The Ultimate Oman Travel Route Itinerary

“Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” ― Anita Desai

This is the trip I took on my first long weekend in Oman, it crams absolutely as much as possible into a long weekend.

Day 1: I left Bahrain after work and arrived late. Knowing that we would be departing early in the day I booked Centara Muscat which is a nice but basic hotel for a cheap rate.

Day 2: Nizwa Fort, the old capital of Oman (TT 1:30-2:00 hours from Muscat): Renovated with exhibits displaying old history and artifacts of Oman. Stairs to the top provide good views of the surrounding city and mountains. There is also a small souq with authentic handcrafted goods like Omani silver, and an animal auction Friday Mornings (goats, cattle, CAMELS <3.)

Misfat Al Abryeen(TT 30 min from Nizwa): Omans famous 400 year old mud village built into the side of the Al Hamra mountains. There was a cafe and Omani homestay, Misfah Old house, but because I visited during Ramadan/ village renovations they were mostly closed. We only spent a short time wandering the village and different trails but could have spent longer had we not been on a tight schedule.

Jebel Shams, Arabian Grand Canyon(TT 1:30 hours from Misfat): 4WD recommended, on a map the distance could look deceiving but a majority of this drive is on a rocky, steep dirt road. There aren’t shops at the top so buy your water and snacks prior to driving up ( there are a few groceries on the way.)

Sama Heights Resort: 1 of the 2 “resorts” at the top of Jebel Shams. I booked a bungalow room directly through the hotel for 40 OMR including breakfast & lunch/dinner but because the camp was empty during our stay they upgraded it to the Grand Chalet. We missed the meals because of our schedule but the accommodations were nice. No WiFi. Book Here.

Via Ferrata: Ascend steep rocks utilizing fixed metal cables and climbing harnesses. I did this with my travel guide and his adventure group (@Sparrow.adventures) along with some of their friends during Ramadan so we stayed at the top of the canyon for sunset and Iftar prior to making a night descent. There’s a short hike followed by 3 different climbing sections and you ultimately end near a small body of water and large cave. It wasn’t particularly technical but unless you are experienced in this type of activity I strongly recommend a tour company, Mohammed and the guys @Sparrow.adventures are awesome, go with them.

Day 3

Wadi Hawir(TT 3:00 hours from Jebel Shams) A non-touristy Wadi. We went immediately following a huge flood and there was still significant damage. We explored but you should just go somewhere else for now.

Desert (TT 30 min) We did a bit of off-roading and ran out of time for camel rides but I mostly just wanted a nice place for sunset…my camera hated it and I am still finding sand in my pockets. This area is more rural and in begin people are conservative so dress appropriately.

Ras Al Hadd Holiday(TT 3:00) I booked at this hotel FOR 20 OMR knowing we would arrive late and leave very early; it was very basic but clean with WiFi and good A/C. There is no restaurants or shops in Al Hadd so we stopped in Sur, about 30 minutes prior. Book Here.

Day 4 Ras Al Hadd Turtle viewing, 1 OMR. There are 2 places to see the turtles, Ras Al Hadd and Das Al Jinz; had I not been with a guide I would have only knows about the later because of what is available online. There is really no museum to Ras Al Hadd and we showed up late for the viewing time due to a changed Ramadan schedule but they allowed us to go down to the beach for sunrise and to see the turtles. Turtle season is typically June-August.

Wadi Mibam (TT 2:00 from Ras Al Hadd) is

One of my favorite places, EVER. It would be tough to navigate without a guide even having been there now so this is the other trip I would recommend going with an adventure group. A short walk/ hike takes you to a series of different swimming pools and several waterfalls, there are a few little climbs, and natural waterslides, and swimming is required to reach the final pools but it is well worth it. The water is a stunning blue and there is stunning greenery. The pools are deep enough for cliff jumping.

Bimmah Sinkhole (TT 1:00 hour from Mibam) On the way back to Muscat from Wadi Mibam or Wadi Shab, it is just 2 minutes from the main road and very easily accessible. Free entrance and could be seen in Half an hour if you don’t swim. The water is super salty and towards the shore there are those little fishes that nibble the dead skin off your feet...like a free foot spa , kinda. There water fountains and restrooms for changing Back to Muscat(TT1:30 hours) The roads in Oman are large, paved and it’s an easy drive. I stayed in the Centara again just for ease but there are a told of really nice reports for a more luxurious vacations. I ‘m looking forward to checking out Shangri-La, and the Ritz Al Bustan Palace on my next few trips as recommended by locals. Dinner at Bait al Luban: Traditional Omani food with floor seating in Muttrah Corniche. I had the Shuwa, a celebratory dish of meat roasted in an underground firepit for 6 hours- bomb. The souq was a block away for quality spices and frankincense but I was too tired to talk prices in any of those other shops with souvenir items.

Interetsed In Travelling With Mohammed

Nizwa Fort Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday, 9am – 4pm; Friday 8am – 11am Admission price: Adults, 1 Omani Rial; Children, 500 baisa +968 9093 9090

Misfat Al Abriyeen is open 24/7 with no admission cost. Dress modestly