019: Wadi Ta'ab

No other wadi in Oman packs so much excitement into such a small place as Wadi Ta'ab. This little canyon has it all. Isolation, rappels, swims, jumps, sheer walls, and beauty. However, all these features require respect or the canyon will punish you.

In this episode of the Sultanate I take you along with me to Wadi Ta'ab. Also joining us are my friends Franc, Gilles, and Marion. All of us are experienced climbers and two of us, myself and Gilles, have completed this canyon route before, but never in the dead of summer. Wadi Ta'ab is located in the Eastern Hajar Mountains at an altitude of about 500 meters along the dirt track that reaches Salmah Plateau. This whole mountain is made up of limestone, which is a soft stone that erodes easily, creating large caves and deep canyons. Along with Wadi Ta'ab, in this area you'll find the 7th Hole Cave opening and the world renown Majlis al Jinn.

Safety

Canyoning is dangerous! Do not attempt to enter this wadi unless you know exactly what you are doing. Help is very far away. With that said, canyoning is very exciting when done with expierenced guides like twenty3 extreme and Muscat Adventure Center. These companies can take you here safely, and get you home in one piece.

For today's trip through Wadi Ta'ab, suffering from heat exhaustion is our biggest concern. Inside the canyon the temperatures are not too bad because we have shade and the water to cool off in. However, to exit the wadi we must climb up the side of a cliff in the direct sun. This is not for the weak.

We also have to keep watch for vipers which like to feed on the frogs in the wadi. These snakes really don't want anything to do with us two legged animals, but it is easy to accidentally step on one if he didn't hear us coming. If you get bitten it'll take an long time to reach the hospital. So, better to be cautious.

Lastly, we have new ropes to use on the big rappels. We hope they are long enough. There is no room for error.

Put on your harness and swimming trunks, we're heading to Wadi Ta'ab!

You can view images from Wadi Ta'ab at the associated episode post on my website. Check it out!

Sultanate Ep 019: Wadi Ta'ab Links

• twenty3 extreme
• Muscat Adventure Center
• Learn more about the Eastern Hajar Mountains: Salmah Plateau, 7th Hole Cave, Majlis al Jinn

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