This post contains everything you need to plan the ultimate Oman road trip.
Oman is an incredibly beautiful country with varied landscapes and warm, friendly people. It’s one of the most peaceful, welcoming places I’ve ever visited.
Public transport is a bit lacking here though. The best way to explore this amazing country is behind the wheel of your own car.
When you picture Oman, you probably think of endless rolling sand dunes, dotted with the odd camel. True, Oman has a lot of desert. And camels. But there’s so much more here as well.
Think world-class beaches (that you can enjoy all to yourself), rugged mountains, giant canyons, mind-blowing Arabian architecture, extremely hospitable locals, and fascinating ancient cultures.
Oh, and also: thousands of kilometres of sweet open highway.
Suggested Oman Road Trip Itinerary (2 weeks)
If you were really pressed for time, you could complete the following itinerary in one week, but it would be quite rushed. I prefer to travel slowly, so suggest taking at least two weeks if you can.
Check out this post for some useful Arabic words and phrases.
1. Muscat
If you are arriving by air, your trip will probably start (and finish) in Muscat.
Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea and the Al Hajar mountains, the capital of Oman enjoys a great setting.
It’s clean, safe and well organised, with all of the facilities you’d expect to find in a modern, wealthy capital city.
However, Muscat has also managed to retain the “old Arabia” vibe, and feels far more authentic than glitzy Dubai or Abu Dhabi, in the neighbouring UAE.
Due to the geography, Muscat is very long and thin, spreading out more than 30 kilometres along Oman’s north coast.
It’s perfectly possible to get around using taxis and busses, but I’d recommend picking up your car as soon as possible, so you have the freedom to explore the city at your leisure.
There’s enough to see and do here to spend a couple of nights in Muscat. Some of the top places to visit are as follows.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the most stunning places of worship I’ve ever visited.
The complex is huge, with landscaped gardens, vast courtyards, intricate mosaics, and an amazing blend of modern and traditional Islamic architecture.
It’s beautiful, awe-inspiring, and definitely worth a visit.
Non-muslims are allowed to visit in the morning (before 11am). Go early to avoid the crowds. You must wear clothes that cover your arms and legs, and women must cover their hair.
Mutrah
Mutrah is an attractive area of the city, with a long corniche curving around the bay.
Perched on a hill overlooking the natural harbour is an impressive fort, built in the 1500s.
Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East. Here you can shop for traditional Omani crafts, clothes, trinkets, spices, and incense.
Mutrah is a great place just to wander around, soaking up the atmosphere. Then, sit in the shade and people-watch, whilst enjoying a cup of Arabic coffee, tea or a fresh juice.
If you’re looking to splash out on one meal during your time in Oman, eating at Bait Al Luban, near the Mutrah souq, would be a good choice.
Here you can enjoy very high-quality, traditional Omani food (with a decent selection of vegetarian options), surrounded by beautiful Arabic decor and burning frankincense.
Old Muscat
A little further along the coast is the original historic city, known as Old Muscat.
Old Muscat is a great area to explore on foot. It’s relatively compact, surrounded by thick walls, with gatehouses, an old watchtower and three impressive forts.
Here you can find the National Museum of Oman, plus Al Alam Palace, the ceremonial home of the Sultan of Oman.
If you end up falling in love with this fascinating capital city and would like to spend some time living here, check out this excellent guide to living in Muscat as an expat by A Way Abroad.
2. Bimmah Sinkhole
Driving time from Muscat: 1.5 hours
Bimmah Sinkhole is one of the most recognisable places in Oman. It’s also a great spot for a dip.
This large, naturally occurring sinkhole is about 30 metres deep, and is accessible via a long staircase.
At the bottom is a beautifully clear turquoise pool, where you can swim or just float about cooling off.
Watch out for the tiny fish which will try to nibble you as you bob around!
Spending an hour or so cooling off in this incredible natural feature feels amazing and is likely to be one of your Oman highlights.
3. Wadi Shab
Driving time from Bimmah: 30 mins
About 30 kilometres further along the coast from Bimma, keep an eye out for signs to Wadi Shab parking. (If you reach the village of Tiwi, you’ve gone too far.)
Here you can do a short hike through a stunning canyon to some natural swimming pools, caves and a waterfall.
From the car park, you need to take a tiny boat across the river (costs 1 OMR) to reach the start of the trail. Then it’s a roughly 45 minute hike to the pools.
The path is fairly straightforward to follow. You need to scramble over some rocks in places, but it’s easily doable.
Look out for the falaj (a traditional Omani water irrigation channel) along the way.
At the end of the path, there are some pools where you can have a swim to cool off.
