travel oman blog

The Ultimate Oman Travel Guide

Updated March 2024,  The Ultimate Oman Travel Guide was originally written in April 2018

Oh Oman, the gem of the Arabian Peninsula. Easy to travel, overwhelmingly safe, absolutely beautiful sceneries, and a strong culture. Oman is often overlooked by most travelers to the region who typically head to more glitzy destinations like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

For those that have never visited a country in the Middle East, I highly recommend Oman as it’s clean, safe, friendly, and gorgeous. As many of you know, I traveled in  Yemen  and fell in love with the country in 2014 (and again in 2019 and 2020) which was what initially sparked my interest in visiting Oman.

The countries are drastically different, yet share many similarities, so for those interested in getting to Yemen (I get several emails about it per week), and have concerns about safety, I highly recommend travel in Oman for the time being.

If you’re starting to plan your Oman travels, I recommend picking up a copy of Bradt’s Oman guidebook .

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The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial. The current exchange rate is 1 OMR = $2.60 USD as of February 2024 .

The official language of Oman is Arabic. With that said English speaking travelers will have no problem getting around the country without knowledge of Arabic as many Omanis speak English quite well. Many road signs are written in English and Arabic.

The government of Oman doesn’t keep official stats on religion in the country. With that said most Omanis follow the Ibadi sect of Islam. The remaining population is mostly Muslim of Sunni or Shia sects with a small number of Hindus and Christians.

What To Wear In Oman

Conservative dress is recommended out of respect to the locals.

Women : Long trousers and shirts that at least cover the shoulders are recommended. Always carry a headscarf with you for the impromptu mosque visit. If you want to swim somewhere, swimming in clothing is what local women do. Of course, if staying at a western resort anything goes.

Men : Long trousers and covered shoulders are best. Make sure knees and shoulders are covered when entering mosques.

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How Long To Visit Oman

1-2 weeks is a common amount of time to visit the country for travelers. 2 weeks is a good amount of time for those wanting to quickly explore both the north and south of the country. A month will offer you the flexibility to hit the highlights and see some off the beaten path destinations in Oman. 

Check out my one week in Oman itinerary and travel guide

When To Visit Oman

Oman can get unbearably hot in summer. It is not recommended to visit in June, July, and August. The best months for visiting are November-April.

Getting around in Oman is easiest by renting a car and self-driving. Driving in Oman is quite easy unless you want to go off the beaten path which will involve off-roading. For those wanting to explore the Wahiba Sands and the mountain roads of the country, you should rent a 4×4.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

• It is illegal to drive around with a dirty car in Oman. Fines are 10 OMR, but usually police will just tell you to get it washed.
• There are speed cameras all over the place. Always try to stay at or under posted speed limits.
• Public buses connect most major cities in the country. Those wanting to travel by bus will have difficulty reaching most places of interest for visitors.
• You can get around in cities by taxi.

You can enter Oman by flight or by road.

Flights : Most international flights arrive in Muscat. There are a few international flights that arrive at Salalah Airport as well.

Road : There are several border crossings with the UAE which is how virtually all tourists arriving by road will come from.

There is a border crossing with Yemen in western Oman. It is difficult to get across, and you’ll need to arrange this trip well in advance and it is not unheard of for border officials will turn you around, even if you have a valid visa.

Travel to Yemen is not recommended right now for obvious reasons at this time. There are intrepid travelers that have managed to cross here more recently. Note that solo females travelers have been denied to cross this border in the past.

Oman does share a long border with Saudi Arabia. There are no official crossings and it’s not advisable to enter Saudi Arabia from Oman as it requires you to cross the Empty Quarter.

• Leave your drugs, guns, and porn at home- they’re all prohibited in Oman.
• You can bring in 2 liters of alcohol per person if flying into the country, though you cannot bring in alcohol if you enter the country by road.

Several countries are now eligible for an e-visa to enter Oman. You can apply for your e-visa  here . Most single entry, 30-day e-visas will cost 20 OMR.

There is a loophole to get into Oman for free without a visa, it’s called the  Dubai-Oman Common Visa . You will be eligible to travel in Oman for up to 21 days so long as you have a valid visa or stamp from the Dubai Airport in your passport and are one of the eligible nationalities.

You must travel directly from Dubai to Oman via Al-Wajajah land crossing, Muscat airport, or a seaport. It will not work with other border crossings or at other (Salalah) airports. Read more about to Dubai-Oman Common Visa  here .

Note that Israeli passport holders will be denied entry.

Omani food has a lot of Arabic influence from its neighbors, however, it is a lot less spicy. Thanks to Oman’s long coastline there’s plenty of seafood to eat.

The dates in Oman are among the best in the world and Omani halwa (a delicious sweet) is one of their best-known sweets. With that all said, Omani food is hard to come by in restaurants but if you look hard enough you’ll find it. Some local dishes to try are:

Otherwise, you’ll find dishes served up from other parts of the Arabian Peninsula, Lebanon, Turkey, India, and Pakistan. In bigger cities, you’ll be able to find the typical American fast-food restaurants.

Omani Qahwa ( coffee ) and sweetened shai ( tea ) accompany most meals.

Accommodation

This is where you’ll either blow your budget or save heaps. Most accommodations geared toward tourists are high-end and come with a high price tag. With that said you can find budget-friendly options around the country. Better yet- you can camp freely in many parts of Oman.

If you’re planning to free camp in Oman, don’t f*** it up for everyone else. Don’t leave waste behind ( human, rubbish, or otherwise ), and do not camp in places where it is prohibited such as Ras al-Jinz.

Use the search box below to find accommodations in Oman!

Things To Do In Oman

Oman is blessed with rugged mountains, massive sand dunes, stunning coastline, historic fortresses, and a vibrant culture.  Click here to check out my One Week In Oman Roadtrip Itinerary  for ideas. Here are just a few highlights of the country:

Bustling City Souks : Souks are a great place to head to get a taste of Omani culture, and get some shopping done as well. Spice souks are always a fave with the exotic smells filling the air. Nizwa Souk, Muttrah Souk in Old Muscat, and Ibri Souks are some of the most well-known and interesting ones.

Trekking In The Jebel Shams : Jebel Shams is a 3,009m peak situated in the Al-Hajar Mountain Range, located about 240km from Muscat. There are a number of treks that can be done in the area, and it’s spectacular at sunrise.

View this post on Instagram ‘Camping on top of Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in #Oman was an adventure in itself. Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Arabia, this popular destination sits within the Al Hajar Mountains range. As soon as we arrived local campers called us to join them for fresh fruit, dates and coffee as goats milled around by the cliff edge precariously. The hospitality, warmth and kindness we experienced that day summarises the Omani people and culture to me; it was one of the safest and most welcoming countries I have visited.’ – @danflyingsolo, #lpInstaTakeover. #travel #BestinTravel A post shared by Lonely Planet (@lonelyplanet) on May 28, 2017 at 3:08am PDT

Cruise The Musandam Fjords : The word  fjord  doesn’t usually come to mind when you think of a country on the Arabian Peninsula. Sure enough, Oman has fjords! At the northern end of the Oman Peninsula, not far from the UAE exists such a place. Take a dhow boat and go explore the beautiful landscapes for a day or three.

Visit The Desolate Masirah Island : With a desolate interior and a rugged coastline, Masirah Island is begging to be explored. It’s only recently been open to tourists, and in the few short years, it’s attracted mainly kitesurfers. Reach the island by ferry from Shannah, check out the ferry schedule  here .

Get Historical At Fortresses & Ruins : If you manage to visit Oman without seeing a single fortress I’d be impressed, but more confused than anything else. There are heaps of historic fortresses scattered all over the country. Some well maintained, and some in ruin, but either way they’re completely fascinating. Some will have entrance fees while others do not.

Explore The Wadis : Oman is home to more wadis than you’ll know what to do with. To fill you in- wadi is the Arabic word for canyon. Some of Oman’s most beautiful wadis are filled with crystal clear turquoise water and the occasional palm tree oasis.

Experience The Hospitality That Knows No Bounds : I know I say this about many places in the Middle East and Central Asia, but I wouldn’t keep repeating it if it wasn’t true. Omani people are incredibly welcoming and friendly. From the group of coworkers out enjoying an afternoon at Wadi Ghul inviting us for qawa and snacks, the troop of friends having lunch on a beach who completely took over our tire change and sent us for a swim, halwa, tahini & date given to us Nizwa Souk, a keffiyeh wrapping lesson in the middle of a busy market, to those Bedouin ladies who stopped to make sure we were okay and to offer us sweet shai in the Wahiba Sands- Omanis will be the biggest and best-lasting impression of your trip.

Where To Go In Oman

Northern Oman

Delightfully authentic for a change from the over-the-top capital cities of its gulf neighbors. Muscat is the capital of Oman and likely your first stop in the country.

With a backdrop of rocky slopes and buildings required to reflect traditional Arabian architecture you really feel you’re in Arabia. Muscat is actually three towns that seem to have overgrown and connected over time.

The area referred to as Old Muscat is the walled city, home to the royal palaces. Mutrah, which is home to the famed Mutrah Souk and was originally a fishing village. And finally, Ruwi which is where commercial things go on, and is the main transport hub for the city.

With that said, Ruwi is a good area to head for cheaper eats and shopping.

Top sights recommend to visit in Muscat

• Sultan Qaboos Mosque
• Mutrah Souk
• Muscat Royal Opera House
• Al-Jalali Fort & Al-Mirani Fort
• Mohammed Al-Amin Mosque
• Sultan’s (Al-Alam) Palace
• Oman National Museum

Where To Sleep In Muscat

• Budget:  Mutrah Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Levatio Hotel Muscat |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Shangr-La Al-Husn Resort & Spa |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Muscat Tours

Check out this  half-day guided tour of Muscat . Want to see the city by night? Have a look at this  Muscat by Night tour . Want to see both Muscat and the surrounding areas such as Seeb and Quriyat?  Click here  to read about this full-day tour.

If you want to experience an Omani town without trailing too far from Muscat, head to Seeb. It’s about a 30 minute drive northwest of Muscat, not far from the airport. There isn’t much in way of attractions in Seeb, but for those looking to get a feel for Omani culture without much travel time, this is the place to go.

View this post on Instagram The past weekend I took over the @LonelyPlanet Instagram account to share some of my favourite times in #Oman – if you haven’t considered visiting head over and take a look, I think it will surprise you… Have you been? #BestInTravel #arabia #Mosque A post shared by Daniel James (@danflyingsolo) on May 30, 2017 at 2:06pm PDT

Recommended Sights In Seeb

• Al-Zulfa Mosque
• Seeb Beach & Cornich Park

Where To Sleep In Seeb

• Budget:  Muscat Royal Suites |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Remas Hotel Suites | Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  There are no luxury hotels in Seeb, but you can head to Muscat for them.

A lovely little fishing village an hour’s drive headed east from Muscat. Quriyat was once an important Omani port but now is just a sleepy village. Makes for a great day trip from Muscat with a stop at Mazara to check out the Wadi Dayqat Dam. There are no accommodations in Quriyat.

Sights To See In Quriyat

• Quriyat Fort
• Quriyat Beach
• Quriyat Watchtower

Bandar Khayran

Bandar Khayran also makes for a good day trip from Muscat, or as a stop for those headed south along the coast. Comprised of a series of Khors ( inlets ) it’s a great place to check out beaches, snorkel, watch fisherman casting for catches, and watch the sandstone reflections in the water in the late afternoon. There are currently no accommodations in Bandar Khayran, there are places you could wild camp.

Bandar Khayran Tours

Take a day trip from  Muscat by boat to explore the Bandar Kharyan area  and to view wild dolphins.

The gateway to the Jebel Shams, Wadi Ghul, and Jebel Akhdar, and home to one of Oman’s best fortresses and souks. During the 6th and 7th centuries Nizwa was the capital of Oman.

Make sure to tour around the Nizwa Fort ( 0.500 OMR admission ) and make a lap around the Nizwa souk in search of antiques and delicious halwa.

What To See In Nizwa

Where to sleep in nizwa.

• Budget:  Bait al Aqr |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Midrange:  Nizwa Heritage Inn |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Luxury:  Sama Hotel Jabal Al Akhdar |  Booking.com  |

Tours In Nizwa

There are a number of tours in and around Nizwa, and even ones that include surrounding areas such as Jebel Shams, Bahla, and Jebel Akhdar.  Click here to shop tours to Nizwa .

Jebel Shams, Wadi Ghul & The Al-Hajar Mountains

Jebel Shams is Oman’s Highest Mountain at 3,075 meters situated in the Al-Hajar Mountain Range. With that said, Jebel Shams isn’t well known for the peak itself, but the sometimes nerve-wracking views down into Wadi Ghul. Wadi Ghul is known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia.

Several treks can be done in the mountains and wadis, but do come prepared with enough water. Jebel Shams can be visited as a day trip from Nizwa or even Muscat, but it’s highly recommended to camp up here for a night especially for those wanting to catch the sunrise over the rugged landscape.

What To Do At Jebel Shams

• Purchase a locally made carpet

Where To Sleep In Jebel Shams

Sleeping up in Jebel Shams itself is not a cheap endeavor if looking to stay at a hotel. I highly recommend wild camping at Jebel Shams. Sama Heights Resort has a great lunch buffet available for a fee to those not staying there.

• Sama Heights Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Jebel Shams Villa |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Jebel Shams Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Sunrise Camp |  Booking,com  |  Hotels.com  |
• There are more and cheaper accommodation in nearby Al-Hamra,  shop rooms here

Jebel Shams Tours

For those not wanting to drive themselves and dedicate a night out in the mountains, you can take day tours to Jebel Shams from Muscat. Check out this Jebel Shams day tour  here .

Jebel Akhdar

The ‘Green Mountain’. This area isn’t known for the mountain itself but for the plateaus around it. With cooler weather and more rainfall its home to fruit gardens all over the upper and lower plateaus. You’re only allowed to make your way to Jebel Akhdar in a 4×4.

What To Do At Jebel Akhdar

• Diana’s View Point
• Wadi Bani Habib

Where To Sleep

• Budget:  Salassel Al-Jebel Al-Akhdar Guesthouse |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Midrange:  Jebel Akhdar Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Alilia Jebel Akhdar |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Tours To Jebel Akhdar

Click here  to book a tour of Jebel Akhdar and Nizwa in one day.

Bahla & Jabrin

Known for it’s fort of the same name and it’s pottery. The Bahla Fort is one of the best walled cities in the world to explore. You can combine a visit to Bahla with nearby Jabrin to explore the less impressive yet well preserved fort. Admission to both Bahla Fort and Jabrin Castle is 0.500 OMR.

What To Do In Bahla

• Shop For Pottery
• Visit The Old Souk
• Jabrin Castle

Where To Sleep in Bahla

• Budget:  Jibreen Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Bahla Hotel Apartments |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Luxury:  Go to Nizwa

Bat & Al-Ayn

Nearby to the Buraimi border crossing with the UAE and worthy of a stop for those entering or exiting Oman here. Bat and Al-Ayn are home to strange beehive tombs that dot the hilltops.

What To See in Bat & Al-Ayn

• Check out the beehive tombs
• Go off-roading to the nearby mountain villages

Search Al-Buraimi Hotels here

Musandam Peninsula

The Norway of Arabia because of its stunning Khors ( fjords or inlets ). Separated from the remainder of Oman by the UAE.

Khasab is the capital of the tiny province and exclave. Khasab is where you’ll want to base yourself for trips around the Musandam Peninsula. Be sure to explore the Khasab Fort, Khmazera Castle, and souk while back in the city.

What To See Around Khasab

• Khasab Fort
• Khasab Souk
• Khmazera Castle
• Organize dhow boats to explore the Khors

Where To Sleep In Khasab

• Midrange:  Khasab Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Atana Musandam Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Khasab & Musandam Peninsula Tours

From city tours in Khasab to dhow boat trips around the khors, there’s probably a tour to suit just about everyone.  Click here  to check out Khasab city tours and dhow trips.

The Musandam Khors

Hop on a dhow boat or organize a tour of the Musandam Khors and explore this fascinating area. Visit the fishing villages with inhabitants so remote that they speak a dialect that those from Muscat cannot understand, eat freshly caught seafood cooked up on your dhow, and take in the amazing scenery.

What To See & Do In The Musandam Khors

• Visit Telegraph Island & Khor Ash-Sham
• Camp on the bay of Khor An-Najd
• Cruise the sea by dhow boat
• See wild dolphins
• Visit remote villages

Musandam Peninsula Tours

Check out this  2 day tour of the Musandam Khors  including a night on a dhow boat. Just looking for day tours? Shop dhow day trips from Khasab  here . You can also book a 4×4 day trip to Khor An-Najd as well as Jebel Harim  here .

Jebel Harim

A great day trip by 4×4 from Khasab to Jebel Harim, the ‘Mountain of Women’, littered iris and geranium flowers and views of the Rawdah Bowl Below.

Jebel Harim Tours

You can visit Jebel Harim along with the beautiful Khor An-Najd by 4×4 Day Tour,  click here to read more .

The believed home to Sinbad and Ahmed bin Majid- two very famous sailors. Most come to enjoy the sandy beaches and archeological fixtures such as the Sohar Castle.

What To Do In Sohar

• Sohar Castle
• Sohar Beach
• Fish Market

Where To Sleep In Sohar

• Budget:  Atlas Hotel Apartments |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Radisson Blu Sohar |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Crown Plaza Sohar |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

A popular day trip from Muscat as it’s only an hour’s drive from the city. Home to a nice sandy beach and a scattering of islands. Visiting the watchtower on Sawadi Island and snorkeling is what most who do visit come for.

What To Do In Sawadi

• Sawadi Beach
• Island hopping
• Sawadi Watchtower and Sawadi Island

Central Oman

Sur & ayjah.

Nice beaches, two castles, and a corniche are the attractions in Sur, just southeast of Muscat. It’s also a great base or jumping-off point for adventures into  Wadi Shab , Wadi Tiwi, Ras al-Jinz, and Ras al-Hadd.

Admission to castles is 0.500 OMR. Ayjah, which can be seen just across the water from the Sur Corniche is worth a trip to explore the tiny village’s fort and lighthouse. Ayjah and Sur are connected by Oman’s only suspension bridge.

What To See & Do In Sur

• The Corniche
• Sunaysilah Castle
• Ayjah Lighthouse
• Suspension Bridge

Where To Sleep In Sur

• Budget:  Al Jumhour Hotel Apartments |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Resort Sur Beach Holiday |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Head to Ras al Hadd, or back to Muscat

Bimmah Sinkhole (Hawiyat Najm Park)

Just off the highway as you make your way down the coast from Muscat to Sur.  Bimmah Sinkhole  is most definitely worthy of the stop.

Local legend says the sinkhole was created by a meteor strike- hence the local name of Hawiyat Najm, meaning falling star. But in reality, it’s believed to just be a depression that fills with seawater as the ocean is only 600m away and freshwater that collects in there.

Bimmah Sinkhole is incredibly beautiful with its crystal clear vibrant turquoise waters. It’s easy to access as Bimmah Sinkhole was designated a park and they’ve built a staircase down into it. If visiting in the more popular months ( November-March ), I recommend visiting early in the morning if you want to beat the other tourists to it.

You can visit Bimmah Sinkhole along with nearby Wadi Shab by day tour from Muscat for those not interested in making the journey on their own,  click here  to read more about the tour and book.

Plan your visit:  Everything you need to know to visit Bimmah Sinkhole

Steep canyon cliffs, turquoise pools, and even a secret waterfall await those who make the trip to  Wadi Shab , one of Oman’s easiest to reach and most beautiful destinations. Wadi Shab is located right off the Muscat-Sur Highway. From the parking lot under the highway bridge, you’ll need to take a boat across to the other side ( 1 OMR roundtrip ).

Once across, follow the path and prepare to be amazed. You will eventually reach the upper pools where you are allowed to swim. From here you can swim through a narrow slot a little further up the river to enter a giant cave where you can cliff dive into the waters below from the edge of a gushing waterfall.

• It is possible to hike even further to reach villages higher up the wadi.
• Camping and fires are not allowed in Wadi Shab.

Check out my  ultimate guide to Wadi Shab

Just a short distance from Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi is a must-see especially in the springtime when the bottom of the canyon is carpeted in lush green foliage. It’s preferred by locals for travelers to visit the 9 villages in the wadi on foot. A two day trek can be done from Wadi Tiwi to Wadi Bani Khalid.

Ras Al-Jinz & Ras Al-Hadd

Ras al-Jinz is the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula famous for the thousands of female green turtles that return to this beach year after year to lay their eggs.

Green turtles are endangered and Oman is dedicated to their conservation and has strict punishments for those that harm turtles or their eggs. I’ve learned that the only way to visit Ras al-Jinz for turtle viewing is by organized tour, however, when I visited Oman we were given permission by the men working at the reserve to go in search of turtles.

We did find a massive female laying eggs in the sand which was a great experience. The workers at the reserve even gave us a brief tour of their facilities and let us watch them at work ( finding baby turtles that were confused and heading away from the ocean and putting them in a small kiddy pool that they would take down to the water to set free into the ocean when it got too crowded ).

Ras al-Hadd is the nearby fishing village in which it is possible to camp ( camping is not permitted at Ras al-Jinz for obvious reasons ).

• If you do plan to come to Ras al-Jinz to see the turtles either don’t bring a flashlight/headlamp or bring a headlamp with the red light on it. The red light doesn’t stress and confuse the turtles, but the normal lights will.
• Turtles don’t come to the beach during the day, so the best time to see them is on a night tour.

What To Do In Ras al-Jinz

• Visit Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve in search of the endangered green turtle
• Spend the night just back off the beach at the Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve Hotel

Where To Stay In Ras al-Jinz

• Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve , with rooms starting at 40 OMR per night

Where To Stay In Ras al-Hadd

• Budget:  Ras al-Hadd Guesthouse |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Turtle Beach Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Ras al-Jinz Tours

Join a 4×4 tour down from Muscat and back to view the green turtles at Ras al-Jinz,  click here  to read more and to visit the booking page. A cheaper option is to book a visit to the reserve through your hotel in Sur or Ras al-Hadd.

A small fishing village with two beaches on either side of it that are nice for a picnic in the afternoon. Al Ashkara is the jumping-off point to the Wahiba Sands and also the main supply point for the communities that live out there.

One of the nearby beaches is where we stopped for lunch and to change a tire and a group of friends hanging out at the beach quickly took over the task.

Bani Bu Hassan & Ali

Worth a stop for those bound for the Wahiba Sands, Wadi Bani Khalid or Ibra from Al Ashkara or further south. Bani Bu Hassan and Bani Bu Ali sit side by side and are home to forts, ancient plantations, and watchtowers.

What To See In Bani Bu Hassan & Ali

• Bani Bu Ali Fort
• Bani Bu Hassan Fort
• Jami Al Hamoda Mosque
• Explore the plantations

Wahiba Sands (Sharqiya)

At the village of Al-Ghabbi on Highway 23 ( not far from Bani Bu Hassan & Ali and Ibra ) turn off and you’ll quickly arrive at the village of Al-Mintirib that sits right on the edge of  Wahiba Sands .

Al-Mintirib is the gateway to exploring the wild desert of Oman. Carefully follow the jeep tracks out of town and into the great abyss. There are a number of desert camps out here, but it’s entirely possible to camp on your own.

For those wanting to interact with Omani women, Wahiba Sands is your best bet as the local Bedouin women have a more outward role in their society than in other parts of the country. They are also expert drivers and often rescue tourists stuck in the sands.

Whether you camp on your own or you head out to a luxury camp, make sure you look up at night and catch the stars under the clear dark sky.

• It’s advisable to bring shovels and sand mats if you self drive, in case you get stuck out here.
• Make sure to have plenty of water if driving yourself out here.

What To Do In The Wahiba Sands

• Haul ass down desert jeep tracks and up and down through orange sand dunes
• Camp under the stars
• Keep your eyes peeled for camels and Arabian Oryx running around
• Meet Bedouin women and watch their driving skills

Read my guide to  spending the night in the Wahiba Sands

Where To Stay In The Wahiba Sands

• Desert Wonders Camp |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Arabian Oryx Camp |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Desert Bedoua House |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Safari Dunes Camp |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Tours To Wahiba Sands

Don’t want the stress of driving a 4×4 yourself through mountains of sand with the fear of getting stuck in the middle of nowhere? There are several tours offered to the Wahiba Sands ranging from day trips to overnight trips and more.  Click here  to browse different desert tours to the Wahiba Sands.

Wadi Bani Khalid

Beautiful emerald and turquoise pools await at Wadi Bani Khalid. You’ll wind high-up in the Eastern Hajar Mountains to eventually arrive at a parking lot.

From here it’s a short walk to the pools and a little further to Moqal Cave. This is about as touristy as it gets in Oman as well- there’s a restaurant at the lower pools and there is a concrete path there from the parking lot.

You can swim in the pools here, but you should swim in clothes like many Omanis here visit here do as well. For those not claustrophobic, continue along the trail past the restaurant ( the trail quickly turns to rocks ) and you can climb inside the cave. There are spots where you’ll find local boys cliff diving as well.

