A destination of pure nature
The wildest Oman between fjords and pirates
From Camilla Rocca
Rocks overlooking the sea, white limestone that merges with a deep, cobalt blue sea; deep coves that sometimes “undress” on white beach banks, to reveal greenish waves, is the Musandam. In the breeze, an amused fin of a dolphin accompanying the journey from Khasabthe capital of this Omani enclave that juts out into the Strait of Hormuz. Once home to pirates and unscrupulous traders, today the peninsula is a destination for slow tourism, in its infancy, where the local population is happy to share the secrets of fishing with the rare tourists: the Sultan Fish is caught with a simple line . Sea and mountains, colors and meditation, incense and silence: this is what you can expect from a trip to these little-known lands, which, instinctively, becomes a journey of the soul.
On board a dhowthe typical boat of the area, the advice is to book a cruise of one or two days along the incense route also described by Marco Polo, accompanied by a modern captain and his khanjar, the bent-bladed dagger that the inhabitants of Oman carry on their belt. Snorkelling and diving in Eastern Norway is often accompanied by a thick coral reef of fish and acacia plants that starkly observe the surrounding landscape. Don’t miss a visit to Kumzar, one of the villages furthest from the capital, with houses as blue as the sea that has supported sailors and traders for centuries. Here a unique language is spoken, Kumzari, which mixes Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, Portuguese and English, the result of the ancient commercial and cultural routes that crossed these lands. A language that, even today, has remained unchanged over the centuries, but which tells of a cosmopolitan culture.
The journey to the archipelago
The Musandam peninsula is famous for its cliffs that plunge straight into the turquoise waters of the Strait of Hormuz, from which it is not difficult to find, in the early morning, a coming and going of fishermen working for the Iranian black market, from which to obtain supplies of fresh tobacco in exchange for technology products. On the other hand, the proximity to Iran is truly laughable, which is why this archipelago has always been famous for unscrupulous traders and pirates. This corner of Oman is separated from the rest of the country by the Emirate of Sharjah, one of the United Arab Emirates, an enclave long disputed with the Persians, wrested only with the help of the English from the Portuguese.
The charm of Telegraph Island And Seebi Island it is irresistible for those seeking relaxation and adventure. The former, famous for its clear waters, is a perfect place for snorkeling, while Seebi Island offers unforgettable dives among colorful fish and lively corals. Not far away, Hamra Island turns out to be a hidden gem, where you can enjoy tranquility and discover untouched nature. For a truly exclusive experience, Six Senses Zighy Bay offers a luxury retreat in a secluded bay on the southernmost tip of the peninsula. Here you can swim among turtles, explore the crystalline seabed by snorkeling and experience the thrill of parasailing with breathtaking views of the coast and surrounding mountains.
Not just the sea: the highest zip line in the world and the Jabal al Harim
Those who love adventure will find it in Musandam ziplines highest in the world, which at 1800 meters above sea level offers unique emotions and spectacular views, having the sensation of flying over the Gulf of Khasab. On foot or by off-road vehicle, Jabal al Harim, which reaches over 2000 metres, allows you to immerse yourself in a mountain landscape of rare beauty, with views that range across the entire peninsula. The Khasab fort, built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, tells a story of trade and battles, telling the historical cross-section of the country, while the waters of Kwar Nadj invite you to cool off in a stream hidden in the mountains.
The Musandam is accessible by land, sea or air. From Muscat, Oman Air guarantees regular flights to Khasab, or you can choose the ferry that connects the capital with the peninsula in around six hours. For those traveling from the United Arab Emirates, land access from Dubai is direct and allows you to admire the desert landscapes that gradually give way to mountains and fjords. This corner of Oman is a perfect synthesis of wild nature, authentic traditions and memorable adventures.
For info: www.experienceoman.om