Snake Canyon & Jebel Shams Unveiled | A Long Weekend in Beautiful Oman

Why come with us to Snake Canyon & Jebel Shams?

• Snake Canyon: 
  • Considered one of the top 100 hikes globally.
  • Ideal for trying abseiling for the first time.
  • Best time to visit Snake Canyon: between May and October. Despite the scorching temperatures prevalent in much of the GCC region during this period, Snake Canyon's shaded waters offer a refreshing respite year-round.
  • Sleeping at an altitude of 2000m in Jebel Hatt, with temperatures 12 degrees cooler than at sea level.
• Jebel Shams: 
  • Home to the largest gorge in the Middle East and second largest in the world after the U.S.' Grand Canyon
  • One of the highest mountains of the GCC with its peak at 3009m
  • It is known as Jabal Shams or "The Mountain of the Sun" because it is the first place to receive sunrise in Oman due to its high peak and the last to see the sunset
  • It is 12 degrees less than Dubai/Muscat making it an idea location to go to from May to October
  • Accessible primarily by 4x4 vehicles (unless you're willing to damage your sedan), the absence of asphalt adds to the charm of this destination.
  • Home to the abandoned village of Al Khitaym, providing a glimpse into historical architecture and cultural heritage.

• 7 meals: 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts & 3 lunches
• Accommodation at Sama Heights Resort (Jebel Shams) & Shorfet Al Alamin (Jebel Hatt) in twin-share rooms of the same gender
• Jebel Shams balcony walk hike and secret natural lake hike
• Snake Canyon 5-hour adventure with equipment (helmets, safety harnesses, life jackets, abseiling equipment, and a first aid kit)
• Balad Sayt Village tour
• Evening entertainment: Card games & Karaoke
• Adventure leaders - multi-cultural & fun guides who know the ins and outs of Oman
• Border crossing fee (35 AED) for the ones taking our transport

• For the ones taking their car: Border crossing (35aed) & car insurance
• Visa - Please check "Important Notes" section for more info
• Health and travel insurance: It is mandatory to have a health and travel insurance in the country where this experience is happening. If you don't have insurance or your current insurance doesn't provide coverage, you can obtain it from dnata or any similar insurance provider.

Available Extra: 

• 4x4 transport from Dubai's meeting point to Jabal Hatt, Snake Canyon & Jebel Shams & back incl. border crossing (Available at checkout for 500aed pp)
• Single supplement is available for 400aed pp (Subject to availability) if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please contact us for further information.

• Group size: small group experience (min. 4, avg. 10, max. 16)
• Physical rating: Not suitable for people who are afraid of heights or do not feel comfortable abseiling, jumping from cliffs, or sliding down natural water slides. Moderate physical activities are included, and a good level of fitness is required. Be comfortable with swimming (we can provide a life jacket).
• Solo & women friendly: Solo and female travelers are more than welcome; 70% of our participants are usually solo adventurers and women.
• Visa requirements:
  • It is your responsibility to ensure that you have a valid visa or are eligible for a visa on arrival. Please visit https://evisa.rop.gov.om/ for the latest updates on visa requirements for Oman. The information provided below is for general guidance only and is subject to change:
    • Most nationalities (excluding certain African nationalities) holding a UAE work visa with more than 3 months of validity remaining and a passport valid for over 6 months can enter Oman visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival.
    • If you hold a dependent visa and your dependent meets the above criteria, you can also enter visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival, provided your dependent is traveling with you.
• Health and travel insurance: It is mandatory to have a health and travel insurance in the country where this experience is happening. If you don't have insurance or your current insurance doesn't provide coverage, you can obtain it from dnata or any similar insurance provider.
• Meeting point & time:
  • If booking our transport:
    • Dubai at 8:00am : Arabian Wanderers' location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/36kMfvq2isbFPZ2D9 in Al Barsha. RTA parking is available if you want to come with your car.
    • Al Ain at 9:30am : ADNOC Service Station | Al Kharaise (759) - https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ta8PuVBz3S3n9hbY6. Free parking is available at the petrol station if you want to come with your car.
  • If not:
    • Jebel Shams at 3:00pm : Sama Heights Resort - https://maps.app.goo.gl/CpvQnPUwdnv763JD8. A 4x4 is required. Any 4x4 can make it to the hotel.
• Important details if you are driving to Oman:
  • The road in Snake Canyon is a pretty rough dry dirt road so we don't recommend you to do the 4x4 part without a fully equipped 4x4 car. You can join our 4x4s for that part without an extra charge. As for Jebel Shams, it is less rough and any 4x4 can make it.
  • If you have a loan on your car, you will need to get a NOC from your bank/dealership to be able to cross the border to Oman. You will also need Oman insurance for your car which you can get on the border if you don’t have one.
  • You are not allowed to take a car that is not under your name unless you have a RTA permit.
  • Please make sure you check with the Omani border for the latest rules as the rules keep changing and we are not responsible for the border crossing part.
• Tipping Information: If you'd like to show your appreciation to your guide, please bring cash in OMR or AED for tipping.
• Single Supplement: A single supplement is available for 250 aed per night if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip (Subject to availability). Please contact us for further information.
• Snake Canyon Details:

Duration: ~5-6 hours

Distance: ~7km

Difficulty level: Intermediate due to the many activities involved for 5-6 hours such as abseiling, swimming, hiking, sliding and cliff jumping.

• Jebel Shams Hike Details:

Duration: ~3-4 hours

Distance: ~4km

Elevation gain: 200 m

Difficulty level: Intermediate (you can also only do the beginner half of the hike)

• Instagram: Follow us on Instagram for our latest adventures: arabian.wanderers
• Disclaimer: By joining the hike, you confirm that you have voluntarily, freely, and expressly chosen to incur all risks associated with the hike.

Good vibes! (& the below)

Essentials:

• Passport (& visa if you are not qualified to get it at the border)
• Cash (AED or Omani Riyals) for snacks or souvenirs

Clothes:

• Sportswear for the hikes
• Light Jacket/Sweatpants for the nights
• Change of Clothes
• Hiking shoes for Jebel Shams & hiking water shoes for Snake Canyon
• One more pair of shoes/flip flops as your shoes will get wet 

Accessories:

• Backpack suitable for hiking (that can fit water & snacks) - Ideally waterproof
• Beach Towel
• Earplugs (for light sleepers)
• Water Bottle or hydration pack (Min. 2L) - to reduce plastic usage
• Waterproof Phone Cover (optional) 
• Snacks

If Driving to Oman:

• Vehicle license
• Driving license
• Orange card (if you have one)