Tours To Wadi Bani Khalid

Some tours that visit from  Muscat to the Wahiba Sands include a stop at Wadi Bani Khalid . You can also self drive here, or contact local Omani tour agencies to arrange trips here.

Ibra is an ancient city, so old it predates the calling of the prophet. Ibra is also the gateway to the Wahiba ( Sharqiya ) region from the north. These two factors make a stop off here worthy of your time when traveling to or from the Wahiba Sands and beyond.

Try to arrange a visit on a Wednesday morning to see the local souk at its busiest and the women’s souk is active. The women’s souk is for women buyers and sellers to barter and trade, and men are not welcomed here.

Make sure and walk to the Old Ibra Village ( walk toward Al-Munisifeh from the souk area ) to explore ancient and crumbling buildings.

What To Do In Ibra

• Visit the souk, espeically on Wednesday mornings
• If you’re a woman, visit on Wednesday mornings to get a glimpse into local women’s lives at the Women’s Souk
• Wander crumbling mud-brick buildings in Old Ibra and Al-Musinifeh

Where To Sleep In Ibra

• Budget:  Al Sharqiyah Sand Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |
• Midrange:  Tafadal |  Booking.com  |

Masirah Island

Come here for rugged coastlines and the wild interior that have been attracting kitesurfers out here for the last few years. Take a ferry over from Shannah to this desolate island out in the Indian Ocean.

Camping and exploring by 4×4 is the best way to experience Masirah Island.  Click here  to view the National Ferry Company of Oman’s schedule. There are a few hotels on the island now in the town of Half for those not wanting to camp.

What To Do On Masirah Island

• Visit the small town of Ras Al Hilf
• Explore the rugged coastline and search for dhow boat wreckages
• Find camels wandering around as you traverse the island

Where To Sleep On Masirah Island

• Midrange:  Maan Hotel Apartment |  Booking.com  |
• Higher End:  Masirah Island Resort |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Southern Oman

The capital of the Dhofar Region and famous for its frankincense.  Salalah  is a bit more colorful than other cities in Oman thanks to its ties to East Africa. Make sure to visit the beaches, pay a visit to Sultan Qaboos Mosque, and wander into the Museum of Frankincense Land.

What To See In Salalah

• Fruit Plantations
• Museum of Frankincense Land
• Al-Husn Souk
• Visit the nearby Al Fizayah & Al Mughsail Beaches

Plan your visit:  The Salalah Travel Guide

Where To Sleep In Salalah

• Midrange:  Belad Bont Resort|  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Midrange:  Salalah Gardens Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Crown Plaza Hotel Salalah |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Fanar Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Luxury:  Millennium Resort Salalah |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |
• Super Luxury:  Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Tours In Salalah

Take a half day Salalah City tour , or take a tour of  East Salalah to Taqah  and other sights, or a  tour west of Salalah  to head towards the Yemeni border and visit valleys of frankincense trees, visit the Mughsail Bay, and to the fishing village of Dhalkut.

This fishing village sits on the other side of a nice white sand beach from Salalah. Come here to visit Taqah Castle ( 0.500 OMR ).

Just a few kilometers east of Taqah sits a lovely little bay called Khor Rouri. You can sit and watch animals like flamingos and camels here. Khor Rouri was also an important port along the Frankincense trading route about 2,000 years ago. Little is left behind from those times aside from the Sumhuram Ruins ( 1 OMR to enter ).

You can reach Wadi Dharbat from Khor Rouri and visit its waterfall and lake.

Mughsail Bay

A drive 48km east of Salalah will bring you to the beautiful Mughsail Bay that trails off into giant cliffs that continue on to the east. Nearby the Marneef Cave is with a stop as well.

View this post on Instagram ‘The #Oman coastline is over 1600km long and touches three seas. Driving along the dry rugged coastline and climbing down rocks to empty beaches were common pit stops on my road trip. One morning, after a night spent camping on a beach, we woke early and visited another to watch sea turtles laying their eggs. By early evening we had arrived in the desert and were surrounded by camels. The diversity in wildlife for such a small country is one of the reasons Oman captured my heart.’ – @danflyingsolo, #lpInstaTakeover. #travel #BestinTravel A post shared by Lonely Planet (@lonelyplanet) on May 27, 2017 at 10:02am PDT

Oman Travel Budget

It’s not a secret that Oman is not the cheapest destination, but for those willing to get a little dirty and sleep under stars you can stretch your money a lot further here. With that said, the sky is the limit in Oman with its plethora of luxury resorts.

13 OMR/$35 USD Per Day

Splitting the cost of renting a 4×4 with a group of 4, camping each night and preparing most your own meals

27 OMR/$70USD Per Day

Staying in budget accommodation (2 persons), eating at low key restaurants, and car rental

60 OMR/$150 USD Per Day

Sleeping in midrange hotels, dining at a combination of cheap eateries and nice restaurants, and car rental

120 OMR/$300 USD Per Day

Taking guided tours, staying in resorts, and eating at upscale restaurants

Oman Packing List

Remember that respectful dress is the best for traveling in Oman. Pack light, breathable fabrics. For those planning to adventure in the mountains do bring some layers as it can get chilly out there in winter, especially at night. The Bradt Oman guidebook is a handy tool for travel planning.

Recommended Gear For Those Planning To Wild Camp, Trek, & Adventure In The Desert

• Inreach Explorer+
• Solar charger
• External battery pack
• Lightweight Tent
• Sleeping bag
• Hiking Boots
• Lightweight cooking camp set
• Water Purifier
• Trekking Poles
• Prescription & Over the counter medications
• Sand Plates

Internet & Mobile

Hotels in Oman will usually have wifi. If you’d like to buy a SIM card to stay connected they are easy and quick to purchase. Look for Omantel and Nawras shops and kiosks. Omantel has plans starting at 2 OMR and Nawras at 3 OMR.

Health & Safety

Oman is an incredibly safe country in regard to crime and violence. The most dangerous thing in the country is the heat.

• Always have some water with you, especially when venturing out into the desert or hiking in the mountains
• Don’t go off roading alone in case that you do get stuck and need help getting out. It’s best to travel in a convoy with others
• Take caution while driving. Oman does have a relatively high car accident fatality rate. Things to look out for are other drivers, camels in the road and falling asleep at the wheel
• Take maps and GPS if planning to off road through the desert and mountains, or trek in the peaks and wadis
• Always take sunscreen with you, the Omani sun is relentless

Important Notes

• Acts of aggression and insulting others are punishable in Oman. So no road rage exists here. One instance you’ll see this is when taking taxis in Muscat- if your driver gets cut off ( more than likely it’ll happen on your way in from the airport ), rather than honk and flip the offender off, they’ll drop their right hand down low near the shifter and slap it back and forth. This is the Omani f*** you.
• With Oman having outlawed insults and aggression, it’s led to the population being quite sensitive. What you may think of as a joke making fun of someone, a place, or so on may come off as very offensive. So definitely think before you blurt things out.
• Be prepared to be stared at. Omanis will stare at you, only because you’re foreign and they’re curious.
• Especially outside of the larger cities of Muscat and Salalah avoid smiling at members of the opposite gender as it is usually always perceived as flirting. Oman is still a fairly segregated country in regards to gender. I never had any issues when we were traveling the country speaking with men we met in various places, but I did visit Oman immediately after leaving Central Asia. After traveling Central Asia for over two months I had the co-ed interactions in the Islamic world down pretty well.
• Homosexuality is punishable in Oman, although not as severely as in neighboring countries. You could land yourself in jail for up to 3 years if caught in some sort of homosexual act. This doesn’t mean LGBT travelers cannot travel in Oman, but if you do so just make sure to not display affection in public. It’s easy enough to tell people you meet that you are friends if traveling with a romantic partner. Note that in Oman, like in much of the Middle East and Africa it’s not unusual for friends of the same gender to hold hands.

Have More Questions That Aren’t Answered In This Oman Travel Guide?

Ask in the comments below!

More Posts from Oman:

The Best Road Trips In The World

What It Was Like To Camp In The Wahiba Sands, Oman

The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Wadi Shab, Oman

Salalah Travel Guide + 10 Things To Do In Salalah

Dubai-Oman Common Visa

The Yemen-Oman Border Crossing

One Week in Oman: A Self-Drive, Budget Itinerary

Visiting Bimmah Sinkhole, Oman: Everything You Need To Know

12 Best Things To Do In Oman

Oman Tour: To The Empty Quarter & Dhofar

20 thoughts on “the ultimate oman travel guide”.

Hello Nicki, Thanks for the well written blog. I’ll be traveling to Oman from Oct. 13-22 as part of a multi country trip. I’m also a travel photographer. I’d like to know if I’m allowed to bring a drone (Mavic 3 Pro) into the country. Thanks.

Hi Hans, I have not traveled to Oman myself with a drone so I am unsure of if you will be hassled by immigration coming into the country with one. That said, we were looking to film/photo with a drone on our first trip to Oman in 2016 and after some digging I do know that you have to apply for a permit from civil aviation authorities in order to legally fly a drone in Oman and that they only issue them for commercial purposes. Ultimately we decided not to bring one altogether.

So I would recommend that you contact Oman’s CAA to at least make sure you can enter with it even if you’re not planning to fly and if there is documentation that can be provided for entry.

This website has some info on Oman (and other nations): https://uavcoach.com/drone-laws-in-oman/

The email and phone for the Omani CAA is [email protected] or +96824354467

Dear friend superb guide you covered almost everything a traveler should look into. I’ve been thinking lately that I would love to visit I am glad to read your blog about your travel experience very interesting thanks. Your personal experiences and vivid descriptions truly bring the city to life, making me feel like I’m right there with you on this incredible journey. Your blog is a wonderful source of inspiration for fellow adventurers looking to explore the magic of. Keep sharing your stories and insights – they’re a delight to read! Sreenandhana from Kerala tourism.

HEy Nicole! This guide is amazing – thank you so much!

Thank you for this wonderful article. It is new information for me.

Nicole, being a Local Omani, I am impress with your knowledage about Oman. No doubt, you’ve written an informtive, well-researched and impressive guide on Oman.

Thanks for this great blog! Your pictures give a great insight to the country. Which camera are you using?

Thanks, I mostly shoot on a Canon 5DSR and sometimes a 5DMIII

Impressive article, enjoyed reading it. Thanks for the info.

Thanks a lot, the article is so perfect

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Oman again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

Nice post. Thank you for sharing such informative information with us.

Hi, First, I would like to thank you for sharing the useful guide on Oman Tours. As Oman is the best destination for traveling & tours and has lots of amazing places to visit. As per my experience, Salalah is also a very good destination for spending holidays. I have read your blog and I found that your tips and guide will be very helpful for visitors.

Thanks for the information even if I am planning to come to Oman. through e-visa this is very needful information

Nice post, Thanks for sharing!

Salalah is very beautiful tourist city and I loved to visit again

Salalah is a great place, greetings from Salalah.

Regards Beautiful Salalah Tours The best travel operator in Salalah

Thanks Salma, Salalah is just lovely. I’d love to return!

Hello lovely Nicki, I want to say you have a great article here about Oman. We offer desert tours in UAE and to the Musandam Peninsula from Dubai, hope to see you there one day Inshallah.

Thanks, I hope to be back one day too!

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Tips & How to travel to Oman in 2024

By Joan Torres 22 Comments Last updated on May 8, 2024

Alluring Arab fortresses, 3000km of dramatic coastline, massive seas of dunes, thousands of miles of empty roads, and unspoiled landscapes.

Oman is the ultimate destination for raw adventurers, seeking to venture into the most traditional and welcoming Arab country.

This Oman travel guide contains everything you need to know to travel to Oman , including all the practical information, travel tips, top experiences and more.

In this Oman travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Best time to visit
• Travel insurance
• Useful books
• Top 5 experiences
• Tours or independent travel?
• 20 Cultural facts
• Money and budgeting
• Transportation
• How to get in
• Accommodation
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Oman

With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Oman.

😍 Reasons to visit Oman, the most welcoming country in the Middle East

I have visited Oman 7 or 8 times. 

The fact is that I lived in Dubai for nearly 3 years, and going to Oman was the classic weekend getaway. 

Two years after leaving Dubai and my corporate job , I came back to the region and decided to travel around Oman for a whole month, this time without a car, right before making my way into Saudi Arabia .  

I love Oman, I absolutely love it, for many reasons, but mainly because, unlike the United Arab Emirates, Qatar or Kuwait, it has managed to keep its own character.

Oman is an oil-rich country, but they don’t need to spend billions building extravagant buildings and nonsensical monuments. No, they don’t need to because people visit Oman to meet the kind-hearted Omanis, to check out the incredible coastline and the most epic mountains in the Arabian Peninsula, which go as high as 3,028m. 

Despite the modernization of the country, Oman has managed to preserve all its traditions and that is why, today, here you can still attend a livestock market and always share a meal with a local in the traditional way. 

Not surprisingly, Oman is getting immensely popular, but the good thing is that the country is big enough, so you can still find loads of off-the-beaten-track places that have remained untouched for centuries. 

Welcome to Oman.

🪪 How to get a visa for Oman

Most nationalities can buy an Oman tourist visa on arrival:

• 14-day visa : for free, no cost
• 30-day visa: 21 rials
• Multiple-entry visa, valid for 1 year: 50 rials

If possible, try to pay in either Omani Rials or with a credit card, because the price in USD is higher than the actual exchange rate. 

You can also buy your Omani visa online through this portal at a discounted price (around 1 rial), which is 2-3USD, for the 30-day visa at least. 

What nationalities are eligible for visa on arrival?

European Union, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Lebanon , Liechtenstein, Macau, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldova , Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela 

If you come from any other country, I suggest you check the e-visa portal . 

Do you have a UAE residence?

If you are not on the lucky countries list, but you are living and working in the United Arab Emirates, you may also be able to get a visa on arrival. However, you should check it with your own embassy.  

⛅ Best time to visit Oman

In Oman, there really isn’t a spring or autumn season but the weather just evolves from crazy hot to pleasant. Note that, depending on the year, May and October could still be really, really hot.

Traveling in Oman in summer – From May to October

• Pleasant weather in the high mountains
• Low-season prices
• Monsoon season in Salalah (South Oman)
• Unbearable heat across the country
• High levels of humidity in the coastal areas

Traveling in Oman in winter – From November to April

• Pleasant weather across the whole country
• Loads of social life, events, etc.
• Omanis are in their best mood
• Higher prices

🚑 Travel insurance for Oman

Hey, Oman is an adventure destination, a country where you may be camping in the wild, go trekking and do epic road trips, plus their health care system is private.

For this reason, I recommend IATI Insurance because:

• Covers all types of adventure activities
• Up to 5 million € of medical coverage
• Covers senior citizens too
• Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount

📚 Books for planning your trip to Oman

Oman travel guide by bradt.

The guide to Oman by Bradt is, definitely, the best guidebook about Oman that exists.

Arabian Peninsula travel guide by Lonely Planet

They also mention UAE and other Gulf countries but if you like collecting the LP or want to combine a few countries, this is also a good option. 

🛖 5 Top experiences in Oman

Some travelers may not agree with the below list, basically because they might not be part of the tourist trail, but having visited Oman extensively, getting quite off the beaten track, these are the must-try experiences worth to be featured in this Oman travel blog.

Traveling to Dubai? Read my complete 1-week itinerary to UAE for the independent traveler

1 – Experience the khareef season in Salalah

In Oman, there is a place full of green meadows, where it rains, and the locals sell locally-grown coconuts, pineapples, and papayas. This place is called Salalah, in southern Oman, a city that experiences a monsoon season called khareef , which takes place from July to September.

During this season, Salalah becomes beautiful and lush green, attracting visitors from all over the country, as well as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Check my ultimate guide to visit Salalah and the rest of Dhofar region

2 – Driving the coastal road from Salalah to the Yemeni border

Very few travelers visit this remote part of the country, which is a real shame, because the coast of Dhofar province is home to the most dramatic coastline in Oman, composed of lush green mountains which, at the same time, serve as vertiginous cliffs that directly drop to turquoise-blue waters.

A type of landscape you would never think of in the Arabian Peninsula. 

It looks like Hawai, right?

3 – Experiencing the Omani traditional life

What I like about Oman is that, unlike its neighbors from UAE, Qatar, Bahrain or Kuwait, it is a country with a complex, ancient history that managed to keep its traditions.

From livestock markets to artisan shops, actual Bedouins and historical mountain villages, the cultural experience in Oman is just as great as its epic landscapes. 

4 – Camping at one of the many wadis in Oman

Oman is about outdoors and since the country is not known for its nightlife, not even Muscat , both locals and expats tend to spend their weekends outdoors, especially camping in a wadi (valley) over a night barbecue.

If you want to join an Omani group, check the weekly events on Couchsurfing.

If you decide to go alone and go on a weekend, expect kind Omanis to tell you to join them.

5 – The historical heritage, from ruined cities to epic forts and abandoned villages

Despite being a mostly desert country, Oman has a fair amount of historical places to visit, ranging from well-restored, impressive forts, like the one in Rustaq, Nizwa or Bahla; to absolutely ruined historical cities like the barely visited one in Manah. 

Moreover, the mountains of Oman are also filled with abandoned villages that had been inhabited for centuries, but due to their inaccessibility, the Omani Government gave the villagers incentives to move to more accessible towns.

👨 Independent travel in Oman. Do you need to join a tour?

Oman is a difficult country to move around, basically, because you hardly find public transportation. 

Therefore, to travel in Oman, you need to either rent a car or go on a tour .

There is a third, more challenging way: hitchhiking – but we will get into that later. 

Below you can find a few examples but here I have put a compelling list: Best excursions, activities and day tours in Oman

Best Muscat City Tour

Muscat is full of amazing sites, but it is not very walking-friendly precisely. Joining a tour will definitely prove cheaper than hiring a taxi driver.

Best adventurous tour: Jebel Shams

The Grand Canyon of Oman is one of the most epic, natural places in the country, and it is easily visited from Muscat on a day trip.

Best cultural tour: Nizwa

One of the most historically important cities in Oman has a great souq and a beautiful fortress.

You may also like: the 10 best desert safaris in Dubai

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Oman?

Oman is safe and, perhaps, the safest country in the Middle East , no kidding. 

Even the utterly negatively-exaggerated FCDO advice says that Oman is trouble-free. 

The fact is that Oman is one of those countries where crime is a rare thing to see.

Actually, a good friend of mine from southern Oman told me that since he was born 40 years ago, there is only been one murder in his province (Dhofar), and it was between foreign workers. 

How many people have been murdered in your province or city?

There are no pickpockets and nobody will mug you. Oman is very safe and terrorism is unheard of, especially because it has always kept away of all Middle Eastern conflicts. 

For a more comprehensive analysis, read: Is Oman safe?

20 Facts about Omanis and the country of Oman

1 – oman is an arab country and omanis are arabs.

It is one of the 22 countries that comprise the Arab League . 

2 – Many Omanis are ethnically from Zanzibar

From the 17th to the 19th century, the Sultanate of Oman was a major maritime force that controlled a large part of East Africa, Zanzibar being one of the most important territories.

When you travel in Oman, you will see a lot of very dark Omanis with strong East African features. Most likely, their ancestors come from Zanzibar but, culturally, they are 100% Omani. 

Read my city guide to Muscat!

3 – And then you have the Baluchis

Balochistan is a region spread across Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan and, for many years, the Baluch city of Gwadar (in today’s Pakistan) was under Omani rule. Baluchis were known for being fierce warriors and that is why, over the centuries, the Sultanate used them as loyal mercenaries to consolidate Oman’s power.

Today, a large population of Baluchis still remain in Oman (about half a million) and while they are considered 100% Omanis, many of them speak a distinct language which is close to Hindi or Urdu, and they have similarities with their South Asian neighbors. 

4 – But there are more groups

From the several Dhofari tribes in southern Oman (which are culturally closer to Yemen) to the Bedouins, Oman is ethnically rich. 

5 – South Asians make up around 45-55% of the total population

By South Asians, I mean people from Pakistan , India, and Bangladesh, especially Bangladesh, most of them being workers with low-qualified jobs. 

6 – Arabic is the official language

Omani Arabic is very similar to the one spoken in UAE, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Gulf countries, with its own similarities, of course. They claim that the Arabic from the Gulf is the closest to Classical Arabic, the Arabic the Quran is written in.

7 – Other languages, however, are also spoken

I personally spent several days in Dhofar province, staying with a guy named Mussab in a small village north of Salalah . Mussab spoke Jabali (Shehri) , a language that sounded completely different from Arabic. He said that some old people from remoter villages in his region can’t speak Arabic, only Jabali. 

8 – Many educated Omanis speak English

Especially in Muscat but, in smaller cities and rural areas, communicating in English can be a problem sometimes. 

9 – Most Omanis are Sunni Muslims

There are small concentrations of Shias in Muscat and along the northern coast, but Sunni Islam is the prevalent religion. 

10 – And they are a very conservative society

Islam is the basic pillar for pretty much any Omani, including the young generation. I hung out with Omanis from all ages and social classes and I barely met anyone who didn’t pray 5 times a day. They are strong believers and most of their rules, habits, and laws are based on Islam. 

11 – Conservative, but tolerant with foreigners

In Oman, there aren’t specific rules dictating how you need to dress, and alcohol is widely available for foreigners. Women don’t need to cover up and, if you want to wear shorts, you just wear them. Omanis understand the cultural differences between themselves and Europeans, so you don’t need to explain anything to them. 

A piece of advice for women – When I was traveling in the touristic areas of Oman, I saw quite a few Western women dressing like they would do in a beach destination back home, and that was with very tight and small clothes. There isn’t really a law against that, and Omanis are the kindest people on Earth, so most likely, whatever you wear, they won’t say you anything to you because you are their guest. However, I certainly know that many Omanis get bothered when they see a woman dressing like that, especially in villages. Look, I know that I shouldn’t tell a woman what to do, but just bear in mind that you are in their country and, in order to enjoy their kindness and hospitality , showing your respect for their culture is a great start. You don’t need to cover your head or anything like that, but just try to dress more conservatively, and you will see that Omanis will receive you in open arms. For more information, read: Solo female travel in Oman

12 – Some of the most hospitable people ever

You may think this as a cliché statement, but it’s not. Omanis are in the top 3 of the most hospitable people I have ever met, along with Iranians and Pakistanis.

Over my backpacking journey, I lost count of all the house invitations I got, plus the kindness of the many locals I hitched a ride with, always willing to meet and help you, expecting nothing in return. 

13 – You will visit many guest rooms, but nothing beyond that

Omanis are very private. Families don’t really like people entering their houses, especially because it is the only place where their women can roam around freely.

For this reason, all houses tend to have a guest room, which is a living room attached to the main entrance of the house. If you are a man, you won’t be allowed to cross that room but, in that room, you will be treated like a royal guest. 

14 – About local women

Yes, Oman is a conservative Muslim society and as such, women have fewer rights than men but still, they are much further ahead than Saudi Arabia , especially when it comes to high education and public jobs, and you will hardly see any women wearing the niqab .

However, you won’t really see women socializing alone in the street and, as a man, you will hardly talk to any of them. 

Read: 9 Misconceptions about traveling as a female in Saudi

15 – Expect to see many pictures from Saddam Hussein

I traveled around Oman always hitchhiking and, during my journey, I got lifts from many people who had Saddam Hussein’s photo hanging from the rear mirror. 

Read: Iraqi Kurdistan travel guide

16 – Get used to shopping from the car

Omanis have a strange custom which is that they don’t like to get out of their car when they go to the grocery store or want to take away food. Instead, they stop at the entrance and beep like crazy until a poor Bengali comes out asking for their order.

A strange custom which I never managed to get used to. 

17 – They even have drive-thru ATMs

When I was at the gas station of Salalah, for the first time in my life, I saw a drive-thru ATM, which was also located right next to a few normal ATMs.

The shocking fact was that there were 3-4 cars standing on the line, yet, the normal ATMs were empty, which meant that they preferred waiting to getting out of the car – and it wasn’t due to the heat because it was during winter. 

18 – The strangest signboards for shops

”Fish Marketing”, ”Food Stuff”, or ”Café that offers meals mainly”, among the most classic ones.  

19 – Sultan Qaboos is the most beloved leader in the world

There isn’t a single Omani who doesn’t love their leader and the reason is that he has made their country great, not only when it comes to giving free stuff to its citizens – like houses – but he introduced a bunch of liberal laws (like freedom of religion) which his dictatorial predecessor didn’t allow.

Sultan Qaboos passed away in January 2020 at the age of 79. May him rest in peace

20 – What you need to know about camels

In Oman there are a lot of camels, but most of them are concentrated in the south, in Dhofar province (the north is more about goats). Dhofar is perhaps, the place with the largest concentration of camels in the world, no kidding.

They are absolutely everywhere, like sleeping in the middle of the road and stuff like that. Unfortunately, most of them will end up their days in a butchery.

