Oman Round Trip

When traversing Oman's diverse landscapes, ranging from oceans to deserts and from mountains to oases, one feels like stepping into one of the stories out of Arabian Nights. Bustling souqs and tireless businesspeople fill the cities demonstrating Oman's reconciliation of modernity and tradition: respecting both without sacrificing either. Respect, in general, is Omani culture's highest value. Anyone is welcome to explore the beautiful country without worrying about uncomfortable experiences. This leads to Oman being not only a safe destination for Solo Female Travelers but also opens the door to get acquainted with Middle Eastern cultures.

Good to Know

• Getting There: Oman's main international airport is in Muscat, but if you're already in the general region, you could also fly into Salalah. Alternatively, fly into Dubai or Abu Dhabi (this way you can even combine your Oman trip with the UAE!) and take the bus into Oman. 
• Getting Around: Oman has fairly good public transport, both within and between larger cities. While it can be hard to navigate the bus plans, this is the cheapest option. Taxis are also widely available. To explore Oman's countryside, you can hire a guide or join a tour. Renting a car gives you the most freedom, but make sure it has a 4-Wheel-Drive, as many roads legally require one!
• When to Visit: Visit between November and February to escape the hottest months to avoid the sweltering heat of the summer. Alternatively, visit Southern Oman after the monsoon season has ended, when the landscape is at its most beautiful!
• How Long to Visit: To complete the round trip, you will need at the very least two weeks. If you have less time, limit yourself to just one region.
• Who Should Visit: Oman is a great destination for anyone wanting to experience the Middle East. Solo (also Female!) Travelers, families, and couples will have a great time here, as long as you are respectful and mindful of the culture. Oman is certainly a destination for an immersive experience, rather than for a resort stay under the sun.
• Important: Oman is a conservative Islamic country. While Omanis are very open and friendly, you must understand the cultural norms and respect them. Be sure to dress modestly.

Highlights

Musandam Peninsula

The Musandam Governorate is an exclave of Oman, separated from the rest of the country by the UAE. It can be reached by plane from Muscat or simply by driving through the UAE. Most of Musandam is an arid mountain region, with only a few inhabited places. What makes Musandam worth a visit, are the fjord-like landscapes in the north of the peninsula. The best way to explore the fascinating canyons is by Dhow. Float through the canyons, while the majestic Hajar mountains tower above you. 

Muscat

Oman's capital city is a great starting point for any Oman trip. A must-see is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a stunning example of Islamic architecture and the only mosque in Oman open to non-Muslim visitors. Set aside a day to explore Muscat's Old Quarter and tour Al-Mirani and Al-Jalali forts. Both were built during the 16th century, when Muscat was under Portuguese rule, to defend the city from the Ottomans. Visit Mutrah Souq, and take a look at the vibrant goods and colorful spices sold there. To finish off the day, stroll along the waterfront promenade Mutrah Corniche and watch as the lights in Mutrah begin to sparkle. 

Nizwa

Nizwa, Oman's former political and religious capital, sits at the foot of the Western Hajar Mountains, just south of Muscat. An oasis amidst the arid mountains, large date palms are found throughout the city. The palm trees lining the simplistic architecture make for stunning scenery. Nizwa Fort is the best example of Omani architecture. The massive round fort was built in the 17th century after the Portuguese had been driven out of Oman. Its walls are sand-colored and completely smooth, thanks to the traditional mortar used. After a visit to the fort, take a walk through Nizwa's old town. Here, you will find Nizwa Souq, one of the oldest in all of Oman. 

Outside of Nizwa

Stay in Nizwa for a few days to get a chance to explore its surroundings more. In the neighboring town of Bahla, you will find more Omani architecture, such as the Bahla Fort and Jibreen Castle. 

Venture out into the mountains for spectacular viewpoints and hikes. Jebel Shams is the highest point in Oman, towering over a gigantic canyon. Jebel Akhdar, also known as the green mountain due to its terraced orchards, should also not be missed. 

Sur

On Oman's easternmost tip lies the historic port city of Sur. The city itself is a charming seaside town, known for the manufacturing of wooden boats called Dhows and home to more stunning Omani architecture. Besides visiting Bilad Sur Castle, you shouldn't miss out on seeing Al Ayjah Fort. The fort, along with its colored Watch Tower and Lighthouse, sits atop jagged rocks, calmly overlooking the ocean. 

