A perfect 5-7 day road trip around the often overlooked jewel of the Gulf; Oman. 

Oman

Oman Road Trip Itinerary

Embarking on a road trip through Oman is an adventure filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you maximize your time exploring this beautiful country.

- Arrive at Muscat Airport. Many nationalities can travel to Oman on a free 14 day tourist visa. However, ensure you check the up to date visa requirements here: https://evisa.rop.gov.om/ 

- Pick up your hire car. I strongly recommend hiring a 4x4 for your road trip to ensure you can access all locations ( especially mountains and deserts!) I found Kish Car Rental to be one of the best value options. 

- Spend the remainder of your day exploring Muscat:

  - Visit the majestic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (Non-Muslims may enter from Saturday to Thursday, 8 AM to 11 AM). Tip: check for public holidays to ensure no changes to opening times & wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off (you will need to remove them to enter certain buildings)! 

  - If you are peckish after a morning at the Mosque, head to NANA's for brunch. A perfect chance for a beach stroll post brekkie. 

- Dinner at Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant in Mutrah: When you are all shopped out, head to this traditional restaurant in the heart of Mutrah. Experience incredible hospitality, delicious food, and a fantastic atmosphere. Opt for traditional-style seating.

- Optional: If you have an extra day, consider a boat trip around the Daymaniyat Islands. Think crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. 

If you are looking for a little more luxury, opt for a hotel along Qurum beach. 

- Early Start: Enjoy breakfast on the Fort's rooftop then head out of Muscat to beat the midday heat; weekdays are best to avoid crowds.

- Bimmah Sinkhole (~ 90 mins drive): Take a short walk down stairs to a refreshing waterhole for a swim. 

- Wadi Shab (~ 20 mins drive): A real Oman highlight! Experience a short boat ride, followed by a hike (approx. 2.5 km each way) and swimming (total time around 2 hours, depending on your relaxation time). Free parking is available. Wear swim and walking-friendly shoes. The boat ride across the water costs 1 OMR per person to access the hiking trail. There are no facilities on the other side, but toilets and a café are available at the car park. Enjoy the stunning pools and a waterfall at the end of your hike. Remember to leave belongings you don't wish to swim with at the first pool and ring the bell for the boat return.

- Optional Stops: If time allows, stop by Qalhat (the Tomb of Bibi Maryam) and Sur to stretch your legs before heading to Ras Al Jinz.

- Ras Al Jinz (~ 90 mins drive): Experience turtle viewing at night (9 PM - arrive by 8:30 PM) or dawn (5 AM - arrive by 4:45 AM). Entry fees are 12 OMR per adult and 6 OMR for children aged 6-12; children under 6 enter for free. The best viewing times are between April and August. Tip: book ahead and check in as soon as you arrive - you will get put in the earlier group. 

- Wadi Bani Khalid (~ 1 hour drive): Explore another spectacular Wadi with a short 5-minute walk to various pools and areas to relax. If your up for a little more adventure, don't miss Muqal Cave towards the back of the pool complex. There's usually a few teenagers around who are more than happy to guide you. 

- Wahiba Sands (1-hour drive): Depending on your chosen desert camp, partake in various activities. Most tours meet in the town of Bidiyah.

- Must-Do Activities:  Depending on what your resort has on offer, I would highly recommend a sand bashing tour and camel riding.

- Slow Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning in the desert. Take a stroll around your campsite. Tip: Wear shoes & look out for scorpions! 

- Drive to Nizwa from Bidiyah (~ 2 hours): Stop by Voe Café for coffee before setting off.

- Visit Sultan Qaboos Mosque (on the edge of Nizwa before you get to the old town area) 

- Explore the charming streets of old Nizwa and walk along the city walls.

- Shop in Nizwa Souqs: Check the opening times for your visit.

- Goat Market: If you're there on a Friday morning, don’t miss this unique experience.

- Optional Detours: If time allows and you fancy a little more history, explore Bahla Fort, Jabreen Castle, or the ruins of Tanuf. Tip: combine a visit to Tanuf ruins with Tanif Wadi to cool off. 

- Scenic Drive: Take a picturesque drive through the mountains.

- Hike the Balcony Walk: Enjoy an out-and-back route, adjusting the distance to your preference (up to 12km).

- Final Afternoon: Spend some time relaxing at your accommodation, or consider visiting Al Hoota Cave or Misfat al Abriyyin.

- Drive back to Muscat Airport (~2 1/2 hours drive)

- Return your hire car. Tip: ensure you have made arrangements for drop offs with plenty of notice. Many hire car companies will close down over the weekend. 

- Navigation: Download an eSIM for easier navigation.

- Vehicle: Ensure you hire a 4x4 vehicle for easy access to remote attractions. 

- Maps: Waze is often more reliable than Google Maps.

- Holidays: Check for any national holidays around your travel dates, as this may affect opening hours for attractions. 

- Weekend: Remember, the weekend in Oman is Friday-Saturday.

- Dress Code: Oman has a conservative dress code. Modest attire is recommended, especially at the wadis.

- Safety Note: Never visit any wadi if rain is predicted, as flash flooding can occur very quickly, posing serious danger.

Wild camping is legal and free throughout Oman.  However, be aware of restricted areas (eg national parks, turtle breeding grounds, UNESCO sites etc) which are well sign posted. 

Embark on this unforgettable journey and experience the incredible beauty and culture that Oman has to offer!

This itinerary is perfect for 5-7 days in Oman, but could be extended for a longer period. 

- Aim to arrive on an early morning flight to make the most of your time in Oman. 

- Head to Muttrah, where you'll be based for the remainder of your time in Muscat. I would recommend stopping at a large supermarket to stock up on supplies for the rest of your road trip. Look for a Carrefour or any 'hypermarket'. 

- Check in to your accommodation then spend the rest of your afternoon exploring Muttrah.  

- Take a sunset stroll along the Corniche to catch a glimpse of Al Alam Palace at dusk. Return to the Fort where you can get a fantastic view of the area. The perfect spot to watch the sun go down. (Tip: look out for turtles! There are plenty to be seen in the marina)

Muscat

Wahiba Sands

Tanuf

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Mutrah Souq

Qalhat

Bahla Fort

Bidiyah

Wadi Ash Shab

VOE Cafe

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

Wadi Bani Khalid

Misfah al Abriyyin

Nizwa Fort was built during the reign of Imam Sultan bin Saif bin Malik Al Yarubi (1649-1679 AD) at the beginning of the eleventh century AH / mid seventeenth century AD. Building the fort took twelve years. Its height is 34 m, and its diameter is 45 m. It serves as a flat-roof platform erected on a base of crushed stones, its height is 15 m and it around 30 m to the ground. It is equipped with cannon holes. The entrance of the fort has a narrow staircase in the form of the letter ح (ح is an Arabic letter equivalent to H in English). It has seven doors, and at each door a turn. These doors have defensive openings at the top.

Nizwa Fort – Beauty has an address

Nizwa Fort

Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant - Mutrah

 Thousand Nights Camp

Al Alam Palace

For guests seeking the best hotel in Oman, look no further than our selection of properties that offer you excursions such as desert night camps & more.

Best Hotel in Oman | Desert Nights Resort Oman Official Site

Desert Nights Resort

Starry Domes Desert Camp

Bimmah Sinkhole

The View

Turtle Guest House بيت السلاحف للضيافة

Muscat International Airport

Fort Guesthouse نُزل القلعة

Jabreen Castle offers a multitude of activities that captivate and enthrall visitors

Jabreen Castle

Anat Cafe

Nizwa Central Souq

Nizwa

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Oman Road Trip Itinerary

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