Holiday Guide to Oman

Oman is one of the most popualr tourist destinations for regional vacations among travellers and tourists from the Middle East. The country’s numerous tourist attractions offer something for everyone. Here you can visit world heritage and ancient archaeological sites, walk through historical forts and castles, shop in bustling Arabic souq’s, cruise on dhow’s – and come fully refreshed and rejuvenated. Oman has a very unique landscape when compared to other countries in the Arabian Gulf. In a sense, Oman is a microcosm of the Middle East with deserts, beaches, islands, mountains, caves, wadis, springs and aflaj’s that will leave you in awe of Oman’s diverse natural beauty. Adventure activities such as surfing, diving, rock climbing, camel and horse racing provide the entertainment alongside the traditional and cosmopolitan shopping, lavish hotels and restaurants.

Oman’s diverse topography can be seen in the three main regions that Oman is divided naturally into. These regions range from rugged mountains and deep fjords in the north, to the spectacular dunes of the Wahiba Sands and the large salt flats in the centre, to the lush green hills of the Dhofar region in the south. The entire country is bordered with a rugged and varied coastline that stretches across the country from north to south.

What To See, Where To Go

Oman has a unique heritage and antural beauty, and you can learn about and appreciate its ancient history and culture through its different forts and castles. Must-visit sites include Nakhal Fort, Nizwa Fort, Jibreen (Jabreen) Castle, Al Hazm Fort, Al Rustaq Fort and many others in every corner of Oman. Here is a list of places that you should consider visting during your holiday in Oman:

Emerald Water at Wadi Shab
Wahiba Sands, Oman Desert
Bimmah Sinkhole
Salalah
Jebel Shams
Masirah Island
Wadi Bani Awf

Majlis Al Jinn Caves
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque
Explore the Nizwa Fort
Stay at Misfat Al Abriyeen
Jabal Akhdar Mountains
Wadi Nakhr Canyon

Best Time To Visit Oman

The best time to visit Oman is between October and April, when the temperatures are warm (17°C to 35°C) and turtles can be seen at Ras al Jinz. The country has a reliably warm climate, so as long as you avoid the scorching summer months between June and August, you can visit any time.

However, the month of August is a perfect time to visit Salalah during the Khareef (monsoon) season.

Where to Stay in Oman

Oman offers a wide range of hotels, motels and guesthouses that you can stay in. From luxury resort to cheap guesthouses, Oman has it all. Here are some hotels that might be worth considering while planning your holiday in Oman:

Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
W Muscat
Kempinski Hotel Muscat
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort
Al Bustan Palace Muscat
Sahab Resort & Spa – Nizwa

The Chedi Muscat
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa – Al Husn
Alila Jabal Akhdar
Dunes by Al Nahda – Barka
dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar

How To Get There

Oman shares land borders with the UAE, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, although at present it’s only possible to enter the country overland from the UAE, either via Buraimi/Al Ain, Khatmat Milahah or Hatta. There’s also a border between the UAE and the Musandam peninsula at Tibat.

Domestic flights are the best way to significantly reduce travel times between certain regions and avoid entire days of driving between them. Oman Air operates flights between Muscat, Duqm, Salalah and Khasab, and Oman-based low-cost airline Salam Air offers connections between Muscat, Sohar and Salalah.

Visa Requirements

Eligible travelers for an electronic Oman visa can now register online. The eVisa is a tourist visa, available as a single entry visa, multiple entry visa or as a GCC Resident single entry e visa. The visa costs vary depending which option you choose and how soon you need it.

Getting Around

Renting a car is undoubtedly the easiest way to travel around Oman, giving you plenty of flexibility, the best value for money and the ability to reach remote locations you wouldn’t by other means. You’ll also have the freedom to wild-camp on public land: just bring a tent, food and sleeping bag.

An extensive network of paved roads in good condition connects the main cities and regions.

How Long to Stay in Oman

We recommend a minimum of 10 nights to explore Oman at a leisurely pace. This will allow you enough time to visit all the major sights, from Muscat to the Al Hajdar mountains and the many beautiful Wadis as well as the unmissable Wahiba Sands desert.

Itinerary: Editor’s Suggestions

Oman is a perfect holiday destination for an overland self-drive trip. Drive around the country’s excellent road network and explore the various tourist attraction enroute. Here is the route I prefer:

Day 1: Muscat
Day 2: Explore areas around Muscat. …
Day 3: Nizwa – Visit forts and castles
Day 4: Al Hajar Mountains
Day 5: Wadi Bani Khalid and Ras Al Hadd
Day 6: Salalah
Day 7: The Empty Quarter.