Jebel Bani Jabir & Majlis al Jinn

جبل بني جابر

A dramatic highland plateau hosting Majlis al Jinn, one of the world's largest cave chambers, and stunning canyon viewpoints. It draws adventurers for caving, abseiling and spectacular escarpment scenery.

Things to do

• Descend into Majlis al Jinn — Rappel roughly 120 metres through a ceiling opening into one of the world's largest cave chambers, big enough to hold several airliners.
• Peer into the Cheryl's Drop entrance — Look through the main sinkhole shafts on the plateau surface to grasp the sheer scale before committing to a descent.
• Take in the Jebel Bani Jabir escarpment views — Stand at the plateau edge for sweeping vistas over deep wadis and the plains stretching toward the desert.
• Explore Wadi Bani Khalid nearby — Drive down from the plateau to swim in emerald pools and palm-shaded canyons at one of Oman's most famous wadis.
• Camp under the stars on the plateau — Set up a tent on the highland for exceptionally dark skies and cool evening temperatures away from any light pollution.
• Off-road drive to the plateau top — Navigate the graded but steep track from Wadi Bani Khalid up to around 1,400 metres, best tackled in a 4x4.
• Hike the karst plateau — Walk across the fissured limestone terrain spotting smaller caves, sinkholes and hardy juniper trees.

Food to try

• Shuwa — Marinated meat wrapped in palm leaves and slow-cooked in an underground pit for up to two days, served in nearby villages on special occasions.
• Harees — A comforting porridge of slow-cooked wheat and meat pounded to a smooth consistency, popular across Ash Sharqiyah.
• Omani dates and kahwa — Sweet local dates paired with cardamom-and-rose-scented coffee, offered as the standard welcome in any home or rest stop.
• Mishkak — Skewered grilled meat sold at roadside stalls in towns like Ibra, ideal fuel before heading up to the plateau.
• Halwa Omani — A dense, fragrant sweet made from sugar, rosewater, saffron and nuts, often served alongside coffee.

Local customs & good to know

• Get a caving permit and guide — Descending Majlis al Jinn requires official permission and proper vertical rope skills, so arrange a licensed guide in advance.
• Carry your own supplies — There are no shops, fuel or reliable water on the plateau, so bring plenty of food, water and a full tank.
• Dress modestly in villages — When passing through settlements around Wadi Bani Khalid, cover shoulders and knees out of respect for local custom.
• Ask before photographing people — Locals are hospitable but many prefer not to be photographed, especially women, so always seek permission first.

Nearby

• Wadi Shab — 15 km
• Bimmah Sinkhole — 24 km
• Wadi Bani Khalid — 37 km
• Sur — 43 km