Wednesday 17 / April / 2024
How often do you see your children glued to their mobile phones or computers instead of playing outdoors, running in the parks, gazing up at the moon and the stars, or admiring the bright blooms in the garden?
Blame it on technology or the growing revolution of the internet, our lives now remain totally dominated by screens and buttons and our children have replaced nature with consoles and video games. While it’s true that in today’s city life there is a lack of access to nature, it is equally important to introduce children to the natural world from their early age.
With summer vacations round the corner it’s time for parents to provide these opportunities to their children and help them connect with nature. While visiting a park, garden, or a nature museum is one of the many ways to tune in with nature, here in Oman a visit to one of the mountaintops can also be a great firsthand experience.
Keeping these ideas in mind Alila Jabal Akhdar has introduced an enriching experience for children that will help them root a unique relationship with nature. So if you want your children to explore traces of Oman’s history, unearth some age old fossils and run after beautiful birds and butterflies, take them to Alila Jabal Akhdar and join the butterfly trail. It has everything you need to make your hiking experience with children fun and adventurous.
As you reach Alila Jabal Akhdar collect the butterfly trail marker from the lobby and go for a walk within the precincts of the resort. While you can go on a self guided tour along with your children to get up close and personal with nature, you can also opt for a free guide service. And with the route map in hand, you and your young explorers can set off on this journey of discovery of the many facets of Oman and its natural wonders.
From learning new facts about the mountains and its inhabitants to knowing about the mountain animals, birds, and other species, as you trek on the trails of the Al Hajar mountains you can soak up in the beauty of the varied landscapes.
The butterfly trail gives your children a chance to learn about twenty species of butterflies and as many as forty species of birds. Along with that one can also explore the intriguing world of different types of spiders, lizards, and creepy crawlies.
The beehives known for the Jabal Akhdar honey is an added attraction. That’s not all. While you trek on the edgy paths your guide will tell you about the fruits and trees that grow locally. Don’t miss drinking water from the traditional Jahlah (water jug). Apart from these the children can also enjoy the swings and climbing frame, try jousting on the balance beam, or create their own symphony on the musical wall.
So plan a weekend up the hills and enjoy a restful and renewing stay at Alila Jabal Akhdar along with a rewarding butterfly sighting experience. —[email protected]
For reservations, email: [email protected], or call: +968 2534 4200 / +968 9910 4204
(There is a free guided tour at 4pm on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. All you need to do is to make a confirmation for a guided walk of the butterfly trail. The other days one can go for self-guided tours).