Tales of Omani hospitality I wish I had space here to tell you all the stories of hospitality and kindness I had with the tens of Omanis I hung out with. As I told you before, I traveled in Oman completely by hitchhiking, camped in the middle of towns and cities, and did a lot of Couchsurfing. When you are backpacking this way, the local interactions are non-stop and in most cases, Omanis just tried to be overwhelmingly helpful. I got invited to have coffee to countless houses, they took me out for lunch and dinner every other day and, on many occasions, the people I hitched a ride with, always insisted on driving me to my exact location, even if that required them to make a huge detour. For this reason, I strongly recommend you travel in Oman independently , not on a tour.

🍲 Food and coffee in Oman

Honestly, food isn’t the highlight of any Oman trip, but there are some surprises and interesting facts. 

The first thing you need to know is that Omani cuisine is very limited, as it mainly consists of meat or fish with rice , served in ridiculously massive portions. 

Camel meat is eaten all across the country but nowhere like in Dhofar province, the place with perhaps, the largest concentration of camels in the world. In Salalah and around , camel meat is eaten very regularly in most restaurants, usually grilled, but you also find camel shawarmas , burgers and stuff like that. 

Besides rice with its respective portion of protein, you may also find shurbah , a local soup made of oatmeal, tomatoes, and other vegetables. 

That’s it pretty much when it comes to Omani food but, one day when I was Sadeh, a coastal village 2 hours north of Salalah, my host wanted me to eat a very special dish from his region. 

And what are we gonna eat?  – I asked

He didn’t know the name in English, so he Googled it and said: It’s called oysters. My friend catches them. 

I thought we would be eating oysters in the same way we eat them back home but instead, he brought a massive dish of oysters without shells, cooked in a spicy sauce, but they still preserved the strong sea taste oysters usually have.

That dish was, definitely, one of the best dishes I ever had traveling, if not the best .

On the other hand, due to the big Indian influence, you also find loads and loads of restaurants – even in the smallest villages – serving all kinds of Indian food , ranging from daal to fish curries, and even calamari masala, always very cheap. Daal was usually my everyday breakfast. 

Here are some facts about eating when you travel in Oman:

• Typically, you will eat on the floor, with a plastic tablecloth
• Usually, everything will be served on one single plate, even if you are several people, and you will eat from the same plate.
• You eat with your hands, and no plates or forks are provided. 
• Guests are not supposed to leave any food – That was hard because of the XXL portions
• In rural areas, you should eat with your right hand and doing otherwise is considered rude – This rule applies in all Muslim countries but Oman is particularly conservative and, along with Saudi Arabia, it is the only country where, on several occasions, the locals told me I was doing it wrong  (I am left-handed).

What you need to know about kahwa

Kahwa is the local coffee from the Arabian Peninsula, consisting of regular coffee with cardamom, served in a traditional pot. 

The problem with kahwa is that if you travel in Oman independently and have a lot of local interactions, you will be offered this coffee several times a day, meaning that you will have a shit load of cups, therefore, your heart rate is likely to increase.

When I was hitchhiking in Central Oman, where tourists are rare, one day I had to have more than 25 cups of kahwa – no kidding – as you are supposed to have at least a few when you are offered. 

If you are in a house, kahwa will be typically served with dates and if you are lucky, with tajin as well, a kind of sauce in which you dip your dates.

In fancier occasions, they will serve it with halwa , a traditional sticky, jelly-like dessert made of wheat starch, eggs, saffron, cardamom, nuts, and A LOT of sugar. It’s a bomb. 

What to do with all the dates

Of course, dates are immensely popular in Oman, especially in the north, and they claim that dates from Nizwa are the very best. Every time I stayed with an Omani from the north, they gifted me with a crazy bag loaded with dates, and they were so heavy.

Since I couldn’t finish them all, they were piling up, so every time I hitched a ride with a foreigner, I also gave them dates.

💻 Internet and connectivity in Oman

Wi-Fi – Wi-Fi usually works great but, unfortunately, it is difficult to find a Wi-Fi network, as the internet is expensive in Oman, so only hotels and Western-style cafés can afford it. So, when you are traveling in rural Oman, getting connected may prove challenging.

Moreover, Wi-Fi networks tend to require a local Omani number in order to connect, so you will have to buy a SIM Card anyways. 

SIM Card – SIM Cards in Oman are expensive as well. Omantel is the most popular one. They offer an entry plan which may be enough for short-term stays but then, if you are planning to travel to Oman for several weeks, the price per GB is pricey, like 8-9USD for 1GB worth of data. 

eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Oman

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Oman . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Get a VPN for traveling in Oman

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Oman. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 Money & budgeting when you travel in Oman

In Oman, they use the Omani Rial (OMR) and approximately:

1 USD = 0.38 OMR

Yes, it is worth more than 2USD. 

Omani Rials are split into baisas (bzs) and 1OMR = 1,000bzs

The Omani Rial is a stable currency. 

Exchanging money in Oman

Given the fact that half of the population are foreigners, money exchange offices abound. 

Plenty of ATMs everywhere

Credit cards

In local eateries, taxis, small shops, budget hotels etc. you must pay in cash, so always bring plenty of it. 

How much does traveling to Oman cost?

All right, Oman is an expensive destination (yeah, really), for two reasons:

• There is no public transportation
• There aren’t budget hotels

How much you will spend when traveling in Oman is hard to say, as it will depend on several factors.

For example, I have never spent much because, during my first 6 or 7 visits, I always came with my own car and used to camp in the wadis or the beach and, on my last occasion, I was purely hitchhiking and Couchsurfing, so I barely spent 20USD a day. 

Local food is actually cheap but, if you rent a car and stay in hotels, costs will add up significantly. 

Here are the typical prices of the most basic stuff:

• One-month visa –  20OMR
• Welcome package SIM + Data –  3OMR but then you pay 3OMR for 1GB
• The most budget hotel –  10-12OMR
• A plate of daal – 500bzs
• A biryani –  1.5OMR
• A big bottle of water – 200bzs
• A beer – 4OMR
• Short taxi rides within Muscat –  2.50OMR
• Bus from Muscat to Salalah –  7OMR

How to travel in Oman on a super budget:

• Do hitchhike (it is fairly easy)
• Do Couchsurfing
• Only eat in Indian-run restaurants
• Go to the mountains and camp outdoors
• Sign up for Couchsurfing events and join weekend trips

If you want to know more, read my guide on how to go backpacking in Oman on a super budget

🛺 Transportation tips – How to move around Oman

• Regular taxi – If you don’t have a car, taxis are the way to go in Muscat. They don’t have taximeters, however, and taxi drivers from Muscat are really annoying because they always try to rip off tourists. I recommend using Careem or Uber.
• Bus – There are a few bus lines in Muscat that go all the way to Ruwi from the airport. They cost 500bzs. For more information, read my Muscat City Guide . 

Renting a car in Oman

To be very honest, Oman is a country that is best explored by car, as the vast majority of its places are completely inaccessible.

A car will make your life much easier, plus you will be able to find epic camping spots and just have a lot of freedom.

I recommend you find your car via Rental Cars, a search engine that helps you find the best deals, no matter where you are.

Do you need a 4×4 for your trip to Oman?

Before making this decision, you need to think: where are you going to go?

The roads in Oman are generally good and the only 2 places I went where a 4×4 was needed were Jebel Akhdar and the road from Al Hamra to Rustaq via Bald Sayt. 

Then, you have the Empty Quarter but, even if you had the best 4×4, it is not recommended to go without an experienced driver – The dunes in the Empty Quarter are a few hundred meters high, and they are shifting sands. 

Unless you really want to drive off-road , bear in mind that renting a 4×4 is much more expensive than a regular car, so you really need to assess whether it is worth to pay the extra money for being able to go to Jebel Akhdar and Bald Sayt. 

Traveling around Oman by bus

Traveling in Oman by bus sucks, for 3 reasons:

• They just go to the main cities and towns
• There are only a few a day
• Cities in Oman are not walking-friendly, so when you get to a city by bus, you are screwed again.

Going by bus isn’t a good option for traveling in Oman. 

Hitchhiking in Oman

The best option for budget backpackers. 

Hitchhiking in Oman is super easy. I hitchhiked more than 1400km, from Salalah to Muscat and everything in between, and never had to wait much.

For more information, read my budget backpacking guide in Oman .

🛫 How to get to Oman

Traveling to oman by air.

Today, there are many international connections coming from different European and Asian cities to Muscat . However, flying to Dubai will always be cheaper, so I recommend you check both and then you decide.

The southern city of Salalah also has an international airport, with connections from other Arab countries, India, Pakistan , etc.

Traveling to Oman by land

Oman shares a border with UAE, Yemen , and Saudi Arabia.

• UAE – Traveling from Dubai to Muscat is a 400km drive. You can come by car but there are also buses from Bur Dubai. Check here for more info . 
• Saudi –  Apparently, the border was recently opened, but there are no buses and it is actually faster going through UAE, which would be a 1,300km drive from  Riyadh  to Muscat. Read my  travel guide to Saudi Arabia . 
• Yemen – The border is open but it is a very long drive. For more information on visiting Yemen, read this post . 

🏨 Accommodation tips – Which kind of accommodation do you have?

Check my comprehensive guide on how to find the right accommodation in Muscat

The first thing you need to know is that in Oman there aren’t hostels or guest houses, only hotels.

Budget Hotels

Only available in big cities and on roads. You pay 25-30USD for a single room but on the bright side, the few I stayed in tended to be clean and have some minimum standards. 

Hotel-apartments

In big cities, you can also find hotel apartments, which are very good value-for-money if you are more than 2 people.

Mid-range hotels

In rural touristic places such as Jebel Shams, Jebel Akhdar, villages like Bald Sayt, etc. there aren’t budget hotels and rates may easily start at 100USD per night. 

5-star hotels

The offer of luxury hotels in Oman is very large. 

Couchsurfing

Plenty of profiles but I recommend you send the requests in advance because Omanis tend to take a while to reply.

❗ More information to add up to this Oman travel guide

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Oman destination

• Travel Guide to Musandam
• Muscat Travel Guide
• Where to Stay in Muscat
• Best Activities, Tours and Excursion in Oman
• A City Guide to Salalah Dhofar
• Oman Budget Guide
• Solo Female Travel Guide to Oman
• Is Oman Safe?

Travel guides to other countries in the Middle East

• Iran Travel Guide
• Palestine Travel Guide
• Syria Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Lebanon
• Iraq Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Saudi Arabia
• Yemen Travel Guide

You will also be interested in: Where in the Middle East is safe? and The most beautiful places in the Middle East .

This Oman travel guide contained everything you needed to know for your trip. If you have any additional information or questions, kindly post them in the comments section

22 comments

Great article – very useful and informative. Thanks!

Thank you very much, the article is very helpful und interesting!

Just wanted to comment on correcting one fact Oman is the only country that the majority of muslims are Ibadi, not Sunni.

thanks, Ali!

Hey Joan, great source of info, really well written and love all the cultural information. We want to rent a car for traveling around Oman. Is it easy to find camping gear in Muscat? Any shop you can recommend?

Hey there, thx for all the information, do you know if it is possible for EU citizens to get a 10-day visa on the border when coming by bus from Dubai?

If coming by land, I recommend you buy it online beforehand.

Hi, have you got any direct contact details (phone, email) for Fort Guesthouse in Muscat? Thanks, love your stuff, Terry

Thanks so much for all this info! I recently returned from a trip to Oman and used this (along with a lot of your others posts) for help and information 🙂

thank you 🙂

Hi, Can someone advise me on the best currency to use when holidaying in Oman please? Rials or USdollars? TIA

In Oman, they use Omani Rials

Love your work, I have been reading it extensively. We have accidently booked our 4 days in Oman next year during Eid al-Adha. Do you know how this may negatively affect our time there? Ie. can we still rent a car and travel easily?

Hi Richard, it’s really not a problem, other than it will be busy, since many expats in UAE decide to travel to Oman during these dates.

About visa, most of nationalities doesn’t need visa for 14 days or less if they arrive by airplane. Visa for 14 days on land border crossings is not valid/avaliable anymore, nor it is possible to buy it through official government website.

I can send you screenshot from government official email on my request about that matter as proof if you need. 🙂

Thank you for the information, Peter.

Great Article , can u recommend any good hassel free car hire company .

none in particular, I always check on Rental Cars

Such a nice summary!! We originally planned to go with a travel agency but at the end we might rather go on our own with more freedom to travel where we want. Thank you so much for these tips! I learned all I needed to know! Love from Lucy form Prague

Have a fun and safe trip!

Greetings, Joan! Inspired by you (and a few others), I’m visiting Oman for 24 days. Can you suggest a site where I might find a travel partner to split a vehicle? Many thanks–I’m a big fan1

Maybe in Facebook group Overlanding in the Middle East

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The Best Oman Itinerary: A 7-10 Day Road Trip

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Our Oman itinerary took us on a 10-day road trip around the north of the country.

We visited stunning mosques and sandcastle-like forts, hiked up sand dunes and along the rim of the Grand Canyon, swam in the crystal green waters of wadis, and took long walks on empty beaches.

Oman is one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East, it’s easy to self-drive, and you’ll have many places to yourself as tourism is only just beginning to grow here. It’s also the perfect place for some winter sun.

If you have less time, you could easily do this Oman road trip in a week.

Oman Road Trip Tips and Resources

Our oman itinerary, our oman road trip map, days 1–2 muscat (2 nights), day 3 muscat – nizwa (2 nights), day 5 nizwa – jebel shams (2 nights), day 7 jebel shams – wahiba sands (1 night), day 8 wahiba sands – ras al hadd (1 night), day 9 ras al hadd – sur (1 night), day 10 sur – muscat (1 night), what to pack for oman, more oman travel tips.

All international visitors require a visa for entry to Oman.

Whilst you used to be able to obtain one upon arrival, visitors are now advised to apply for an Oman eVisa online before you arrive in the country.

Once your visa is approved (usually within a day or so), you must enter the country within 30 days.

Do you need a 4WD in Oman?

Most people recommend a 4WD for an Oman road trip, but they are at least double the price of a regular 2WD car and whether you need one depends on your itinerary.

We decided to rent a small 2WD SUV as it has higher clearance than a regular sedan.

For this route we didn’t need a 4WD except for going up Jebel Akhdar mountain where we hired a driver at the base to take us up.

The road up Jebel Shams was steep and unpaved in parts but we managed in a 2WD.

Most roads in Oman are paved, quiet, and in good condition.

If you can afford it, a 4WD will give you peace of mind and will allow you to explore some of Oman’s exciting off-road tracks, but you can manage without one.

Oman car hire

We rented a Nissan Kicks small SUV through Booking.com for £261 for our 10 days in Oman from the Thrifty office at Muscat airport.

We had a limit of 200km a day which is common in Oman and was plenty for us. Technically you need an international driving permit in Oman but we were never asked for one.

We have a separate annual car hire insurance policy which covered the excess. This is much cheaper than purchasing full insurance with the rental company. 

In Oman you drive on the right. The speed limit is usually 120km/h or 60km/h in urban areas.

Fuel stations are attended—you can leave a small tip but it didn’t seem to be expected. Most stations have a shop and some have toilets and a restaurant. Petrol is cheap—less than 40p a litre.

Accommodation

We booked most of our accommodation on Booking.com , which often worked out cheaper than booking direct.

Everywhere we stayed was well equipped (ensuite, air conditioning, WiFi, free parking) and functional rather than stylish. Hotels add 17% tax.

If you are on a tight budget, the cheapest option is to buy a tent and wild camp for free almost anywhere in the country.

We bought an Omantel SIM card from the desk at the airport.

The “Tourist-5” costs 5 OMR ($13) including 6 GB data (valid for 10 days), 1 GB free and a free Otaxi trip. Other packages are available and the staff speaks English.

The data package was very useful as we used Google Maps for directions. The mobile signal was often faster than the hotel WiFi.

Alternatively, Airalo esim is a great option as you can buy an eSIM through their app for instant connectivity upon arrival.

Oman Travel Costs and Money

The current exchange rate is 1 OMR (Omani rial) = £2.10, €2.40 and $2.60. The rial is divided into 1000 baisa.

There are a few ATMs at the airport and there was no charge to use them with a foreign card. It’s best to stock up on cash as some hotels and petrol stations are cash only.

We spent £134 ($165/€154) a day for two people with the most expensive items being accommodation (£68 a day) and transport (£38 a day).

We found food inexpensive in local restaurants (rather than hotels) and it cost us less than £14 a day (not including the meals that were included in two of our hotels).

We didn’t spend a lot on entertainment as there aren’t many expensive attractions and our favourite activities—hikes and wadis—were free.

Our costs don’t include flights to Oman. We flew Bangkok-Muscat-London with Oman Air. It wasn’t the cheapest option but we preferred to fly direct. You can search Kiwi for the best flight deals.

When to Visit Oman

Winter is the best time to visit Oman as the summers are extremely hot.

Our trip was in early December and the weather was perfect—around 25ºC and sunny during the day with pleasantly cooler nights.

The nights at Jebel Shams mountain and Wahiba Sands desert were very cold and we needed warm clothing.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential in case anything goes wrong on your trip.

We used True Traveller as always—they are the best deal we’ve found for UK residents. Heymondo is another company we’ve used in the past.

We heard mixed reports about whether the water in Oman was drinkable. As I have a sensitive stomach we decided not to risk it and drank bottled water instead.

Back to Contents

• Muscat – 2 nights (stay at Mutrah Hotel )
• Nizwa – 2 nights (stay at Al Karam Hotel Apartment )
• Jebel Shams – 2 nights (stay at Jebel Shams Resort )
• Wahiba Sands – 1 night (stay at Desert Retreat Camp )
• Ras Al Hadd – 1 night (stay at Ras Al Hadd Guesthouse )
• Sur – 1 night (stay at Sur Hotel )
• Muscat – 1 night (stay at Beach Bay Hotel )

Our Oman road trip was for 10 nights and we drove 1378km around the north of the country.

Distances aren’t long on this route and we had quite a lot of down time, so you could easily do this itinerary in seven days.

For one week in Oman, reduce the first stay in Muscat to one night, the Nizwa/Jebel Shams area to three nights, and skip the night in Sur (you can visit on the way from Ras Al Hadd to Muscat).

When you are planning your Oman travel itinerary, remember that as Oman is a Muslim country the weekend is on a Friday and Saturday and many places close on Fridays.

Note: The distances of each leg of our journey are taken from Google Maps (which we used for navigation) and the times are the actual time it took us. I’ve noted if we stopped for a break.

Our flight arrived at Muscat International Airport at 7 pm and we picked up our rental car and drove 30 minutes to the Mutrah area.

The next day we got an early start (arriving at 8.30 am) for Muscat’s best attraction—the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque .

This stunning, huge, modern mosque is open to visitors from 8.30am to 11 am every day except Friday and is free.

There is a strict dress code—women must cover up completely with long sleeves, long trousers or floor-length skirt, and a headscarf (I used my sarong). Abayas are available to rent if you don’t have anything suitable to wear.

Men should wear long trousers and cover their shoulders.

Don’t miss the mosque—it is absolutely gorgeous, both the serene grounds and the extravagantly decorated main prayer hall. I recommend arriving early to enjoy it before the tour groups arrive.

In the afternoon we rested back at our hotel before heading out at 3 pm for the 30-minute walk to Mutrah Corniche .

This was my favourite part of Muscat (and one of the few walkable areas) with a lovely promenade with white buildings backed by rugged mountains overlooking the sea. It’s especially pleasant at sunset.

The nearby Mutrah Souq reopens after the afternoon break at 5 pm. The crowded alleyways are touristy but a good place for souvenir shopping.

Where to Stay in Muscat

We stayed at Mutrah Hotel between the Little India area of Ruwi and the Mutrah Corniche.

The decor was dated but our room was huge with a seating area, ensuite, fridge, air con, OK WiFi, and room service.

We had a view of the mountains behind the hotel and there is a SPAR supermarket across the road as well as a few cheap Indian restaurants nearby.

It was one of the cheapest hotels we found in Muscat and we were happy with our choice.

Where to Eat in Muscat

We had lunch at Welcome Restaurant , a small, simple, vegetarian Indian restaurant near our hotel.

At lunch they only had thalis but it was very good with an array of curries, puffy puri bread, and a sweet for only 2.5 OMR (£5) for both of us including water.

We had dinner near the Mutrah Souq at Bait Al Luban , an upmarket restaurant serving traditional Omani cuisine.

It’s named after frankincense (which is grown in Oman) and the pungent scent smokes through the restaurant. They even add it to the water.

We sat on cushions and ordered from the decent vegetarian section—our Omani vegetable curry and fava beans in tomato sauce with date flatbread were good. Afterwards they brought us a big bowl of delicious Omani dates.

Bait Al Luban is more expensive than most restaurants in Oman, but it’s not unreasonable and it’s worth it for a special meal as there aren’t many destination restaurants in Oman.

Distance: 176km Time: 2 hours

The drive to Nizwa was easy on good quality highways through the desert surrounded by barren mountains, passing the occasional oasis town.

We continued past Nizwa to the 17th-century Jabrin Fort (also known as Jabreen or Jibreen Castle), one of the best forts to visit in Oman.

Entrance was only 500 baisa (£1) and it wasn’t very busy. There’s a labyrinth of rooms to explore and you can enjoy views of the date palms and mountains from the battlements.

You could also visit nearby Bahla Fort , but we were exhausted so headed back to Nizwa to check in to our hotel.

Nizwa isn’t a particularly attractive town. It’s very spread out and the outskirts (where the hotels are) are full of strip malls and fast food chains.

The fort and souq area are worth a visit though and we went in the late afternoon.

The Nizwa Fort is open from 8 am to 8 pm (except on Fridays when it’s 8–11.30am and 1.30–8pm) and the souq opens in the mornings and from 5 pm to 8 pm.

We have mixed feelings about Nizwa Fort. It is beautiful, especially the massive circular tower which you can climb for views of the city and mountains beyond, but it now costs 10 times what it used to—5 OMR (£10/ $13).

For that price you would expect it to be better maintained, but the lights in the exhibition area flashed annoyingly.

It probably didn’t help that we’re not super into forts, so if you aren’t on a tight budget or are a history buff then you should visit.

On our second morning in Nizwa we visited Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) . The base of the mountain is in Birkat al Mawz , a 15-minute drive from our hotel.

When you reach the town follow signs to turn left to Al Jabal Al Akhdar . You drive up the mountain until you arrive at a car park and police checkpoint—it’s 4WD only beyond this point.

As we were in a 2WD we parked and a young guy called Mohammed immediately approached us in his shiny 4WD and offered to drive us up for a tour for 35 OMR (£73/ $91).

On the way up we stopped at various viewpoints for spectacular views of the rugged mountains and villages that cling to its sides.

At the Saiq Plateau you realise why it got its name as the green refers to the terraces of fruit trees and roses that are grown in the villages. Spring is a better time to visit to see everything in bloom.

We spent about two and a half hours enjoying the views and taking short walks in the cool air (take layers!).

An interesting addition would be the two-hour hike between the villages of Al Aqr and Al Ayn .

We were back at our hotel by lunchtime, so you could skip the extra night in Nizwa and continue to Jebel Shams .

Where to Stay in Nizwa

Most of the hotels in Nizwa are quite far from the centre. Al Karam Hotel Apartment was one of the cheapest places we found but was surprisingly good, despite its random location off a highway surrounded by desert.

Our one-bedroom apartment was spacious, clean and comfortable, if rather characterless.

We liked having a separate living room with couch and used the small kitchen to self-cater. WiFi was pretty good. A breakfast buffet is included in the price.

Where to Eat in Nizwa

There didn’t seem to be anywhere particularly good to eat in Nizwa, so we self-catered at the amazing, huge Lulu Hypermarket .

It really has everything you could possibly need including an excellent prepared food section where we stocked up on samosas, dahl, curries, rice, salads, hummus, and bread.

They even had all of our favourite British chocolates and it’s a good place to buy inexpensive dates.

The Nizwa Fort Coffee Shop between the fort and the souq looked like a pretty good option for coffee, juice, and snacks.

Distance: 108km Time: 2 hours 20 minutes via Misfat

You could visit Jebel Shams as a day trip from Nizwa but we decided to spend a few nights up there to enjoy the views and tranquility.

On the way we stopped at Misfat al Abryeen , one of Oman’s oldest and most picturesque villages.

From the modern side of the village there are fantastic views of the old village clinging to the mountainside and surrounded by lush date palms—walking through the oasis is a highlight.

Misfat is an interesting place but we felt a little intrusive exploring the village itself. It’s a tiny, traditional place of crumbling mud houses and has become popular with visitors.

There are signs everywhere reminding guests to cover their shoulders and knees and warning people away from walking down private alleyways.

It might be more rewarding to stay overnight at Misfah Old House guesthouse , although it’s expensive for what you get. 

We continued to the top of Jebel Shams. A 4WD is recommended but we heard it was possible to make it up in a 2WD.

