Wadi Bani Khalid is possibly Oman’s most well-known wadi, and as a result sees a lot more visitors than some of its lesser-known, smaller wadis. It especially gets busy at weekends (Fridays and Saturdays in Oman), so we tend to suggest visiting in the midweek. It is a stunning desert oasis, with shimmering emerald pools surrounded by rugged ravines strewn with date palms. If you have time, take the one-hour walk to Al Muqal Cave, then drive the short distance to Bidah village where you can walk past huge boulders to a secluded pool and waterfall, taking about two hours – here you can swim away from the other tourists who don’t realise it even exists!