Outside of Sur

The coastline here is known to have some of the best beaches in Oman. Tiwi Beach, close to the neighboring town of the same name, is a secluded pebble bay with bright turquoise waters and worth a trip. Close by is also the Bimmah Sinkhole, a large saltwater pool, fed by the ocean through underground caves. As the clear water is a real tourist magnet, you should try to visit during the off-season or during the week to get the best experience.

To the east of Sur, by Ras Al Hadd, is where sea turtles come to lay their eggs. Between July and October, there is a high chance that you can watch the turtles come on land or their young hatch, so don't miss out! Another place to see the turtles, and even dolphins, is Khor Al Grama Lagoon. Spend a day touring the lagoon on a traditional wooden Dhow and maybe even stay the night at Turtle Beach Resort. 

But the area has even more to offer! Explore Oman's two most famous canyons, Wadi Ash Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid. These Wadis are exactly what you're picturing when you think of an oasis: green pools lined by palm trees in the middle of barren hillsides. Hiking and swimming in them should be part of any Oman trip, as it is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. There are plenty of guided tours available to explore the Wadis and we do recommend getting a guide to ensure your safety and that you don't miss out on anything.

Masirah Island

Located off the coast of Wahiba Sands is Oman's largest island. It can be reached via a short ferry trip from Shannah Port. The interior of the island is mountainous and fairly empty. But you can hike up to the island's tallest peak Jebel al-Humr to view all of Masirah from above! Masirah's western side is lined with long stretches of sandy beaches and clear, shallow waters. This is the perfect place to relax in the sun and snorkeling or sea kayaking. Contrasting the calm western shoreline, the coast to the east of the island is rocky and the water is much rougher. When the winds are strong, kites- and windsurfers flock to the coast to enjoy the waves.

Masirah is also great for seeing wildlife. Besides the Arabian camels that roam the island, it is also home to over 300 bird species. In the summertime, 5 different species of sea turtles come to Masirah to lay their eggs on its east coast, and humpback whale populations regularly visit the surrounding waters.

Salalah

During the summer months, Omanis from all over the country flee to Salalah, to escape the unforgiving dry heat. Located in the Dhofar region in Oman's south, Salalah, unlike the rest of Oman, experiences monsoon season. The Khareef, as the locals call the monsoon, turns the Dhofar mountains into a lush paradise, and fills the Wadis with fresh water. But no matter the time of year, Salalah is always worth a trip. 

Within city limits, there is not much to see, besides the Land of Frankincense World Heritage Site. Salalah played an important role during antiquity when frankincense was still a valuable resource used in Pagan rituals. Grown and harvested in the Dhofar mountains, the frankincense was transported from Salalah through the desert or across the sea to the Mediterranean world, to satisfy the large demand. Later Al-Hosn Souq to get some of the perfume as a souvenir.

Outside of Salalah

Most activities are outside the city, in Dhofar's extraordinarily beautiful landscapes. Visit the lagoons ("Khors") that lie along the coastline to observe a large diversity of fish, birds, and plants. Stop at Khor Rori to explore the ruins of an ancient city, that once used the Khor as its port. To see even more wildlife, join a group tour that will take you to the best spots at the lagoons or even out to sea to watch dolphins!

Head out into the Dhofar mountains for great hiking trails and waterfalls or drive up to Jebel Samham, the mountain rangest highest peak, for stunning views of the region.

For a more relaxing day out in nature, spend some time at the beach. Dahariz Beach in Salalah or Mughsail Beach in Mughsayl are among the most popular, but all beaches in the area are amazing.

Desert Trips

Most of Oman either is part of the desert or just a short drive away, so no trip would be complete without at least one desert safari! If you just want to spend a day or two in the desert, go to Wahiba Sands, just south of Sur. Throughout the dune scape, there are many camps and resorts for you to choose from, which also offer guided tours and jeep safaris. The desert and the Indian Ocean touch, creating a fascinating border of dunes and waves. Around Bar al-Hikman you'll find beautiful beaches that are great for sea kayaking!

Another option is to drive out to the Rub al-Khali from Salalah. The drive is considerably longer and, as the desert's name Empty Quarter suggests, there are little to no amenities available. While as the center of the Arabian Desert and one of the largest dune scapes in the world it is an extraordinary place to see, it is a much larger commitment than a trip to Wahiba.