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IN BRIEF
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Wadi Al Khadra is a relatively short wadi that carries floodwaters from the Hajar Mountains down to Wadi Sharm, from where they disappear into the gravel plains beyond Nuway. The sudden changes of elevation in the rocky wadi bed have created several waterfalls and pools along the way, and given rise to some spectacular vistas.
There are also a number of picturesque wadis, villages and oases in this area.
The wadi and village of Sharm. Some 20 years ago there was a fully-fledged village in Sharm. Now, with new houses being built in nearby Nuway, most of the villagers have left Sharm. But some inhabitants have chosen to stay in the tranquil old village rather than move to more modern surroundings.
It’s an area of great beauty, encompassing the foothills of the Hajar Mountains, flood plains and rocky gravel hills where the rich-yet-subdued colours of the vegetation stand out against the red, white and brown hues of the gravel-and-sand backdrop.
The village has an old fort in fairly good condition, surrounded by stone dwellings. The fort is typical of old forts in the area. Located on high ground, its stone walls stand at various levels and it’s easy to see how it once protected the area as it overlooks not only the village, but an expanse of farmland, palm plantations and the wadi itself.
As in a number of other villages in the area, the falaj system is still in use, with a continuous flow of water feeding the farms, while the houses are clustered together in the village with the farms surrounding them.
In contrast to most other wadis, this one is visited by townfolk from both Oman and the UAE. They enjoy picnics in the parts of the wadi that cut through the mountains, or within the shady date- palm plantations.
Sharm is one of the widest wadis in the region and has a good supply of water, especially during winter when it gushes down from the Hajar Mountains into the wadi and follows its course on to the plains beyond Nuway where the sand and gravel absorb the water.
In addition to visiting Wadi Sharm you could also go in a northeasterly direction to Al Juwayf, one of the greenest spots in the area. Juwayf is situated on a plain with both old and new homes and a mosque surrounded by mountains. On the return journey, after passing Al Juwayf, you could go into Wadi Hallaheh to enjoy some mountain rambling.