6 December 2023 / leggypeggy

Al Hoota Cave, another surprise in Oman

Arabian Peninsula, caves, fish, fossils, geology, Madventure

Stalactities galore

A few months back, Poor John and I attended a fascinating U3A lecture on Oman. We were keen to know more about the country we’d be visiting later in the year. While the talk was excellent, it didn’t quite prepare us for the diversity that is Oman.

I’ve already introduced you to our first bush camp and the picturesque Wadi al Shab, so now let’s head underground to the ancient Al Hoota Cave.

Al Hoota Cave

Located at the foot of Jabal Shams, Oman’s tallest mountain, Al Hoota is estimated to be more than 2 million years old. It is the only cave on the Arabian Peninsula that is open to the public. Even then, just 500 metres of its 4.8 kilometres of length can be visited.

According to an official story, a shepherd lost his goat and stumbled across the cave in 1960. However, legend says it has been used for centuries as an escape route and hiding spot for people fleeing trouble. I vote for the latter.

Ceiling ‘sculpture’

Sadly, the electric train that usually carries people from the visitors’ centre to the mouth of the cave was not working, so we all trudged along the tracks in the blazing sun.

The cave was a welcome relief from the heat, but we didn’t dawdle. Our guide whizzed us along, up and down metal staircases that protect much of the cave floor. Someone said there were 277 steps, but that was a gross under-exaggeration. The mathematician in me gave up counting after 400.

One of the steepest staircases

Stil more steps

The cave has four lakes, but only the largest can be visited by the public. It is home to a population of rare fish, Garra Barreimiae. The fish were discovered in 1980. Known by locals as Bu Naseh, these fish have adapted to conditions within the cave—the lack of light in this case—and are completely blind. They have also lost their pigmentation and are transparent. Other species in the cave include bats, arthropods, mollusks, spiders, snails and water beetles.

The stalactites and stalagmites aren’t huge. The guide said that water no longer drips from the ceiling, but he couldn’t understand our question of how long ago it stopped.

Sea urchins

Desert rose

Petrified wood

Reefal limestone

Anthodites

Siliceous geodes (chalcedony)

I especially enjoy the geological exhibition at the visitors’ centre. There were explanations of how caves form and samples of many different kinds of rocks and other features.

To be honest, Al Hoota is not remarkable as caves go, but it was a welcome break from the bus and yet another surprise in Oman.

Stay tuned for more of the country’s unexpected gems such as the beehive tombs. Heading into the desert tomorrow for camping, so will be out of touch.