If (*and only if*) you are a confident swimmer, you can swim to the far side of the pools, where there is a secret cave with a waterfall inside.
(I wish I’d brought a GoPro for this…)
Try to start this walk early if possible, to avoid the afternoon heat. Bring plenty of water and a dry bag (if you have one) for your valuables.
4. Sur
Driving time from Wadi Shab: 45 mins
Sur is a pretty coastal town which makes an ideal place to spend the night after visiting Bimmah and Wadi Shab.
Sur is famous for its traditional shipbuilding. On the beach, you can watch wooden dhows being built by hand, as they have been for centuries.
There is an attractive corniche with picturesque whitewashed houses, forts and a lighthouse at Al Ayjah.
It’s a peaceful, pleasant place. If you have time to spare, you could easily spend an extra day here wandering around, stopping for tea and chats with the locals.
5. Ras Al Jinz & Ras Al Hadd
Driving time from Sur: 45 mins
Ras Al Jinz is the easternmost point on the Arabian peninsula. It’s also home to the amazing Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.
This is one of the largest nesting grounds for endangered green sea turtles, as well as several other turtle species.
The best time to see them is between July and October, although they do nest here year-round.
Access to the beach is restricted, but you can arrange a tour at the visitor centre.
Don’t try to get onto the beach without an official guide – you could disturb the turtles and prevent the babies from reaching the sea. Bad.
A few kilometres north along the coast is Ras Al Hadd. If you have a tent, this is an awesome place for a spot of beach camping. Alternatively, the turtle reserve does have some accommodation, though it’s fairly expensive.
Do not try to wild camp at Ras Al Jinz – this is not permitted, and would disturb the nesting green turtles.
6. Wahiba Sands
Driving time from Ras Al Hadd: 4-5 hours
The Wahiba Sands (also known as the Sharqiya Sands) is a desert in the far east of Oman.
It’s an extension of the Rub‘ al Khali (or “Empty Quarter”), a vast sandy desert that occupies almost all of the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula.
This is a seriously huge place, spanning roughly 650,000 km², across large parts of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Oman.
Endless shifting sands, towering sand dunes, camels, and nomadic Bedouin people. It’s peaceful, empty, and beautiful. This is the epic Arabian desert in all its glory.
According to legend, there’s more than one ancient lost city buried here beneath the desert dunes…
A number of desert camps have been set up for visitors to spend the night in this incredible place. They’re all fairly pricey, but worth it if your budget isn’t too tight.
Desert Wonders Camp is an excellent “budget” option. A tent sleeping two costs approximately £75 ($100) per night, including a traditional Bedouin evening meal and breakfast.
There is virtually no light pollution out here, and the star gazing is incredible. Climbing a sand dune by moonlight was definitely one of the highlights of my Oman roadtrip.
Most desert camps provide off-road transport to and from their locations. You typically leave your car overnight at Bidiyah, which is accessible by 2WD.
Here are 179 of my favourite desert quotes and captions.
What about wild camping??
Of course, if you have a 4×4 and your own camping gear, there’s nothing stopping you from wild camping in the Wahiba Sands. For free!
Just ensure that you have enough supplies. A full tank of fuel plus lots of water being the most important, obviously.
Check out this article where I review the best tents for wild camping.
In short… One of the best tents that money can buy is the MSR Hubba Hubba 2-person tent.
Also be aware that phone signal is very patchy in the desert, and supplies are few and far between. They don’t call it the Empty Quarter for no reason.
Don’t stray too far away from civilisation – deserts are (famously) hostile places, and not for the unprepared. Have fun, it’s an awesome place. But don’t be stupid.
7. Nizwa
Driving time from Bidiyah: 2-3 hours
The inland city of Nizwa is one of the oldest in Oman, and used to be the capital in the 6th and 7th centuries.
Nizwa has long been a regional hub for trade, education, and religion. It has a relaxed, chilled-out vibe, and is very atmospheric. Another great place just to be, exploring and soaking up the culture.
Nizwa Fort dominates the centre of the city. It’s well worth a visit, and contains a brilliant museum devoted to the history of Oman.
From the top of the main tower, you get a fantastic view over the city, its vast date palms and surrounding mountains.
The other main point of interest in town is the Nizwa Souq. This large bazaar is another great place for shopping.
Here you can buy a range of traditional handicrafts, pottery, foods, spices, coffee pots, and high quality silver jewellery.
You can see most of Nizwa’s main sites in one day. However, if you have time, I’d recommend spending a couple of nights here to make things more relaxed.
