Oman
Where is Oman?
Oman is located in the Middle East, bordering UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Oman borders the Oman Gulf, the Arabian Sea, and the very North of the Persian Gulf.
Salalah is the third largest city in Oman, located on the South-West coast. It has a breadth of natural beauty with its turquoise waterfalls, and lagoons, green forests cover the mountainous landscape. The greenery and waterfalls aren’t seen all year round. The Khareef season is between August and September, the mountainous landscape is a vibrant green, and the waters and waterfalls are a blue-turquioise. Khareef season is from August to September. Although it can be busy during August and early September, Mid-Late September can mean you miss the crowds. Independent tour operators providing 4×4 vehicles stopping at the key waterfalls, Wadi Dharbat cascade waterfalls, the larger Wadi Dharbat Travertine Curtain, and more.
P.S. Watch out for the spiders in their webs, they can take you by surprise!
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2.
Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams is the highest mountain in the Jebel Aktar mountain range in the Northern part of Oman, approximately a 4 hour drive from Muscat. The mountain looks over wadi Nakhr, which can be seen as the Grand Canyon of Oman. You will require a 4×4 vehicle to climb the mountain roads which are dangerous in a normal vehicle. The mountain range is breathtaking and surprisingly quiet and you will see mountain goats climbing the sides of the mountain range.
P.S. If you stay overnight the stars can be stunning.
3.
Sultan Kaboos Grand Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is off the center of the Sultan Qaboos Highway. It is the largest mosque in Oman, with pristine gardens and marble architecture. The mosque has the largest chandelier in the world.
Please be aware that there is a dress code to visit the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, with ankles and shoulders required to be covered.
The Daymaniyat Islands are located off the coast of Muscat, Oman. The protected nature reserve has some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world, specifically Massive Boulder coral and Table coral reefs. The Daymaniyat Islands are home to a wide range of marine life, including Green Turtles, Hawksbill turtles, Clownfish, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Honeycomb Moray Eels, and more. At certain times of the year, you can be lucky enough to see Whale Sharks feeding in deeper water on your way to or from the Daymaniyat Islands.
Check Out Our Snorkel Review
5.
Wadi Al Arbeieeran
Wadi Arbeieen is a beautiful Wadi located approximately 90 minutes outside the capital Muscat. You will require a 4×4 to drive to Wadi Arbeieen as there is some off-roading. This freshwater oasis lies remotely in the mountains, the surrounding landscape includes light orange mountains and rocky rubble.
Wadis can be extremely dangerous if there is heavy rainfall, the rock landscape doesn’t drain, and water can rise rapidly and move at fast pace. It is very important to check the weather forecast before a visit.
6.
Nizwa Fort
Nizwa Fort is situated in the center of the city of Nizwa, approximately a 115min drive from Muscat. Built-in the 17th Century, Nizwa Fort combines both a cylindrical castle and a fort.
P.S. There is a hotel where you can stay in one of the old houses, book before visiting as they do get booked up.
Frequently Asked Questions
The local currency is Oman Rials OMR. 1 OMR equals approximately 0.40 USD.
The main airports are Muscat International Airport,’ located on the Northern coast of Muscat, and Salalah International Airport, located in the Southern city of Salalah.
Depending on the temperature, October to May is generally a good time to visit.
The orange and white Taxis are generally pretty good value and can be waved down. Alternatively, there is an App called O-Taxi, which enables you to order a taxi for a specified journey with a cost pre-agreed.
