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Parks are like oases in the middle of hustling and bustling cities. They provide an opportunity to relax in a green environment. The government of Oman has built beautiful parks in the vicinity of the main cities. Some national parks have been created to conserve Oman’s wildlife.
If you are planning a visit to Oman and love wildlife, this article is for you. We will describe in detail the country’s parks and national parks.
Qurum Natural Park
Introduction
Qurum Natural Park is the largest park in Muscat city. It is spread across a vast wetland beside the city’s coast, like an oasis in the middle of the bustling capital city.
The idea behind foundation of Qurum natural park was to create a scenic and idyllic picnic spot for Muscat residents and tourists. Qurum Natural Park has many attractions, such as recreational activities, a Rose garden, a lake, a waterfall, a fountain, a children’s play area, big lawns, and shaded passageways.
Features
The key features of Qurum Natural Park are:
Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is the most picturesque part of the Qurum Natural Reserve. Decorated with innumerable rose varieties, this expanse of land is a treat to the eyes. A leisurely evening between these breathtaking gardens full of roses of every colour, while sipping their coffee or tea, is like a therapy.
Lake
The artificial lake of Qurum Natural Reserve is located in the centre of this green oasis. It is laced with a majestic fountain and surrounded by shady trees and colorful flowers. Visitors can enjoy rowing and paddle boating in the lake, which adds to its charm.
Fountain
A 30-meter-tall fountain in the middle of the lake looks breathtaking and truly impressive when colourful lights illuminate it at night. On specific days, there are fountain dance shows, which visitors enjoy.
By Eduard Marmet, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Waterfall
This artificial waterfall tumbles down the hill into the lake. It is one of the most highlighted and captivating features of Qurum Natural Reserve. This waterfall looks breathtaking during the day. The sound of gushing water blending with the chirping of birds creates a serene environment. At night, it becomes even more magical. Illuminated by colourful light, the waterfall looks picturesque. It is an ideal spot for a day picnic or an evening saunter.
Children Play area
Qurum Nature Park has something for everyone. It is well-liked by kids due to its large play areas with different slides, swings, see-saws, monkey bars, and other entertaining recreational apparatus.
Lawns
The expanse of grass, decorated with a variety of beautiful, colourful flowers, is a perfect picnic spot. Visitors can sit there, enjoy an idyllic picnic day, and soak in the panoramic, serene view of city life’s chaos.
Amphitheatre
The amphitheater is located right next to Qurum Natural Park and can seat almost 4,500 people at a time. Staged against the park’s scenic beauty, it is a fantastic location for festivals, cultural events, and exhibitions. Due to its open-air seating, it becomes even more enjoyable during the cooler months.
Muscat City Tour Packages
Our city tour Muscat Oman is a mix of culture, history and architecture, perfect for those who want to experience the real deal.
Passageways
The park also has shaded passageways for joggers and others who want to enjoy an evening stroll.
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee for Qurum Natural Park. There might be a nominal fee during events.
Timings
Qurum Natural Park is open from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
Access
Due to its central location, access to the park is easy and convenient. Visitors can reach the park by car, and local transport is also readily available. There are multiple entry points and ample parking spots. There are ramps and walkways, making it convenient for families with strollers and disabled people.
Marah Land
Marah Land, City of Joy, is an amusement park and one of a kind in Oman. It is the largest theme park in Oman, in the heart of Muscat city. Marah Land was established in 2004, and since then, it has become one of the favorite family picnic destinations among locals and tourists.
Image source: Marah Land Gallery
Features
- Marah Land has various electronic rides, including the world’s only Ferris wheel, which gives a panoramic view of Muscat.
- There are numerous electronic games for adults and kids of all ages.
- Another prominent feature of Marah Land is its food court.
- Numerous international and local food brands cater to visitors’ tastes and palates.
- Marah land also has different stalls for snacks like cotton candy, popcorn and other kids’ favourite snacks.
- A stage for festivals and events is also present in the Marah Land Park.
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee for Marah Land.
Timings
Marah Land is open from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily.
Access
Marah Land can be easily accessed by car. Visitors can also reach Marah Land through public transport, such as private taxis. There are ample parking spots. Specially designated parking is also present for disabled people. The parking lot has ramps for families with strollers and wheelchairs.
