Excursion Geology discovery: riyam-muttrah hike & wadi mayh tour at Muscat

The geological history of Oman is more than 800 million years old and tells almost all the chapters of tectonic events and climatic conditions throughout the earth's history.

In this excursion, led by a local Geologist, you will visit two main geological areas, just outside Mina Sultan Qaboos.

Journey for approximately 30 minutes to Wadi Al Mayh, where a number of impressive sedimentary rock features and the world's largest sheath folds are found.

See the Mega syncline where the rock has been deformed into a U shape causing the younger strata to be on the inside of the U, rather horizontally stratified. As with much of Oman's sedimentary rock, this is Limestone, about 270 million years old from the Permian period. The Schist Bedding, a 300-million-year-old limestone that has been folded up into layers, due to the intense pressure and heat exerted on them. The Eye Fold, is an amazing 250-million-year-old limestone rock that has been deformed and folded into a concentric shape resembling an eye, right within the mountain, overlooking one of the villages in the Wadi. Immediately after the Eye Fold is the Mega Fold, an even more impressive series of folds on an adjacent mountain!

Enjoy some Omani snacks and refreshments at a local restaurant before the short drive to Riyam.

Geologists have been attracted here for decades by the presence of the ophiolite. An ophiolite as a section of the earth's oceanic crust, and the underlying upper mantle, that has been uplifted and exposed above sea level, and often emplaced onto continental crustal rocks. Geologists say these ophiolites have travelled hundreds of kilometers from deep beneath the ocean to the Arabian continent. They are considered to be one of the most unique outcrops of this type in the world.

The Riyam walk begins with a steep climb at the end of which you are rewarded with spectacular views of Muttrah Port and surrounding areas.

At the end of your walk, reboard the bus for the short transfer to the ship.

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, at times over very steep and rough terrain, off track and over loose pebbles, and guest need to be physically fit to participate. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothes, good hiking shoes and sun protection. Please note that alcohol is not served during this tour.