Oman

A 6-day roadtrip in Oman

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November 2024 saw us discovering Oman. We left with my parents and my brother for this amazing roadtrip, where I also got to share with them the exciting news of my pregnancy!

We arrived in Muscat late at night and we went directly to bed, so that the following morning we could sightsee. The weather was… hot ! Wee started with the old town, where we saw the Sultan’s palace (no visits are allowed), and where the flag showed us that the Sultan was currently there, and we visited Mirani fort. After this, we walked towards Mutrah, it is an easy walk but you need water, and expect 40 min.

In Mutrah we saw the market (fish and vegetables), although it was already closes down, we had an amazing fish lunch, and then we went to the Souq. We were really tired so after that we went to chill at the hotel.

The following day, our Jeep was delivered to the hotel ( Discover Car rental) and we left direction Bimmah Sinkhole (128 km, 1h30), a natural pool that was allegedly created by a meteorite. It was fun, but do not expect it to be in the wilderness. Following this pitstop, we continued towards Wadi Shab (32 km, 25 min). If needed, there is a coffee restaurant for a quick lunch. To reach the Wadi, you need a 2 min rboat ride (full trip is 1 OMR), followed by an hike. I would not say neither it was simple neither complicated, but for sure it is quite long, about 40 min. Luckily only the 1st part is under the sun! The hike was totally worth it, the wadi was incredible. You can swim in the natural pools, and if you do not suffer from claustrophobia, you can follow the river upstream, enter a cave and see an amazing waterfall. Bear in mind that the last boat ride is at 5 pm!

We then drove towards Sur (50 km, 30 min), where we had our hotel. After a quick dinner, we headed towards Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve (51 km, 50 min), where we had the night trip to see turtles laying eggs and hatching. The meeting is at 20 30, and the first group to leave is composed of the hotel’s guests. You will have to wait in the lobby until they see turtles, at this point you pay and you get to see them. It was really interesting, but you really need to be careful in not disturbing these amazing animals.

The following day we visited Sur; a part from the Ayjah lighthouse and a road trip on the bay (where we saw other turtles), there is not much to see. The shipyard was a bit disappointing to be honest. Anyways, we then left Sur to reach Al Mintrib (111 km, 1h30), our meeting point for Wahiba Sands. We then road our jeep in the desert to reach the amazing domes where we slept. The Milky Way was incredible, and we were woken up by an amazing sunrise. The following morning, we had a quick camel ride followed by breakfast served in our domes, and then we left, direction Wadi Bani Khalid (46 km, 55 min). This Wadi was fun, the hike to reach it is definetely easier, but to be honest I preferred Wadi Shab. of course, this is totally objective, and I suggest you visit this Wadi as well. We then drove to Nizwa (220 km, 2h50), the old capital, where we visited the fortress (amazing) and we walked in the cute little town. Honestly, this is the town worth visiting in Oman. The following day we went to see the irrigation system, protected by Unesco, which is the ingenious system that allowed the development of the city, Jabreen Castle (42 km, 30 min), which is stunning, Tanuf Castle ruines (33 km, 35 min), and the wonderful Misfah Al Abriyyin (36 km, 38 min). We then drove back to Muscat.

The following day was also our last, and we booked a snorkeling trip to Daymaniyat Islands through Mola Mola. The price per person was 30 OMR and we left at 8 30 am (meeting at the diving center at 8 am), reached the islands in 40 min, had our first snorkel swim (wonderful fish and turtles). After lunch, served on the boat, we changed snorkeling spot and we saw sharks. People were really nice, and the qualit of the trip was great. It is definetely worth it. Unfortunately, we were too tired to do anything else, so we went back to the hotel’s pool and beach before our 2 am flight back.

What to say, Oman is wonderful, the nature you get to experience is stunning, and people are gentle, kind and warm. It is definetely a must do trip!