The events described in this post took place on or about January, 2011 in Nizwa, Oman. For those of you viewing this through Facebook 'Notes', the original post is available on www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com. It will enable you access to photo galleries and other multi-media material which don't transfer into 'Notes'
As discussed in the previous post, the Spring semester of 2011 was unofficially dedicated to trying to 'cross-off' all of the things I wanted to do in the interior. One off the big things that I still had not yet done was to visit Wadi Bani Awf.
Wadi Bani Awf, is perhaps the preeminent off-road route in Oman. It bridges Rustaq with Nizwa. Both places in which I had lived. Though ironically I have never been their.
Wadi Bani Awf is usually done in one direction. That being, from Rustaq to Nizwa. However, myself and Jared decided to attempt it from the Nizwa side.
Well, I found out why one generally does it that way. It begins with a 5 kilometer descent into the wadi that is very treacherous. I came to the realization that it is easier to go up a steep slope, then try and go down one. Especially across rocks and extreme off-road terrain.
We made it to one of the sections called 'Snake Canyon' before deciding to turn back. It was rapidly becoming dark and that kind of climb is not something you want to do in the dark.
Exploring Wadi Bani Awf was definitely an experience and I am glad I finally got to visit there. The view was exquisite. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a 4X4 and is in the Gulf region. You can find excellent maps and directions to Wadi Bani Awf here: as well as in the book (insert title here). Definitely a worth while experience.
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