Al-Hootah Cave

Located on Al-Hootah Plateau on the southern slopes of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar in Wilayat Al-Hamra, A'Dhakhliah Region, the subterranean system of Al-Hootah Cave was recently opened for public, after undergoing a programme of alterations which has turned it into a unique tourist attraction.

Show-CaveAl-Hootah Cave
An electric train carries visitors to the heart of the cave through a tunnel alongside the main entrance. The show-cave itinerary follows a circular path inside the large cave chamber.

Informative guided tours, available in a number of languages, are automatically provided. Visitors follows safe and well-maintained walkways through the cave, while a light system illuminates the noteworthy rock formations and atmospheric music and sound effects enhance the experience.

Visitors need to purchase a ticket to access the train and the Show-Cave from a ticket booth, located at the entrance to the Visitors’ Centre.

 

Subterranean Lake
The main cave is partially occupied by a subterranean lake with natural air ventilation. The lake is inhabited by a rare species of transparent blind fish. Access to the water is prohibited but visitors can take in the lake from a purpose-built jetty and enjoy close-up views, thanks to digital cameras and LCD monitors.Museum

 

Natural History Museum
 A museum of natural history is situated on the second floor of the Visitors’ Centre. Interactive educational audio-visual aids, including a ‘time machine’ and sound and light show, are designed to enhance the visitor’s experience.

 

Heritage Shops
Pottery from different regions, silver items and hand-woven rugs are among the local artefacts on sale, all beautifully displayed to tempt the shopper.

 

Children’s Areas
A special recreational area for children is designed to make family visits enjoyable and relaxing. Children can play in an oasis-like area shaded by palm trees.

 

People with Special Needs
The Show-Cave was designed to enable people with special needs to visit parts of the cave, with latest interactive technologies helping to enhance their experience.

 

Visiting Hours & Regulations

  • All facilities: from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm.
  • Restaurant and Lounge: from 10:00 am - 10:00 pm.
  • Cave visit duration: around 1 hour of guided tour.
  • Closed on Mondays except for groups with prior reservations.
  • The Show-Cave is closed during July and August.
  • Reservations: Available online via http://www.alhootacave.com/

How to get there -From Muscat (200 Km))
Take the Nizwa Road which leaves the Sultan Qaboos Highway some kilometres after the Muscat International Airport. On arrival in Nizwa take the road towards Bahla, Al Hamra and Ibri. Near Tanuf the cave is signed from the main road.

The trip from Muscat normally takes around 90 minutes by car: 75 minutes from Muscat to Nizwa, and 20 minutes to Al-Hootah.