stretching for distances of several hundred kilometers.
The coast is more populated. Several small fishing villages are to be found here. Although far from the urban area, modernization has taken place here as well. The village of al-Duqm today changes into an industrial harbour with hugh dry docks.
Georg Popp
What makes this travel guide so special? This book is a product of the long-term personal friendship between the authors, Mr Georg Popp and Mr Juma Al-Maskari and their continuing fascination with the Sultanate of Oman. Combining their insights from European and Omani perspectives, they have produced a guide which is as much about culture and history as it is a practical guide for planning your itinerary.
