Oman’s beautiful natural phenomenon to add to your bucket list
Published: 03:02 PM,Feb 06,2023 | EDITED : 02:02 PM,Feb 07,2023
Photo by Natalia Mikahilova
Oman's combination of history, culture and natural beauty make it an ideal destination for travelers looking for an authentic and diverse experience. As a Middle Eastern country known predominantly for its deserts, it is perceived as mysterious because of its remote and isolated location. Its detachment from the rest of the world has led to a romanticization of desert cultures and lifestyles.
Despite the many environmental challenges, everyone who has been to Oman will agree that it is one of the most fascinating countries to visit. Oman's culture is rich historically and to this day, many of its traditions are shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
Looking at its natural beauty, these are some of the most fascinating natural phenomena happening in the country that will make anyone come and pay a visit.
Khareef Season
Perhaps one of the most popular phenomena happening in Oman, Khareef (or the autumn season) has been driving tourism to the country annually. Happening in the southernmost part of the country in the Dhofar Governorate, the usually hot and humid weather is totally transformed into a monsoon. This seasonal weather change happens every year during June and September when the rocky mountains are covered with dense white fog and eventually creates rain/drizzle resulting in the mountains and the surrounding areas becoming a green paradise.
As an added tourist pull, Salalah also organizes the Khareef Festival filled with different cultural and traditional attractions.
Glowing Seas
It's beautiful, mysterious, and rare that you must be at the right spot when it happens. Glowing seas inspire wonders and are a testament to the complexity of nature. Scientifically, this phenomenon is caused by “bioluminescence” or creatures with the ability to produce light in their bodies. On land, we usually see this among fireflies but in the ocean, this is usually caused by plankton. During winter, this phenomenon intensifies and can be witnessed in different areas from Muscat around the Dimaniyat, Qantab, and Bandar Khairan/ Yiti areas all the way to Ras al Hadd and Ras al Jinns including Masirah and the neighboring coastal areas. The best place to watch this phenomenon is far from light-polluted areas and as of late, has become a popular attraction for kayakers and campers.
Snow in the mountains
It's been noted to happen in the past but this year, the mountains of Oman's capability to pull down snow has created a frenzy. With temperatures in the mountain dropping to a sometimes negative degree, snow is bound to happen. For a few days this year, the peak of Jabal Shams became a winter wonderland with snow covering quite a large area and giving people an opportunity to build snowmen and play on the ice. Snow in the desert? Who would have thought, indeed?
The transformation of the pink lakes
Travel to some coastal towns near Sur, Ashkarah, and Masirah and your trip will be interrupted by pink lakes. Lakes can become pink due to the presence of algae that produce a pigment called beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a type of carotenoid, which are pigments that give certain plants, algae, and animals their bright red, yellow, and orange hues. When these algae bloom in high concentrations, they can give the lake a pink or red tint. In Oman, it is believed that the pink lakes turn to such color because of the presence of algae and bacteria that produce a red pigment in response to high salt concentrations. Being a temporary phenomenon, you have to be at the right spot at the right time to see these salt lakes to display this fascinating natural phenomenon.
Despite the many environmental challenges, everyone who has been to Oman will agree that it is one of the most fascinating countries to visit. Oman's culture is rich historically and to this day, many of its traditions are shrouded in mystery and intrigue.
Looking at its natural beauty, these are some of the most fascinating natural phenomena happening in the country that will make anyone come and pay a visit.
Khareef Season
Perhaps one of the most popular phenomena happening in Oman, Khareef (or the autumn season) has been driving tourism to the country annually. Happening in the southernmost part of the country in the Dhofar Governorate, the usually hot and humid weather is totally transformed into a monsoon. This seasonal weather change happens every year during June and September when the rocky mountains are covered with dense white fog and eventually creates rain/drizzle resulting in the mountains and the surrounding areas becoming a green paradise.
As an added tourist pull, Salalah also organizes the Khareef Festival filled with different cultural and traditional attractions.
Glowing Seas
It's beautiful, mysterious, and rare that you must be at the right spot when it happens. Glowing seas inspire wonders and are a testament to the complexity of nature. Scientifically, this phenomenon is caused by “bioluminescence” or creatures with the ability to produce light in their bodies. On land, we usually see this among fireflies but in the ocean, this is usually caused by plankton. During winter, this phenomenon intensifies and can be witnessed in different areas from Muscat around the Dimaniyat, Qantab, and Bandar Khairan/ Yiti areas all the way to Ras al Hadd and Ras al Jinns including Masirah and the neighboring coastal areas. The best place to watch this phenomenon is far from light-polluted areas and as of late, has become a popular attraction for kayakers and campers.
Snow in the mountains
It's been noted to happen in the past but this year, the mountains of Oman's capability to pull down snow has created a frenzy. With temperatures in the mountain dropping to a sometimes negative degree, snow is bound to happen. For a few days this year, the peak of Jabal Shams became a winter wonderland with snow covering quite a large area and giving people an opportunity to build snowmen and play on the ice. Snow in the desert? Who would have thought, indeed?
The transformation of the pink lakes
Travel to some coastal towns near Sur, Ashkarah, and Masirah and your trip will be interrupted by pink lakes. Lakes can become pink due to the presence of algae that produce a pigment called beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a type of carotenoid, which are pigments that give certain plants, algae, and animals their bright red, yellow, and orange hues. When these algae bloom in high concentrations, they can give the lake a pink or red tint. In Oman, it is believed that the pink lakes turn to such color because of the presence of algae and bacteria that produce a red pigment in response to high salt concentrations. Being a temporary phenomenon, you have to be at the right spot at the right time to see these salt lakes to display this fascinating natural phenomenon.