Oman is an ideal destination if you want to combine adventure, fascinating culture, and breathtaking scenery all in a single trip. Whether you’re visiting the Middle East for the first time or looking for a unique, less-traveled road trip, you’ll be greeted by Oman’s warm hospitality and discover a landscape unlike anywhere else. This guide will help you plan your own journey, showing you which places to visit, what to do, and where you might want to stay to make each stop truly memorable. Oman by road was an unforgettable experience for me. Here’s a look at my favourite stops along the way, including where I stayed at each destination.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal time to explore Oman is October through March when temperatures range from 17°C to 35°C. This period offers warm, comfortable weather perfect for outdoor activities without the scorching summer heat. For this reason, I visited Oman in February.
Driving in Oman
Self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore Oman. The country has excellent road infrastructure with wide, well-maintained highways and clear English signage. You’ll need only your home country’s driver’s license – no International Driving Permit required. Just some things to consider:
- Speed limits: 40-60 km/h in urban areas, 80-100 km/h on rural roads, up to 120 km/h on highways
- Speed cameras are everywhere, so stick to limits
- Fuel is very affordable
- Consider a 4WD for mountain areas and desert access
Muscat
Muscat City
Oman’s capital, offers the perfect mix of tradition and modernity. One of the sites in the city is the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with its incredible architecture, soaring dome, and beautiful mosaic work. The mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors (outside prayer times) and is a remarkable example of Islamic artistry.
When you’re in Muscat, there’s much more to discover. If shopping is on your list, Muscat’s malls offer more than just shops. At the enormous Mall of Oman, you can stroll past real penguins inside the “Snow Oman” indoor snow park. Meanwhile, at Oman Avenues Mall, you can test your nerves on a rollercoaster speeding through the retail wonderland.
Mutrah
Just a short drive from Muscat’s city center, Mutrah is a lively historic port district known for its charming waterfront. The main draw here is the atmospheric Mutrah Souq. It is a maze of covered alleyways bursting with the scents of spices, alongside stalls selling jewelry, etc.
After visiting the souq, take a stroll on the scenic Mutrah Corniche, a palm-lined promenade with sweeping views of the harbor and the traditional dhows sailing past. The iconic Mutrah Fort, perched on the rocky hills above, offers panoramic perspectives over the sea and city.
Daymaniyat Islands
Just off the coast near Muscat lies the protected Daymaniyat Islands, an archipelago of nine uninhabited islands renowned for their crystal-clear turquoise waters and thriving marine life. A boat tour from Muscat made it easy to spend a few hours snorkeling over pristine coral reefs, swimming alongside vibrant fish, rays, and if lucky (and we were!) even green sea turtles or whale sharks. The islands are a true gem: quiet white-sand beaches, sealife in their habitat, and some of the best underwater scenery in Oman, making this day trip a highlight for anyone interested in the country’s natural beauty.
Bimmah Sinkhole
A short drive from Muscat took me to the breathtaking Bimmah Sinkhole, a natural limestone crater filled with turquoise water. It was an absolute treat to swim in the cool, crystal-clear waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
This place makes an excellent daytime stop when traveling between Muscat and the desert. Some do visit Ras Al Jinz, the turtle sanctuary of Oman and stay there overnight. However, we skipped this part as we’d prefer to see adult sea turtles during our snorkle trip and not to disturb any baby turtles!
Wadi Shab
Wadi Shab is one of many beautiful wadis (river valleys) to visit during an Omani road trip. Each wadi has its own unique character and scenery. To reach Wadi Shab, you take a quick boat ride, followed by an easy 45-minute hike. The path is rocky but well-trodden, winding through palms and cliffs beside the stream. The trail ends at a series of natural pools with fresh water, perfect for swimming or just soaking your feet. The upper pools invite swimmers to explore a small cave with a waterfall. But relaxing by the lower pools is rewarding as well. Wadi Shab provides a peaceful, scenic break from the drive.
Wahiba Sands Desert
For a true Arabian desert experience, I ventured into the vast Wahiba Sands, home to towering dunes and endless golden vistas stretching as far as the eye can see. The desert life here is unlike anywhere else.
I stayed overnight at the Sama Al Areesh Desert Camp, an oasis of comfort in the heart of the dunes. The camp offered spacious tents with all modern amenities, combining traditional Bedouin style with luxury.
This desert camp experience was a highlight of the entire trip, perfectly capturing the spirit and serenity of Oman’s desert.
Nizwa
Next was the charming city of Nizwa, often called the “Pearl of Islam,” famed for its impressive fort and lively traditional souq. The massive Nizwa Fort stood proud, its massive circular tower offering panoramic views over the city and surrounding date palm groves.
The adjacent Nizwa Souq teemed with life and local color, where I found exquisite silverwork, fresh dates, spices, and traditional crafts. Nizwa is celebrated not just for its grand fort and bustling souq, but also for its rich tradition of local crafts. One of the town’s most unique highlights is the famous Pottery Square, where curvy terracotta pots and vibrantly painted ceramics line the streets and dangle from shop doorways in a picturesque display. Local artisans shape and glaze their work right on site, and browsing this area offers an authentic look at a centuries-old craft. You can find anything from delicate bowls and coffee pots to massive water jars; perfect souvenirs if you want something authentically Omani.
At night, Nizwa takes on a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. The streets wind down, and the souq’s vibrant daytime hustle gives way to softly lit cafés and restaurants.
Jebel Shams
Finally, I explored the dramatic heights of Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak and home to the awe-inspiring “Grand Canyon of Arabia.” The mountain’s rugged beauty took my breath away with endless panoramic views and crisp, fresh mountain air.
I stayed at the serene Sama Heights Resort, nestled at the foot of the mountain. The resort combined comfortable, eco-friendly accommodations with incredible views and easy access to hiking trails. The start of the balcony walk is literally right in front of the hotel. The glass doors offers amazing views of the mountains, including some intruders like mountain goats.
The highlight was the famous Balcony Walk hike along the canyon rim. This moderate 8-kilometer trail offered jaw-dropping vistas, encounters with plenty wild mountain goats.
Final Thoughts
This road trip across Oman offered a rich tapestry of experiences, from bustling markets and ancient forts to surreal deserts and mountain adventures. Staying at wonderful places like Sama Al Areesh Desert Camp and Sama Heights Resort made the journey even more special as they provide great location and great hospitality!
Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, cultural immersion, or thrilling desert adventures, Oman’s diverse landscapes promise a truly unforgettable week-long road trip.
