OMAN
Oman is without doubt the best chance to see and experience authentic Arabian culture and hospitality. It is one of the few countries where you will come across and interact regularly with locals, as opposed to expats, and the cultural highlights of Muscat and Nizwa are easy to enjoy. The capital itself is set in a series of rugged mountain ridges and its old harbour is dominated by the photogenic sea forts. For other impressive castles with visit Nizwa, the cultural capital, Rustaq and Nakhal. As well as the souqs in the main towns there are also fascinating livestock markets where although firearms are left outside you are likely to see farmers wearing their traditional daggers.
Majestic landscapes – mountains and deserts
With dramatic mountains, sea fjords and a beautiful coastline, Oman has stunning landscapes to explore. The Jebel Akhdar “green mountains” lie a couple of hours from Muscat and climb to 3000m. there are remote villages and Oman’s Grand Canyon – there’s a footpath along the side of it. Recently some decent accommodation options have appeared in the region. Also easily accessible from Muscat are steep-sided wadis and a variety of oases. Last but not least the Wahiba Sands, an extension of the Empty Quarter, is a real cinema-type desert with mile upon mile of dunes with Bedouin families and the chance to camp out under the stars – magical.
Beaches and turtles
With a flight time of just over 7 hours Oman is also an excellent beach destination, even in winter, with some very high quality hotels in and around the Muscat region and the coast northwards. For a different experience the beach hotels in Salalah have more of a sub-tropical feel. Elsewhere on the coast you can head south to Sur to see the dhow building yards and the nearby beaches of Ras al Jinz famous for their nesting turtles. Boat trips and overnight cruises along the coast are possible from Muscat.
Remote Oman – Musandam and the Dhofar 
There are two really distinct parts of the country well worth visiting. In the north is the Musandam peninsular, separated from the rest of the country by UAE. Here fjords have been carved out by the Persian Gulf and the coastal approach and clear seas make this well worth a visit – being close to Iran you are likely to see fast smugglers speedboats heading out to sea. In the south is the sub-tropical region of Dhofar around the town of Salalah which has a totally different feel to the rest of the country. As well as the excellent beaches there are plenty of sights and the hairpins on the road towards the Yemen border are well worth experiencing. As the home of Frankincense the region experiences a summer monsoon which brings flocks of visitors from the Gulf to enjoy the rain which for two months turns the landscapes green!
- Watch the date of Ramadan – some Islamic countries will be stricter on their restrictions than others. In all cases you will need to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public places. If that is the only time you can go then speak to us first.
- 2024 – Early March to early April
- 2025 – Start to end of March
- Avoid mid-summer. Even for sun worshippers it is a bit too hot – unless you want to experience the monsoon (khareef) in Salalah.
- In a week you can experience most of the sights and get a few days on the beach. Add more time to experience Dhofar or Musandam.
- Oman can be easily linked with Dubai and the UAE. Visiting Musandam can actually be easier from Dubai than Muscat.
- Desert camping options vary considerably from basic canopies to air-conditioned units with en-suite showers.
- Take the chance to speak to the locals. It is quite rare in Arabia to have this opportunity and is a fascinating aspect of visiting the country.
- Sleeping out under the stars in the Wahiba Sands
- Remote Musandam with its fjords
- Stunning beaches and excellent hotels – Zighy Bay, Shangri-la, Chedi and Al-Bustan among others.
- The Dhofar region – very distinct with an almost Caribbean feel
- Fascinating Muscat with excellent sightseeing and souk
- The array of forts and surrounding souks and oases
- Visa Required: yes (in advance)
- Population: 3.8 million
- Capital City: Muscat
- Currency: Omani Rial
- Flying time from London: 7 hours 15 mins to Muscat (direct)
- Classic Dishes: “Curry”, kebabs, fish, rice & flatbreads
- Cost of Local Tipple: Tea of coffee (20p)
- October to April
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by TMS
