One of the Middle East’s mellowest and most sublime destinations, Oman has endless charms to offer the visitor: a rich heritage reflected in its ancient mosques and historical sites, incredible dive sites, beautiful sandy beaches and an exotic Arabian culture. It is set on the Arabian Peninsula, featuring a magnificent landscape of vast desert, endless coastlines and undulating dunes. Highlights include: the elegant, evocative capital of Muscat; the friendly port town of Sur; the charming mountain settlement of Misfat Al Abryeen; the prehistoric tombs bordering the Western Hajar; diving around the Daymaniyat Islands Marine Reserve; and watching hundreds of green turtles emerging from the ocean at Ras Al Jinz to lay eggs.
Fringing the Gulf of Oman, Muscat is sandwiched between the desert and ocean, featuring a dramatic mix of pristine coastline, rugged mountains and hauntingly beautiful sandscapes. It is a prime example of ancient history blended seamlessly with contemporary charms. The city has done an admirable job of preserving its old-world splendour, age-old Bedouin culture and traditional values while simultaneously embracing the modern and cosmopolitan. Visit bustling markets permeated with the fragrance of frankincense; feast on shawarmas at local cafes or streetside stalls; catch a world-class performance at the Royal Opera House; or wander the streets of Mutrah at sunset for beautiful views of Arabian architecture and fishing boats against a backdrop of mountains. Muscat’s opulence and vibrance is complemented by its striking scenery.
Dubbed the Jewel of the Arabian Gulf, Oman is home to the city of Sur, which once served as the country’s most important port for trade with East Africa. Perched on Oman’s eastern tip, Sur features spectacular surrounding landscapes, pristine beaches, and historic shipyards which still produce traditional wooden dhows. It serves as an excellent stopover for visitors doing the Muscat circuit via the camps of the Sharqiya Sands and also provides a great base for visitors to explore the turtle reserve at Ras al Jinz as well as the beautiful valleys of Wadi Tiwi and Wadi Shab. Other popular activities include: discovering old forts, visiting Sur’s Maritime Museum and taking a drive along the scenic cliffside road.
The sandy bay of Ras Al Jinz is located at the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula in eastern Oman. The area is home to Turtle Beach Nature Reserve, an important conservation area administered by the Omani Ministry of Tourism. Here, more than 20,000 female greenback turtles come to shore to lay eggs, returning to the very beach where they once hatched. The main nesting season is July to September, though turtles can be viewed all year round. Be forewarned: only a limited amount of people are admitted to the beach at any one time, so advance booking is essential. For this reason, many visitors opt to stay in the lodgings available within the Reserve, though Ras Al Jinz can also be accessed from scenic Wadi Bani Khalid.
Set in Central Coastal Oman, the locally-known Wahiba Sands, also known as the Sharqiya Sands, is a vast desert featuring rolling sand dunes located just south of the city of Sur. The desert stretches for an impressive 170 kilometres along the Arabian Coast and features dunes reaching up to 100 metres in height. Visitors can stay overnight in one of the many camps. Popular activities include 4WD tours (dune-bashing), camel rides, guided horse rides, trekking, sandboarding, and quad biking. Don’t miss the opportunity to pick up some skillfully handcrafted goods such as traditional camel bags and colourful woollen key rings. Views of the uninterrupted starry night sky will charm you, the golden sunsets and sunrises will mesmerize you, and the Bedouin traditional way of life will enchant you.
Situated in the Ad Dakhiliyah region of northern Oman, Nizwa is a real-life sandcastle city rising up from the desert. Surrounded by some of Oman’s highest mountains - the Hajar - as well as dense palm forests, this oasis city provides an excellent base from which to explore the spectacular surrounding landscapes. It also serves as the gateway to the famous historic sites of Jabrin and Bahla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city has been dubbed the ‘Capital of Islamic Culture’ and features a variety of fascinating attractions including the 17th-century Nizwa Fort, boasting a massive cylindrical tower (which offers beautiful views of the city); and the Nizwa Souk, filled with local handicrafts. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample locally-cultivated and highly-prized khala and khunaizi dates.
Towering over the impressive Wadi Ghul Canyon, Jebel Shams, meaning ‘Mountain of the Sun’, is Oman’s highest mountain and a popular tourist destination. Forming part of the northeastern Al Hajar Mountain Range which is (the highest mountain range on the eastern Arabian Peninsula), it offers phenomenal views; the area also boasts rich historical, cultural and geological sights. Visitors can enjoy adventurous tours into the Wadi Al Nakhur Canyon, dubbed the ‘Grand Canyon’ of Arabia, it is the deepest canyon in the Middle East. Other popular activities include rock climbing, trekking, canyoning, off-roading, hiking to the summit, camping under the stars, and exploring the deserted mountain villages.
