There are many magnificent Wadis in Oman, but Wadi Tanuf is not only famous for the beautiful landscapes but also for the water filtration plant, it’s historical significance and it recently went viral for the biggest swing in Oman.

It is 165 kms drive from Muscat and 20 minutes' drive from Nizwa. It lies at one of the gorges leading to the highest mountain ranges in the Arabian Peninsula- “The Al Hajar mountain ranges.”  

Tanuf was the headquarters of Sulaiman bin Himyar, the sheikh of Beni Riyam tribe. In 1959, Sulaiman joined a rebellion against the Sultan led by the Imam, Ghalib Al Hina’I and his brother Talib. The Sultan sought the help of the British and the rebellion was ended. However, British RAF used bombs which destroyed the entire village of Tanuf. 

The ruins of the old mud houses stand there as a reminder of those times. An ancient Falaj (canal system) still runs through the old village carrying water from the Wadi. It is believed that the water from the old Falaj was so popular for it’s sweetness that a water filtration plant was set up in 1979. This plant draws water from the wells which are built at the mouth of the valley.  This filtration plant still supplies bottled water for half of the Omani market.

We had to cross a huge pool of water to move ahead. Around the pool, is the hanging falaj carved during the olden days. There are big holes in the Falaj from where the excess water falls into the pool. It is extremely fun to stand under these natural showers and bathe in the pool. We drove ahead on a dirt road to reach the Tanuf dam which was built in 1989.

 

The weather was extremely pleasant the day we visited Wadi Tanuf which enhanced the charm of this place tenfold.

Witness the magic of rain transforming Wadi Tanuf into a paradise surrounded by numerous waterfalls in our Youtube video.

It is a must visit place especially when it is raining or when there is abundance of water in Wadi. Please do not miss to visit Nizwa souq and Behala fort when you visit Tanuf.