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CAVE EXPLORATION
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 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.
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.
A popular cave for the less intrepid (although this certainly
mus t not
be considered by unaccompanied amateurs) is Hoti Cave which
comprises an underground cavern and subterranean lake system.
Hoti 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 Hoti 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
Hoti 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 Hoti 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.
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 Dr Samir Hanna
of the Sultan Qaboos University Earth Science Department who
is an expert on Oman's geology -
squ@omantel.net.om
If you are caving, do not forget your equipment. You will
need:
1. Two heavy-duty flashlights - replace the batteries before
your trip and ensure the torches are in perfect working order
2. Extra batteries and bulbs
3. Climbing helmet
4. Plenty of water and high-carbohydrate snacks
5. 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. |
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All
materials in this site is subject to the views and opinion of the
developers who cannot be held responsible towards any misconception
and misinterpretation. All information on this site is only for
general use and in the interest of the public
