Exploring caves in Oman - in pictures

  • Oman’s Jebel Akhdar region is dotted with caves caused by eroding limestone. Photo: Nabil Alsaqri
    Oman’s Jebel Akhdar region is dotted with caves caused by eroding limestone. Photo: Nabil Alsaqri
  • A group of Omani cavers are mapping out the openings. Photo: Salim Alsuqri
    A group of Omani cavers are mapping out the openings. Photo: Salim Alsuqri
  • The cavers have written a book about Oman's cave system, ranging from expert level explorations to family-friendly adventures. Photo: Nabil Alsaqri
    The cavers have written a book about Oman's cave system, ranging from expert level explorations to family-friendly adventures. Photo: Nabil Alsaqri
  • The same team discovered the 'Well of Hell' cave last year.
    The same team discovered the 'Well of Hell' cave last year.
  • The caves vary in size, from the small to the enormous.
    The caves vary in size, from the small to the enormous.
  • A caver lies on the ground, to manoeuvre in a tight area, during an expedition. Photo: Nabil Alsaqri
    A caver lies on the ground, to manoeuvre in a tight area, during an expedition. Photo: Nabil Alsaqri
  • Mounds known as stalagmites on the floor of a cave.
    Mounds known as stalagmites on the floor of a cave.
  • Icicle-shaped stalactites form across a cave’s ceiling.
    Icicle-shaped stalactites form across a cave’s ceiling.
  • Rays of sunlight illuminate a shaft as the explorers descend.
    Rays of sunlight illuminate a shaft as the explorers descend.
  • Oman is promoting the caves as a tourist draw.
    Oman is promoting the caves as a tourist draw.
  • The caves are home to lizards, water beetles, snails, hunting spiders and fish.
    The caves are home to lizards, water beetles, snails, hunting spiders and fish.
  • This cave called Khaslat Safi Sahra was known to locals but not extensively explored.
    This cave called Khaslat Safi Sahra was known to locals but not extensively explored.
  • The period of discovering, documenting and surveying the cave took about five hours.
    The period of discovering, documenting and surveying the cave took about five hours.
  • A cave-dwelling spider.
    A cave-dwelling spider.
  • Some caves were used in the past as shelter or hideouts during times of conflict.
    Some caves were used in the past as shelter or hideouts during times of conflict.