1. Emerald Water at Wadi Shab
Wadi Shab is the best thing to experience during your Oman route. The wadi (gorge) is a beautiful quite easy 45-min walk along with many emerald green water pools. Perfect to cool down during your hike. After the walk, you will reach the last part where you can swim through the cave and see a waterfall at the end. Book a day trip here.
Also read: 10-day Oman Travel Itinerary
Wadi Shab is located a 1.5-hour drive from the capital Muscat. It’s easy to reach since it is on the side of the highway. At the parking spot, you have to get a 2-min boat ride to get to the starting point of the small hike. The boat ride costs 1 OMR (2.5 USD).
2. Wahiba Sands, Oman Desert
Camping or Glamping in the desert (Wahiba Sands) has quickly become a very popular thing to do all over the world like in the Sahara Desert of Morocco. The Oman desert is enormous and is part of an area called The Empty Quarter. Which is also part of the U.A.E., Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.
The Wahiba Sands is just the tip of the desert. Driving to a camp can be done by 4×4 car, just take enough water with you and deflate your tires a little at one of the local shops in town before you enter the desert.
We recommend to rent a car in Oman through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Once arrived at the camp, go admire the endless sand dune views, explore the area by 4×4 and have a great locally prepared dinner. Oh and please don’t forget to do a bit of stargazing!
It’s best to visit the desert in their winter between October and March. In summer temperatures can rise to 50 degrees and it will be unbearable.
Find all: Desert Camps in Oman
3. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque
In 2001, The Sultan Qaboos Mosque was opened in Muscat. Nowadays Oman’s most important spiritual site. Its beauty defined by architecture and detail is getting attention from all over the world. Though it definitely isn’t crowded compared to other spiritual sites around the world.
Important to know that it is required for both men and women to wear long sleeve tops and long pants to the ankle. For women, bring a scarf to cover your hair. The mosque’s entrance is free and it is open to non-muslims every day except Friday from 8 AM to 11 AM.
We recommend to rent a car in Oman through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
4. Fairytales at Nizwa Fort
Nizwa Fort is one of Oman’s oldest and most beautiful castles. It is a great place to wander around for an hour or two. Loads of signs tell interesting stories about the fort its purposes and defense system. Get up to the big main round fort and have a view over the green oasis of palms. The entrance to the fort is 5 OMR (11 USD).
Within the fort, you can find some shadow spots to relax or drink fresh fruit juice at the cafe inside the fort. (WiFi available here)
Also read: 10-day Oman Travel Itinerary
5. Local stay at Misfat Al Abriyeen
If you want to explore a more authentic experience in Oman, we recommend you to stay in a local mud village. Misfat Al Abriyeen is built into a mountainside in the Al Hamra region. The houses have roof terraces overlooking the beautiful gardens where they grow their fruits like bananas and dates.
In town, there are two homestays called ‘Misfahs’. This is the closest you can get to an Oman-style homestay. They offer all the facilities you need. A good bed, air conditioning, breakfast, and dinner. You have to park your car about an 8-min walk from the stay because cars cannot access the village. It’s best to pack a small daypack that you can bring into the village for the night and leave your luggage in the car.
Check availability at Misfah Old House
Tip: Never take photos of people without asking them first. Show them your respect and they will give theirs.
6. Explore the Jabal Akhdar Mountains
Expect spectacular mountain views and very few tourists. The drive in the remote mountain area of Jabal Akhdar is beautiful. Make sure that you have a 4×4 to go up. The roads are well marked like everywhere in Oman, but the slopes are quite steep, and it is good to have a little driving experience.
Plan a spectacular hike or rock climbing. Do check weather conditions before you will go. In summer it’s a good 25 degrees but winters can get below zero.
If you can, spend the night at Alila Jabal Akhdar. A remote luxury hotel with a valley view you will never forget.
See: Alila Jabal Akhdar
7. Swim in Bimmah Sinkhole
This huge naturally shaped swimming pool is next to the main road near Wadi Shab. Have a splash and cool down in that crazy blue-colored water. The story goes that the hole was created by a huge meteor. Looks like it right? Day trips to Bimmah Sinkhole
Also read: 10-day Oman Travel Itinerary
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Hi, I am traveling to Oman November 11-18 alone and wonder if you can help with some questions. A tour co presented a quote that was out of my price range. I would love to schedule time to chat if possible? I wonder if it is safe for a single woman to rent a car and make reasonable accommodations. Then, I wonder if it is possible to get a tour reservation to drive to the sands and spend a night. Thank you, Paula
Hi Paula, Oman is one of the safest places we’ve been to, and locals are very welcoming to tourists, so you shouldn’t have any trouble traveling solo. Many desert camps offer tours, including pick-up and drop-off from the nearby town, so you don’t have to drive into the desert yourself. Have the best time!