Oman's Nature
- giant Green Turtles, very Common Dolphin, migrating Birds, historic Frankincense Trees are just some of Oman’s treasures
OMANS EXTRAORDINARY NORTHERN MOUNTAINS
Oman’s Mountains are the dramatic backdrop to most of Arabesques tours, often no more so than the geologist's paradise of chocolate brown Ophiolite Mountains close to Muscat. These mountains allow an insight to some of the fundamental geological processes on Earth. Spread out around much of northern Oman other ranges of magnificent mountains create a canvas to the rest of Oman’s nature.
Over 480 species of birds have been recorded in Oman. During the winter months, Oman hosts a remarkable variety of migratory birds. Migration creates vast flocks of tern and gulls on the coasts and Eagles around Muscat and Salalah. During Oman’s winter, flocks of White Stork pass through and European Rollers may rest for a few days on their own migrations. Many of Arabesque tours take us through areas where the birdlife is worth watching and of course if your interest is a Bird Watching Tour then Arabesque can create one especially to suit your time and interests.
Land based mammals are more elusive than Oman’s birds as they secret themselves during the heat of the day. We can visit areas where Arabian Gazelle, Arabian Oryx and Nubian Ibex might be found. Other species, more elusive, include the Arabian Leopard and Arabian Tahr (an endemic species). The largest land animal in Arabia, the Camel (dromedary) is a face that you will see on your more extended tours with Arabesque
FRANKINCENSE and DRAGONS BLOOD
Vegetation in Oman may be sparse in places but include famed plants like Dragons Blood, Frankincense, Date, Desert Rose and Christ Thorn trees. Throughout the country, the medicinal use of plants continues alongside modern medicine and many obscure plants are treasured for their healing powers.
The seas around Oman contain a remarkable variety of creatures including five types of sea turtles with major nesting sites of Green Turtle and Loggerhead species. If you would like to witness these special events, ask Arabesque to talk Turtle with you.
Oman has possibly the only resident population of Humpback Whale in the world. Oman's other Cetaceans range from Blue Whales to Dolphins. Dolphin sightings are almost (but not quite) guaranteed on Arabesque's "Breakfast with the Dolphins" tour while on some coasts in Oman Dolphin come to within a few meters of the beach.
Oman's coastal waters have a number of unique Coral species and a range of fish that delight Scuba diver and snorkeler alike. The seas around Salalah have a remarkable combination of cold water Kelp and tropical Coral - a pairing brought about by the changes in water temperature during the summer monsoon. Ask about the Sea based activities Arabesque provides.
