Dash in for an off-road trip; feel the cool breeze of Musfur Sinkhole

Wondering where to saunter to in this hot climate?! Then Musfur Sinkhole could be worthwhile visit for a nature lover. It is a massive ancient cavern and believed to be the deepest accessible sinkhole to have been discovered in Qatar. The spectator would be in awe of sighting a large crevasse that opens wide from the rocky desert, plummeting some 100 meters down into the earth right in the middle of the Qatari peninsula.

"Sinkholes are a magical creation of mother nature taking years and years for its formation. The gradual weathering of rock due to the permeating water results in the formation of cavities. These openings get filled with sand and oil with time. When they become hefty and the arch opening collapses, a sinkhole is formed."

The Musfur Sinkhole was formed an estimated 325,000 to 500,000 years ago during the mid-Pleistocene Era. The opening formed is about 40 feet wide and plunges over 300 feet down into the earth, making it the largest sinkhole in Qatar. Sinkholes are a typical feature of karst topography, where the rock below the land surface is limestone, carbonate rock, salt beds, or rocks that can naturally be dissolved by groundwater circulating through them. As the rock dissolves, spaces and caverns develop underground.

To get to Musfur from Doha involves a drive south on Salwa Road until the exit at Mekaines, making it an ideal destination for a quick and easy outing for anyone up for some underground exploration. From there, it's off-road so it is recommended to use a map app and an all-terrain vehicle, as the ride on the potholed road is bumpy. A headlamp and water are essential. 

The entrance to Musfur is enclosed by a fence for protection of visitors but is accessible via a small gate any time of day. Reaching the sandy depths of the sinkhole is relatively easy, but visitors should be vigilant as they scramble down the steep and rugged passage. Hiking boots are a must but be extra careful not to step on the insects crawling through the rocks. 

The Musfur Sinkhole is one of Qatar's most well-kept natural wonders. This mostly unexplored cave system has an opening of about 40 feet across by 16 feet high and the light from the entrance gradually dwindles as you descend toward the bottom, while a pleasant breeze flows through the limestone and gypsum layers. The temperature drops as you start to climb down, offering a much-needed break from the desert heat. So, if you're looking for a temporary relief from the humid weather of Qatar, then you will realise you are in accurately placed.

Facts worth knowing before visiting the Musfur Sinkhole:

• There's no water at the bottom of the sinkhole and is completely dry down there. The foot of the Musfur Sinkhole is said to be as sandy, dark, and temperate.

• The deepest place you can safely reach is more than 325 feet, and some scientists suspect an even larger cave system exists further down.

• The most interesting features of the Musfur Sinkole are its rock and sediment layering, traces of small mammals, and hundreds of nesting birds.

• When exploring an enclosed piece of nature such as a sinkhole, the aim is to reach the bottom. Even though the way down isn't that steep; visitors still need to ensure extra vigilance as most of the stones making up the entire cave system are extremely sharp. Prioritize wearing hiking shoes or boots if climbing down the Musfur Sinkhole. Also, pieces of rock from both the dolomite and limestone layers occasionally fall, and larger sections of the roof might collapse one day, so visitors have to pay attention.

• The Musfur Sinkhole is a treat for photographers. It's downright stunning at first glance, especially when you reach the bottom, and you look up to witness the now-tiny hole you passed through to get inside. Silhouette shots and framing are just some of the few techniques that you can practise inside this natural gem. So, what are you waiting for. Grab your cameras and hit the roads, for an amazing experience and a handful of spectacular clicks.

Musfur Sinkhole Umm ash Shubrum, Qatar