And we did, but I do not recommend it for nervous drivers or if you have no off-roading experience.

There’s a 7km section of steep, rocky dirt track, some parts sandy and rutted, and if we had got stuck we would have been in trouble.

At the top, just before Jebel Shams Resort , there’s a viewpoint where you can see down into the dizzying depths of what’s known as Oman’s Grand Canyon and admire the long hair goats posing on the ledge.

We spent the afternoon relaxing at our hotel and got an early start the next day for the highlight of Jebel Shams— the Balcony Walk .

The hike (a section of the W6) starts 10 minutes further down the road (another off road section) from the tiny hamlet of Khateem .

Just follow the red/yellow/white splotches of paint on the rocks to follow the trail along the edge of the canyon.

It’s an out and back hike and the views are amazing straight away so you could just walk a little way.

It’s worth continuing to the abandoned village of As Sab where tiny stone and mud houses perch precariously on the edge of the canyon under a ledge of rock. It’s unbelievable that people lived in such a harsh (if beautiful) environment.

The entire hike (3.5km each way) took us 2.5 hours including a break at As Sab.

We were the first people to arrive at 8.20 am and had most of the hike to ourselves and avoided the worst of the heat. We spent the rest of the day relaxing at our hotel.

Where to Stay and Eat in Jebel Shams

Unless you want to wild camp, there are only two places to stay at the top of Jebel Shams. We stayed at the nicest of the two— Jebel Shams Resort .

It’s not much of a resort and it’s quite expensive, but we enjoyed our tranquil stay.

Our Sunset Chalet had twin beds (unfortunately they all do), a couch, table and chairs on the terrace, a fridge, and a small heater (needed on the cold nights).

There is supposed to be WiFi at reception, but it didn’t work for us and we didn’t have mobile signal either.

Breakfast and dinner are included in the price—the food was decent and had vegetarian options.

I recommend bringing bottled water, snacks and lunch as the small snack bar is only open 12–3pm and has a limited menu. There are no other restaurants or shops on the mountain.

The nearby Sama Heights Resort is cheaper if you stay in one of their furnished tents. 

Distance: 253km Time: 4 hours 45 minutes including detour to Ibra and lunch break

Wahiba Sands is what you picture when you think of the desert—rolling sand dunes, camels, and Bedouin tents.

To explore the area it’s best to stay the night in one of the desert camps.

We wanted somewhere simple (we didn’t need A/C and a pool), quiet (some are close to noisy 4WD trails), away from towns with minimal light pollution, and near a large sand dune that we could climb.

Many camps offer camel rides and 4WD dune-bashing drives, but we were content to explore on foot.

The Desert Retreat Camp met all of our requirements and had the benefit of feeling remote but being only a 20-minute drive into the desert.

Most camps require a 4WD to reach them or you can pay a high price for a transfer from the town of Al Wasil.

We were told this camp was accessible in our small SUV. And it was, but it was nerve-wracking driving through the sand.

The meeting point is at 3 pm at the Desert Retreat Camp office at the Al Maha petrol station in Al Wasil (there’s a shop and restaurant there too).

We paid in cash (make sure you stock up in advance) then followed the guide’s dust cloud as he sped through the sand.

The Desert Retreat Camp is the last camp in this part of the desert and there’s nothing else around except for a few buildings where locals store feed for the goats that wander nearby.

As there was only one other guest that night, and there’s no WiFi or 3G, it was wonderfully peaceful.

We were greeted with Omani coffee in tiny cups and the best dates we’d eaten so far.

The Bedouin goat hair tents are laid out in a double ring at the foot of a dune, all with their own private but separate bathroom.

Many camps don’t have electricity but we had a light and a dodgy looking power point.

Our tent was furnished simply with two twin beds pushed together, a table and a coat rack. It was all we needed as we were here to enjoy the setting.

It’s only a 15-minute walk up to the top of the dune, but it’s a tough climb as you sink into the sand constantly. It’s worth it for the views of rolling dunes, especially in the glowing light at sunset and sunrise.

Dinner and breakfast are included in the price and were good—vegetable curries, homemade flatbread, rice, salad, and hummus followed by delicious Omani halva.

We spent the night drinking tea around the campfire then gazing at the explosion of stars.

Distance: 213km Time: 4 hours via Wadi Bani Khalid

From Wahiba Sands we headed towards the coast with a stop at one of Oman’s most popular wadis, Wadi Bani Khalid .

It’s a stunning drive over the mountains off Highway 23 through small villages—just keep following signs to the cave/water pools.

From the car park it’s a five-minute walk to the clear green pools surrounded by date palms and rocky mountains.

It has been developed with a few bridges, seating areas, and a restaurant, but it doesn’t detract from its beauty.

We spent a blissful few hours swimming in the cool water, getting foot massages from the nibbling fish, and sunbathing on the rocks. It was one of our favourite places in Oman.

We had the buffet lunch (4 OMR) at the restaurant but you are better off bringing a picnic if you can.

Read our tips for visiting Wadi Bani Khalid . 

The desert stretches all the way to the sea at Ras Al Hadd . It’s a bleak little town, but it does have a stretch of wild, empty beach with golden sand and turquoise waves.

It’s better for walking than for sunbathing or swimming, though. We chose to stay here to be close to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve that’s a 15 minute drive away—it’s much cheaper than staying at the reserve .

Where to Stay in Ras Al Hadd

Ras Al Hadd Guesthouse is the cheapest place we found in the area at just 18 OMR (£37/ $47). It’s difficult to find as although it’s marked correctly on Google Maps it’s unclear how to get there.

Follow the guesthouse sign off the main road and drive off-road over a wide section of dirt then onto an area of broken up tarmac that feels like an airport runway.

Make sure you look up photos of the hotel in advance so you can head towards the large green and white building.

Despite the odd location, the guesthouse was fine. As usual, the rooms were characterless but functional with a fridge, TV, A/C, balcony with sea view, and unreliable but decent when working WiFi.

The staff was friendly. Note it’s cash only and there’s no ATM nearby.

Where to Eat in Ras Al Hadd

There’s a strip of simple coffee shops (Omani style restaurants) on the main road. We chose the first coffee shop on the left past the Ras Al Hadd Motel coming from our hotel.

As often happened in Oman they didn’t stick to the menu but gave us a choice of veg or non-veg, rice or paratha bread.

We ended up with a surprisingly decent Indian thali with dahl and a few vegetable curries. It only cost 2 OMR (£4/ $5) for both of us including soft drinks.

Distance: 42km Time: 40 minutes

We woke up early for the 5 am tour (you can also do one at 9 pm) at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve , which we had booked a few weeks in advance by email (reservations are recommended).

They send a guide out onto the beach first to locate the turtles, but sadly they couldn’t find any so we returned to our hotel disappointed.

At least we weren’t charged the 7 OMR (£15/ $18) fee. Winter isn’t the best time to see the turtles (high season is July to October), but you do have a chance of seeing a few year round.

After a nap and wander on the beach, we headed to the nearby town of Sur stopping at the fishing village of Al Ayjah for lunch and a stroll. You can also visit the dhow boat-building yard nearby.

There wasn’t much to do in the afternoon, but at sunset we went for a stroll on the beach where hundreds of local men were playing huge football games. We didn’t see a single local woman walking anywhere in Sur.

In retrospect, we could have skipped the night in Sur and continued to Muscat.

Where to Stay in Sur

Sur Hotel was the most basic place we stayed in Oman. Our small room had rather depressing decor, but it had all the usual facilities and was very cheap at 11.7 OMR (£24/ $30). It was fine for one night.

Where to Eat in Sur

Sahari has good Arabic mezze with a view of the lagoon between Al Ayjah and Sur. Service was slow and it’s more expensive than most places (you’re paying for the setting).

Our Indian dinner at Sea Sur restaurant next to our hotel was decent.

Distance: 382km Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

On our way from Sur to Muscat we stopped at Wadi Shab , one of Oman’s best attractions.

It involves a 5.6km hike in a stunning canyon then a swim through a series of pools to reach a small cave which contains a waterfall.

We arrived at 8.20am and were the first people there, but this resulted in us getting terribly lost as we didn’t realise we’d reached the pools and kept going past them.

Make sure you don’t make the same mistake we did. If you arrive a bit later you’ll see people swimming there and it’ll be obvious.

If you are the first people, just make sure you stick to the low path—don’t climb up on the higher path as it means you’ve gone too far.

You have to swim/walk/swim for 10 minutes down the pools until you get to a tiny gap between two massive boulders.

You swim through that (with just enough space for your head out of the water) to get to the cave which has a small waterfall. You can’t see the cave from the outside.

Despite our issues, I do recommend an early start, as it gets very busy by late morning. It’s a beautiful place and well worth a visit.

If you have the time, you could also stop at nearby Wadi Tiwi and the Bimmah Sinkhole .

In Muscat we stayed in a different area, the diplomatic enclave of Qurum next to the city’s best public beach.

It felt like a different world from Mutrah with fancy villas, foreigners wearing skimpy clothes, a scarcity of cheap shops and restaurants, and more Western chains like Costa Coffee and Pizza Express.

We could have paid 5 OMR (£10/ $13) to use the pool of the extravagant Grand Hyatt hotel next door, but late in the afternoon it wasn’t worth it, especially as we would have spent a fortune on food and drinks.

We went for a walk along the beach instead.

Beach Bay Hotel was one of the nicest hotels we stayed in Oman, although it’s comfortable rather than special, and a little dated.

It’s only a few minutes walk from the beach and the breakfast was my favourite in Oman with a large selection of mezze.

It’s significantly more expensive than Mutrah Hotel where we stayed previously, but it’s one of the best value in this area. It’s convenient for the Grand Mosque and airport.

We walked about 30 minutes along the beach to the Oasis by the Sea shopping centre where there are a number of restaurants.

Our Oman road trip ended in Muscat with a flight out the next morning.

Everyone should dress modestly in Oman. For men this means t-shirts and long trousers (although you can get away with knee-length shorts).

Women need to cover their shoulders and knees, and outside Muscat I usually covered my arms and legs.

My usual outfit was linen trousers or jeans plus a long sleeve shirt. Or I’d wear a t-shirt and take a cardigan to cover up with when I got out of the car.

You only need to cover your hair at the Grand Mosque—I used a sarong.

For swimming in wadis, I wore capri leggings and a baggy t-shirt of Simon’s.

For hiking the Balcony Walk, I also wore a t-shirt and capris plus a few long-sleeve layers for the cold morning start.

A few other things to pack for Oman:

• Universal travel plug adapter –   Oman uses the UK three pin plug.
• Torch (flashlight) – For desert camps.
• Bradt Oman Guidebook – A comprehensive guide. We used the Kindle edition.
• Arabian Sands book – There aren’t many books set in Oman but this is a good one. It’s set in the late 1940s when Englishman Wilfred Thesiger explores deep into the deserts of Oman and surrounding countries. He was one of the last people to document the Bedu way of life before oil was discovered and most Bedu gave up their nomad ways for the towns—a decision you’ll understand when you read how harsh life in the desert was.

As one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East we hope this post has given you plenty of ideas to put together your own Oman itinerary for your own adventures in the mountains and desert!

• What to Expect When Visiting Oman
• 11 Beautiful Places to Visit in Oman
• Visiting Wadi Bani Khalid: Oman’s Desert Oasis

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35 Comments

Thanks so much for your post. We originally planned to visit Oman on March 6, 2020 — but alas, all plans were quashed by Covid. We now planning our trip for March 2023. Hopefully we’ll be able to use our credits on OMAN Air …. We will follow your route and post our experience at partnersinadventure.com We’ll be sure to reference you! Again, your tips are much appreciated.

Reply ↓

Thank you very much for your detailed itinerary with many useful tips. I’ve alredy booked open jaw tickets Europe- Muscat and Salalah-Europe for FEB 2023 and I am pretty sure I will follow your itinerary fairly closely.

Enjoy Oman!

Thanks so much for this. Getting ready for my Oman trip starting at the end of December and have feverishly taken notes based on your post.

Have a brilliant time in Oman, Lisa!

>>We arrived at 8.20 am and were the first people there, but this resulted in us getting terribly lost. We’ll be writing about this soon so >>you don’t make the same mistake!

So what’s the mistake not to make at Wadi Shab?

Oh yes, I never got around to writing about this! Basically we didn’t realise we’d reached the pools (we expected to see a cave) and kept going past them and then back again and trying out different routes.

It turned out you have to swim/walk/swim for 10 mins down the pools until you get to a tiny gap between two massive boulders and swim through that (just enough space for your head out of the water) to get to the cave which has a small waterfall. You can’t see the cave from the outside.

If you arrive a bit later you’ll see people swimming there and it’ll be obvious. If you are the first people just make sure you stick to the low path – don’t climb up on the higher path as it means you’ve gone too far.

Here are some good directions (just note what the swimming pool looks like so you don’t miss it): https://www.zigzagonearth.com/wadi-shab-oman/

We plan a road trip to Oman, but will drive from Dubai. Very useful info presented, will use this as a guide through. We will mostly make the same route as you did only that we begin with Jebel Shams and end up in Muscat.

Sounds like a good plan. Enjoy!

A lovely blog to read and most useful. Am planning a trip to Oman, but in late spring spring/early summer….! Much enjoyed reading it. Thank you for sharing

Enjoy your trip to Oman, Adrian!

Thanks for another hugely useful post. Unlike other travel bloggers who seem only to want to brag about where they have been, your posts are always genuinely useful. We will be using this for a trip next Spring. Thank you¬

Aw, thanks very much Liz! Enjoy Oman!

We’ve just finished up a trip to Oman and your blog post was an amazing help to plan our itinerary! Thanks for sharing!!

I’m so glad to hear it helped, Kristen!

Thank you for this detailed information pack. It is very helpful.

I’m glad you found it helpful. Enjoy Oman!

Thank you for this! I’m going to use your exact itinerary.

Great! Let us know how it works out for you!

This is a great help. I’m wondering if you ever spent any significant time just hanging out at a beach there. I love the idea of exploring the desert etc, but my kids would also like some time to simply swim and sun.

We didn’t spend much time on the beach -just some long walks on the beach at Ras Al Hadd (which was lovely but didn’t really feel like a swimming/sunbathing beach) and at Qurum Beach in Muscat (which has a lot more foreigners and locals hanging out on). It would be easy to add a few beach days in Muscat at the beginning or end of your stay as many people do.

Just remember that women have to cover up on public beaches, so staying at a beach resort might be a better option if you’re travelling with a wife or older daughter (although Muscat seemed more liberal in that respect).

Thanks… this is a big help. We’ll let you know how it goes…

Thank you for this amazing summary! We are planning to go in November and we will use this as a base for planning.

Enjoy Oman, Nora! November is a great month to visit.

Great post! We are going to Oman in October 16 days. It’s perfect . I think that the post can help us a lot. Thanks

Excellent! Have a brilliant trip Marta!

I love your itinerary! I am planning to try and visit Oman this summer around June. How feasible is the road trip from Muscat to Salalah via road? Also how safe is it to wilderness camp, as I think this may be the best option for me since I will be doing this trip solo?

I’ve heard that the road trip to Salalah is definitely possible but it’s very long and boring, so most people fly to the region.

Wild camping is very safe (Oman is incredibly safe) so you should be fine. It’s definitely the cheapest way to travel the country.

Great post, guys! Very thorough post about Oman, one of my favourite countries. By the way, I love the blog’s new layout!

Used you Oman itinerary for a trip just 2 weeks ago. Your post was an excellent source of information, had a great time. That quiet fishing beach was the highlight of the trip. Thanks again

I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip John.

Great writeup! I definitely want to do this someday and will follow your tips!

As a follow up comment/question, I like how you guys drive on a lot of your trips (I was very inspired by the Namibia one), and was wondering if someday, when you’re looking for article ideas, if you could post which countries have been the easiest to drive in?

2017 was the definite year of the road trip for us! I will add doing a post about the best road trips to my list – thanks for the idea! Other than the US, South Africa was probably the easiest one we’ve done in terms of the road conditions although distances were pretty long and you have to be a little careful about safety (keeping doors locked, not driving at night).

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• Destinations

Wild Junket

Oman Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know 2024

Last Updated on February 1, 2024

Rich in nature and traditions, Oman is my favorite country in the Middle East. Here’s a complete Oman travel guide to show you how to visit Oman beneath the surface.

Poised on the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman shares borders with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen — but it’s distinctively a world of its own.  

Oman’s economy has developed at lightning speed thanks to its oil wealth — but unlike neighboring UAE, it has successfully retained its Bedouin traditions, strong sense of identity and pride. Its robust infrastructure makes exploring its treasure trove of desert, lush green oases and long coastlines very easy and pleasant. 

As such, traveling Oman gives a rare chance to experience the Arab kingdom without the distorting lens of excessive wealth and modernization. In the face of modernity, Oman’s sleepy fishing towns, spectacular mountains and wind-blown deserts remain at the heart of the Omani spirit. 

Oman Travel Guide

Table of Contents

Oman Tourist Visa

How easy is oman travel, is oman safe, travel insurance in oman, people of oman, language in oman, the best time for oman travel .

•  Search for Flights to Muscat

Getting Around Oman

Book your day trip here, my hotel recommendations for oman, food in oman, cost of travel in oman, what to wear in oman, wahiba sands, wadi bani khalid, bimmah sinkhole, jebel shams, seaside town of sur, muttrah corniche, sulta qaboos grand mosque.

Traveling to Oman is easy, but most nationalities (Europeans, Canadians, Americans, and Australians) need to get an evisa before arrival at the airport. Certain nationalities are eligible to obtain a visa on arrival. C heck your visa requirements for Oman here.

A tourist visa for 10 days costs five rials (US$12) or a month for 20 rials ($52). A multiple-entry visa costs 50 rials (US$130) and it’s valid for one year.

If you are arriving from the Emirate of Dubai or from Qatar to Oman bearing a tourist entrance visa or a stamp from either country, you’re not required to obtain a separate visa for Oman provided you travel directly from Dubai or Doha to Oman. We visited Oman from Dubai, and it was an easy and stress-free process.

Travel to Oman is very easy, even for first-time travelers in the Middle East. In fact, it makes a great introduction to the region, especially for those who want to ease in slowly to the Arab culture without getting overwhelmed.

You won’t find the chaos of Egypt or the instability of Iran — in its place is a peaceful and humble country that has advanced into the modern world while carefully retaining its pristine nature.

Most people in Oman speak a bit of English, so it’s easy to communicate with locals and find your way around. Oman also has a large international population, with many immigrants from India and the Philippines who speak great English.

Due to its oil wealth, Oman is a relatively affluent country with developed infrastructure like good transport networks, well-paved roads and high-end hotels. Well-heeled travelers won’t have to sacrifice their creature comforts when visiting Oman. 

Safety wise, there’s nothing to worry about. Oman is probably the safest and most stable state in the whole of Middle East. We traveled Oman with our daughter when she was two years old, and we felt completely safe the whole time.

The country doesn’t have any conflict with neighboring countries, but it’s still wise to avoid the border areas close to Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Check the Oman travel advisory before your visit.

I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling for a year or a week. It is particularly important have travel insurance that covers COVID-19 if you’re traveling during the pandemic .  

Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

The Omani culture is very welcoming and hospitable. People embrace visitors and often open their homes to you. They’re kind and generous, and are more than helpful to foreigners. When we got stuck in the desert, a Bedouin man came across us and helped get our wheel out of the sand. We really have them to thank for getting us safe!

Arabic is recognized as Oman’s national and official language. The Baluchi language is also widely spoken in Oman. But English is also commonly spoken, especially in Muscat. The Omanis are generally educated and speak more than one language. There is no need to worry about language barrier in Oman.

The best time to travel Oman is in winter (October to February), when temperatures are around 25°C in the day and 20°C at night. However, these are also the wettest months. It can be dangerous in the mountains as rain can cause flash floods. 

We visited Oman at the end of December (during Christmas) and the climate was just perfect — balmy t-shirt weather, clear sunny skies and not one bit of rain. But if you are hoping to celebrate Christmas or get some festive vibes, then you’ll be disappointed. Remember that most Omanis are Muslims and Christmas is not usually celebrated here.

It’s best to avoid the summer months (April to September) when almost the entire country is scorchingly hot; with temperatures rising into the 40s. During this time, temperatures are only bearable in Salalah, thanks to the annual khareef which descends from June to August or early September.

How to Get to Oman

Muscat, the capital city, is the main gateway to the country. There are so many things to do in Muscat , and the beautiful city makes an excellent introduction to Oman. It’s easy to find cheap flights to Muscat from many major cities in Europe; but the cheapest way to get to Oman is via Dubai .

We flew to Dubai from Madrid for just US$220 (return) and then spent another US$180 (return) each to fly from there to Muscat return on FlyDubai. The flight from Dubai to Muscat only takes an hour. If you’re on a tight budget, there are also regular buses that leave from Dubai to Muscat that take just under five hours.

If you’re wondering how to get to Oman from the US, you’ll likely have to fly via Europe to get there. Lufthansa flies from New York to Muscat via Frankfurt for $800 return. Those flying from San Francisco also goes through the same route and airfares are around the same.

  Search for Flights to Muscat

Oman has a great transport network, especially within the capital city Muscat itself. However, most public transport systems don’t serve remote places (like the wadi, deserts or mountains – which are what most people come to see), so hiring a car is the best way to get around.

It’s easy to drive around Oman yourself, as roads are well-paved and signposted in both Arabic and English. The highways that criss cross the country are excellent and make it easy to reach most interesting sights from Muscat in just a couple of hours. Our car rental in Oman cost US$250 for the week on Discover Cars .

That said, you run the chance of getting lost once outside the urban areas — be sure to download the offline Oman map. We got lost in the desert and spent more than two hours driving aimlessly in the middle of the freaking desert. If you’d like to veer off the tourist trail and head deep into the mountains or deserts, you’ll need a 4×4. 

Book Your Car Rental!

Travel Oman Independently or on a Tour?

We rented a car  and had a blast exploring Oman independently for a week. If you don’t drive, it can be difficult to travel around Oman due to the lack of public transportation. Buses go to the main cities but not to the wadi, deserts or mountains. 

I would then recommend booking a multi-day tour to travel Oman. Check out this 8-day Oman Highlights tour from G Adventures , a small-group adventure operator from Canada. I’ve traveled with G Adventures many times, to Antarctica, Svalbard, Brazil, Nepal and Mongolia. Every single trip was epic and I made some lifelong friends. 

Alternatively, you can also base yourself in Muscat and do day tours from there. I recommend GetYourGuide or Viator as they offer a large variety of tours. Here are some recommended tours:

• Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole Tour
• Jebel Shams and Nizwa Tour
• 2-Day Desert Safari
• Sunset Dhow Cruise from Muscat

Where to Stay in Oman

There’s a wide array of accommodation available in Muscat, but once outside the capital, the choices are limited and less value-for-money.

Hotels in Muscat are relatively good quality but pricey — expect to pay around US$50 to $80 for a private double room in a mid-range hotel. Note that Muscat is very spread out, split into several districts. I would recommend staying in Muttrah, as that’s the most interesting area with old buildings, a beautiful harbor and a souk to explore.

Wild camping is actually legal everywhere in Oman , so I recommend bringing a tent and camping equipment if you’re on a budget. Rent a 4×4 and you can drive up to the mountains and pitch up your tent there. I wish I had known about this before my trip — imagine sleeping under the stars in the desert and waking up to the sun on your face!

• Muscat: Ascott Somerset Panorama  — This is one of the best priced high-end hotels with the best reviews on TripAdvisor . It’s located in the embassy district near the Sultan Taboos Grand Mosque (biggest mosque in Oman) – in fact you can even see it from the hotel’s swimming pool. I highly recommend it for families as the apartment hotels are spacious and have cooking facilities. Check the latest rates here.
• Nizwa: Al Karam Hotel Apartments  — Located along a highway leading to Nizwa, this apartment hotel wasn’t worth the price considering its location and very simple finishings. However, the number of choices in the area is limited so I settled for this. We paid the same in Muscat for a much higher-end apartment hotel. Check the rates here.
• Wahiba Sands: Bidiya Desert Camp — We’ve stayed in desert camps in Jordan and Egypt before and absolutely loved sleeping in deserts, but this place was different to other desert camps we’ve been. The rooms were actually made of concrete, with proper beds and air-conditioning. Book here.
• Sur: Al Jumhour Hotel Apartments  — This was the cheapest place we stayed at, but we loved it. The apartment was very clean, well-located and spacious. It was just steps away from buzzing sweet shops and restaurants. Book here.

Oman lies along centuries-old spice routes, so its cuisine is a fusion of Persian, North African, Indian, and Arab flavors. Traditional Omani staples include the madrouba (chicken rice porridge), fragrant biryani  (from Indian influence), and desserts soaked in honey or rosewater.

However, we were quite disappointed with the dining options in Oman. We sought out traditional Omani food, but there weren’t a lot of choices and they were quite expensive. We ended up eating fast food and international cuisine in food courts.

