Located in the Al Hamra district, Oman, the Al-Hoota Cave is a natural creation beyond compare. Within the cave all forms of life thrive. In order to ensure that these life forms are protected and not impinged upon, only 500m of the cave is open to tourists. The length of the cave is 4.5km and only 10% is revealed to the public. A forty five minute tour would disclose quite a few secrets of the cave. Be prepared to gaze upon the dangling stalactites and trace unusual shapes that might come alive on your visit. Less than two hours from the cave one would come across the Alila Jabal Akhdar. An ideal resort in Oman from which to set out on your adventures, it enjoys a unique location which affords an incredible view of the Al Hajar Mountains and creates an appetite for exploration, more precisely to the Al-Hoota Cave.
The Al-Hoota Cave was opened to the public in November 2006. However it dates back to approximately two million years ago. A chemical yet ‘magical’ reaction helped form the stalactites. Limestone reacts when dissolved in carbonic acid water, and the results are seen within the cave. When touring the cave, look overhead and what you will find is a galaxy of stalactite formations.
A small northern lake and a central lake also punctuate the tour of the cave. The large amounts of water within the cave create the ideal surroundings for all forms of life. Gliding in the waters of the main lake are blind fish also called “garra barreimiae”. Arthropods, molluscs, bats, water beetles, large spiders and other rare and endemic species have also made the cave their humble home.
The right amount of light shines through the cave providing a unique view. Make sure to book your tour to the cave as only a limited amount of visitors are allowed in each day. It is truly a marvel of nature!
Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