8. Jibreen Castle & Bahla Fort
Driving time from Nizwa: 45 mins
There are many other impressive fortresses and ancient fortified towns in the Jebel Akhdar region.
It would take weeks to visit them all. For a flavour of this amazing region, check out Jibreen and Bahla, which are two of the most accessible, after Nizwa. Both are easy to visit as a day trip from Nizwa.
Jibreen Castle (also spelled “Jabrin” or “Jabreen“) is one of the prettiest fortresses I’ve ever seen. Its straight edges and smooth, flat sides give it the look of an enormous sand castle.
The ruins of Bahla Fort are also definitely worth visiting. This giant medieval complex was built around (and to defend) an oasis, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The traditional Omani mud-brick town of Bahla is incredibly atmospheric. Its crumbling mud houses are shaded with palm groves and encircled by thick stone walls.
9. Jebel Shams
Driving time from Bahla: 2 hours
Rising 3,000 metres above sea level, Jebel Shams is the tallest mountain in Oman.
There is an awesome 3.5 kilometre hiking trail up here called the Balcony Walk, through the “Grand Canyon of Oman“.
It’s much cooler at the top of the mountain than in the valley, and the views are fantastic.
Possibly not one for those with a fear of heights though. The path snakes along the edge of some pretty vertical drops down into the canyon below.
Sturdy footwear strongly recommended (plus lots of water, obviously).
The trail starts from Al Khitaym, which your GPS should be able to find. From here, look out for the red and white paint markers on the rocks.
For more info on this route, head over here.
It’s technically possible to get to Jebel Shams in a 2WD, but a 4WD is highly recommended for this.
The road up the side of the mountain is unpaved, steep and windy in places.
As a minimum, you’ll want a vehicle with high ground clearance, to reduce the chances of wrecking your hire car.
10. Return to Muscat
Driving time from Jebel Shams: 4 hours
Head back to Muscat at your leisure.
For those with more time, I’d also recommend taking a look at Nakhl and Rustaq Forts, on the way from Jebel Shams to Muscat.
These are both fascinating and world-class examples of medieval Islamic architecture, surrounded by mud-brick villages and lush oases.
The latter is one of the oldest fortresses in the country. It was first built by the Persians and pre-dates Islam.
Oman Car Hire
Hiring a car in Oman is fairly straightforward. There is a good range of options at Muscat airport. It’s best to pick up a car from here when you arrive, as you’ll probably want it to get around the city.
Bear in mind that not all hire companies permit off-road driving. If this is something you’re keen to do, double check this point.
Holders of driving licenses from many countries (including the UK, U.S. and EU) don’t need an international driving permit to hire a car in Oman.
Expect to pay approximately $30 USD per day for a 2WD, and $80-100 USD per day for a 4WD, depending on the model.
2WD Or 4WD?
It’s perfectly possible to do an epic road trip in Oman with a 2WD.
All of the places in this post (except the Wahiba Sands beyond Bidiyah, and Jebel Shams) are accessible via paved roads, most of which are in excellent condition.
That said, Oman is an awesome country for off-roading. Having a 4WD allows you to take on some of the country’s stunning off-road driving trails.
If this is something you’re into, I’d highly recommend picking up a copy of Oman Off-Road.
This excellent book contains loads of suggested routes, including GPS coordinates, points of interest, and a wealth of information and tips.
If you’re planning to do much wild camping, especially on deserted beaches and in the desert, a 4WD will also give you a lot more flexibility.
Either way, it’s up to you. My recommendation is that, if your budget can stretch to hiring a 4×4, go for it.
Driving Tips
Most major roads in Oman are paved and in great condition. Fuel is cheap – one of the advantages of being a petrostate.
Road signs are written in both Arabic and English, and traffic drives on the right.
All of the main GPS/navigation apps (Waze, Google maps, etc.) work in Oman. Cell phone reception is patchy outside of the main towns and cities.
It’s a good idea to download offline maps in advance (e.g. Google maps offline), especially if heading off road.
Avoid driving at night on minor roads. Animals (including camels) can come out of nowhere!
The speed limit on major highways is 120 km/h. It’s 90 km/h on most rural Oman roads, and 40 km/h in urban and residential areas.
Omani roads are often deliciously empty, but don’t be tempted to speed. The Royal Oman Police are famously professional and honest, but they will pull you over for speeding.
There are also many (unmarked) speed cameras dotted around.
Where To Sleep
Hotels can be quite expensive in Oman. There are many high-end, luxurious resorts, especially in Muscat.
You won’t struggle to find decent mid-range options in the major destinations noted in this article. Check out booking.com for deals.