The best meal we had on the trip was probably the chicken biryani we had at the simplest and most rustic eatery we found in a desert town near Wahiba Sands. The meal cost us US$5 each and it was just the most delicious and authentic food we had on then whole trip.

Bad news for budget travelers: traveling Oman is not cheap . Prices here are like in most parts of Western Europe. Despite having a developed tourism infrastructure, Oman is not a mass-market tourism destination (thankfully!), and thus the relatively high prices. That said, I’d rather fork out more money to travel in a place that’s pleasantly free of massive tourist crowds. 

Accommodation is quite expensive in Oman, with a mid-range three-star hotel costs around US$80 a night. You’ll find the best deals and highest standards of accommodation in Muscat — outside of that, you’ll pay the same price for not-so-great lodging. If you’re on a tight budget though, you can easily save on accommodation by camping. Wild camping is allowed all over Oman so just bring your tent along. 

For our one-week trip in Oman, we spent around US$1500 for the three of us (two adults and one baby) for all our food, car rental, accommodation and expenses.

Locals dress modestly, with long-sleeved robes and dresses. It’s important that we respect their culture and try to dress conservatively — there’s no need to cover your hair (except women when visiting mosques), but both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees.

I usually wore long pants and t-shirts, but in certain areas like Sur and Muscat, I would wear long-sleeved loose flowing shirts. Be sure to bring a scarf for mosque visits too. Also, it’s not advisable to swim in a bikini in the wadi. I usually wore a t-shirt over my swimming suit to swim.

Best Places to Travel in Oman

A vast desert sprawling across the northern part of Oman, just a two-hour drive from Muscat. Expect to find sand dunes as high as 100 meters and (overly) luxurious desert camps in the heart of the desert. There’s even a well-paved road that brings you right next to the massive dunes, which makes them very accessible even for those without a 4×4. A must see when visiting Oman!

Oman is dotted with deeply entrenched valleys filled with fresh spearmint waters from the mountains, with the most famous one (and most easily accessible) being Wadi Bani Khalid. It’s made up of several natural pools, a narrow ridge in which you can swim, and a cave. An absolutely gorgeous canyon with lots of lounging areas. There are actually restaurants and changing facilities here. Another highlight of any Oman travels.

Wadi Tiwi is a lot less developed and much more pristine and natural. It is still accessible by car, but you’ll need to climb pretty high up in the mountains on unpaved roads to get there. A string of nine villages ramble up the wadi walls while water tumbles in a sequence of pretty waterfalls through date plantations and fields of corn and alfalfa. For the hardy hiker, there’s a trail that leads from Wadi Tiwi to Wadi Bani Khalid – a tough two-day journey with a guide.

Another stunning natural formation, this sinkhole located close to Muscat. It is filled with turquoise clear water perfect to swim in after a day of hiking. Bimmah Sinkhole was formed by a collapse of the surface layer due to dissolution of the underlying limestone. However, locals believe this sinkhole was created by a meteorite,  hence the Arabic name  Hawiyyat Najm which means ‘the deep well of the (falling) star.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site was our favorite spot in Oman; Built in pre-Islamic times, this ancient fort was only restored in 1987 but now boasts beautiful adobe walls and sandstone towers that rise up to 165 feet in height. Unless the Nizwa Fort, Bahla Fort is more authentic and less touristy. If you only have time to visit one fort in Oman, make it this one.

Home to some of the highest peaks in Oman, Jebel Shams is a mountainous region just two hours from Muscat. Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Oman’, Jebel Shams is an excellent spot for trekking. The drive up to Jebel Shams is spectacular, but it’s quite a challenging drive and best to do on a 4×4. 

Built in the 1650s, this national monument has an impressive architecture and an informative museum. It’s located in the Nizwa’s old town, which itself is also worth a visit. We loved the souk and its maze of spice stalls, antique shops and Omani teahouses.

Once famous for dhow-building, Sur’s boatyards are still functioning and open to visitors. Given this, plus a fine corniche, two forts, souqs and excellent beaches nearby, Sur is quite a nice place to visit. It also serves as a convenient base for beautiful natural sights in nearby Tiwi and the turtle reserve at Ras Al Jinz.

The country’s capital is actually made up of several small towns merging together to form one city, with Muttrah being the old town. Muttrah Souk is a colorful mishmash of textile shops and spice stands, with lots of interesting traditional items on sale. The port is also a beautiful place to watch people watch and observe the maritime lifestyle of the city. 

Mutrah stretches along an attractive corniche of latticed buildings and mosques. It looks spectacular at sunset when the light casts shadows across the serrated crescent of mountains, while pavements, lights and fountains invite an evening stroll or a bike ride. There are also lots of seafood restaurants lined along the corniche.

The biggest mosque in Muscat, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is an impressive monument built from 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone. The dome and the main minaret (90 metres (300 ft)) and four flanking minarets (45.5 metres (149 ft)) are the mosque’s chief visual features. Note that they require visitors to be covered in order to enter. You’ll have to wear long sleeves or rent their chador.

With that, I hope you’ll be able to book and plan a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Oman. Let me know if you have any questions on Oman travel, in the comments field below.

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

Very nice and informative content. It clearly explains all the required travel information about Oman.

Great tips and write up! I recently did a trip around Oman visiting pretty much all the places you’ve recommended – I particularly enjoyed Bahla Fort and the Wahiba Sands. They are must see sites I think!

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15 things to know to get more out of your Oman trip

Mar 3, 2024 • 9 min read

Our list of tips will help any traveler get the most out of their trip to culturally rich and ultra-hospitable Oman © Emily_M_Wilson / Getty Images

In  Oman , visitors find  pristine desert landscapes and nature experiences , all in a modern Gulf country with a vibrant cultural heritage.

This heritage is apparent in the many languages spoken in the country, forts and archeological sites along ancient trading routes, and traditional practices such as rosewater distillation.

Today, warm and welcoming Omanis still live by their classic societal values of humility, kindness and hospitality. They’ll invite visitors to share a meal, or go out of their way to guide a lost traveler.

To make your trip a truly memorable exercise in cultural exchange and mutual respect, here are some things to know before head to to Oman. 

1. Dress modestly, even when swimming 

Female visitors do not need to wear a hijab in Oman, but dressing generally modestly is recommended. While Omanis will be too polite to say anything, clothes that don’t appear respectful to the culture will certainly affect the quality of your interactions. 

Women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and reaches below the knees (and also covers their arms and ankles, when visiting a mosque). Avoid low-cut tops, short skirts, shorts and dresses, and garment that’s transparent or clings to the body. Women must wear a headscarf (they can bring their own) while visiting a mosque. 

Men should avoid tank tops and instead wear shirts or t-shirts with trousers or shorts that are at least knee-length. While visiting mosques, men must wear full-length jeans or pants. 

Outside of swimming pools located in international resorts and hotels in Muscat , swimsuits and bikinis are inappropriate. This is true for natural pools located in the wadis (valleys) that you might come across while hiking in places like Wadi Tiwi and on public beaches around fishing villages. 

Even the sight of foreigners in skimpy bathing suits h increasingly common to see foreigners in skimpy bathing suits, it’s wise to remember that these places are also frequented by Omanis. You might notice Omani men swimming in t-shirts and shorts – this should give you an idea of how important modesty is in the culture. 

While swimming on public beaches visited by Omani families and pools close to villages, women will appear more considerate when they’re wearing a long t-shirt and shorts over their swimsuits.  

2. English is widely spoken in cities

Oman’s official language is Arabic, and English is widely spoken in the cities and to a good extent in areas that have tourism infrastructure, such as the villages of Jebel Akhdar . Other than Arabic, you might hear such languages such as Kumzari, Baluchi, Swahili and, thanks to a large immigrant population, perhaps Hindi, Malayalam and Urdu, too.  

3. A few local greetings will get you far

Omanis are friendly, hospitable and courteous, and these qualities are likely to permeate every interaction that you’ll have as a visitor. In Oman, conversations, however brief, and whether between strangers or friends, always begin with a proper greeting, usually “ as salam alaykum ” which translates to “peace be upon you.”

In some parts of the country, you might find yourself the subject of much curiosity, apparent from glances in your direction every few minutes or questions about where you’re from. Don’t be alarmed: Omanis take a genuine interest in visitors and want to make them feel welcome.

As such, it’s nice to greet people appropriately. Some useful phrases to know (in addition to the essential  “as salam alaykum” and “walaykum as salam,”  said in reply to the former), are  “sabah al khayr” (good morning), “misa al khayr” (good evening) and “shukran” (thank you).

4. For a richer experience, don’t hesitate to accept invitations 

Omanis are incredibly friendly and welcoming of visitors, and it’s not unusual for visitors to receive a few invitations during their time in the country. Whether it’s an invitation to someone’s home for a chat over qahwa (Arabic coffee) and dates, a group of friends paying for your meal at a restaurant or a meal brought over by a family camping nearby, accepting such generosity will only make your trip more memorable.  

Offering a guest coffee is a respect toward them, and accepting indicates that you reciprocate. In Oman, coffee is ground with spices like cardamom and cinnamon, and qahwa is brewed with saffron and rosewater and served alongside dates. 

Don’t be surprised if your cup of qahwa continues to be refilled each time you return it to your host. If you’ve had enough, indicate this by tilting your cup gently from side to side before you hand it to them. A bowl of water might be placed before you: dip the fingers of your right hand in it to wash them before you pick a date or begin a meal. 

The traditional way of eating is with the fingers of the right hand while seated on the floor. As a guest, wait for the host to begin and then follow their example. Don’t attempt to do this with your left hand – in Omani culture (and much of the world) that is your toileting hand.

If you find yourself visiting an Omani home, take your shoes off before you enter. Any host will deeply appreciate even the smallest of gifts, such as a box of dates, nuts or sweets from the souq (market).

5. Ask permission before you photograph people or their homes

Whether you find yourself captivated by the scene of a vendor selling handmade silver jewelry at the Mutrah Souq , admire a group of Omani men wearing beautiful kumma (traditional patterned or embroidered caps) sipping coffee by the sea or are invited into a traditional village home, resist the urge to point your lens without asking for permission first.

Omanis deeply respect their privacy, and a stranger taking your photo without permission is considered intrusive. A quick, simple greeting in Arabic helps break the ice; local men will generally oblige. 

In general, you should refrain from photographing women, especially those wearing an abaya (traditional long black robe). Under absolutely no circumstances should you attempt a photograph without first obtaining explicit permission (this is easier if you’re a woman yourself). 

6. Look forward to spending time outdoors

The most enjoyable experiences in Oman take place out of doors, from gentle walks through palm plantations and watching nesting turtles on the beach to scuba diving in thriving marine reserves. 

Any visitor to Oman should expect to spend a significant amount of time on road trips to get to historic medieval forts, charming fishing towns, picturesque tidal lagoons and freshwater pools hidden away in the valleys. 

Wild camping is allowed, and opportunities to do so abound around the country. Be sure to pack comfortable clothing suitable for the outdoors, a tent and a sleeping bag.  

7. Keep an eye on weather warnings

Low-lying valleys, beaches and wadis are prone to flash floods after heavy rainfall. It’s safer to camp on high ground and to check the weather forecast and warnings before you go.

As a result of rising ocean temperatures, tropical cyclones (most originating in the Arabian Sea) are an increasing risk leading to ocean surges, destructive winds, flooding and landfall. Pay close attention to cyclone and storm alerts and check the official website of Oman’s Directorate General of Meteorology.

8. Don’t underestimate hiking routes

If you plan on  hiking independently, weigh the length and difficulty of the trail against your fitness level and experience in the mountains. If you’re inexperienced with harsh environments, do not hike alone. Ensure you are carrying at least three liters of water, and always wear proper hiking shoes and a sun hat. 

Trekking guides not only safely guide you around the peaks and valleys, but they can also share information on the geology of an area and the opportunity to interact with communities where English is not widely spoken.

In the peak of summer, the heat can get intense in the Hajar Mountains causing dehydration and fatigue very quickly. We don’t recommend this season for hiking. 

9. Be aware of the rules during Ramadan 

If you’re visiting Oman during the holy month of Ramadan , when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, remember that non-Muslim tourists are not allowed to eat, drink, smoke, play loud music or dance in public places during the day. 

Once the fast is broken after the prayers at sundown and Muslims sit down for iftar (the evening meal), it’s fine to eat outside. During the month of Ramadan, it’s even more important than usual to dress modestly.

10. When meeting a member of the opposite sex, wait for them to offer their hand 

While handshakes among men are common, don’t offer your hand to initiate a handshake when you’re greeting an Omani of the opposite sex. Physical contact between members of the opposite sex does not occur, unless they are related or deeply familiar. To see whether your counterpart is comfortable and want to be greeted that way, wait for them to offer their hand first. You must always shake hands only with your right hand. 

11. Steer clear of inappropriate topics of conversation

Oman is a monarchy, and Omanis have deep respect not only for their country and culture but also for the leadership of the sultan. Any politically charged questions or discussions that might even obliquely criticize the ruler or the government are considered inappropriate. In any case, locals are unlikely to share their opinions on such topics with an outsider. 

Rumor-mongering is punishable by law and can result in both fines and imprisonment. In the same vein, never say anything that disrespects Islam (or any other religion), or attempts to challenge religious beliefs or practices. 

Foreigners might be surprised to know that it is also inappropriate for a man to ask an Omani man about the women in his family (even to inquire about his wife or daughters). It’s best to stay broad, by wishing good health to him and his family – and leave it at that.  

12. Don’t drink alcohol in public or exhibit drunken behavior

Alcohol should only be consumed in licensed restaurants and bars, most of which are in international hotels. It’s illegal to drink in public (outside of such establishments) – and anyone exhibiting overly drunken behavior or being extremely loud under the influence might face legal action. Oman has zero tolerance for drug use, and possession of even small amounts can result in fines, deportation and even imprisonment.    

13. Don’t swear or make rude gestures 

Swearing loudly and making offensive hand gestures are illegal and can result in legal action should the recipient register a complaint. 

14. Don’t photograph government buildings or military checkpoints

In Oman, you’re prohibited from photographing and filming some government buildings, military sites and checkpoints, and military vehicles. Nor may you post photos and videos of these on social media. Doing so can attract fines and even imprisonment. If you’re unsure whether something is covered by this policy, or even unsure of what you might be photographing, err on the side of caution. 

15. Make note of emergency numbers

In case of emergencies and the need for rescue, evacuation or urgent medical assistance, contact the Royal Oman Police on 9999.

This article was first published Mar 12, 2022 and updated Mar 3, 2024.

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Road Trip in Oman: The Best 7 Day Itinerary

We explored the Northern part of Oman on a 7-day self-drive trip.

Our itinerary includes impressive forts, stunning mosques, and an overnight stay in the desert.

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We enjoyed cool swim stops in the wadis dotted around the country, spent an evening watching green turtles nesting on the beach and we ate some incredible Omani cuisine.

A road trip in Oman was the perfect way to see this country.  

Oman is very easy to self-drive as the roads are wide, new and well planned. The roads are not overly busy and locals are considerate drivers. 7 days in Oman is the ideal itinerary to get a good taste of this beautiful country.

Oman is one of the safest countries in the Middle East and you’ll often feel like you have the place to yourself as tourism is still in its infancy here.

Petrol is cheap and public transport isn’t established here yet, so everyone has a car. Unless you are here on an organised small group tour such as this one from G Adventures , then having your own car is key.

Table of Contents

Visa Information

Most nationalities can get a 30-day visa on arrival. There is a desk located on the right side, just before you go through immigration at Muscat International Airport.

Visa costs 21 OMR ($54 USD) and can be paid by cash or credit card. You’ll receive a receipt of payment for the visa, you can then proceed through immigration.

There are two ATMs located opposite the visa at the arrivals desk which didn’t charge any fees to make a withdrawal.

Should you hire a 4WD in Oman?

Many people recommended that we hire a 4WD for our road trip in Oman. Yes, they are double the price of a standard 2WD car, however, it really depends on what you’d like to see and do during your time here.

We wanted the flexibility of taking the car anywhere we pleased, so we decided to spend the extra cash and rent a 4WD vehicle .

There were a few places on our trip where we were glad to have spent the extra money on a 4WD. The road to Jebel Shams was quite steep and there is a 7km unpaved part with loose gravel. It could be done in a 2WD, but the extra power of our 4WD made us feel much safer.

We also drove through the desert to reach our desert camp in the Wahiba Sands . The rest of the roads in Oman were wide and in excellent condition, perfect for larger cars.

Car hire recommended for a road trip in Oman

We hired a Toyota Fortuner through  Discover Car Hire  for USD 311 for six days from the Dollar office at Muscat airport. We had a limit of 200km a day included in our rental agreement.

Any mileage over this is charged at 6 OMR per 100 km.

You drive on the right in Oman. All roads are very wide and all street signs are posted in English and Arabic. The speed limit is usually 120km/h or 60km/h in urban areas. It’s a good idea to stick to the speed limit as there are many speed cameras set up along highways.

Fuel stations are everywhere, and they all have attendants to assist you. You can pay by cash or card. Most will have a shop, and some have toilets.

Petrol is cheap—0.22 OMR (0.57 cents) per litre.

We recommend renting a car through Discover Cars , who compares multiple car companies and offers you the best deals.. Book your rental car here.

Buy a SIM card on arrival or Buy an eSIM

Upon arrival, we bought an Omantel SIM card from the desk at the airport. There are a few different providers to choose from.

We paid 7 OMR ($18). Our SIM card included 2 GB of data (valid for 30 days). We chose a longer plan as we weren’t entirely sure if we’d stay in Oman a little longer, so we paid a few extra rials.

Most sim packs for 7-10 days can be purchased for 5 OMR. Make sure you turn off all your phone apps before you put the sim card in your phone so it doesn’t immediately use up all your data.

The data package is great and we used an app called ‘Waze’ to navigate us around Oman as our Google Maps app wasn’t ideal for directions here, the turn-by-turn function wasn’t good.

Try and download the Waze application before you arrive in Oman. You will certainly utilise it during the next 7 days in Oman.

Update in 2024:  Get connected in Oman with an eSIM. View all data packs available for eSIM here .

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Oman money & travelling costs

The current exchange rate is 1 OMR (Omani rial) = USD 2.60. The rial is divided into 1000 baisa.

Many things can be purchased on a card here, however, it’s a good idea to always have some cash with you.

We used an Excel spreadsheet to record all of our expenses whilst in Oman.

Our overall expenses in Oman came to a total of USD 998 for two people for 7 days. This includes accommodation, car hire, petrol, food, sights, and miscellaneous items.

This doesn’t include our visa or flights. Depending on where you are flying from, I recommend that you search Skyscanner for the cheapest flights.

Food in Oman

We found local food to be quite affordable in Oman. In general, a shwarma with bread, salad, and hummus costs 1 OMR. Pepsi costs 0.20 OMR, a coffee costs 1 OMR, and a local meal of rice, meat, and salad costs around 1.5 – 2.00 OMR. Expect to pay 6 OMR for dinner in a nicer restaurant.

They say that the water in Oman is OK to drink. You can also buy bottled water in bulk if you choose. We bought a big 6-pack of water from Carrefour and had it in the car with us, it cost 0.625 OMR for all six bottles.

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• 🎟 Book your tickets online: We use Viator and GetYourGuide
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• 📸 Join a Group Tour: Search Tourradar for Group Tours
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What to Wear in Oman

As Oman is a Muslim country, this means that everyone should dress respectfully. Women need to cover both their shoulders and knees and men are expected to wear t-shirts and long trousers.

For the majority of our trip, I wore loose-fitting clothing such as long-sleeved light shirts and long light cotton pants . The only time we needed to cover our hair was at the Grand Mosque in Muscat.

If you’re female and you plan to visit any other mosques, you’ll need to cover your hair. We always travelled with light scarves in Oman, very useful and also cheap to buy in the country.

Best time to visit Oman

Winter is the best time to visit Oman as the summers are extremely hot. We didn’t really have a choice on our adventure to visit every country , so we travelled here in mid-May. It was also Ramadan during the time we visited.

We experienced hot days, around 35-41 degrees Celsius, the nights were very warm too.

Accommodation

Booking.com is an easy-to-use search engine. It offers the best selection of accommodation available all over the world. We find they offer the lowest prices and no fees. Our Tip: Search by price, and filter by best reviews.

As with previous trips, we booked our accommodation on Booking.com .

Prices in Oman are pretty high for what you get, but there are some gems to be found. Remember that if you have a car, you can afford for your hotel to be out of town that little bit more.

We chose hotels that are comfortable which include ensuite, air conditioning, good WiFi, and free parking.

If you are on a tight budget, the cheapest option is to buy a tent and wild camp for free almost anywhere in the country. This is very safe, and we’d certainly do it next time.

Our 7 Day Oman Itinerary

• Nizwa – 2 nights
• Wahiba Sands – 1 night (desert camp)
• Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve – 1 night
• Muscat – 2 nights

Our road trip to Oman was for a duration of 6 nights/7 days, and we covered a total of 1286 km.

When planning your itinerary, remember that as Oman is an Islamic country and the weekend is on a Friday and Saturday and many places will be closed on Fridays.

Our 7 Day self-drive itinerary in Oman

Day 1 Muscat – Nizwa (2 nights)

Distance: 178km Time: 1 hr 45 min

The drive from Muscat airport to Nizwa was easy, driving on great roads through the desert. We stopped at the Carrefour supermarket (located about a 15-minute drive from the airport) as we wanted some food and snacks for the next couple of days.

Our visit was during Ramadan, so nothing is open during the day for food options. We went to the H&M store to pick up a few simple light shirts for our time spent here.

I’d describe Nizwa as a big town that is very spread out. It’s a good location to base yourself for a few nights and do some day trips from here. The fort and souq area are intriguing, and great for capturing some photos of food and people.

Sights – Nizwa Fort.  Cost 5 OMR ($13 USD).

Day 2 (Day Trip to Jebel Shams – via Bahla Fort, some small villages including Misfat and al Hamla)

Distance: 210km Time: 4 hrs 18 min

We stopped at Bahla Fort in the morning. Cost 0.50 OMR each (USD 1.30). It’s a very impressive fort, and the price is fair, too.

Driving towards Jebel Shams, it’s worth your time to stop at Misfat al Abryeen . This is one of Oman’s oldest and most charming villages. We wandered through the small village with crumbling mud houses and striking coloured doors.

We found a small wadi (natural waterhole) where you could take a cool dip; the swimming sections are divided for both men and women.

Be sure to be dressed appropriately when visiting this village. There are signs everywhere to remind you to be respectful to the local people by dressing respectfully.

We then drove through the small village of al Hamra , some great little coffee shops and fruit juice places to stop at if you need a refreshment.

The road climbing up to Jebels Shams was quite steep in some places, and there is a 7km unpaved part with loose gravel. You could manage this drive with a 2WD, but we were relieved to have the extra power of our 4WD.

Some great views once you reach the lookout point. You’ll pass by lots of long-haired goats along the way.

If you are wanting to stay here the night rather than return to Nizwa, as we did, there are only two places to stay at the top of Jebel Shams. Jebel Shams Resort and Sama Heights Resort. Both are pretty pricey.

Best prices can be found through Booking.com . If you’re on a budget, you can also choose to wild camp for free.

There are no other restaurants or shops on the mountain. Make sure you have enough petrol for the drive.

Where to Stay in Nizwa

Most of the hotels in Nizwa are about a 10-minute drive from the centre, but you drive everywhere anyway. Our hotel, the  Tanuf Residency Hotel , was perfect; a new hotel and a reasonable price for Oman.

A great room, new beds, bedding, wifi connection, air-conditioning, TV, fridge, and kettle are fantastic. The rate was 22 OMR (USD 57 per night), which included a buffet breakfast.

Where to Eat in Nizwa

There’s a Carrefour in town, so you can choose to self-cater. We wanted to try the local dish ‘shuwa’, which is slow-cooked lamb or chicken served with fragrant rice. We read some reviews and blogs and found this eatery – Arab World Restaurant . This place is clean and quite simple; however, the food was fantastic!

We paid 3.40 OMR total for 2 full meals (1 x chicken shuwa and 1 x lamb shuwa). Each meal was served with vegetable soup, a small salad, and the main meal. They served us a fresh mint tea to finish, a nice touch.

That’s only USD 4.40 each. It was one of the best meals I’ve eaten in a while.

Day 3 Nizwa – Wahiba Sands Desert  (1 night)

Distance: 192 km Time: 2 hrs 30 min

We left our hotel in Nizwa just before midday and drove straight to the desert. We found a great rate through Booking.com and stayed at Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp .

The rate was 29.5 OMR, roughly USD 77 for the night. This rate included dinner and breakfast. We arrived at 3.00 pm.

Should you drive into the desert?

We made the decision to drive the 15km into the desert to reach our camp; however, we got stuck in the sand on the way. Lucky for us, the manager passed by us in his 4WD and helped us out.

It’s an arduous climb with loose sand. If you’re not an experienced driver, I’d recommend taking the hotel up on their offer of a pick-up from the Al Maha petrol station, which is 15km from the desert camp. Even if you have a 4WD, perhaps it’s a safer option to leave it parked there and take the pickup to avoid any problems.

