Saturday 20 / April / 2024
We’re pretty fortunate to be living in Oman, a land blessed with natural beauty which ranges from rugged mountainous peaks and hidden oases, to vast swathes of sand, whether on the beach or in the desert.
The Sultanate’s bountiful landscape is crisscrossed by a great road network, which only allows us to further indulge our urges to travel across the nation and experience the landscape first-hand.
Before you set off, though, make sure you are prepared for what you might face during your journey. This week, we’re providing you with a checklist on what to look out for when you visit the Jabal Akhdar.
Located 6,652 feet above sea level, the Jabal Akhdar is located in the famed Al Hajar mountain ranges of the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. I had the opportunity to visit this piece of Oman’s natural legacy a few days ago, and here’s what I had to do before attempting the climb.
A four-wheel drive is mandatory
The road to the Jabal is winding and perilous, with a sheer drop protected by a low-slung guardrail on one side and the steep cliffs of the mountain on the other side flanking the narrow road up the Jabal.
Before the steep climb studded with hairpin bends is an ROP-manned check post. Those who have cars are asked to turn back, because they do not have the capabilities to climb the twisty road.
En route to Jabal Akhdar, though are a couple of vendors who will rent you 4WDs if you need them.
Slow and steady wins the race
A winding road up a steep mountain might seem like the best place to show off your driving skills, but climbing up the 6,500-plus feet requires an experienced and firm hand at the wheel. A single wrong turn could mean tumbling down the sheer surfaces, and is something you surely don’t want.
Before you head for the Jabal, give your vehicle a thorough examination at a service centre. Make sure your brakes are functioning optimally and that your gear is very responsive, because making the journey up the high roads requires a deft handling of both.
Fuel Up
Fuel stations in the Jabal are few and far between, and although they are present, it’s infinitely better to know that you have a full tank of fuel, rather than frantically driving around at such high altitudes, where fuel consumption is higher, because of a lack of oxygen to burn petrol, looking for a gas station.
There are many fuel stations en route to Jabal Akhdar, whether you’re driving in from Nizwa, or the capital, or rolling across the Muscat Expressway.
Make sure both your primary and auxiliary tanks are fully filled before you begin your climb up the mountain.
Look before you leap
We’ve always thought of Oman as a peaceful, happy-go-lucky place where life is simple and idyllic. On the journey back down, though, I saw a more sobering feature of our trip to Jabal Akhdar.
Veering off to the left and right of the main road every few metres are escape routes, which are laid not with asphalt, but gravel, and ends in a cluster of barrels and sandbags. They are a stark reminder of the dangers of the road.
The steep incline of the roads and the perilous hairpin bends are just as dangerous on the descent as they are on the ascent, and require concentration and focus. A rash decision or a sudden spurt of speed can result in you losing control of your vehicle, as can not applying your breaks diligently.
These escape roads are a safety net for those who have committed such a decision or those who have lost control of their brakes.
