Activities in Oman: Our top 12 tips
Activities in Oman: Our top 12 tips
We explore the best activities in Oman, from modern Islamic architecture to the rugged peaks of its wild country
Oman is a fascinating mix of modern world and ancient Arabia. In contrast to some of its neighbors, the country still has to be over -saturated. The Oman, located on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is the oldest independent state of the Arab world and borders on the VAE, Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
Despite its neighbors, the country remains stable, peaceful and comparatively progressive. In fact, in 2019 it was voted the safest country in the world for expats.
Oman's broad landscape spectrum, from dramatic fortresses and spectacular mountains to the desert and untouched coasts, makes it a more adventurous alternative to Dubai. Here is what you shouldn't miss.
The best activities in Oman
We have made a six -day trip through the north of the country, which means that we have not managed to see all the best things you can do in Oman. Take between seven and ten days to see all the content below.
For us, these diving sites just have to wait.
1. Maskat
Most visits to Oman start in the capital Maskat. Wicked between the mountains and the ocean, Muscat is a refreshing interpretation of the cities of the Gulf States littered with skyscrapers.
Oh & bootsMuscats Muttrah Corniche at night
The Omani port capital may not have the obvious shine of its high -rise neighbors, but it radiates a reserved charm and natural beauty that is rarely found in the more popular cities of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain.
Read our contribution about the best activities in Maskat.
2. Birkat al Mouz
The pretty village of Birkat Al Mouz is located in the foothills of the Al-Hajar Mountains, which roughly means "banana basin"-an apt name in view of its location in the middle of a sea of banana and date palm plantations.
Atlas & BootsThe "banana pool" in Birkat Al Mouz
Most visitors stop briefly in Birkat Al Mouz to enjoy the view of the traditional clay stone buildings on the way to Jebel Akhdar. However, there are some other interesting sights in the village, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Falaj Al Khatmain, an active Falaj (irrigation channel) with a length of almost 2.5 km.
3. Jabal Akhdar
Jebel Akhdar or "Grüner Berg", home to some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Oman, lies in the heart of the Al-Hajar Mountains, a dramatic mountain range that extends 700 km across the Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The most impressive viewpoint is located on Diana’s Point on the site of the Anantara Hotel.
Atlas & BootsSunset at Diana’s Point
Diana’s Point is named after Diana, Princess of Wales, who visited the place in November 1986 with Prince Charles. On a blackboard it says that the couple arrived in a wilderness that was untouched at the time.
The abandoned village of Wadi Bani Habib is nearby. This accumulation of decaying clay stone buildings at the foot of a valley is lined with numerous walnut trees, which ensures a timeless scenery.
4. Wadi Ghul
Although the Jebel Shams with 3,009 M OMANS is the highest summit, it is not the main attraction of the region. Instead, it is the surprisingly deep gorge of Wadi Ghul, which is referred to by the locals as the Grand Canyon of Arabia.
Matyas Rehak/ShutterstockWadi Ghul is known as the Grand Canyon of Arabia
With dizzying 1,000 m (3,281 ft) limestone rocks that fall off the edges of the gorge, Wadi Ghul has a number of well -positioned parking spaces with a wide view and access to several established hiking trails.
5. Wakan village
The mountain village of Wakan is located deep in the wild rocky landscape of the Al-Hajar Mountains. Wakan is 2,000 m (6,562 ft) above the sea level and is a famous place of beauty that sits over the Batinah level.
Atlas & BootsSeen the Al-Hajar Mountains from the village of Wakan
Walking Route 25 leads through the village center, one of the most impressive short hiking trails in Oman. The well -paved and well -marked path begins at the watchtower in the center of the village and leads to a picnic area with an excellent view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
6. Nizwa
Oman's most historic city has a perfect accumulation of minarets, souks and sand -colored buildings that group around one of the greatest fortresses in the country. Nizwa played an important role in the history of Oman for well over a millennium and served as the capital of the interior of the country and the government of the country.
Atlas & BootsNizwa played an important role in the history of Oman
Today the city has reinvented itself as one of the most inviting cities in Oman for foreign visitors. The centerpiece is Nizwa away, where it is possible to see a "Razha" performance-a surprisingly happy war dance.
On Fridays, the traditional circular Nizwa Cattle Market is a popular attraction for Omani farmers and tourists alike.
7. Al-Hamra
Al Hamra is one of the best preserved old towns of Oman. The city of the city built in Yemeni style from honey-colored clay brick buildings merge with the foothills of the Al-Hajar Mountains.
