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Into the Wild, Unleash Your Soul

8

My Journey to Safari World, Ibra, Sultanate of Oman

An early morning drive through Oman’s picturesque mountainous landscape, covering 180 kilometers, was the perfect start to an unforgettable adventure. The route, full of winding curves and bends, offered spectacular views of nature’s beauty. Along the way, we passed through two monumental tunnels, whose precision-crafted architecture made us feel like we were venturing into space. This was our journey to Safari World.

Ibra, a town with a rich history, has long been a key trading hub connecting Oman’s interior with its coastal regions. Once an important center for the frankincense trade, its historical significance was evident as we drove through the region.

Arriving at Safari World, we purchased tickets for RO 5/- per person, which we felt was well worth the experience. Upon entering the park, we were greeted by the vibrant colors and sounds of macaws and cockatoos—nature’s very own receptionists—welcoming us with their screeching cries. Their playful greetings were followed by the warm hospitality of the Maamri family, who run the park.

After grabbing a quick bite of juicy burgers and hot tea, we heard the early morning roars of African lions, almost sounding like a welcoming “Ahlan wa Sahlan.” These magnificent creatures were our first hosts. It was delightful to see a family of four cubs with their parents in one frame. The cubs playfully dipped in the cool water and chased dragonflies—a moment that reminded me of my own cats at home trying to catch flies.

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Our tour continued for over an hour, offering a spellbinding view of animals and birds from around the world. One of Safari World’s standout features is the large glass windows of the animal enclosures, giving visitors an up-close view—as if you were shaking hands with these majestic creatures.

With a diverse collection of over 300 animals, the park showcases nature’s vast wonders—from household pets to apex predators. Some highlights included:

  • Arabian Oryx
  • Tigers & Lions
  • Deer
  • Zebras
  • Tortoises
  • Kangaroos
  • Bears
  • Crocodiles
  • Iguanas
  • And a stunning variety of birds

All the animals appeared comfortable and content in their spacious enclosures, seemingly indifferent to the crowds observing them.

A fascinating moment came when we spoke with the zoo manager, who shared that Safari World is a family-run initiative founded by Khalfan bin Said Maamri, a passionate animal lover from Ibra. His vision was to enhance Oman’s tourism offerings, and after 10 years of planning and hard work, Safari World officially opened its doors on Eid Al Fitr 2024 as a gift to the nation.

The park spans 286,000 square meters, with plans to expand by another 120,000 square meters in its second phase, which is already underway.

I’ll refrain from sharing all the details of my experience—as I’d rather let you discover this wonder for yourself. Safari World offers a unique, enriching experience, especially for children, who were filled with joy and awe seeing the natural wonders they’d only read about or seen on screens come to life before their eyes.