Oman, officially name ‘Sultanate of Oman’, has for centuries been ruled by the Omani Al Said family. Officially one of the safest and most secure countries under Arab rule, Oman also happens to be the oldest independent state in the Arab world. But save for its peaceful political and cultural structure, there remain many things about Oman that are not well-known to a typical Western world – even today.
Located in the far south eastern region of the desert-dominated Arab Peninsula, Oman is a country home to some of the world’s most beautiful oases, of which Wadi Bani Khalid stands out as being the most beautiful and precious of them all. Evergreen and lush, Wadi Bani Khalid is nourished by a steady stream of water flowing through its inviting valley all year round. A little piece of paradise, its shores are lined with date palms and its waters home to an arrangement of tiny fish.
But Oman’s Wadi Bani Khalid, though beautiful beyond words, isn’t earth’s only oases. There are many more simply waiting to be experienced by the curious traveller.
Huacachina Oasis – Peru
Huacachina Oasis is in Southwestern Peru and is the only desert oasis in all of South America. Not only is Huacachina Oasis a number-one sandboarding and dunebuggy destination, but it’s also prime vantage-point for anyone wanting to catch a glimpse of the mysterious Nazca Lines. A 30-minute flight provides a bird’s eye view of more than 800 straight lines, some 300 geometric figures and at least 70 fauna and flora designs.
Chebika Oasis – Tunisia
Tunisia’s Chebika Oasis is where life-giving waters and natural drama meet. Known to the region’s locals as Qasr al-Shams (when translated: Castle of the Sun), the oasis at Chebika is located right at the foot of the Djebel el Negueb Mountains. Interesting too is that various scenes of the movie Star Wars Episode IV: New Hope were shot in the vicinity of Chebika Oasis, as were scenes of The English Patient. A trip here lets you enjoy amazing entertainment options of a whole new kind.
Havasu Falls – Grand Canyon, US
It’s easy to forget that the US is home to the magnificent Sonoran Desert, which spans most of the southern half of Arizona, south-eastern California and even a large portion of Sonora, Mexico. Arizona is of course home to the magnificent Grand Canyon, which is in turn home to the cool and soothing plunge pool on Havasu Creek, a beautiful and inviting oasis fed by several waterfalls flowing out of pure limestone. The limestone is what gives the waters of Havasu Creek a welcoming blue-green hue.
Tafilalt – Morocco
Tafilalt is Morocco’s largest Saharan oasis. A region rich with history, Tafilalt is situated along the vegetation-rich banks of the Ziz River. This meant that it soon became a crucial stopping point on the Saharan caravan route between the Niger River and the Tangier region, which is home to Northern Morocco’s principle trade and travel port.
Tangier is furthermore to many a world traveller Africa’s most popular gateway. The city is also home to a quick ferry running between Spain and Tangier port.
To read more on topics like this, check out the Travel category.
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