There are a great few areas of the Jabal Akhdar to visit. It’s my advice that you make a day of it, culminating at GZ for Sunset! Why not take up a disposable BBQ to make it an extra special event?! On your way, I advise you to visit:-
W18B Fruit Village – N 23° 04.300 E 057° 40.067
Starting at Al Aqor, you descend through the village with spectacular views. On route, you will walk through vine covered paths and over irrigation streams (falaj). Pomegranates, peaches, figs, grapes and many more fruits are within picking distance and the friendly farmers will barter a good price for them. Lots of steps up and down, approximately 4km and takes about 2 hrs.
British Venom Aircraft Crash site – N 23° 04.550 E 057° 39.600
Remains of a British Venom aircraft downed in August 1958 during the Java Akhdar rebellion. The ‘De Havilland’ Venom single seater fighter bomber had four 20mm cannons in the nose and 2,000lbs of bombs. The pilot, Flt Lt Owen Watkinson from 8 Sqn RAF is buried at the crash site.
Jabal Al Akhdar Hotel - N 23° 05.350 E 057° 41.600
Pop in for a coffee or stay overnight. No bar, but licensed restaurant and simple rooms. Tel 25429009 or email: jakhotel@omantel.net.com
Diana’s Point – N 23° 04.100 E 057° 40.083
In the late 1980’s, Princess Diana visited Oman; she came to Jabal Akhdar and stood at this breathtaking viewpoint. The trip was the first time she was not accompanied by Prince Charles. Reportedly, she cried at this spot, no doubt the view causing a reflection on her life difficulties.
Directions:
From Muscat, head towards Nizwa on the 15. Continue on this highway for approx 1 ¼ hrs, take the Al Jabal Al Akhdar turning. Turn left at the T-junction at the flyover road. Continue until you come to a T-Junction, turn left onto the main road with Birkat Al Mawz on your right. After 1km, turn right at the roundabout, take the next left turning just after a speed ramp. Drive along the wadi basin and then start to climb where you will come across the police checkpoint. Here, the police may take your name and vehicle details from either the vehicle registration card or driving licence. This is purely for safety reasons. ONLY 4x4 VEHICLES ARE PERMITTED BEYOND THIS POINT & IT IS ADVISABLE TO TAKE YOUR PASSPORT! From here, your journey begins………..
Safety:
1. Watch children, there are some dangerous points, i.e. Diana’s Point!
2. Take PLENTY of water. There are villages in the mountains, but assume you need to be self sufficient.
3. Check weather reports first!
4. Watch out for beasties! Snakes in particular, so don't overturn rocks unnecessarily.