Once we arrived, we checked in, and they served us dates, cardamon-infused coffee, and oranges on arrival. Our room was very nice, clean, and comfortable beds with a separate bathroom.

The rooms had air-conditioning and a ceiling fan too.

There was a little patio out front with cushions to sit and enjoy the tranquillity and views. We climbed the dunes and watched the sunset over our camp. It was tranquil, with only two other guests besides us.

We ate dinner in the evening. Lots of food. Chicken, rice, vegetable curry, boiled potatoes, hummus, yoghurt dip, and bread. We finished with custard for dessert and coffee and tea.

The following day, I woke at 05:00, and it was already a little light outside, but the sun hadn’t risen yet. I hiked up to the dunes again and watched the sunrise. Perfect. We enjoyed a good breakfast, showered, and checked out.

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Day 4 Wahiba Sands Desert – Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (1 night)

Distance: 235 km Time: 3 hrs 30 min

We drove the route via Wadi Al Khalid and Sur.

We ate breakfast and departed the desert at 09:30. We drove around 1.5 hours to Wadi Bani Khalid. These are fantastic rock pools, and beautiful date palms surround them. There are a couple of small ascents in the car to reach the wadi, but nothing major.

There’s a big car park for you to park in and it’s free. Walk 5 minutes into the complex. You’ll find a restaurant and coffee served here if you need it.

There is a sign directing you to walk about 1km to the incredible rock pools and little slides. It’s great fun and beautiful here!

Feeling refreshed, we drove for around 2 hours to the coastal city of Sur. We experienced great roads along the way. We stopped at Carrefour in Sur. It’s big, excellent toilets and free showers for women! We picked up some food, and then we drove into Sur and explored.

Sur is a great coastal town, whitewashed, with little streets, a beach with people exercising, and lots of small fishing boats there too. We drove around and then watched the sunset.

What to eat in Sur

We went to a simple place called ‘ Al Sharad ‘ for dinner. It’s located downtown, near the beach, just behind Sur Sea Restaurant.

It’s a cheap and cheerful place, but quite busy. You will find lamb and chicken shwarma cooking at the front of the shop. We chose the chicken shwarma plate served with bread, hummus, and salad for 1 OMR each. It was a tasty meal.

Where to View Turtle Nesting

The drive took 45 minutes to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve to watch turtles laying eggs on the beach. This cost 7 OMR each. There’s a restaurant here with good coffee for 1 OMR each, a museum and toilets etc.

The turtle tour starts at 9.30 pm (can be earlier, so check before), no flash photos are allowed, but take your camera or iPhone and be sure to keep the flash off.

The walk is 15 minutes towards the beach; you follow the guide. We spent the next 35-45 minutes watching five different turtles digging holes, laying eggs, and then returning to sea—an awesome experience.

We decided to sleep in the car at the beach car park with a few sarongs along with the windows for a bit of privacy, and the windows rolled down a little.

Day 5 – Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve – Muscat (via Wadi al Shab, Sinkhole) 1 night

Distance: 270 km Time: 3 hrs 15 min

We left the car park early and drove back through Sur to reach Wadi al Shab. There is a small car park here. Pay the guys at the river 1 OMR per person and return to have them drive you 30 sec across the water so you can hike towards the Wadi.

It’s a decent hike; I’d recommend wearing running or hiking shoes rather than flip-flops .

We passed by many irrigation pipes and then different rock pools as we climbed over rocks to get there. It’s a journey time of 45 minutes total, and it’s hot.

Once you reach it, you’ll know. It’s totally worth it. It’s a good idea to take an old pair of sneakers or aqua shoes to walk across rocks and explore the rock pools. Take lots of water and maybe some food, as it’s pretty isolated.

After spending about two hours here, we returned to our car and drove towards Muscat, stopping at Bimmah Sinkhole on the way. This is another fantastic swim stop, a 5-minute walk from the car park.

All roads to Muscat are fantastic, and the speed limit is 120km p/h. We booked 2 nights at the Golden Oasis Hotel .

The rate was 13 OMR (USD 33) per night, including breakfast. Bargain! It was clean and comfortable; the wifi was fast, too.

Day 6 Muscat – Grand mosque & sights

Distance: 90 km Time: 1 hr 30 min

Today was all about exploring Muscat. It’s free entry to the Grand Mosque, which opens from 08:00-11 am. Ladies must be fully covered, including your hair. Make sure you take along a scarf or a sarong .

The mosque is stunning; spend at least an hour or two here.

We then drove to the Corniche , parked there, and explored the Souk. We went to the Sultan’s Palace and took photos from the front which is free. The palace is located only a 6-minute drive from the Corniche (promenade). We returned to our hotel and rested for a few hours.

We ventured back out in the evening and ate an incredible buffet dinner for 12 OMR at a beautiful restaurant called Bait Al Luban. A La Carte meal starts at 6 OMR.

This meal was delicious.

Day 7 Last Day: Muscat – Airport

Return to the airport – 34min drive from our hotel on great roads, 120km p/h all the way.

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing Travel Insurance.

Click here and get 5% off Heymondo from us!

Total Spent on Petrol

We travelled 1286km and spent 35 OMR (USD 91) on petrol. Now, that’s a great deal. When returning the car, ensure it is clean throughout and clean enough on the outside to see if there is any damage, or else they’ll charge you.

We paid a 5 OMR airport fee to drop off the car and another 5 OMR as we were 86 km over the mileage allowance.

I’d recommend that you pick up the  Oman Lonely Planet Guidebook  (with a 10% discount) if you plan to do a road trip in Oman. You’ll find many great tips and information about some sights in this travel guide.

Travel Tips for Asia

We have many travel guides and tips for Asia— a fascinating continent!

Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Asia, and our food map of Asia will inspire your food journey.

These top 5 best street foods in Asia are unmissable! We explain Central Asian food, including seven popular foods in this region.

Our Southeast Asia packing list will be helpful if you’re travelling here.

Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

Not surprisingly, our top 10 best countries for food lovers include a few Asian countries.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Asia. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual Asian countries , or consider a regional eSIM for Asia (which covers 18 countries).

If your travels in Asia are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries , offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM . The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. View the best deals on group tours in Asia .

Finally, check out our travel resources page for the best websites, tools and products we use to travel the world.

View the travel gear we use on the road, and don’t miss our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience. 

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation. We use Vrbo to book apartments and long-term stays.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours :  G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

🐶 Become a House Sitter:  Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE  &  Revolut  are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

📶  Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)

✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Oman

9 comments . leave new.

Thanks for sharing so much information. Ideas like these are so useful for a travel freak like me! Looking forward to going for this road trip soon! 🙂

You’re welcome Daniel 🙂 We wish you a great time in Oman, such a fantastic country.

Hi, You just made my planning easier and now I am pretty sure about my 1-month road trip plan. Looking forward to going on this road trip soon! Thanks for sharing so much information.

Hi Marilyn, Glad you found value in this post. We absolutely loved Oman! We wish you a fantastic time too. 🙂

Thank you for sharing this nice article. Oman is anything but difficult to self-drive as the streets are wide, new and all around arranged. The streets are not excessively occupied and local people are accommodating drivers.

It is a great blog to read out and i found it very interesting also ejoyed it So thanks for sharing it with us.

Excellent post, Really appreciate your excellent article.

Nice overview of the wonders of Oman. Men are not required to wear trousers, and you will see some local go in short, though most people wear ankle-length dresses. There’s also an online portal for getting visas now which works pretty well.

Hi, First, I would like to thank you for sharing the useful guide on Oman Tours. As Oman is the best destination for traveling & tours and has lots of amazing places to visit. My experience says, Salalah is also a very good destination, there are many things to do in Salalah and for spending vacation. I have read your blog and I found that your tips and guide will be very helpful for visitors.

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Wander-Lush

Explore Oman: The Ultimate Oman Travel Guide

• The Middle East

I don’t see the desert as barren at all; I see it as full and ripe. It doesn’t need to be flattered with rain. It certainly needs rain, but it does with what it has, and creates amazing beauty. Joy Harjo

The Land of Frankincense

A complete contrast to some of its more ostentatious neighbours, Oman is a lesson in understated beauty . This is a nation that’s held onto its cultural identity and Bedouin heritage with a firm grip. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly – and accessible – countries on the Arabian Peninsular.

Add to that natural beauty of otherworldly proportions, unrestricted wild camping and highways that are made for road tripping, and you have the perfect recipe for your first encounter with the Middle East.

I spent 10 blissful days driving myself around Oman. Even if you’re limited to a layover or short stay, you can still see a lot by taking day trips from the capital.

Oman travel essentials

Please note: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more .

April/May (shoulder season) or October-March (winter high season).

How long in Oman?

2 full days for Muscat; 10 days for the highlights; 2-3 weeks to see everything.

Daily budget

60-90 USD per person per day (mid-range hotel; local meals; car and fuel; museum tickets).

Getting there

Fly into Muscat, Khasab or Salalah; drive or bus from the UAE.

eVisa (multi-entry; 30 days) or visa in advance.

Getting around

Hire a car (essential!) or book day tours from Muscat.

Where to stay

Hotels, desert camps, wild camping or Airbnb.

Tours & experiences

Dune bashing, cultural tours and snorkelling.

Best things to do in Oman

From Muscat’s elegant Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and Royal Opera House to the humble mud village of Misfat Al Abriyeen , from 3,000-plus kilometres of coastline dotted with wooden dhow boats to the rocky peaks of the Jebel Shams mountains, Oman literally has it all.

Spend your days wandering around Oman’s desert sandcastles, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bahla Fort , and the imposing Nizwa Fort . When the heat gets too much, find your salvation in the shade of a dancing date palm. As you emerge from the shadowy, labyrinthine Muttrah Souq into the blistering sun on the Corniche , the smell of frankincense and cardamom coffee will follow you.

The charm of Omani culture and hospitality is matched by the country’s extreme landscape. Highlights of a trip to Oman include searching the sand dunes for Wadi Shab , a real-life oasis cut from the desert, plunging feet-first into the Bimmah Sinkhole on a steaming day, and watching the hatchlings make a break for it at Raz Al Jinz Turtle Reserve on a cool night.

Dune bashing in the Sharqiya Sands (Wahiba Sands) at the edge of the Empty Quarter that bridges Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia is another Oman must-do – not to mention spending a night under the stars at a luxury desert camp .

Explore Oman

Plan the perfect trip to Oman with my latest travel guides.

10 Best Day Trips from Muscat, Oman: Guided Tours & DIY Adventures

Oman Road Trip: The Ultimate 10 Day Itinerary (No 4WD Required)

17 Spectacular Places to Visit in Oman in 2024

Oman on a Budget: 12 Essential Money Saving Tips

Oman Photography: 59 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Oman

25 Most Beautiful Places in the Middle East: The Ultimate List

My oman favourites.

Jebel Akhdar, Al Hajar mountains.

Must-eat meal

Kahwa (coffee with cardamom) & Halwa (sweet date dessert).

local experience

Taking a morning dip in Wadi Bani Khalid.

best souvenir

An embroidered Kumma hat from Nizwa Souq.

Oman Travel Blog

Neither does it feel the need to advertise itself on Premier League shirts for all the world.

What Oman does boast, however, is a strong sense of identity and pride in its ancient traditions.

What visitors will find in this desert kingdom is the rare chance to see the Arab Gulf without its enormous wealth staring you in the face.

Like in Jordan , the low-rise towns elude Omani charm while traditional Beduin culture remains the heart of everything Oman stands for.

Oman is a country of not only wind-blown deserts but spectacular mountains and a pristine coastline like nothing you have ever witnessed.

Useful Travel Information About Oman

✈ Book cheap  flights  to Oman with  Skyscanner ✔ Book  transfers  from airports with  Viator ➳ Find the best  hotel  deals in Oman with  TripAdvisor ✩ Get the best  tours  and  activities  in Oman with  Tourradar ❖ Rent a  car  with the best discounts at  RentalCars.com ☘ Get the best discounted  outdoor gear  (Outlet) at  REI.com ✎ Never leave without  travel insurance . I get mine at SafetyWing

Good to know before traveling to Oman

Capital: Muscat

Currency: OMR

Power voltage and socket type(s): type C, D and G. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Official religion(s): Islam 86%, Christian 6.5%, Hindu 5.5%

Official languages and general knowledge of English: Arabic. English widely is spoken.

Main Tourist Areas: Muscat , Wahiba Sands , Nizwa

Most famous places in Oman

Grand mosque:.

Once the home of the largest hand-woven rug in the world, the Grand Mosque is a glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture that can accommodate 20,000 worshipers. – Book your tour here

Jabreen Castle

Constructed in 1675 by Imam Bil-Arab Bin Sultan, Jabreen Castle is an impressive sight rising from the surrounding plain. Of particular interest are the intricately painted ceilings.

If you thought that the Grand Canyon in Arizona was the only natural wonder of its type, think again as Wadi Ghul is quite spectacular. With sheer walls 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) high, Wadi Ghul is a must-visit attraction in Oman.

Ras Al Jinz

On the Arabian Peninsula’s easternmost point, you will find the nesting ground of the endangered green turtle, a beautiful creature that Oman vows to protect. – Book a snorkeling tour here

Wadi Bani Khalid

Resembling a mind-blowing work of art, Wadi Bani Khalid is everything you ever imagined a desert oasis should be with palm trees and clear crystal-like water. – Check tours here

Accommodation in Oman

With only a few hotels aimed at foreign tourists, the capital Muscat is where you should plan to make your base.

Outside of Muscat, except for a few beach resort hotels, accommodation of a reasonable standard can be hard to find.

Most small towns have a couple of 2-star hotels, but they are mostly aimed at visiting Omanis and tend to be rather spartan.

Budget Solo Travelers

As far as prices are concerned, those on a budget will not find a place to stay in Oman for less than 12 Omani Rials ( $31 ), having said that you can expect to pay at least 20 Omani Rials ( $52 ) for even the cheapest of rooms.

Also, be sure to check that local taxes are included in the price, or you could end up paying a further 17%. (Most budget hotels include the charge in the advertised room, rate while upmarket places do not).

Camping is another option providing you are not near a town, village or on private land.

Rooms in mid-range hotels are priced at between 40–60 Omani rials ($100-$155) per night. Mid-range hotels in Oman come with the two essentials of modern-day Gulf living, air- conditioning, and a television. Most even give you a fridge so that you can keep your drinks cold.

Despite traditional Muslim strictures against the drinking of alcohol, many mid-range hotels also double as local nightspots hosting live music venues and sports bars.

I also really enjoyed my stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Muscat. – Check prices here

In Muscat, it is not uncommon for some hotels to have more than one such place, so if you want a good night’s sleep, make sure your room is tucked well away from the noise. – Check the best hotels in Muscat  

Due to Oman’s wealth, small population, and stunning scenery, it is no surprise to learn that it boasts some of the most spectacular resorts to be found anywhere.

While Muscat has 5-star hotels aimed at business travelers, it is the self-contained resorts along the coast or up in the mountains where you want to stay.

Rather than we make any suggestions except saying we like the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in Nizwa, do your research to see what resort hotel is right for you. – Check rates here

Do I need a visa to travel to Oman?

Fast-Track: Get your Oman Visa in advance

Before you decide to jet off to Oman, you need first to ascertain if you require a visa or not to enter the country. Only six countries nationals are exempt from having to have permission to enter Oman.

Not surprisingly, five of them are from the other Gulf States.

The sixth country is New Zealand, whose nationals can remain in Oman for up to three months. To boost tourism, Oman now offers a ten-day tourist visa for five rials ($13).

All visa applications need to be submitted online via the Royal Oman Police website. – Get your visa online here

Best time to visit Oman

Generally speaking, Oman has a reliably warm climate but can be unbearable during July and August due to the scorching heat. Rain in most parts of Oman consists of short sharp showers in January and February.

This means that the optimum months to visit are October to December and March to June.

In the very south of the country near to the border with Yemen, Oman is affected by a monsoon season called “ khareef ,” which means autumn in Arabic.

Popular with Omanis and tourists, the cool showery weather brings nature to life in a spectacular way. The khareef season is between June 22 and September 21.

How to get to Oman

Flight: Most visitors to Oman arrive at Muscat International Airport (MCT) either on Oman Air or other Gulf carriers like Emirates, Etihad or Qatar Airways. – Check flights here

Public Transport: Oman has no rail system, so getting around the country is either done on public buses or by renting a car.

Car Rental: If you go with the rental car option, make sure you rent a 4×4 so that you can get to some harder-to-reach places. – Check car rentals here

Best Food in Oman

Omani cuisine is influenced by a mixture of cultures comprising Arab, Iranian, Indian, and African-inspired dishes. The style of food reflects Oman’s place at the intersection of the spice trade.

Fish plays a big part in coastal dishes with chicken, lamb, rice, and spices the primary ingredients. Following Islamic Sharia law, the consumption of pork is forbidden.

To get a feel for Omani food and culture, take a walk along Shatti Al Qurum beach and visit the Turkish House where you can dine on freshly caught seafood for a reasonable price.

Typical food in Oman

Served for special occasions like weddings, Majboos or Kabsa as it is also called is a rice dish with saffron and spicy meat.

Again a dish reserved for special occasions such as Eid, shuwa is a dish of lamb, goat, or camel marinated in spices, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground oven for a day or two.

Shuwa is served with rice and tomato sauce.

Attention fish lovers! Mashuai is a whole spit-roasted kingfish served with lemon rice.

Along with Shawarmas, Mishkak is Oman’s answer to tasty street food. Mishkak is a chicken, or mutton kabab cooked on a charcoal grill, served with spicy tamarind chutney.

Mushalt is made with meat, cheese, or spinach topped with honey and baked in the oven for around five minutes.

Best Things to do in Oman for Outdoor travelers

The beach at Ras Al Jinz is home to the biggest turtle reserve in the Indian Ocean and home to the endangered Green Turtle. Thousands of turtles return home each year to lay their eggs at Ras Al Jinz, and you can witness it happening by signing up for a tour.

The number of visitors is limited, and the visit takes place at night, as that is when the turtles emerge from the sea to make their way up the beach. The peak laying season is between June and September. – Check tours here

Wadi Nakhr Balcony Walk

Located in the Western Hajar mountains, Wadi Nakhr ( Wadi Ghul) is Oman’s answer to the Grand Canyon and a great place to go trekking or rock climbing.

Part of the W6 hiking route, the balcony walk along the top of the gorge, is the most popular trail in Oman.

Muttrah Souk

While not an outdoor adventure, you cannot visit Oman and not see the colorful Muttrah Souk marketplace. The souk is a disorienting labyrinth of tiny alleyways piled high with all kinds of exotic goods. – Check tours here

The Wahiba Sands

Spend a night camping under the stars surrounded by towering picture-perfect dunes in a desert landscape devoid of people. While there, take a camel ride or go offroading in a 4×4 jeep. – Book tours here

Diving in Oman

With crystal clear warm water Oman boasts some of the best diving to be found anywhere in the world. Just north of Muscat, the Daymaniyat Islands are a string of small, rocky islands surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Designated as a Marine Nature Reserve divers have the opportunity to swim with turtles sharks and giant rays. – Book a tour here

The Rustaq Loop

The Rustaq Loop is a day-long drive that takes you to three of the most beautiful castles in Oman at Nakhal, Rustaq, and Al Hazm.

Along the route, you will enjoy fantastic scenery with plenty of opportunities for off-road driving and the chance to stop at a wadi for a swim.

In search of frankincense

Once worth its weight in gold frankincense a substance, the ancient Egyptians called the “sweat of the gods.”

The tree, which produces the resin, grows in the inhospitable terrain of Oman’s southern Dhofar province. To get there and learn all about the Boswellia resin, you will need to sign up for a tour. – Check tours here

Latest blog posts about Oman:

What to Wear in Oman as a Woman

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7 Best Things To Do in Oman

When you think of Oman, you won’t directly think of a travel destination. Well, Oman is one of the easiest countries to travel around. Their infrastructure is superb, Omani people are very helpful and friendly, and it’s one of the safest countries to travel to, alone or together. Because of the country’s size, you can easily spend two to three weeks here. These are the best things to do in Oman.

1. Emerald Water at Wadi Shab

Wadi Shab is the best thing to experience during your Oman route. The wadi (gorge) is a beautiful quite easy 45-min walk along with many emerald green water pools. Perfect to cool down during your hike. After the walk, you will reach the last part where you can swim through the cave and see a waterfall at the end. Book a day trip here .

Also read:  10-day Oman Travel Itinerary

Wadi Shab is located a 1.5-hour drive from the capital Muscat. It’s easy to reach since it is on the side of the highway. At the parking spot, you have to get a 2-min boat ride to get to the starting point of the small hike. The boat ride costs 1 OMR (2.5 USD).

Plan to spend about 3 – 4 hours at Wadi Shab. Try to avoid the midday heat, a morning walk would be the best option.

2. Wahiba Sands, Oman Desert

Camping or Glamping in the desert (Wahiba Sands) has quickly become a very popular thing to do all over the world like in the Sahara Desert of Morocco . The Oman desert is enormous and is part of an area called The Empty Quarter. Which is also part of the U.A.E., Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.

The Wahiba Sands is just the tip of the desert. Driving to a camp can be done by 4×4 car, just take enough water with you and deflate your tires a little at one of the local shops in town before you enter the desert. Alternatively, join a day tour exploring the Wahabi Desert and Wadi Bani Khalid in a 4×4 car.

We recommend to rent a car in Oman through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Once arrived at the camp, go admire the endless sand dune views, explore the area by 4×4 and have a great locally prepared dinner. Oh and please don’t forget to do a bit of stargazing!

It’s best to visit the desert in their winter between October and March. In summer temperatures can rise to 50 degrees and it will be unbearable.

Find all:   Desert Camps in Oman

3. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque

In 2001, The Sultan Qaboos Mosque was opened in Muscat. Nowadays Oman’s most important spiritual site. Its beauty defined by architecture and detail is getting attention from all over the world. Though it definitely isn’t crowded compared to other spiritual sites around the world.

Book a Muscat City Tour .

Important to know that it is required for both men and women to wear long sleeve tops and long pants to the ankle. For women, bring a scarf to cover your hair. The mosque’s entrance is free and it is open to non-muslims every day except Friday from 8 AM to 11 AM.

4. Fairytales at Nizwa Fort

Nizwa Fort is one of Oman’s oldest and most beautiful castles. It is a great place to wander around for an hour or two. Loads of signs tell interesting stories about the fort its purposes and defense system. Get up to the big main round fort and have a view over the green oasis of palms. The entrance to the fort is 5 OMR (11 USD).

Book a Nizwa City Tour

Within the fort, you can find some shadow spots to relax or drink fresh fruit juice at the cafe inside the fort. (WiFi available here)

5. Local stay at Misfat Al Abriyeen

If you want to explore a more authentic experience in Oman, we recommend you to stay in a local mud village. Misfat Al Abriyeen is built into a mountainside in the Al Hamra region. The houses have roof terraces overlooking the beautiful gardens where they grow their fruits like bananas and dates.

In town, there are two homestays called ‘Misfahs’. This is the closest you can get to an Oman-style homestay. They offer all the facilities you need. A good bed, air conditioning, breakfast, and dinner. You have to park your car about an 8-min walk from the stay because cars cannot access the village. It’s best to pack a small daypack that you can bring into the village for the night and leave your luggage in the car.

Check availability at Misfah Old House

Tip: Never take photos of people without asking them first. Show them your respect and they will give theirs.

6. Explore the Jabal Akhdar Mountains

Expect spectacular mountain views and very few tourists. The drive in the remote mountain area of Jabal Akhdar is beautiful. Make sure that you have a 4×4 to go up. The roads are well marked like everywhere in Oman, but the slopes are quite steep, and it is good to have a little driving experience.

Plan a spectacular hike or rock climbing. Do check weather conditions before you will go. In summer it’s a good 25 degrees but winters can get below zero.

If you can, spend the night at Alila Jabal Akhdar. A remote luxury hotel with a valley view you will never forget.

See:   Alila Jabal Akhdar

7. Swim in Bimmah Sinkhole

This huge naturally shaped swimming pool is next to the main road near Wadi Shab. Have a splash and cool down in that crazy blue-colored water. The story goes that the hole was created by a huge meteor. Looks like it right? Day trips to Bimmah Sinkhole

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Oman Travel Guide: Ultimate 10-day Travel Itinerary

Renting a car in oman in 2024: all you need to know.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Hi, I am traveling to Oman November 11-18 alone and wonder if you can help with some questions. A tour co presented a quote that was out of my price range. I would love to schedule time to chat if possible? I wonder if it is safe for a single woman to rent a car and make reasonable accommodations. Then, I wonder if it is possible to get a tour reservation to drive to the sands and spend a night. Thank you, Paula

Hi Paula, Oman is one of the safest places we’ve been to, and locals are very welcoming to tourists, so you shouldn’t have any trouble traveling solo. Many desert camps offer tours, including pick-up and drop-off from the nearby town, so you don’t have to drive into the desert yourself. Have the best time!

