Cave Exploration
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Cave Exploration
Bull Fight/Camel Race
Oman offers some of the most hair-raising
cave exploration in the world and should only be attempted by experienced,
fit cavers, preferably accompanied by someone who has traversed the caves
before.
Majlis al Jinn
One of the most famous caves is the 'Majlis al Jinn', which is the
second largest underground chamber in the world. This is an extremely difficult cave to
negotiate, and it is important that the expedition is not undertaken lightly and without
professional guidance.
To enter the cave, one must initially be lowered down on a free-hanging
rappel. There are two drops into the chamber: one of over 150m and the other of almost
120m. (Don't forget, you also have to climb back up these ropes when the expedition is
over, so be honest about  your fitness levels!). At the foot of these drops is a half-domed
space around 120m high and covering an area of around 60,000m2. This is the Majlis Cave
which is dwarfed only by the Sarawak Chamber in Malaysian Borneo.
Hota Cave
A popular cave for the less intrepid (although this certainly must not
be considered by unaccompanied amateurs) is Hota Cave which comprises an underground
cavern and subterranean lake system. Hota Cave is a 2.7km tunnel which runs in a
north-south direction through the Hajar Mountains. There are many offshoots to the main
tunnel, but so far, only approximately 5km have been charted by experienced cavers. Do not
attempt to wander from the main path.
There are two entries to Hota Cave: the Al Fallah entrance, which is
taken through a large gaping entrance below a cliff overhang; or the al Hota entrance
which is strictly for experienced cavers. The latter entry must not be undertaken without
ropes, safety equipment and a guide as it involves fairly perilous scrambles down slippery
rock faces. Within the Hota Cave is the subterranean lake which is home to unusual species
of aquatic animals such as blind fish which sense their way around the lake with feelers.
The main lake within the cave system is around 800m long, but please do not be tempted to
swim in the waters and disturb the delicate eco-system.
The main chamber of Hota Cave is around the size of the Al Bustan
Palace Hotel's ballroom and contains some magnificent cave formations, stalactites,
stalagmites, and columns which have evolved over millions of years. These beautiful
structures are delicately coloured in shades of pink, yellow, gold, beige and grey
The cave Web site
www.alhootacave.com .
Teyq Cave
What is possibly the largest sinkhole in the world,
Teyq Cave, is located between Taqa and Mirbat. The sinkhole has two
wadis, which replenish the pool when it rains. To find out more about
this natural 'wonder', you may wish to contact the Sultan Qaboos
University Earth Science Department who is an expert on Oman's geology
If you are caving, do not forget your equipment. You will need:
Two heavy-duty flashlights - replace the batteries before your trip and
ensure the torches are in perfect working order
Extra batteries and bulbs
Climbing helmet
Plenty of water and high-carbohydrate snacks
Good hiking boots and light-weight climbing clothing
Many caves in Oman are, essentially, underground wadis. Do not
attempt any cave exploration if you suspect it may rain, or if it has recently rained in
the area. Flash floods can be fatal. |
H.M. News 
