Al Hoota Cave

Al Hoota Cave In Brief

Al Hotta Cave is located at the foot of Jabal Shams, in the vicinity of the Tanuf Valley in Al Hamra district. It is more than 5km long traversed by underground River.

The Omani Ministry of Tourism have undertaken an initiative to make the lower part of the cave an environmentally sound tourist attraction. A socio-economic development approach aiming to contribute to the welfare of the locals.

Al Hoota Cave is situated in the vicinity of the ancient silversmith town Nizwa and the world heritage site Bahla. It is one of the largest cave systems in the world and was opened to the public in 2006 for the first time. In October 2007 the exhibition in the visitor centre opened it's gates, imparting knowledge about local geology and the formation of Al Hoota Cave.

On the basis of the conception from VERDANDI and in close cooperation with the Natural History Museum Vienna we developed five interactive kiosk systems. By turning a "time wheel" the visitor is able to watch the continental plates move in the course of time, grow stalagmites in a virtual cave, see how different climatic conditions affect the development of Karst, or watch how the Hajar mountain range was formed. Through a microscope geological formations and life-forms dwelling in the cave can be explored.

Latest News

Car Club Visits Al Hoota Cave

The Oman Porsche Club brought speed and style to Al Hoota Cave, when they visited the Cave on the 2nd January, enjoying first class hospitality at our Zajal restaurant before Speeding off around the Jabal Shams mountains. More than thirty five exclusive cars and drivers had fun at our unique attraction. Read More

GCC Press Club Visits

Al Hoota Cave always has a VIP guests amongst it's visitors! So,The Ministry of Information was visiting Al Hoota Cave last week, with a number of the press and TV reporters from all over the GCC. The general idea of the visit was to help raise awareness of Al Hoota Cave and its excellent facilities as a first class natural attraction and activity for both locals and tourists.Read More

Directions to Al Hoota Cave

From Muscat (~ 200km)
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Take the Highway that leads to the Seeb International Airport. After crossing the Airport Roundabout proceed on the highway to reach Al Burg roundabout and take Nizwa Road. Arriving to Nizwa old town Proceed to the Hamra road. Reach Wadi Tanuf, you turn right and you proceed to Al Hoota Cave..

Muscat to Nizwa: 1:15 hr. is needed by car
Nizwa to Al-Hoota Cave: 0:20 Hr. drive is necessary to reach the cave

From Dubai and Abu Dhabi (~350 Km)
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Take the main highway to Al-Ain. The Omani side of Al Ain is called al Buraymi. Proceed from Al-Buraymi towards Ibri. Proceed in the direction of Bahla and on to Al Hamra. Follow road signs to get to the cave as the road traverse Al-Hamra palm trees plantations. Drivers need to make sure to fuel their car tanks before leaving Ibri.

Driving Time: ~ 3:30 hr
A Visa may be required for international tourists coming from Dubai and or
Abu Dhabi. Most Resident expatriates are exempt from visa.