Approach notes

Approach via the well travelled and signed Balcony Walk which traverses 4.5km into the head of the Wadi / canyon from the village of Al Khitaym which is situated on the rim of the canyon, the balcony walk path ends at a pool below what would be a Malham Cove style waterfall but is normally dry, about 100m before reaching the pool there is a branch right to the start of the Via Ferrata (signed VF).

To get to Al Khitaym take the surfaced road north west from Al Hamra passing the exit of Wadi Nakhr at the village of Ghul (to view this spectacular canyon from below you can walk or drive up the Wadi for 7km but you need a proper 4x4 as the track is very rough with numerous river crossings). The road turns north then west then south to reach the rim of the canyon at a high point of just over 2000m, there are 7km of unsurfaced road before the tarmac is regained for a few kilometres past the numerous hotel resorts and guest houses, the last section is again unsurfaced and quite steep and rocky, people do access Al Khitaym with a normal car but a 4x4 with high ground clearance is recommended especially after rain. There is a "car park" at 23.1938603 57.2009818 the balcony walk path starts 100m away towards the canyon rim.

There is NO access from the bottom of Wadi Nakhr 1600m below. The rim of the canyon and the balcony walk are popular tourist attractions so don’t expect to be alone. Wild camping is possible and very popular at various points along the canyon rim.