Ghubrah Lake Park
Gubrah Lake Park is another picnic spot in the heart of Muscat. This beautiful park is a popular picnic destination for locals and tourists. Overlooking the Gulf of Oman is an ideal place to unwind away from the chaos of the city. A lake in the middle of the park softly merges with the sea.
Features
The following are a few features of Gubrah Lake Park.
Lake
The lake is located in the centre of the park. Its clear water provides a breathtaking backdrop to visitors. Grassy lawns and palm trees surround the lake.
Green Lawns
The big, lush green lawns of Gubrah Lake Park are ideal for a lazy evening. Visitors can sit on the grass or on the benches and read or soak in the colours and sounds of the surrounding nature.
Playground
Gubrah Lake Park also has well-equipped playgrounds for children. The playgrounds are laced with slides, see-saws, teeter-totters, monkey bars, and spinners. Kids of all ages enjoy this playground equipment. It is suitable for enjoyment and the kids’ mental and physical health away from screens.
Jogging tracks
There are walking tracks in the park for a morning jog, evening run or even a saunter.
Entry Fee
There is NO entry fee for Gubrah Lake Park.
Timings
Gubrah Lake Park is open 24 hours a day, but it is more enjoyable at dawn and dusk.
Access
Because of its central location, Gubrah Lake Park can be easily accessed by car or public transport. The park has ample free parking, but it can get crowded on weekends and evenings.
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Oman National Parks
A national park is an expanse of land or water that the government conserves and protects to protect wildlife, habitat, and landscape. It is also open to the public for tourism, recreation, and education.
Oman has only one official National park, Al Saleel National Park. However, other protected reserves act as conservation sites for wildlife and ecosystems are also considered Oman National Parks by the masses. This section will discuss Oman’s national parks and reserves in detail.
Al Saleel National Park
Al Saleel National Park is the only national park in the Sultanate of Oman. This natural reserve is a protective sanctuary for the celebrated Arabian gazelle. It is located in the Al Sharqiyah Governorate of Oman, almost an hour’s drive from the coastal city of Sur.
The Arabian gazelle is a beautiful animal and a sign of Arab heritage and colour. Al Saleel National Park is spread across 220 square kilometres and has an impressive population of Arabian Gazelles. Almost 7% of the total population of Arabian Gazelles lives in Al Saleel National Park, adding to its importance.
Other wildlife species in Al Saleel National Park are listed below:
- Acacia and gum tree forests
- Egyptian eagles
- Vultures
- 30 species of birds
- Arabian wildcats
- Red foxes
- Hares
- Wolves
Al Saleel National Park is open Monday through Thursday and Sunday. It remains closed on Friday and Saturday. Visitors do not pay an entry fee. However, certain activities, like exploring the park in a Safari car arranged by the sanctuary, require prior permission from the office.
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is in the As Sharqiyah Governorate of Oman. It is the nesting site for five species of turtles, including green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles. This amazing sanctuary of turtles is a heaven for wildlife enthusiasts. Every year, thousands of turtles flock to Ras al Jinz Reserve between May and September for nesting.
There are guided tours for the visitors to experience this phenomenon twice daily, at dusk when turtles emerge on the beach and dig holes to lay their eggs and at dawn when they return. The baby turtles hatch in 55 days. After dodging the preying foxes, these hatchlings reach the sea.
By hotshoe! - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
The guided tours are conducted carefully and responsibly to avoid disturbing the turtles. Only a few tourists are allowed at a time, and flash photography is strictly prohibited. Therefore, making reservations in advance is suggested to avoid any inconvenience.
Arabian Oryx Sanctuary
The Arabian Oryx Sanctuary has now been renamed Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve. It is spread over an area of almost 27,500 square kilometres and is known for its Arabian Oryx population. The sanctuary was once a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but in 2007, the government turned 90% of the area into an oil drilling field, and then UNESCO delisted it.
The Arabian oryx, thought to inspire the myth of the unicorn, is a desert antelope which became extinct in 1972 when the poachers killed the last oryx. Many years later, it was reintroduced in the wild through a special breeding program. Now Al Wusta has a population of 750 Arabian oryx.
The sanctuary is not only about Arabian Oryx, it is a beautiful habitat with sand dunes, slopes and plains. Other animals found in the reserve are:
- Arabian wolf
- Nubian Ibex
- Striped Hyena
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The Arabian Oryx Sanctuary is only accessible through guided tours by the sanctuary. Visitors need a 4WD car and a permit from the office to avail the guided tour from the reserve.
