If you have a bit more time, why not head to Oman’s far south and explore Salalah – the gulf’s only tropical destination.
DAY 1 MUSCAT TO SUR The coastal road to Sur has several attractions along the way worth a
DAY 1-2
SALALAH
Oman’s southern governorate of Dhofar is most famous for its trade with Frankincense, a practice that has been flourishing for centuries. As a result, it is deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the region.A detailed history of the trade of Frankincense in Dhofar can be found at the Land of Frankincense Museum, just a short drive from Salalah International Airport. Al Baleed Archaeological Park is right next door. Altogether, there are four sites that comprise of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the ‘Land of Frankincense’ – the Frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah, the remains of the caravan oasis of Shisr/Ubar and the ancient ports of Khawr Ruri and Al Baleed.Al Husn and the Al Hafah souq have remained almost unchanged since they were first built and are the perfect place to buy authentic Omani Frankincense. There are also a number of tombs and ruins in close proximity to the city that can be visited before you return to Muscat.
DAY 3
MUSCAT
The capital of Oman and the perfect place to experience the old and new of Omani culture.Old Muscat has a lot to see, from the Al Alam Palace and old forts, to several l museums in the area. Nearby Muttrah Corniche is a great place to visit, especially after sunset, to enjoy sparkling waterfront views and shop at Muttrah Souq.A concert at the Royal Opera House Muscat is always a special opportunity, with artists from around the world and region performing anything from opera to world music.
DAY 4
NAKHAL & AL RUSTAQ
Al Batinah has plenty of attractions on offer, here a few highlights for a day trip.Perched atop a large rock, the Nakhal Fort was constructed on the remains of a pre-Islamic structure in the 19th century. The hot springs of Ain Thowarah are just a short drive away, through Nakhal’s beautiful date plantations. Halfway between Nakhal and Al Rustaq is the turn-off to Wadi Mistal and Wakan Village. Though not for the faint hearted, a stopover in this mountain village is definitely worth it. Once the capital of Oman, Al Rustaq was an important trading hub between the Interior and coast. Its fort is one of the largest in Oman. The old souq opposite the fort and the Ain Al Kasfa hot springs are also worth a visit.
DAY 5
NIZWA
Oman’s interior awaits. The historic town of Nizwa is surrounded by date plantations and mountains and the starting point for today’s cultural adventures. Like Muscat, Nizwa holds a sprawling souq – complete with old and new part. Nearby is one of Oman’s most famous forts, Nizwa Fort. Both are worth a visit, especially on Friday, for the weekly animal market. Nestled at the foot of the Al Hadjar Mountains, Al Hamra has numerous mudbrick buildings making up its old centre. Best explored on foot, the settlement includes Bait Al Safah – a museum where locals show visitors first-hand the daily household routine of a traditional Omani house. Misfat Al Abreyeen, a stunning mountain village, is just 8 km from here. Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountains awaits with its very own ‘Grand Canyon’ and views that turn any photo into a masterpiece. A 4WD vehicle is required.
DAY 6
BAHLA TO OLD MINZAFAH
Bahla Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest fort in Oman – from there, the road leads to Ibra. Having been restored according to ancient methods since 1987, Bahla Fort is now open to the public, just opposite Bahla Souq. Jabreen Castle was built in the 17th century and commands panoramic views of the surroundings date plantations. Over three storeys tall, Jabreen Castle was a private residence, not fortification, and its intricate ceilings and clever layout are a sight to behold until today. The old part of Ibra known as Al Minzafah once enjoyed great prosperity, with merchants building large houses from money made with trade. Today, Ibra’s old quarter lays mainly in ruins, but the surrounding watchtowers and old buildings are evidence of its former importance. Ibra also has a souq which, on Wednesday’s, is only open to women.
DAY 7
SUR TO MUSCAT
This coastal road has breath-taking views and offers plenty of interesting stops to fill the day.
DAY 1-2
SALALAH
The starting point for this trip is Salalah, Oman’s second largest city and gateway to a variety of adventures. The Anti-Gravity point is amongst one of the most popular points of interest in Dhofar and is located close to Mirbat. It makes for a great detour on the way to Jebel Samhan. There are a host of attractions on the way to the peak of Jebel Samhan, ranging from Tawi Ateer Sinkhole to Teeq Cave. The best camping spots are atop its plateau, overlooking the wadis, villages and ocean below. Dhofar offers great diving and snorkelling opportunities along its coast. A day can easily be spent for diving and snorkelling before proceeding to the airport to return to Muscat.
DAY 3
MUSCAT
Muscat offers a range of activities that would please any thrill seeker. Start by chartering a boat or going on a Dhow cruise to explore Muscat’s coast and wildlife. Special dolphin watching trips can be arranged with a wide variety of tour operators. Alternatively, a day on the water can also include diving and snorkelling. The Daymaniyat Islands are always worth a day trip, with turtles, rays and whale sharks having been spotted.
