Family Adventures in Oman

CAMPING IN THE MOUNTAINS

From the ocean to the desert the Sultanate of Oman is an incredible place of contrasts and beauty but for me, nothing comes close to spending time in the mountains of Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar. At 3,009m high, Jebel Shams is the highest point in the Gulf and offers temperatures that are usually a lot cooler than that of the city making it the perfect place to escape with the family. Whether you prefer the luxury of a cliffside boutique hotel or the simple life of camping in tents and tending to your own campfire the humble mountains have something to please everyone. You might even have the pleasure to meet some of the friendly local mountain goats who are more than happy to accept a snack straight from your hand, a real favorite activity with my son. Escaping the stifling heat and stresses of the city, relaxing on the mountain with your campfire roaring and staring up at the clear night sky is a priceless experience.

TURTLE WATCHING

The turtle nesting sites of Oman are world famous as people travel from far and wide to witness the turtles hatching under the moonlight, we are so privileged to have this right here on our doorstep. From the kids to the adults, this is an incredible experience and not one that anyone would forget in a hurry. Teaching our kids about nature, the ocean and how to preserve them is an incredibly important lesson that we can teach and being able to show them first hand the lives that we need to protect is a great learning tool.

KAYAKING AT RAS AL HAMRA

The heat and humidity during the summer months can send families heading for the malls and AC’s in their droves but a wonderful sport to take part in al year long is kayaking. Accessible for the majority of the family it involves the great outdoors, a new sport to help keep you fit and also has the opportunity for a great family bonding experience – What’s not to love?! One of my favorite spots to kayak in Oman is around the waters of Ras Al Hamra, Muscat, with beautiful clear waters and plenty of fish this is a spot that never disappoints in Oman. I began kayaking in Oman just a few months ago and now I am hooked, especially because I can put a lifejacket on my son and take him out on the water with me to enjoy a sport together.

BOAT TRIP TO DAMANIYAT ISLANDS

The beauty of the Damaniyat Islands is something that catches my breath every single time I visit. Clear azzure waters, schools of tropical fish in the coral reefs, you might even be lucky enough to see a leopard shark or large ray swim by. Arranging a picnic, hopping on a boat and heading to ‚the islands‘ is something that always makes me feel incredibly lucky to live in Oman that such treats in life come so easy. Swimming, snorkelling, diving, lounging in the sunshine – Who doesn’t love a boat trip? And as the Damaniyat’s are located relatively close to the city it’s a boat trip that the whole family can undertake to enjoy a day on the water.

A DAY IN THE DUNES

It wouldn’t feel like Arabia without some golden sand dunes and the iconic camels and the vast Wahiba Sands area can deliver this in abundance. Remember to pack your bucket and spade as the kids have enough of the golden grains to keep them building sandcastles all day long. For the older family members they can get their thrills from dune bashing, camel rides and sand boarding.www.theduncanadventures.com