Jabal Samhan
Another ethereal sanctuary located in Oman is Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve. Located an hour’s drive from Salalah, this reserve is spread across 4500 square kilometres.
The Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve is a sanctuary for the last living Arabian leopards, 30 to 50 of which are thought to be living in the area. Jabal Samhan has beautiful limestone rocks with acacia, gum, and Boswellia trees. The rugged canyons add to the beauty of this reserve.
By Francesco Bini - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Jabal Samhan is not only home to Arabian leopards, but it also has other wildlife creatures as well, some of them are:
- Nubian ibex
- Arabian gazelle
- Arabian wolf
- Caracal
- Fox
- Striped hyena
- Indian crested porcupine
Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve is incomplete without the mention of Jabal Samhan Viewpoint. When standing on the viewpoint, you are surrounded by the cotton-like clouds and can experience the beautiful vistas of the coastline.
To visit the sanctuary, you need a permit from the office. It is highly recommended that you visit during the khaareef season, when the plains turn into a lush, green panorama.
Adventure Snake Canyon Oman
Snake Canyon, Oman, locally known as Seer Al Zamah, is a deep canyon in the heart of Wadi Bani Awf. Its serpentine topography gives it the name Snake Canyon.
Adventure Snake Canyon, Oman, is popular among adrenaline junkies. Its activities are nothing short of extreme adventures. The canyon is known for swimming in pristine waters, jumping in turquoise pools, trekking, and abseiling.
Par Ji-Elle — Travail personnel, CC BY-SA 3.0, Lien
Snake Canyon’s adventures also come with risks, so due diligence is required before planning a trip there. Before planning a tour to Snake Canyon, Oman, you must consider a few things.
- Flash floods: Flash floods are widespread in Snake Canyon; hence, they should be avoided during the monsoon.
- Weather forecast: always check the weather forecast in advance. Even the slightest possibility of rain should be enough to defer the plan.
- Gear: appropriate gear, food and water are a must when you visit Adventure Snake Canyon, Oman.
Buraimi National Park
Buraimi National Park is located in the oasis city of Oman, which borders the UAE. It is a beautiful park with vast, lush green lawns, a children’s play area, walking trails, and other recreational activities.
Features
The main features of the Buraimi National Park are listed below:
- A lake in which visitors can swim or fish.
- Trails for joggers and walking.
- Playgrounds for children with different swings and equipment, including slides, monkey bars, teeter totter, and spinners.
- Skating rinks.
- Basketball court.
- Badminton court.
Recreational Activities
- Swimming in the lake
- Fishing
- Skating
- Jogging
- Trekking
- Sports like basketball and badminton
- skating
Conclusion
Oman is a welcoming, beautiful country with enchanting natural beauty. They also know how to enhance the beauty by building amazingly ethereal parks. The government is blessed with a diverse wildlife that is well-protected and cared for. Here is the précis of this article.
- Qurum Park is the largest park in Oman and has the only Ferris wheel in the country.
- If you want to experience turtles’ nesting, visiting Ras al Jinz is highly recommended.
- For adventure seekers, Snake Canyon is the perfect spot.
- It is highly recommended that you plan your trip and arrange all the permits before your visit to avoid any last-minute hassle.
- You must also keep a tab on the weather forecast, as Oman can get sweltering in the summer.
- Visiting the parks and national parks in winter is highly advised, as the weather is delightful and welcoming.
Frequently Asks Questions
Q:01 Where to see animals in Oman?
Ans: You can see animals at many places in Oman. A few are listed below:
- Ras Al Jinz: green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles.
- Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve: Arabian Oryx, Arabian wolf, Nubian Ibex, Striped Hyena.
- Al Saleel National Park: Arabian Gazelle, Egyptian eagles, Vultures, 30 species of birds, Arabian wildcats, Red foxes, Hares, Wolves.
- Jabal Samhan: Arabian leopard, Nubian ibex, Arabian gazelle, Arabian wolf, Caracal, Fox, Striped hyena, Indian crested porcupine.
Q:02 Where to see wildlife in Oman?
Ans: Wildlife can be seen in Oman’s many parks, reserves, and national parks. A few of these are as follows:
- Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
- Qurum Natural Park
- Arabian Oryx Sanctuary
- Al Saleel National Park
- Jabal Samhan
- Adventure Snake Canyon, Oman
- Ghubrah Lake Park
- Buraimi National Park