Atlas & BootsMISFAT AL ARMYEEN
Nearby is the small village of Misfat al Aryeen, wedged in the shade of a towering embankment. The hamlet next to the sloping limestone rock at the foot of the Jebel Sham completes the Omani mountain panorama.
8. Fortress Rustaq and Burg Al Hazm
The so -called "Rustaq Loop" extends along Highway 13 and offers a captivating one -day trip, which includes some of the most beautiful fortresses in Oman, picturesque wadis and even a hot source. The three historical castles Nakhal, Al Rustaq and Al Hazm are the showpieces of the tour, but it is also worth stopping in the hot source of Al Kasfah to look around.
Atlas & BootsThe view from Fort Al Rustaq
The fortresses Al Rustaq and Al Hazm were both renovated and benefit from improved institutions and accessibility. Both offer an excellent view of the surrounding landscape.
9. Wahiba-sand
The wonderful Wahiba sand (also known as Sharqiya-Sand) is the Oman that you saw on postcards. The high -towering sand dunes reach a height of up to 100 m (329 ft) and are constantly in the wind. The region is practically uninhabited, apart from a handful of semi-permanent tourist camps and some locals who live in scattered temporary camps.
Angelo d’Amico/ShutterstockThe wonderful Wahiba Sands
Most visitors camping - or glamp - for a night under a sky full of stars. The calm is disturbed somewhat by dune breakers, which in their souped -up all -wheel drive vehicles around the sand drifts and leave tire traces and garbage.
The activities include riding, sandboarding, trekking and quad driving.
10. Rub ’Al Khali: Empty Quarter
The empty neighborhood (the English translation of Rub ’al Khali) is the most part of the Arab desert and is the world's largest coherent sand area with around 650,000 km2.
It is one of the driest regions in the world, practically uninhabited and largely unexplored. It is magical in its vastness and silence and puts Wahiba Sands in the shade.
David Steele/ShutterstockRub ’al Khali (the empty neighborhood)
Almost the same activities are offered here. However, Rub ’Al Khali is more difficult to reach with his access points in Ubar near the Saudi border in the south of Oman.
11. Nesting site for turtles in Ras Al Jinz
Oman's most memorable wildlife experience is the observation of thousands of endangered soup turtles that drag themselves up from the sea and the beach to take their eggs in the turtle area of Ras al Jinz.
Jaromir Chalabala/ShutterstockA turtle with Ras Al Jinz
The remote beach at the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula is under strict protection of the government and can only be visited on an accompanied tour. Only 200 people per day are allowed to visit, so a reservation is absolutely necessary.
12. Dive
Oman has over 2,000 km coast and thus some of the best diving areas of the Arabian Peninsula. Oman has many of the same types of corals and sea creatures as the Red Sea, but only receives a fraction of the visitors.
Seraphp/ShutterstockOman has some of the best diving sites in the Golf
The best spots include the Daymaniyat Islands, Al Fahal Island, Bandar Khayran and Al Munnassir. In addition to spectacular reef systems, it is possible to see turtles, nude snacks, murans, Mobula rays, black-tip reef sharks, dolphins and humpback whales.
Activities in Oman: the essentials
What: Discover the best activities in Oman.
Where: We stayed in three resorts: the luxurious Kempinski Hotel Muscat in Muscat, the Sahab Resort and Spa in Jebel Akhdar and Dunes by Al Nahda. Diana’s Point is located on the Anantara site in Jebel Akhdar. Everyone is highly recommended.
TOP 4: Kempinski Hotel Muscat; Middle four: Sahab Resort & Spa; Below four: dunes from Al Nahda
When: The best time to travel for Oman is October to March when the oppressive summer heat turns into sunny days and mild nights. It is worth noting that it rains in Oman, so they plan accordingly.
Like: We have made a six -day trip with Old Muscat Tourism, who specialize in presenting "7,000 years in 7 days". Our guide Adil was knowledgeable and flexible and did everything to fill our day when our way to Jebel Sham was washed out by the rain.
With Oman Air we flew directly from Great Britain to Maskat in Oman. Book through Skyscanner at the best prices.
Lonely Planet Oman, United Arab Emirates and Arabian Peninsula, offers a comprehensive guide for a safe and rewarding visit to the region.
Disclosure: We traveled to Oman with the support of the Ministry of Tourism. All publications say that, but we really don't guarantee positive reporting. We say what we think - good and bad - so that you can make well -founded decisions with honest advice.
Cover picture: David Steele/Shutterstock
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