DAY 4-5
ASH SHARQIYAH SANDS
Just a three-hour drive from Muscat, the Ash Sharqiyah Sands provide a wide range of exciting activities for the intrepid traveller. Setting off early in a convoy and with an experienced local guide, the crossing can take up to two days and is a breath-taking experience. Get ready for a unique insight into the Bedouin lifestyle and an opportunity to enjoy the stunning desert landscape. Camping under the stars is an unforgettable experience.
DAY 6
TURTLE WATCHING
A day filled with a refreshing swim and turtle watching. A quick detour en-route to Sur, Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the most scenic in the Sultanate. Natural pools are hidden in beautiful rock formations and invite a refreshing swim. Locals live nearby, so please dress modestly at all times. The nature reserve at Ras Al Jinz has been set up to allow for sustainable viewing of turtles in their natural habitat. At night, Green turtles scamper up the beach to lay their eggs. Rangers ensure that visitors do not harm the animals or their environments. Pre-booking is required.
DAY 7
WADI TIWI & WADI SHAB
Explore some of Oman’s most stunning wadis on foot. Along the coastal road from Sur to Muscat, Wadi Tiwi is also known as ‘the wadi of nine villages’. Its beauty is best explored on foot, with emerald water pools and date plantations lining the walking routes through the villages. Wadi Shab can only be explored on foot, and reached via a short boat ride (during high tide). The hike into the wadi is not too strenuous and rewards visitors with natural water pools, waterfalls and even a submerged cave.
DAY 1
MUSCAT TO SUR
The coastal road to Sur has several attractions along the way worth a small detour, including one of the largest water dams in Arabia.
Wadi Dayqah Dam is one of the largest dams in the region and, thanks to its visitor friendly facilities, a great place to bring the family for a picnic overlooking the dam. Misfat Al Abryeen is a hidden gem and an easy wadi to explore, although a 4WD vehicle is required to reach it. Water pools and green vegetation all-year round make it a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Close to Bimmah Sinkhole and the village of Tiwi, Fins Beach is a great place to let the kids enjoy the white sand and pebble beach while setting up camp.
DAY 2
SUR & RAS AL JINZ
A day exploring Sur’s maritime history and turtle watching. If you ever wondered how Dhows were built, the last remaining Dhow yard in Sur offers a unique insight into this ancient tradition. The nearby Sur Maritime Museum is also worth a visit. Overlooking a lagoon and the ocean, the Al Ayjah lighthouse or watch tower was once built by the Portuguese. A walk through the neighbourhood of Al Ayjah, with its old merchant houses, offers a glimpse of Sur’s former importance as trading hub. The Ras Al Jinz nature reserve has been set up to allow for sustainable viewing of turtles in their natural habitat. At night, Green turtles scamper up the beach to lay their eggs. Rangers ensure that visitors do not harm the animals or their environments.
DAY 3-4
ASH SHARQIYAH SANDS
Setting off from Raz al Jinz, the desert awaits but not before a refreshing swim at one of Oman’s most well-known wadis. Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the most scenic in the Sultanate. Natural pools are hidden in beautiful rock formations and invite a refreshing swim. Locals live nearby, so please dress modestly at all times. There are plenty of activities in the desert to keep the entire family entertained, from camel riding to dune driving, from sandboarding to quad biking. Stargazing at night, around the campfire, is a favourite with all and offered by most desert camps in the region.
DAY 5
JEBEL SHAMS
Oman’s highest mountain offers vistas to remember. The hike along the cliff edge, known as the Rim Walk, to the abandoned village of As Sab is a fairly easy hike, but not to be undertaken with smaller children. In such cases, we recommend smaller walks atop the plateau to enjoy the view of the ‘Grand Canyon of Oman’.
DAY 6
AL HOOTA CAVE & WADI BANI AWF
A visit to Al Hoota Cave is fun for the entire family, followed by crossing the mountain in a 4WD vehicle. An underground lake with blind fish and amazing stalactites and stalagmites formations make Al Hoota Cave a must-see when in the area. Not to mention the magnetic train operating inside the cave that brings visitors to the cave entrance. The mountain crossing to Wadi Bani Awf by 4WD vehicle is not for the faint hearted and should be undertaken by experienced drivers only. Visitors can expect amazing vistas and secluded mountain villages. Alternatively, there is a highway from Nizwa to Muscat.
DAY 7
MUSCAT
Time to unwind and explore Oman’s capital. Including some time at one of the many city beaches, such as Qurum Beach which is great for beach walks or a swim. The Children’s Museum is a science museum housed in two unique, domed buildings not far from the beach. The Children Public Library is just opposite. What better way to end a family holiday than with a sunset Dhow cruise, offered by several tour operators. You might even spot dolphins!