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destinations

travel ITINERARIES

Google pins, oman: 10-days in a middle east oasis, middle east , oman , travel.

Oman had been sitting at the top of my travel bucket list for five years. The far-off country in the Middle East seemed to be the stuff of dreams – oasis canyons, vast dunes, exotic souqs and desert castles. Distance was always my excuse for not visiting Oman, but this year I decided it was time to make the journey. I planned a 10-day trip to Muscat and its surrounds, and it exceeded all expectations. Our trip started in Muscat, and we went as far south as Wahiba Sands, and then east out to the desert castles of Nizwa. Below is my complete guide to this part of Oman, filled with the best wadis, beaches, forts, island day trips, souks, travel tips, Google Map pins and more.

This post contains affiliate links. When you click these links I may get a small commission that won’t cost you anything, but it does help me run this website.

Found a turquoise oasis on the hike out to Wadi Shab.

WHEN TO VISIT OMAN

OCTOBER – MARCH (high season) – Even in high season, Oman is not busy compared to other travel destinations. Temperatures are comfortable this time of the year as you avoid the sweltering heat of the scorching summer months. I visited in November and found the weather to be prefect, and the tourist crowds were minimal, even on a national holiday.

APRIL-MAY (shoulder season) – Temperatures around Muscat start to rise this time of the year as the highs slowly creep into the high 90s.

JUNE-SEPTEMBER (low season) – Temperatures sore to unbearable temperatures during the summer months, best to avoid visiting this time of the year.

Traveling with my ladies Catarina Mello and Michelle Harlpern .

HOW MANY DAYS IN OMAN?

10 DAYS. There is a lot to see in Oman, but if your focus is Muscat and its surrounds (similar to my trip), then 10 days is ideal. It’s enough time to experience the best beaches, wadis, hikes, islands, castles and villages. Distances aren’t too bad, and with a car you can cover a lot of ground in a little over a week.

The Nizwa Fort is a 17th century castle located two hours from Muscat. Outfit details: Daughters of India dress linked here .

QUICK OMAN FACTS

• CURRENCY – The local currency is the Oman Rial. There are ATM’s at the airport for cash withdrawal upon arrival. I used my credit card for most of the trip – the hotels, souqs, restaurants and cafes all take credit card. Cash is only necessary for tipping, and a few random small expenses like the ferry crossing at Wadi Shab.
• SIM CARDS – I found Oman to be a pretty expensive country for tourists. However, the e-SIM cards are very affordable! I highly recommend picking one up at the airport in the Arrivals lobby. I used Ooredoo, and paid 5 OMR ($13) for 8 GB for one week.

My 100 Google Map pins for Oman are available  here .

OMAN GOOGLE MAP PINS

Oman is one of my all-time favorite adventures, and I’m sharing 100 of my Google map pins from destinations across the country with you guys  here . The map is savable to your Google account, and easy to use for trip planning and navigation once on the ground in Oman.

Map pins include:

• must-visit forts, desert castles, mosques, souks, viewpoints
• cafes, restaurants
• wadis, beaches, off shore islands, remote coves
• boat rental companies
• photo and travel tips for several of these locations

Destinations included in the map: Al Sharqiyah region, Jebel Akhdar, Muscat, Nizwa, Wahiba Sands

Amazing day trip out to the Daymaniyat Islands.

Most visitors begin and end their Oman adventures in Muscat. The capital city borders the Gulf of Oman, and its central location makes it a convenient home base for day trips around the region. I suggest a minimum of two days in Muscat to explore the beaches, the souqs, the mosques and day trip to the Daymaniyat Islands. Also, if hotel creature comforts are important to you, I recommend staying in Muscat for as long as possible and visiting the surrounding regions by day trip. The best hotel accommodations are in Muscat, and up in Jebel Akhdar.

Golden Hour views over Muscat. Outfit details: Fortunate One Store dress linked here and Tkees flats linked here .

EXPLORE MUSCAT

BANDAR AL KHAIRAN

A beautiful stretch of coastline along Muscat’s west coast, home to incredible turquoise inlets that boast shallow clear waters. The stunning beaches are perfect for hiking, swimming, snorkeling and sweeping views. Drive time from Muscat is approximately 45 minutes.

MUSCAT VIEWPOINT

If you’re looking for a pretty viewpoint in Muscat, this is the one. This gem sits on an unmarked pull-off along Yiti Road overlooking a picturesque white-washed neighborhood at the base of sloping brown cliffs. Location on Google Maps is “Yiti Round Point of View.”

MUTTRAH SOUQS

The city’s vibrant indoor souqs are located on the Muscat waterfront. Merchants in the historic bazaar sell a variety of goods including spices, antiques, tea sets, lanterns and more. The souqs are bustling, but non-aggressive.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

The city’s hub of arts and culture hosts an array of performances including ballet, jazz, opera and world music, but the structure is also a beautiful architectural sight for tourists to visit. The grand cubic building is a marvel of glistening white marble, soaring archways and stunning arcades.

SULTAN QABOOS MOSQUE

The largest mosque in Oman sits in the heart of Muscat, home to minarets, ornate courtyards, mosaics, prayer halls and beautifully manicured gardens. The mosque is one of the prettiest sights in the capital city, and a must-visit. Women must be covered head to ankles – there are abayas and scarves available to rent at the entrance. Note that tourists hours are very specific (8 AM-11 AM, and possibly closed on Fridays), so plan accordingly.

Sultan Qaboos Mosque.

Tourists are limited to morning visits, so plan your trip to the mosque accordingly.

MUSCAT HOTELS

AL BUSTAN PALACE, A RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL

Originally built for Sultan Qaboos, Ritz Carlton’s Al Bustan Palace certainly feels fit for royalty. The property is its own private oasis, located at the base of the Al Hajar Mountains. Rooms are comfortable, albeit a bit dated, but the palace exteriors boast an exquisite space filled with Islamic archways, marble floors, soaring dome ceilings and a stunning spa that looks straight out of Arabian Nights.

THE CHEDI MUSCAT

Centrally located five-star resort that sits on a lovely stretch of Muscat coastline. The Chedi Muscat offers more than 150 decadent rooms and villas, minimalist in design, but completely modern and elegant. A little r&r is a must, as the resort lays claim to the longest infinity pool in the Middle East. It runs straight out to the gulf, lined with dozens of plush, gray sunbeds.

JUMEIRAH MUSCAT BAY

Beautiful five-star property located on a stunning stretch of Muscat coast between the Al Hajar mountains and the gulf. Jumeirah Muscat Bay is a modern property that houses more than 200 rooms, restaurants, a spa, private beach and ocean facing pools.

SHANGRI-LA AL HUSN

Located on the same stretch of coast as Jumeirah Muscat Bay , the beautiful Shangri-La Al Husn is the loveliest hotel option in Muscat. The resort sits on a spectacular private bay surrounded by dramatic cliffs that give way to sea caves and inlets. A 30-minute drive from central Muscat, the property has all the feels of a secluded oasis – a dreamy setting filled with ornate archways, palm-lined courtyards, wood carved doorways, infinity pools and pinkish hues. Shangri-La Al Husn offers a variety of rooms and suites, many with views over the gulf.

If your jam is a modern stay filled with bright colors, lights and party vibes, look no further than W Muscat . The resort’s location is one of its highlights, situated on the bustling Shatti Al Qurum Beach, and a short drive from the city’s main tourist attractions. Guests enjoy a full-service spa, rooftop bar, pools and nearly 300 rooms and suites.

Omani flags line the Muttrah Souqs.

We felt calm and safe inside the souqs – the atmosphere isn’t aggressive at all.

MUSCAT RESTAURANTS

BAIT AL LUBAN

Bait Al Luban sits on Muscat’s bustling Mutrah Corniche and serves a variety of traditional Omani dishes including sambusa, katchori, soups, meats, curries and mixed grilled seafood. I recommend floor seating at the front of the restaurant – dark wood tables with bright pink and blue floor cushions.

THE PAVILION

Upscale beachfront dining option located inside the Al Bustan Palace . You can opt for an over-the-top brunch with stunning waterfront views, or an elegant evening dinner over artfully plated fresh seafood, meats and raws.

Delicious sushi option in Muscat that serves a range of Japanese dishes including udon noodles, tempuras, soba, katsu, gyoza and sushi.

TURKISH HOUSE

Popular local spot that serves traditional Turkish favorites – hummus, labana, salads, kababs, oven grilled meats and fresh seafood straight from the Omani water including shrimp, lobster, calamari and king fish.

An epic hike down for a beach day at Bandar Al Khairan.

DAYMANIYAT ISLANDS

A day trip out to the Daymaniyat Islands is an absolute must while in Muscat. The pristine, calm waters have all the sparkles of the Maldives, but this collection of nine tiny islands is a mere 30-minute boat ride from the capital city’s harbor. While overnight camping is possible, we visited by day trip, and it was plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling and mini-hikes on the islands.

A remote paradise awaits, and it’s only a 30-minute boat ride away from Muscat.

The Daymaniyat Islands is made up of nine tiny islands in the Gulf of Oman.

EXPLORE THE DAYMANIYAT ISLANDS

The dive sites out at the Daymaniyat Islands are pristine, thanks to the low visitor count. Whale sharks are plentiful during the summer months, and we snorkeled one site where a cluster of 15 turtles were feeding on the reef below us (and not another boat or tourist in sight).

There are group tours that visit the islands, but we booked a private boat for our visit.

GET TO THE DAYMANIYAT ISLANDS

Group tours are the most popular way to visit the islands, but we booked a private boat through Marmar Boat Tours for flexibility and freedom. The islands feel untouristed, a rare find in this era of travel. We visited on a Friday that happened to be the country’s biggest national holiday, and we only saw a couple of small boats the entire day.

Soft white sand + shallow warm waters = an Omani paradise.

We booked our private boat through Marmar Boat Tours – highly recommend!

THE WADIS & SUR

One of the country’s most unique attractions is the collection of wadis and sinkholes that stretch from Dibab down to Sur along the Gulf of Oman coastline. The wadis are narrow rocky gorges, typically filled with clear turquoise water, ideal for hiking, swimming and adventure. Most of these gems can be visited as a series of day trips from Muscat, or alternatively you can book a no-frills hotel in the region to save on drive time.

We found an emerald pool on the hike into Wadi Shab.

Bimmah Sinkhole.

EXPLORE THE WADIS, SUR & MORE

BIMMAH SINKHOLE

Perhaps the most iconic place in all of Oman, and it’s completely free to visit. The Bimmah Sinkhole is located off of Road 17, in the middle of nowhere. The otherworldly limestone pool is filled with a mix of both fresh and sea water that together create a stunning shade of deep turquoise sparkles. Visitors reach the pool via a cement staircase where they throw their things on a rock and then enjoy swimming in the clear waters that plunge to 20 meters in depth.

Sur is a city, not a natural wonder. But it’s worth the detour if you’re passing through this part of Oman. The coastal city is home to bright white buildings, boat yards, forts, towers and a lighthouse, all perched over the Gulf of Oman.

WADI AL ARBEIEEN

Gorgeous wadi located in Oman’s Al Sharqiyah region, but only reachable with a 4WD vehicle. From the parking lot, it’s five to six hours (roundtrip) of hiking, rock scrambling and swimming to reach Wadi Al Arbeieen. Trekkers that make the journey will enjoy stunning blue pools of water, waterfalls, cliff jumping and soaring rock formations.

WADI BANI KHALID

A stunning tropical oasis, and one of the easiest wadis to reach. A 90-minute drive from Sur, Wadi Bani Khalid’s large emerald pools sit surrounded by orange and brown rocks. This is one of the only wadis with facilities (a restaurant, bathrooms and benches) and no hiking required, making it a popular destination for locals. It can also be visited as a day trip while staying in the desert.

This is the most famous wadi in Oman. The trailhead sits on the side of Road 17. There is a large parking lot with bathrooms and one small restaurant. Arrive early to get a parking spot. The journey out to Wadi Shab begins with a short two-minute boat crossing, and the earliest you can cross is 7 AM. Then, it’s a 1.5km hike through the gorge to the canyon’s main natural pools. The hike is easy, and takes about an hour in each direction. When you reach the flooded gorge, the only onward option is to swim.

Wadi Shab is a narrow canyon filled with clear blue water that visitors swim through (since there is no trail).

Dozens of goats surround our car in the Wadi Shab parking lot. I wanted to bring all of them home!

The hiking trail through the canyon is stunning – towering orange rocks, crystal turquoise pools of water and loads of green fauna.

WHERE TO STAY

Lodging options in this region of Oman are pretty dismal – there’s nothing I can recommend in good conscience. My best suggestion is to plan day trips from Muscat, and then on the day you journey from Muscat to Wahiba Sands, stop at a wadi and Sur along the way.

Watching the swimmers at the Bimmah Sinkhole before hopping in myself.

The hiking trail to Wadi Shab.

Mirage feels.

WAHIBA SANDS

A trip to Oman wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the desert. The spectacular dunes of Wahiba Sands are an easy addition to any itinerary, a mere three hours driving from Muscat. A night or two in a desert camp under the stars is a pretty surreal experience, and the scenery is spectacular – vast dunes, sand ripples, wild camels and Arabian style carpets.

Sunset in the sand dunes of Oman’s majestic desert.

QUICK TIPS FOR VISITING WAHIBA SANDS

• The desert cools off in the evenings, pack a sweater.
• If you’re attempting to climb a dune for sunrise or sunset, give yourself extra time. It take twice as long (and twice the energy!) to climb the mounds of sand.
• Driving in the desert can be overwhelming. If that’s the case, most camps will meet you in a nearby town and either: 1. Lead you through the desert to your camp 2. Drive you to your camp (you can leave your car parked in town). We opted for the second option.

Tea time at our remote desert camp, Thousand Nights Camp .

All the Dune vibes here in the Omani desert.

EXPLORE WAHIBA SANDS

4X4 DUNE BASHING

Strap into a 4×4 vehicle for a wild ride in the desert with an experienced Bedouin driver climbing and then flying off sand dunes at heart-pumping speeds.

DESERT DRIVE

Book a drive through the desert with scenic stops for spectacular views of epic dunes, desert camps and even wild camels. Golden Hour is a particularly nice time for a desert drive.

QUAD BIKE RIDES

Hop on a quad bike and follow your guide on a thrilling ride across rolling desert dunes.

SAND BOARDING

Similar in concept to snow boarding, adrenaline seeking visitors can hop on a sand board at the top of a dune and glide their way to the bottom.

A handful of the desert camps have pools, a relaxing escape from the the midday heat.

Cheers to tea time!

WAHIBA SANDS DESERT CAMPS

DESERT NIGHTS CAMP

Desert Nights Camp is the prettiest desert camp in Oman. More than 50 white Boho styled tents sit in the middle of the desert offering the most picturesque view from the top of its local dune. Tents are equipped with air conditioning, along with a restaurant and spa facilities at the camp.

LUXURY DESERT CAMP

Luxury Desert Camp offers guests the chance to stay in Mars-style domes in the middle of the desert, perfect for star gazing. A stay here feels a bit more disconnected than the other larger camps where you’re surrounded by other tents and facilities.

THOUSANDS NIGHTS CAMP

At Thousand Nights Camp , guests stay in traditional Bedouin wool tents equipped with twin beds, a table, chairs, air conditioning and a private open air bathroom. The lobby is housed in a picturesque structure that looks like a desert castle. Facilities on site include a restaurant, pool and outdoor movies under the stars in the evenings.

We stayed in one of these desert tents at the Thousand Nights Camp .

NIZWA & JEBEL AKHDAR

Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar are driving distance from Muscat, and can certainly be visited as a day trip for visitors based in the capital city. If time permits, I highly recommend a stay in the mountains, and exploring the mud villages, desert castles and forts of Nizwa with Jebel Akhdar as a home base. A mountain stay is unlike anywhere else in the region, and a completely serene conclusion to a road trip through Oman.

The dreamy Nizwa Fort is one of the prettiest places I visited in Oman. Outfit details: Daughters of India dress linked here .

Nizwa Souks.

The Nizwa Souks are filled to the brim with beautiful pottery.

Jibreen Castle.

EXPLORE NIZWA & JEBEL AKHDAR

AL HAMRA MUD VILLAGE

A quiet abandoned mud village that sits at the base of the Hajar Mountains, surrounded by an oasis of date palms. Al Hamra is easy to explore on foot, and it’s likely you’ll have the place to yourself. The brown mud houses are incredibly picturesque, as are the occasional bright green and teal doors that serve as gateways to the village’s only occupied structures.

The sweeping Bahla Fort is one of Oman’s only UNESCO World Heritage Sites, boasting impeccably restored mud walls, towers, wells and a mosque. There are stunning viewpoints of the fort from the surrounding village, and tourists can explore inside as well.

BIRKAT AL MOUZ VILLAGE RUINS

Another abandoned mud village that sits at the base of a mountain, surrounded by an oasis of date palms. The best viewpoint is from the hill opposite the village, at the base of the tower.

JEBEL AKHDAR & JEBEL SHAMS

The incredible mountains, peaks and canyons located east of Muscat can certainly be visited as a long day trip, but best to book an overnight stay to truly appreciate the serenity of the epic setting. Popular stops include the spectacular Whadi Ghul, the Grand Canyon of Oman, as well as hiking Wadi Bani Habib.

JIBREEN CASTLE

One of the prettiest sights in Oman that has all the feels of India and Morocco. Jibreen Castle looks straight out of a desert fairytale, home to fortress walls, open courtyards, riad-style chambers, decadent wood balconies, ornate windows and picturesque towers. A must visit.

Another gorgeous Omani castle, Nizwa Fort might be my favorite spot in all of Oman. The 17th century structure is perfectly restored, and feels like stepping into another world. Visit midday, and you’ll likely explore the fort’s expansive towers, passageways, bridges, staircases, rooftops and courtyards with no one around. Most tourists show up at sunset.

NIZWA SOUQS

Located just outside the walls of the Nizwa Fort, you’ll find the dreamy Nizwa Souqs. This tiny market is the oldest in Oman. The outer souq is a beautiful blur of ornate pottery, and the inner souq is filled with more traditional goods, spices, teas and lanterns. This was my favorite shopping in Oman – very mellow, beautiful and a gorgeous selection of goods.

The most vibrant green door in the middle of a mud village.

Birkat Al Mouz rises out of the palms like an oasis.

JEBEL AKHDAR HOTELS

ANANTARA AL JEBEL AL AKHDAR RESORT

A sprawling five-star retreat set high up in Jebel Akhdar, the Anantara Al Jebel Al Akhdar Resort is the perfect slow-paced end to a road trip through Oman. The rooms and villas are plush, spacious and luxurious, designed with walk-in closets, oversized bathrooms and balconies that face the mountains. There’s plenty to keep guests busy including a pool that overlooks the mountains, luxurious spa, hikes and a glass platform that extends into the canyon (great for photos). Also, the elaborate breakfast buffet is one of the best in Oman.

ALILA JEBEL AKHDAR

Another stunning resort, Alila Jebel Akhdar is a second five-star option available to travelers looking for a mountain escape. Privacy is top of mind at this property that sits perched on a cliff surrounded by dramatic views of surrounding the Al Hajar Mountains.

All the feels of India in Jibreen Castle.

Inside the Nizwa Souqs.

GET AROUND OMAN

Car rental is a must in Oman. While most places in this region can be visited as a day trip from Muscat, the distances are far. And driving is the only feasible way to get around. That said, driving is a breeze! The highways are wide, empty and very well maintained. And with Google Maps, it’s hard to get lost. All major car brands have rental offices at the Muscat International Airport. Note that speed radars line the highways throughout Oman, and cannot be avoided. By weary of speeding.

Oman is one never-ending sand castle.

Flags line the streets surrounding the Nizwa Fort.

GET TO OMAN

There are four international airports in Oman – Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport, Sohar Airport and Duqm Airport. We flew in and out of Muscat, the hub for Oman Air. Dozens of airlines fly in and out of Muscat on limited schedules, connecting the capital city to Dubai, Doha, London, Istanbul, Cairo, Zurich, Frankfurt, Abu Dhabi, Delhi and more.

Business class flight from London to Muscat on Oman Air. Outfit details: Lounge jumpsuit linked here and slippers linked here .

First course on the flight – soup, salad, warm rolls and sparkling wine.

I thought it was fitting to watch Dune on the flight.

This is the only blog I have ever seen that has made me follow the person’s instagram! Beautiful images, great job!

Absolutely great content… congrats!!!

What do you think about Salalah? I heard it has a micro climate with a rain forest!!! Do you recommend?

This was a great blog. Thank you for sharing this information about a less known destination. I wish that there was more price information posted here for each thing. I assume you didn’t want to date this blog by doing so but pricing just lets a person know if this seems possible or not. We’re trying to figure out if this is a Conde Nast Traveller kind of situation or….

I should go back to Oman. I went to Muscat yesterday, and if I had seen this blog, I would have had a better trip, but it’s a pity.

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Jebel Akhdar means green mountain in Arabic. The green hilly area has a mild climate all year round, surrounded by a multitude of trees, bushes, etc., suitable for organizing picnic tours, exploring nature, especially the journey to conquer this magnificent mountain peak.

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It’s also one of the coolest, with temperatures about 15°C cooler than Muscat throughout the year. The mountain even sees some snowfall in winter.

Around Jebel Akhdar you’ll find quiet Omani villages (some abandoned), slopes covered with terraced farms irrigated by falaj canals, and orchards of pomegranates, peaches, apples, apricots and walnuts. In spring, Jebel Akhdar is covered with pink Damask roses. Distilled rose water is used in cooking and as a fragrance.

Hikers will find a few marked trails of varying difficulty and some that involve steep steps downhill. Guided hiking is also available. From the Saiq plateau, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the villages and terraced farms. You can also cross the mountain face using a ferrata (iron path) on a guided hike with Alila Jabal Akhdar.

Chedi, Muscat

Muscat always captivates visitors with its ancient look, far from the modernity of a city center. The beach area at the Chedi hotel, located west of the old city, is the most popular destination in Muscat. The hotel is built in the traditional style of Oman, located next to the long bright white sand beach, beautiful view, convenient location. Visiting Muscat, visitors will be fascinated with the harbor located next to the Mutrah Souq in the sunset. The small alleys with green walkways or the cheerfulness of the hawkers have created the beauty, the life of this place, the charm of this place for tourists.

Cruises on the sea of Oman

The sea cruise experience in Oman is known to be one of the best experiences when you come to this Muslim country. Not only enjoying, dropping into the clear blue ocean, on the yacht, you can also participate in all-night fun, enjoy delicious food, experience a carefree life, help you relieve all the daily stress.

National Museum

The National Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history, art and culture of Oman. A nice modern museum located just opposite the Al Alam Palace. You can watch a good short about the history of Oman and the rapid development of the country over the past 50 years there.

Mutrah Corniche

The city is so big that you have to use a car to go anywhere. That is why walking along the Mutrah Corniche is one of the things you should do in Muscat. There are many cute dolphin statues along the way and you can check-in. And a beautiful traditional shelter is a perfect place to sit, rest and enjoy the view over the harbour.

From the end of June to the beginning of September, the monsoon from the Indian Ocean brings a certain romance to the lush landscape of Salalah – a popular Oman tourist destination. The pleasant weather makes it one of the best places to visit in Oman in the summer, when temperatures elsewhere in the country can reach over 40°C on the hottest days. This coastal city makes a great base from which to explore the greater Dhofar region is the largest of the 11 Oman governorates.

Salalah has many attractions to visit. Sultan Qaboos Mosque, the largest mosque in Dhofar with two domes and twin towers, is a fine example of Islamic architecture. Make a mandatory photo stop outside Al Hosn Palace, the Sultan’s palace complex, before wandering into Al Hosn Market to soak up the scent of spices and frankincense.

Join local families for a picnic on the white sandy Al Mughsail Beach and watch geysers erupt from the ground at the Mughsail natural geyser. The surrounding area is home to natural springs and wadis. In Wadi Darbat, hiking through monsoonal waterfalls and grazing cattle or taking a boat ride on Lake Darbat is a great way to see the valley flooded in rain.

Interwoven with Dhofar’s story is the rich heritage of frankincense, a fragrant resin harvested from the Boswellia sacra tree, which has been used for thousands of years in perfumery, medicine and in religious ceremonies. Dhofar is the center of frankincense production, and its rare and prized frankincense is coveted from China to the Mediterranean and North Africa.

Musandam Fjord

The Musandam peninsula is separate from the rest of the country – it’s an enclave of the United Arab Emirates. It is famous for its breathtaking fjords, desert mountains, and beautiful blue waters.

The attraction of this Oman tourist attraction is the amazing view of the jagged peaks of the Hajar Mountains rising from the turquoise sea, leaving narrow fjords in between, a sight comparable to the fjords of Norway.

