The travel guide to Oman
Oman: the hidden gem of the Middle East
First of all, this is your essential travel guide to Oman! Truly, it’s an amazing destination for serious travel enthusiasts. Indeed, it is one of the absolute gems in the Middle East where you can discover the incredible world of Arabian Nights. Consequently, it had been on our bucket list for years.
Now, however, after visiting Oman, we can confidently tell you that it’s one of our favorite travel destinations. Therefore, after watching this video and reading this blog, you will surely understand exactly why we loved it!
Must see and do in Oman
Muscat – The Cultural Capital
Our adventure begins in Muscat, a city where tradition meets modernity. We visited the vibrant Muttrah Souk, strolled along the marina, and admired the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque — one of the most impressive mosques we’ve ever seen. As we left the city behind, we passed roaming camels and endless desert landscapes that slowly gave way to mountains.
Jebel Shams – The Arabian Grand Canyon
High up in the Hajar Mountains, we reached Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak. The views from the “Arabian Grand Canyon” are absolutely breathtaking. We hiked along the canyon rim trail, surrounded by sheer cliffs, mountain villages, and total silence — one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip.
Nizwa & The Historical Heart of Oman
Next, we explored Nizwa, once the capital and still the cultural heart of Oman. We visited the lively goat market, the historic Nizwa Fort, and the traditional souq — where silver jewelry, pottery, and spices fill the air with color and scent. Not far from the city, we cooled off at Wadina Water Park, a fun local spot to relax after exploring.
Al Hamra, Bahla & Jabreen Castle
Traveling deeper inland, we wandered through the ghost town of Al Hamra, surrounded by thousands of palm trees, and explored the medieval city of Bahla — home to the ancient Bahla Fort, one of Oman’s oldest settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby, we discovered the elegant Jabreen Castle, known for its beautiful architecture and historical murals.
Wahiba Sands Desert
No trip to Oman is complete without the desert! We drove deep into Wahiba Sands, a vast, golden no man’s land of rolling dunes. Spending the night in a desert camp under a million stars was pure magic — the silence, the sunrise, and the endless views are something we’ll never forget.
Wadi Bani Khalid & Wadi Shab
After the desert, it was time for water again. We swam in the turquoise pools of Wadi Bani Khalid and hiked through Wadi Shab, one of the most beautiful places in Oman, where emerald-green water winds through canyons and caves.
Ras al Jinz – The Turtle Reserve
Our final stop was the coast at Ras al Jinz, where we witnessed sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach under the moonlight. It was a powerful and emotional experience — a perfect ending to our journey through Oman’s natural wonders.
Where We Stayed
Throughout our Oman adventure, we stayed in a mix of desert camps, mountain lodges, and hotels — each adding its own charm to the trip.
Hotel Muscat: Grand Hyatt Muscat
Hotel Jebel Shams: Sama Heights Resort
Hotel Nizwa: Nizwa Hotel Apartments
Hotel Jabal Akhdar: Alila Jabal Akhdar
Hotel Wahiba Sands: Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp
Hotel Ras al Jinz: Sama Ras al Jinz Resort
Practical Travel Tips for Oman
✅ Best time to visit: October–April (cooler weather and clear skies)
🚗 Getting around:Rent a 4×4 car for full freedom — many wadis and mountain roads require it
🏜️ Don’t miss: Muscat, Nizwa, Jebel Shams, Bahla Fort, Wadi Shab, Wahiba Sands & Ras al Jinz
💡 Travel idea: Start in Muscat, then make a loop through Nizwa, Jebel Shams, and Wahiba Sands — the ultimate Oman road trip route!
Watch the our video to see our complete route through Oman!
Follow our endless travels
We hope you enjoyed the travel guide to Oman. As a family of four nowadays, we travel the world continuously. Are you curious about other countries that we have visited? Take a look at other destinations and let us inspire you! Find out about the beauty of Cape Verde, go on a road trip with us through the United States or join us island hopping in the Galapagos Islands.
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Welcome to Wout’s World!
We’re Wout & Suus, traveling full time around the world with our little globetrotters Jens & Céline.
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