Ever wondered about the painted flags of white, red and yellow on rock faces you see while hiking majestic mountains and stunning wadis of Oman. These simple but highly effective way markers help people to navigate the trails safely and confidently; making the mountains and wadis more accessible to people who want to explore the beautiful natural environment. You will find these flags guiding you on many of your chosen adventures. They will lead you as you scramble to the peak of Oman’s highest point, Jabal Shams. They will guide you safely whilst you explore the beauty of Wadi Shab. Who is behind these trails and creating a safer adventure environment? Nizwa local, Ahmed al Abri, one of the original teams to create this marking system, explains how the little painted flags of white, red, and yellow which mark the trails are not just random splashes of colour, but a symbol of a collaborative effort to guide hikers through the beauty of Oman's natural wonders.
Ahmed began exploring the Al Hajar Mountains many years ago. With his love of adventures and nature he started to develop the skills and techniques required in the outdoors from seasoned adventure companions. As he gained experience, he obtained his adventure license from the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and now regularly guides people on trails, in wadis and in the desert. With his knowledge of the mountains, he joined the trail marking initiative known as Legna Al Wataniya. This project was spearheaded by Ahmed al Rahbi, and it emerged as a beacon of cooperation between the government and local communities. Al Rahbi, also a seasoned coach in adventurous pursuits, brought his expertise to the endeavour, ensuring that every twist and turn of Oman's trails were marked for exploration.
The extensive project was originally funded by a modest sum of approximately RO 250 per trail, along with paint supplies. The focus being to ensure hikers' safety and enhance their experience amidst the rugged terrain. The choice of white, red and gold were deliberately selected for their visibility in Oman's mountainous landscapes, to ensure that adventurers could easily find their way. To make these trails as safe as possible in each governorate, a team of local experts were tasked with marking these trails based on their extensive experience in these areas. They have since meticulously painted the paths of many trails across the governorates.
From the ancient trails of Nizwa to the captivating routes of Samayil, these flags have become an integral part of Oman's hiking experience; guiding adventurers on journeys to discover more of Oman's incredible landscapes. For those looking to go on their own adventures across the Sultanate of Oman, these maps can be found in PDF format through the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, as well as the Wikiloc Hiking App which offers a digital guide to Oman's most renowned routes.
As hikers continue to traverse the painted trails, they not only immerse themselves in the splendour of Oman's landscapes but also become part of this story of collaboration, adventure, as a testament to the enduring bond between nature and community.
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