A boat trip on a traditional dhow (wooden boat) is the best way to experience the Musandam peninsula, visit the islands and spot dolphins or whales in these waters. The town of Khasab makes a good base to arrange a boat tour or snorkeling trip, or a 4WD mountain safari to Jebel Harim.

If you have the opportunity to travel to Oman, you definitely cannot miss a small coastal town that attracts a lot of tourists to visit that is the town of Sur. When you come here, you will be able to walk on the zigzag “labyrinth streets” of Sur street and see the ancient traditional houses with unique and interesting decorative details.

The Omanis have been known as a great shipbuilder for centuries. A very typical ship model they are building is the Omani dhow. Although the only existing dhow factory is currently in the city of Sur in the south of the country, you will find many of them in the harbor of Muscat. You can also see a small exhibition dedicated to the Omani dhow in the National Museum in Muscat. A dhow trip is a must-try experience in Oman.

Marina Bandar al Rowdha

A nice little marina that you will definitely visit if you are going on any boat excursions. There is a nice restaurant there right by the pool. You can drink your mint limonade and watch the beautiful white yachts stay there for days in Muscat.

Birkat Al Mouz

Birkat al Mouz is a traditional village in the Nizwa region. Located on the way to Jebel Akhdar, it’s an enchanting stop that will take you back in time. You can find remnants of tribes living in the mountains surrounded by plantations. It is home to a traditional falaj irrigation system that is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Masirah Island

Masirah Island, off the east coast of Oman, is the country’s largest island. Masirah Island is a deserted Oman tourist destination, if you like feeling lost in the middle of nowhere and in a place where almost no one has set foot, then you will love the island off the coast of Oman in the Indian Ocean. There are several deserted beaches where you can see turtles laying eggs.

In the past, shipbuilding was an important industry here, and you can see a few abandoned ships in Ras Hilf, the main town of the island. Today, its main industries include traditional textiles and fishing.

Nizwa is one of the great cities in Oman. It has many interesting places to visit such as the animal and vegetable market, the castle with the ancient Portuguese cannons, the cellars and the old town. In Nizwa you can also visit the famous falaj irrigation system and provide water for the oasis, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the city of Nizwa, the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries, whose domes and minarets of mosques rise above sand-colored buildings surrounded by the Hajar Mountains. Due to its inland location, which limits external influences, Nizwa has always been closely linked to its cultural and religious heritage.

Nizwa Fortress

The 17th-century Nizwa Fort is one of the most popular attractions in Oman. It has a giant circular tower that you can climb to see the mosque, the market, the rocky mountains in the distance and the date palms that surround this oasis city. Nizwa Fort has been refurbished and now has historical items on display such as jewelry, tools and a historical timeline of the area.

In the past, Nizwa was once a center for arts and education, so it has many famous historical sites for you to explore. Besides, the city’s open market is also an interesting destination, very attractive to visitors. There are many unique items for sale such as antiques, leather goods, silver, swords, etc. to household items.

Nizwa Fort is a large castle in Nizwa, completed in 1650, the center of power of the Al Ya’ruba dynasty and the most visited national monument of Oman, where it is an example excellent example of old Omani architecture, providing an illustration of how the Omanis used to live in ancient times. In the fortress there are 7 wells, several prisons. There are also many artifacts in the rooms that tell visitors about the history of Nizwa – the ancient capital of Oman. Nizwa prides itself on its famous Round Tower Fort, rebuilt in the 17th century.

Falaj Daris Park

A 10-minute drive away, Falaj Daris Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is a great spot to view the falaj irrigation system, an ancient yet highly effective irrigation method. This one, among nearly a hundred others, supplies water to Nizwa’s 8-kilometer (5-mile-long) palm oasis and the surrounding agricultural farms.

Ash Sharqiyah Region

The Ash Sharqiyah region has some of the most impressive coastline, especially Ras Al Jinz, a green turtle nature reserve. It also has wadis like the Wadi Bani Khalid, making it a perfect destination for camping and stargazing.

No trip to Oman is complete without a visit to the desert. In Sharqiya, also known locally as Wahiba Sands, surround you with undulating sand dunes and desert vegetation in a seemingly endless landscape that feels like it was crafted from gold when the sun goes down at the horizon. These wind-sculpted sand dunes, some as high as 100m continue into the famous Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand deserts in the world.

Jebel Shams

Head to Jebel Shams, the country’s highest peak at 3009m in the Hajar Mountains, for a picnic on the plateau with dramatic canyon views. Hikers can begin their adventure through the Wadi Ghul and Wadi Nakhr gorges, surrounded by rugged limestone walls. The Balcony Walk is a five-hour hike on an old, now marked trail, with remarkable views along the rim, ending in the abandoned village of As Sab. Other trails take you to villages, farms, date plantations and natural pools nestled among the rocky landscape. Local operators, such as Husaak Adventures, offer one or two-day guided hikes to the summit of Jebel Shams.

The fortified oasis town of Bahla, home to many local legends and myths, is a Oman tourist destination not to be missed especially when visiting Bahla fortress, a Unesco World Heritage Site. In the labyrinthine fortress complex, built between the 12th and 15th centuries by the Banu Nebhan tribe and later expanded by subsequent ruling dynasties, you’ll find wind towers, mosques and houses and wells. Legend has it that the tribe asked the jinn, powerful spirits in pre-Islamic Arab mythology, to build the fortress overnight when the tribe was under threat of attack. The fort offers great views of the old mud houses and village ruins, surrounded by date plantations.

Bahla is also famous for its handmade mud kilns, and local potters are said to have exceptionally skilled hands. You can view pottery, jewelry, handicrafts, carpets and other pottery at Bahla Old Souq, and you can also watch potters in action at a nearby workshop.

Don’t miss the 17th-century Jabreen Castle a short drive away, well worth a visit for its many rooms and reception areas, intricate lattice windows, painted ceilings and storage for dates.

Wahiba Desert

If you have traveled to Oman, you should visit the Wahiba desert with great experiences such as walking through here, watching the large and small sand dunes, and especially overnight camping, admiring the landscape. The starry night sky sparkles here. In particular, in the Wahiba desert, there is a pretty special camping service, including up to 1,000 unique tents, equipped with convenient and modern equipment like a real hotel room with air-conditioner, bathroom, TV, mini bar… guarantee you a comfortable stay in the desert.

Where to stay?

Oman has invested a lot in the types of accommodation for the purpose of serving as well as attracting tourists. Hotels in Oman have many types with many different prices depending on the choice for visitors. Camping in the desert has also become a popular type of accommodation for customers.

You should stay in the capital city of Muscat before exploring other cities or tourist attractions. Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Ramada Encore by Wyndham Muscat Al-Ghubra ( Agoda , Booking )
• Royal Tulip Muscat ( Agoda , Booking )
• Kempinski Hotel Muscat ( Agoda , Booking )
• Novotel Muscat Airport ( Agoda , Booking )
• InterContinental Muscat, an IHG Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Centara Muscat Hotel Oman ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hilton Garden Inn Muscat Al Khuwair ( Agoda , Booking )
• Swiss-Belinn Airport Muscat Oman ( Agoda , Booking )
• Mysk Al Mouj Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top and best hotels in Muscat via Agoda.com or Booking.com

What to eat?

Omani cuisine is very diverse and rich, there are many delicious and attractive dishes for you to enjoy, but mainly dishes with chicken, fish and lamb. Besides, the cuisine here is highly appreciated for its taste, so the dishes are often combined with a lot of local spices, herbs (onion, garlic, fennel, coriander…) to create a delicious, unique taste that makes the diners irresistible. Rice with fried, grilled meat marinated with heirloom spices is a familiar dish of families in Oman.

You can enjoy some delicious and attractive dishes in Oman such as: Rice with fried meat, lamb cooked with rice, skewers grilled on charcoal… Especially, to fully explore the cuisine of this land, you also should not miss delicious dishes, famous specialties in Oman such as: Shuwa (A dish made from lamb, cardamom… and is the most famous specialty in Oman), Ruz al mudhroub (Cooked rice dish with fried fish), Mashuai (Dish with kingfish)…

Above all, visitors to Oman also because of Shuwa, a specialty of this beautiful land. Shuwa consists of delicious, seasoned lamb served with rice.

The main ingredients in the processing are coriander, black pepper, cumin and cardamom. After the lamb has soaked in spices, it is stewed in a traditional oven, under thick sand and heated by charcoal.

However, that dish does not hinder diners who do not have much time, because visitors can enjoy delicious Shuwa at some high-class restaurants in Muscat such as Kargreen restaurant, in just a few minutes after ordering.

Below are some traditional dishes you must try as follows:

• Majboos – Traditional rice
• Shuwa – Slowed cook lamb
• Omani bread
• Kahwa – Arabic coffee
• Meshkak – An Omani Kebab
• Halwa – Custard powder
• Omani Laban – Salted Yogurt

Some tips before you go

• You should rent a car for your convenience, there are some public means of transport in Muscat but they are not efficient and seem to be used by very few people. You will see many taxis around, but they are quite expensive if used regularly. Muscat is a large city where the distances between different settlements can easily be measured in tens of kilometers. That’s why a car is the best choice for you. Especially with affordable car rental and cheap gasoline.
• Convert your euros or dollars to the local currency – the Omani rial. This will make it much easier for you to pay anywhere.
• Dress appropriately when traveling to Muscat. Although the people of Oman are very liberal, there are certain dress codes that must be followed. Short-sleeve tops and anything that reaches your knees will do. But shorter than that is an expression of disrespect to the local culture and people.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Muscat , Oman and Middle East you can refer to

• The North and Nakhl Tour from Muscat
• Muscat Night Tour
• Sunset Dhow Cruise Tour in Muscat
• Dolphin Cruise in Muscat
• Unlimited 4G Travel UPSIZED WIFI for Middle East and UAE
• Pocket WiFi (BKK & DMK Pick Up) for the Middle East
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport/Q Sentral Pick Up) for Middle East by Roamingman
• 4G Portable Wifi for Middle East by JavaMifi (Jakarta (CGK) Airport Pick-Up)

Read more Oman guide here .

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Travel guide to Oman

Oman is the most beautiful and fascinating country in the Middle East. It’s a shame that recent events in the world have caused anxiety for tourists and particularly (understandably) to the Middle East. However, Oman is a perfectly safe country, located in a turbulent region, and should be on your bucket list. Its grandiose landscapes and fascinating culture have inspired myths, legends and dreams that still take hold of the imagination. Oman has spectacular mountains, lonely deserts, idyllic beaches, picturesque villages, and elusive wildlife. A welcome and authentic respite for the modernism of its popular neighbor – the United Arab Emirates – Oman still offers a sense of the oriental spirit of 1001 nights with its low-key profile tourism profile. Now is the time to immerse yourself in the mysterious beauty of Oman, because the country gears up to attract much more tourists, with a new airport, a large conference center and a string of new hotels.

Get the most out of your (luxury) trip to Oman with my travel guide. Find out more about:

• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Travel requirements
• Getting around
• Inspiration, highlights, & travel tips
• Suggested itineraries
• Recommended luxury hotels (+ reviews)

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Oman’s weather is typical of the Arabian peninsula, with scorchingly hot summers (April to September) and pleasantly temperate winters (October to March). However, the varied topography & geography of Oman makes its climate varied too:

• For most of the country, including the capital Muscat , the summer season is extremely hot, humid and unsuitable for travel. The temperature during this season peaks up to an average of 40°C (104° F). Sometimes the temperature can go as high as 50°C (122°F) during the day. Winter is the best time for travel, with an average temperature during the day of about 27°C (80°F) while the nights are breezy and cooler with temperatures dropping down to an average of 15°C (60°C). Winter days are filled with sunshine for most of the time (although recent years have seen an increase in the number of overcast and rainy days).
• The temperature in the mountains is around 15°C (30°F) degrees cooler than in Muscat year round, making it a great place to escape from the heat of the lower plains in the summer months, or for a refreshing break and perhaps a view of snow-capped peaks under the winter sun.
• The Dhofar area in southern Oman –   where the beach resort of Salalah is located – sees monsoon rains from June to September. The rain falls under the form  of a constant drizzle, transforming the landscape into  a green, lush oasis.

HOW TO GET THERE

Most visitors arrive into Oman via Muscat International Airport, although an increasing number of visitors fly in via Salalah International Airport.

• Muscat International Airport (MCT) is the country’s largest airport and the main entry to Oman. It is situated close to the capital Muscat and features flights to several regional destinations as well as some intercontinental services to Asia, Africa and Europe. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Muscat.
• Salalah International Airport (SLL)  is the Sultanate of Oman’s secondary international airport, and is the main gateway to southern Oman and the beach resort town of Salalah. Click here for a list of airlines that offer direct flights to Salalah.

Before you buy a plane ticket, consider reading my  tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket .

It’s also possible to enter Oman over road from the United Arab Emirates. The Musandam Governorate – where the Six Senses Zighy Bay  resort is located – is an exclave, separated from the rest of Oman by the United Arab Emirates, and is best accessed by land from the United Arab Emirates (2 hour drive from Dubai).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Requirements for entry into Oman differ from country to country, and are subject to change. Prior to departure, always check with your government and your nearest Omani embassy or consulate what documents you need for travel to Oman.

• You need a passport with at least six months validity to enter Oman.
• You must obtain a  visa  prior to travel unless you come from one of the visa exempt countries (which are part of the Gulf Cooperation Council) or one of the countries whose citizens are eligible for a one-month travel visa that can be purchased on arrival at any land, sea or air entry port in the country.

Make sure you read my 10 tips to plan a worry-free trip .

GETTING AROUND

There’s very little public transport in Oman. You can get to the main towns and cities by public coaches, but to really see anything of the country you’ll need your own transport:

• Most travelers will rent a car . This indeed the easiest way of getting around the country. Car rental companies are present at major airports and central city locations. Although the road infrastructure is excellent, the driving conditions can be dangerous because of the undisciplined driver habits of the locals.
• One of the best ways to travel worry-free around Oman is by signing up for a tour or hiring your own guide-driver (which can be arranged via most hotels at an affordable cost).
• Domestic flights  might be an option if you don’t have a lot of time and want to travel in a fast way from Muscat to Salalah (90 minute flight instead of a 9 hour drive). Flight are operated by Oman Air , the country’s flagship carrier.

INSPIRATION, HIGHLIGHTS & TRAVEL TIPS

There are several good reasons why you should put Oman on your bucket list:

• The old city center, Sultan Qaboos Mosque and Opera House in Muscat
• The magnificent Hajar Mountains
• Boundless Arabian deserts
• Stunning fjords of the Musandam Peninsula
• Gorgeous beaches, mainly around Muscat and Salalah
• Salalah’s coconut-fringed beaches and banana plantations

The following, in-depth article may also inspire you and help you plan your next holiday to Oman:

• Top 10 most fabulous luxury resorts in Oman
• Tips & tricks for getting the best deal at a luxury hotel
• Tips & tricks for buying the cheapest plane ticket

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES 

It’s impossible to suggest one itinerary for Oman, but I hereby share with you a schedule based on my holidays to Oman. This is a great itinerary if you want to see country in a time frame of one week (although two weeks are recommended if you have more time and want to see all of the country)

• Days 1-4 : Muscat & beach (recommended hotel: The Chedi Muscat , Al Bustan Palace , or Shangri-La Al Husn ).
• Days 5-7 : Hajar Mountains (recommended hotel: Alila Jabal Akhdar or Anantara al Jabal Al Akhdar ).

If you have more time, you can also extend your vacation with a couple of days at the Musandam Peninsula, which is best accessed via road (via the UAE) and which harbors stunning fjords in addition to Oman’s most fabulous hotel ( Six Senses Zighy Bay ). If you have two weeks time, you could also visit Oman’s Dhofar region in the south, around the beach resort town of Salalah (recommended hotel: Al Baleed Resort Salaha by Anantara ).

RECOMMENDED LUXURY HOTELS (+ REVIEWS)

Considering visiting my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Oman if you are eager to know how I rank Oman’s top properties, based on my own experience at each one of them.

Below, you find my reviews of hotels in Oman (with pros, cons, and tips to save money per hotel).

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I have been living in Oman. I suggest plan to visit Oman between Nov to April.

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Discover the Enchanting Allure of Muscat, Oman

Unlock the wonders of Muscat in Oman with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the top attractions, immerse yourself in local experiences, and find practical information to plan your perfect trip.

The Muscat Travel Guide

Practical tips and advice for travelers visiting Muscat, covering topics such as visa requirements, local customs, transportation options, safety tips, and more.

Dive into the rich history, cultural heritage, and modern charm of Muscat, offering an overview of the city's landmarks, attractions, and unique features that make it a must-visit destination.

Comprehensive information on how to reach Muscat, offering insights into flight options, airport transfers, public transportation, and practical tips for getting around the city.

Explore a detailed accommodation guide, featuring a range of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses in Muscat, catering to different budgets, preferences, and locations within the city.

Discover an array of exciting activities, attractions, and experiences in Muscat, providing recommendations for cultural sites, outdoor adventures, shopping destinations, and more.

Delve into the culinary scene of Muscat, offering recommendations for top restaurants, local eateries, and must-try dishes, allowing visitors to indulge in the vibrant flavors of Omani cuisine.

Embark on unforgettable day trips from Muscat, highlighting nearby attractions, natural wonders, historical sites, and cultural experiences that can be easily accessed from the city.

Where To Eat

Where to stay, how to get there, about muscat, practical tips.

Find everything you need when traveling to Muscat, Oman with our comprehensive Travel Guide.

Welcome to our travel blog, your ultimate guide to Muscat, Oman and beyond! We cover everything from practical tips, insider information about Muscat's attractions, accommodation options, local customs, transportation, dining recommendations, and even exciting day trips, providing you with a wealth of knowledge to plan your perfect adventure in Oman's captivating capital.

What others have said about Muscat, Oman

” This coastal city on the Persian Gulf seemed to harness the beauty of ancient traditions that might be amiss in other more modernized Gulf countries ”

"Cultural treasures, unspoilt landscapes, pristine beaches, and natural wadis, Oman is the ultimate uncrowded destination. ”

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Oman – Abu Dhabi railway: Hafeet rail to boost tourism in the area

Abu Dhabi: Hafeet Rail, the joint rail venture that connects Sohar in Oman to Abu Dhabi in the UAE has entered the implementation phase. Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment Company signed a shareholders’ agreement, marking the commencement of the railway project. A game-changer initiative, it will boost tourism between the UAE and Oman, also increasing the scope to connect other major cities in the area. While the current travel time between the regions is 3 hours 25 minutes, the project will reduce it by 1 hour 40 minutes, as per reports. The passenger train can speed up to 200 kilometres per hour, covering the distance between Sohar and Abu Dhabi in 1 hour 40 minutes, and 1 hour 47 minutes between Sohar and Al Ain. Meanwhile, the train has a capacity to accommodate up to 400 passengers.

15,000 tonnes capacity in freight trains A freight train can transport more than 15,000 tonnes of goods (around 270 standard containers). Hafeet Rail aims to make significant contributions in various sectors in both countries such as mining, iron and steel, agriculture and food, retail, e-commerce and petrochemicals. The railway project which requires a total investment of $ 3 billion is envisaged as a gateway to the regional markets of Oman and UAE. Moreover, the project will create hundreds of employment opportunities in both countries. The project that was formerly known as Oman and Etihad Rail Company has recently been named Hafeet Rail. The Jebel Hafeet Mountain ranges that stretch between the two countries are known for their difficult terrain including mountains, deserts and limestones. The project that connects the commercial ports to the rail network of both countries would make cross–border trade easy and efficient. 

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This New Multi-Nation Visa Will Grant Tourists Entry to Six Gulf Countries

H opping between Gulf countries could soon be as easy as traveling through Europe's Schengen Area : just flash your passport at the entry point and seamlessly travel from one country to the next—no extra paper work required.

Six countries in the Persian Gulf region recently agreed to create a shared visa for travelers, meaning foreign tourists would need just a single passport visa to enter all six of the neighboring nations.

The participating countries include the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain , Oman , Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar —meaning tourists could soon visit Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, see Saudi Arabia’s ancient city of Diriyah or the intricately hewn sandstone tombs at Hegra, and camp bedouin-style in the Qatari desert all in one fell swoop—without the bureaucratic headache of multiple visa applications. The only Gulf country to not participate in this is Iraq.

These six nations already have close ties, and together make up the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), a regional union that cooperates on certain economic and governance matters. ​​The current GCC president, Sayyed Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, first announced that the council had approved the joint visa plan back in November 2023. Now, officials estimate the new multi-nation visa could launch as soon as later this year or early 2025.

The joint visa could help increase international tourism to the countries, “especially to Bahrain and Kuwait as well as Oman, which currently do not offer direct flights from and to the US,” says Amalia Lazarov , a travel specialist at Travelicious who plans luxury trips through the Gulf nations.

Currently, each country has a range of visa policies for American tourists. In Qatar and Kuwait, US leisure travelers can apply for a free visa on arrival, while Saudi Arabia requires American tourists to pay a fee of about $128. Bahrain and Oman also grant free visas on arrival to Americans, but they’re only valid for two weeks (the US State Department advises tourists to apply for them online before travel).

The majority of the six countries have undertaken a concerted effort to grow tourism numbers in the past few years. Saudi Arabia, for instance, opened its borders to international tourists for the first time in 2019, while Qatar’s tourism industry was turbocharged when it hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2022. Both of these milestones have brought a flurry of high-end hotel properties and other tourist infrastructure projects, including luxury trains through the desert , new cruise terminals, and ambitious conservation projects . Meanwhile, travelers have never been more interested in visiting the UAE city of Dubai, which hosted a record-breaking number of tourists last year: More than 17.1 million travelers visited the sprawling metropolis in 2023.

Because they offer advantages for both travelers and the destination, joint visa policies seem to be growing in popularity. Aside from the Gulf nations’ plan, a similar idea was floated among six nations in Southeast Asia earlier this spring. That effort, which the prime minister of Thailand unveiled in April, would allow travelers a single visa to enter Thailand , Vietnam , Cambodia , Laos, Malaysia, and Myanmar.

Travel to Mordor With the New LEGO® Icons The Lord of the Rings: Barad-Dûr set

Today, the LEGO Group, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, reveals the LEGO® Icons The Lord of the Rings: Barad-Dûr set, inspired by the award-winning film adaptations. Now in brick form, the epic dark tower and Eye of Sauron build has many hidden fan “treasures” and film references from The Lord of the Rings.

Prepare to journey deep into the heart of Middle-earth with the unveiling of the spectacular LEGO Icons The Lord of the Rings: Barad-Dûr set! With its imposing 5,471 pieces, this awe-inspiring masterpiece brings to life the dark tower of Mordor in stunning detail, packed with thrilling features and beloved characters from the timeless trilogy. The journey through the dark tower continues with the throne room – which includes a compartment that opens to reveal a map, and a ladder on the top floor of the tower that can be moved left and right.

At the summit lies the Eye of Sauron that rotates in various directions and features a light brick to make the eye glow. There are also 10 minifigures, including Sauron™, Mouth of Sauron™, Orc™, Frodo, Sam, Gollum™ and Gothmog.

In addition, purchases made between 1-7 June will receive a free LEGO® Icons The Lord of the Rings™: Fell Beast™ set, which features posable wings and joints and a Nazgul minifigure.

The build is split into four main sections, with the tower section being fully modular. LEGO fans with more than one copy of the set will be able to stack this section to build a taller tower.

The LEGO® Icons The Lord of the Rings: Barad-Dûr set are available for LEGO Insiders from 1st June 2024 at www.LEGO.com/LOTR and LEGO Stores for all from 4th June priced at €459.99 / £399.99/ $459.99. When purchasing the set between 1-7th June, fans will also get a free LEGO The Lord of the Rings Fell Beast set.

Notes to Editors

Product Information: Age: 18+ RRP: 459.99€ / 459.99$ / 399.99£ Pieces: 5471 pieces Product No.: 10333 Dimensions: Measures over 32 in. (83 cm) high, 11 in. (30 cm) wide and 17 in. (45 cm) long Available: LEGO Insiders: 1st June 2024 All: 4th June 2024 Link: www.LEGO.com/LOTR

About the LEGO Group   The LEGO Group’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in LEGO bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine.

The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, which mean “Play Well”. Today, the LEGO Group remains a family-owned company headquartered in Billund. However, its products are now sold in more than 120 countries worldwide.

For more news from the LEGO Group, information about our financial performance and responsibility engagement, please visit www.LEGO.com/aboutus.

ABOUT WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY GLOBAL CONSUMER PRODUCTS Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), part of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Brands, Franchises, and Experiences, extends the company’s powerful portfolio of entertainment brands and franchises into the lives of fans around the world. WBDGCP partners with best-in-class licensees globally on award-winning toy, fashion, home décor and publishing programs inspired by the biggest franchises from Warner Bros.’ film, television, animation, and games studios, HBO, Discovery, DC, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Eurosport, Adult Swim, and more. With innovative global licensing and merchandising programs, retail initiatives, and promotional partnerships, WBDGCP is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.