Adventures in OMAN: From Ancient Forts to Desert Dunes

Oman is a hidden gem for adventure seekers, but also rookie travelers, offering a diverse landscape that ranges from rugged mountains and deep canyons to pristine beaches and vast deserts. It boasts a unique blend of natural wonders, rich cultural heritage and great food, making it an ideal destination for first-time-travelers and explorers alike. Whether you want to chill on the beach, go hiking or diving, experience the bedouins in the desert or stroll to historic cities – Oman is welcoming you with open arms. The country is very safe and has great infrastructure for traveling. In this blog we will cover a two week trip in the north-eastern part of Oman.

MUSCAT

The capital is located at the gulf of Oman and stretches for a few kilometers along the sea. That is why the city has no city center but many different areas with different activities and sights. To get around a car is unavoidable. You either rent your own or take a taxi, as Muscat definitely isn’t walkable, especially given the temperatures.

2 to 4 days should be enough to experience the main attractions. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is definitely a must see! Get up early to have the mosque for yourself, before the bigger travel groups arrive. If you are interested in shopping, you have a wide selection of malls to escape from the midday heat. As the sun sets, the city awakes and you will find a large selection of restaurants with a wide variety of cuisines in every price range. We also recommend visiting the Mutrah Souq with its narrow alleys and many shops to just look around or buy some souvenirs. Culturally Muscat has a lot of old forts to visit besides the different mosques and the old town (Mutrah).

For some more adrenalin infused activities join one of the many dolphin tours or find yourself in the blue waters surrounding Daymaniyat Island for some snorkeling or scuba diving.

BIMMAH SINKHOLE/WADI SHAB

If you are traveling to Sur, these activities are on the way. Otherwise you can take a daytrip here. The Bimmah Sinkhole is about 75min from Muscat and Wadi Shab another 30min.

The Bimmah Sinkhole is located near the sea and is quite well hidden in a small park. Take the stairs into the hole and enjoy a refreshing swim before going to Wadi Shab.

The hike at Wadi Shab takes about 45-60min (but to be honest, it felt much longer). Don’t forget to bring enough water and good shoes that can get wet! Hiking in these temperatures is quite exhausting, the trail is rocky and you have to pass through water at some points. Near the end you will have to leave the trail, pack your stuff in a waterproof bag (if possible) and go for a swim to reach the end. You will have to wade through the Wadi, crawl over rocks and at some points swim when the water is too deep to stand. The hike is definitely worth it!

SUR

A port city on the eastern tip and a stop on most of the travel routes through Oman. Besides two forts and a few museums the city doesn’t offer much and we recommend only a night or two here. Check beforehand if the forts are opened, because due to the season they were closed when we visited.

WAHIBA SANDS

To save costs our rental car was the cheapest option. Completely fine for the city and highways, but pretty much useless for offroad. So we drove to Al Wasil where we got picked up by our driver. We booked this transfer through our accommodation and even though it’s not very cheap, it’s the only way to reach one of the many desert camps if you don’t have a 4x4 car.

Our desert camp had everything you wanted. Great food, nice rooms with AC, an outdoor cinema and various additionally bookable activities such as dune bashing or camel riding. Climb some dunes and look into the vast desert and go for a walk by night to see an incredible amount of stars. You will even be able to see the Milky Way with the naked eye!

NIZWA

Nestled in the heart of Oman, Nizwa is a captivating city that offers adventure seekers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the "Pearl of Islam" and once the capital of Oman, this ancient city is a treasure trove of experiences for travelers.

At the center of Nizwa stands the iconic Nizwa Fort, an impressive 17th-century structure that showcases the architectural prowess of ancient Omanis. Built in 1668 AD by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'rubi, this fort took 12 years to construct and remains one of the country's oldest and best-preserved fortifications.

The city is also famous for its vibrant souq, a bustling marketplace that comes alive with the aromas of spices, the chatter of traders, and the colorful displays of traditional crafts. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in local culture, witnessing the weekly cattle market and shopping for unique souvenirs like silverware, pottery, and traditional Omani goods.

With its rich history dating back 4,000 years, stunning landscapes, and warm Omani hospitality, Nizwa offers travelers a unique glimpse into authentic Arabia. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or cultural explorer, this enchanting city promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Oman.

JEBEL SHAMS

As already mentioned, some roads require a capable car. Unfortunately the weather was not on our side and heavy rain made the road up to the peak unpassable for our car. The last few kilometers are mostly gravel and under normal circumstances you are able to go up to Jebel Shams even with small cars. But for us some parts were flooded and getting stuck up here definitely wasn’t on our bucket list.

SO IS IT WORTH COMING TO OMAN?

Great arabian, persian and indian food, incredibly nice people and stunning landscapes make Oman a must visit for everyone interested in the middle east!

You will find food, accommodations and activities in every price range, nevertheless, it will not be a cheap vacation. We spent about 2.000 € per person. This includes our weekend trip to Abu Dhabi, the rental car and mid-range hotels. I think it is possible to make a two-week trip for 1.400-1.600 € when booking good hotels and going off season.