Al Hoota Cave, Oman - Timings, Tips & Things To Do

Al Hoota Cave, Oman: Overview

Al Hoota Cave, the only display cave in the Arabian Peninsula, is 4.5 kilometers long and is situated at the base of the majestic Jebel Shams Mountain. It is almost 2 million years old. The cave is remarkably well preserved, with a magnificent environment that includes mollusks, snails, anthropoids, and bats.

You will pass by four lakes as you explore the cave. The rare blind fish Garra Barreimiae can be found in these lakes. Only Bahrain, the UAE, and Oman have these fish. The 45-minute tour of the enormous cave covers 500m of its length. The tours available in both English and Arabic explain how the cave was created, how it was discovered, the animals that live within it, and how it has been protected for all these years. To protect the ecosystem inside, the cave is gloomy. Only tiny spotlights that the tour guides may turn on and off are used to illuminate the cave. The cave dwellings won't be affected in this way. The whole family will find this tour to be highly entertaining and enlightening. Keep in mind to move slowly and cautiously as there are wet and slippery areas in the cave.

How To Reach Al Hoota Cave

The Al Hoota Cave location can be reached by following these instructions:

In Oman's Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Al Hoota Cave lies close to the town of Al Hamra. Take Route 21 (Muscat-Nizwa Highway) in the direction of Nizwa from Muscat. Until you reach Al Hamra, keep traveling along the Nizwa-Bahla Road. Follow the directions to Al Hoota Cave, which is about 5 kilometers from Al Hamra. A parking space is accessible close to the cave entrance.

There aren't many ways to get to Al Hoota Cave through public transit. To go to the cave, while doing Oman Tour Packages take a taxi from Al Hamra or Nizwa. As an alternative, you might look into scheduled excursions that include travel to and from the cave.

Best Time To Visit Al Hoota Cave

The milder months, usually from October to April, are the ideal time to visit Al Hoota Cave. Oman's weather is more agreeable during this time, with moderate temperatures and decreased humidity, making cave exploration enjoyable.

You can avoid the intense heat throughout the summer, which can make the cave tour less enjoyable, by going during the cooler months. High summer temperatures in Oman frequently surpass 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), especially from May to September.

It's a good idea to research Al Hoota Cave's opening times in advance and make travel arrangements accordingly. In addition, compared to weekends and holidays, weekdays typically offer a more tranquil and uncrowded experience.

Tips To Visit Al Hoota Cave

Al Hoota Cave Access Times are on Sunday to Thursday: Morning sessions run from 9:00 until 12:30 (the final tour begins at 12:15), sessions in the afternoon from 14:00 to 18:00 (final tour begins at 17:15). Fridays: From 9:00 till 12:00 (the final tour begins at 11:15), morning sessions, sessions in the afternoon from 14:00 to 18:00 (final tour begins at 17:15).
On Mondays, all facilities are closed. Reservations may be made daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The tour is not suggested for those who have claustrophobia, back pain, asthma, high blood pressure, or are pregnant.
Inside the cave, eating and drinking are not permitted.
The surroundings of Al Hoota Cave are environmentally friendly. Please don't smoke in public.
Special requirements and medical issues should be disclosed beforehand.
The 800-meter tour will take you about 40 minutes to finish inside the cave.
Parents have parental oversight and accountability for their children.
The cave may contain wet and slippery parts.
Please leave your photos and video cameras at the ticket window; they are not permitted inside the cave.

Things To Do at Al Hoota Cave

Discover the historic atmosphere and traditional mud-brick architecture of the town of Al Hamra.
Visit Misfat Al Abriyeen, a charming mountain town renowned for its traditional architecture and terraced gardens.
Discover the historical significance and stunning mud-brick walls of the ancient Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is situated in the village of Bahla.
Oman's highest mountain, Jebel Shams, which offers amazing vistas and chances for outdoor sports, is the perfect place to go hiking.
Enjoy the gorgeous drives, hiking trails, and expansive views when you visit the Al Hajar Mountain range.
Discover Nizwa's traditional Omani souqs (marketplaces), which are renowned for their handicrafts, spices, and regional goods.

Quick INFO

Al Hoota Cave Timings:

Monday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Time Required to Visit Al Hoota Cave:

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Nearby Places in Oman

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Mutrah Souq

Royal Opera House Muscat

Al Alam Palace

Mutrah Corniche

Wadi Shab

Bimmah Sinkhole

Qurum Beach

Al Rustaq Fort

Al Hoota Cave

FAQs About Al Hoota Cave

What is the Al Hoota Cave entry fee?When is Al Hoota Cave open?

Al Hoota Cave access times are on Sunday to Thursday: Morning sessions run from 9:00 until 12:30 (the final tour begins at 12:15), sessions in the afternoon from 14:00 to 18:00 (final tour begins at 17:15). Fridays: From 9:00 till 12:00 (the final tour begins at 11:15), morning sessions, sessions in the afternoon from 14:00 to 18:00 (final tour begins at 17:15).

Do you need to book in advance to visit Al Hoota Cave?

Visitors can get tickets directly from the counter but it is suggested to book tickets in advance and advance reservation is scheduled from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

What hotels are near Al Hoota Cave?

Some of the hotels near Al Hoota Cave are, Alila Jabal Akhdar, Intercity Hotel Nizwa, Al Shoroq Green Resort, Al Hoota Guest House, and The Wadi Inn.

What attractions are near Al Hoota Cave?

The top attractions near Al Hoota Cave are:

Al Naseem Park
Wadi bani Auf
Asif Gorge
Snake Canyon
Bahla Fort
Bait Al Safah

What is the Al Hoota Cave entry fee?

A typical Omani adult may expect to pay 3 OMR as the Al Hoota Cave ticket price. Whereas, 1 OMR per Omani kid. Booking Al Hoota cave tickets is not necessary for children under the age of six. These prices might vary so check them before visiting the place.