If you’re travelling on a budget, Airbnb can also be good in most of these places. Though options tend to be more limited at weekends and during holidays.
Camping fans, rejoice! Wild camping is permitted throughout most of Oman.
Just be considerate and respectful when deciding where to pitch your tent. Make sure you have enough water, and take all of your rubbish away with you.
Desert Camps In Oman
For a really memorable and unique experience during your time in Oman, I recommend spending a night or two at a traditional desert camp.
These can be found throughout the deserts of Oman, although the best tend to be located in the Wahiba Sands.
There are various different styles of camp, ranging from simple rustic options to luxurious 5-star setups.
At a minimum, most camps have basic amenities such as bathrooms and outdoor showers, together with beds made up in traditional Bedouin canvas tents.
There’s usually an enclosed dining and sitting area, with low tables and cushions, where you eat and relax, plus a fire and a simple kitchen area.
I stayed at Desert Wonders Camp – one of the cheaper options – and loved it.
However, if your budget allows, one of the best luxury desert camps in Oman is Desert Nights Camp.
This highly-reviewed place offers a range of deluxe Bedouin-style tents and villas – some even have their own private outdoor pool.
Staying at one of Oman’s desert camps is an incredible way to connect with the vast desert and the people who live in it.
You will be received with warm Omani hospitality, and will learn a lot about the culture and customs of the desert people. It’s a really magical, unforgettable experience.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Oman
The best time of year to visit Oman is between October and April, when daytime temperatures are pleasant (around 25 degrees Celsius).
Evenings and nights can get fairly cold in the Wahiba Sands and in the mountains, so you’ll need warm clothing for these places.
If you’re okay with higher temperatures (30-35 degrees), May and September can also be good times to visit.
In the summer, temperatures on the coast frequently exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Inland it’s even hotter, up to 50 degrees.
This makes sightseeing (and doing virtually anything else outside) pretty difficult and unpleasant.
July to October is the turtle-hatching season. So October may be the best month for trips to Oman if this is something you’re keen to experience.
Getting To Oman
Various airlines fly to Muscat, including Oman Air, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar and Etihad.
I use, and recommend, Aviasales to find the best deals on flights.
Check out this article if you’re interested in driving to Oman from Dubai (or Abu Dhabi).
Visas For Oman
You will probably need a visa to enter Oman.
Tourist visas on arrival are issued to citizens of many countries. These cost 20 OMR and are valid for 30 days. You’ll need at least 6 months’ validity remaining on your passport.
Certain nationalities can apply for an Omani eVisa in advance, which speeds things up on arrival.
** I always use, and strongly recommend, iVisa.com. Their online visa processing service is quick, secure, and easy to use. **
Oman Tours
As long as you have a car, Oman is a fairly easy country to explore independently.
That said, there are several companies providing excellent guided tours of some of the country’s main highlights.
Even if you – like me – tend to prefer independent travel, sometimes having a guide for at least some of your trip can help you to understand more about the history and culture of the destination you are visiting.
Certain activities are also much easier to do if you join a group tour, such as an offshore snorkelling or dolphin tour from Muscat, or a trip to the remote Musandam Dibba region.
You could theoretically arrange these all yourself, but it would take longer and require you to do quite a lot more organising and logistics.
Cultural Considerations When You Visit Oman
Oman is a conservative Muslim country. People here are super friendly and welcoming, but be considerate of the local culture.
Most Omanis wear long, loosely fitting clothes. You don’t strictly need to do this, but it’s best to avoid anything skimpy or particularly tight-fitting.
Ideally, clothes should cover your shoulders and knees (for men and women).
Investing in a pair of lightweight cotton trousers will help to keep you cool and comfortable, without attracting any strange looks.
Women – you only need to cover your hair in mosques and at other religious sites. Sometimes you can borrow a headscarf at the entrance, but not always.
It’s worth carrying a light scarf or similar with you for this purpose.
Whenever visiting mosques, ensure you cover your arms and legs (and hair for women).
If invited into somebody’s house, it’s customary to take off your shoes. Just ask if you’re unsure.
Alcohol is only available in licensed hotels and restaurants. It’s illegal to drink alcohol (and to be drunk) in public.
Finally, never insult the Sultan!
I hope this article has been interesting and useful. Are there any other places you’d recommend visiting as part of a road trip in Oman? Let me know in the comments.
Enjoy your Oman trip – it’s an awesome place. 🙂
** Love road trips? Me too. Check out some of my other road trip-related posts, including:
- Romania Road Trip: Everything You Need To Know
- The Perfect Albania Road Trip
- Ethiopia: A Road Trip Like No Other **
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