Oman is an ideal country for nature lovers looking for an authentic Arabian experience. Organize a tour through Oman at your own pace, with a rental car, following the circular itinerary starting and ending in Muscat.
Oman is also a great destination if you are coming from other more modern Arab countries. For example, if you come from Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, as I did, you can enter through the coastal border in Sohar and return through the mountains in Ibri following exactly the route I propose.
At each destination, I indicate you the accommodation I used in my last trip, if there is any restaurant I liked and any excursion that can be hired.
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Oman by car
Oman is a country with excellent roads. Most of them are highways with a system of hidden radars every few kilometers, so it is advisable to respect the speed limits, even if there is very little traffic on the roads.
The itinerary to Oman that I propose you can be done starting and finishing from the capital, where it is easy to rent a car. In each destination, I indicate the accommodation I used in my last trip, if there is a restaurant that I liked and any excursion that can be hired.
I did this route through Oman by rental car from Dubai (you need a special insurance) because I was living there for a few months, but it is easier to do everything from the country.
Day 01 & 02 – Muscat
The capital of Oman offers the possibility to learn about the history of the country at the National Museum, visit the exterior of the Sultan’s palaces and the forts that controlled access to the country’s most important port and tour the souks, in particular the Muttrah souk.
If you are eager to learn about Islam in Oman, you have to visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, one of the few ones open to visitors. East of Muscat there is a rugged coastal area with some very attractive beaches to spend half a day or even the whole day. You can also book a dolphin-spotting excursion.
If you prefer a cultural visit, you can take a trip to Rustaq, which has one of the best forts in the country.
- Naseem Hotel. The best choice if you want to stay near the historical area. You can stroll along the Corniche, the souk and visit the Sultan’s palace.
- Dinner at the Bait al Luban restaurant is a must. Traditional Omani food in a beautiful setting. Reservations are recommended.
- Guided tour of Muscat with audio guide in English.
- Sunset cruise along the coast of Muscat.
Day 03 – Visit a Wadi
On the way south on this route through Oman, you will cross several wadis. These riverbeds fill with water with the torrential rains in the mountainous area, but are usually dry, except in some areas where turquoise pools of water are maintained. The entire route of the wadi usually has villages with date palm plantations, which contrast with the bare rock of the Hajjar Mountains.
Wadi Tiwi can be reached by car and stroll through some of the villages along the route, to other more famous as Wadi Shab you have to go early in the morning, prepared for a trek of several hours and successive baths in the waters of the wadi.
- Tiwi Sunrise Hotel is the best option to visit Wadi Tiwi or Wadi Shab.
- Excursion to Wadi Shab from Muscat. Note that there is an important part that is done on foot, and you have to be in good shape.
Day 04 & 05 – The South and Ras al Jinz
After the wadi experience, you continue south along the coast beneath steep mountains. The South has its charm with the traditional boatyard (dhows), the hundreds of boats and the forts that protected this port city. You can stroll through the souk or go to the lighthouse of Al Ayla.
However, it is better to stay in Ras al Hadd or Ras al Jinz and dedicate your time to nature activities or to enjoying the sea. You can snorkel, go out to sea searching for dolphins and even whales, but the star is the visit to the Ras al Jinz reserve where several species of turtles lay their eggs.
- Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve. It is not the best hotel in the world, but you have a privileged opportunity to witness the laying of the Indian sea turtles.
- Sur Star Ras al Hadd. Pakistani cuisine with tandori oven and fried fish.
Day 06 – Sand dunes in Bidiyah
On the road to Oman, the day has come to abandon yourself to Bedouin life in the Sharquiya desert. It is best to plan a good desert camp and enjoy the sunset, sunrise, dune activities and Bedouin hospitality.
If you haven’t reserved a place, don’t worry. Upon arrival in Bidiyah, you will be approached by several locals to take you to their desert camp.
- A comfortable and economical option is Al Saif Camp. The rooms are in a simple hotel.
- If you’re looking for a camp on the sand, Crescent Desert Camp has a location in the middle of the dunes and the host is one of those who go the extra mile to make sure you leave happy.
Day 07 & 08 – The historical Nizwa
Visit the city of Nizwa (ideally on Friday) and spend the second day touring the area between Nizwa and Ibri stopping at the fort of Bahla, the cave of Hoota, the abandoned village of Al Hamra and Misfah al Abriyeen. Ideally, it would be nice to reach the beehive tombs of Al Ayn at sunset.
Why on Friday? One of the coolest moments of city life is the Friday livestock market. It was worth getting up early to be at the liveliest market I saw in all of Oman. Nizwa Fort also has traditional music and special activities on Thursday night and Friday morning.
- Nizwa Heritage Inn. Beautiful hotel in several houses recovered from the historic center. Perfect for walking to the souk and fort.
- Excursion to Nizwa and Jabreen from Muscat. Although I think Nizwa deserves at least one night.
If you want to do an itinerary of only 9 days, you should head from Nizwa to Muscat on day 8 or 9 of the route, depending on your return flight schedule.
Day 9 – Muscat
On your way back to the capital, you can take advantage of the last hours in Oman to shop in the souks or explore the beaches of Bandar Jissah or Al Busan.
Do you want to plan a trip on your own?
These are some tools to help you prepare for your travel from home. Leave your questions in the comment section below and I will get back to you. It’s just about time to start planning your next holidays!
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS. This post contains some affiliate links.
These links allow you to follow my recommendations and book them, and provide a little commission. Thus, you help keep this travel blog ad-free at no extra cost to you.
