The real wonder of Oman is outside the capital. Within a few hours of Muscat, you can swim in a hidden gorge, stand on the rim of a canyon, climb a hilltop fort or watch the sun set over a sea of dunes, and the roads are excellent and well signed. Here is how to choose among the best day trips from Muscat, grouped by what they offer and how far you need to go.
How to do it
There are three main options: a guided group tour, a private driver or guide, or a hire car. Group tours are the cheapest and the simplest, but they follow a fixed schedule. A private driver gives you flexibility and local knowledge, and it is often the best choice for the mountain and wadi routes where roads become rough. A hire car suits confident drivers who want freedom, since the main roads are modern and good, but dune driving, wadi tracks and mountain roads should be left to experienced drivers in four-wheel-drive vehicles. Whichever option you choose, start early, carry water and sunscreen, and keep an eye on the weather, because wadis can flood after rain.
Closest to the city: forts and springs
Nakhal Fort, roughly an hour and a half away, is the easiest of the great forts, a whitewashed hilltop building above a palm oasis, and a nearby hot spring and the valley of Wadi Bani Awf can be added. This is the best choice if you have only half a day. Further along the same road are the forts at Rustaq and Al Hazm, which suit travellers who want to see more of the history of the interior.
The coast: Wadi Shab and the sinkholes
The coastal road south of Muscat leads to some of the loveliest scenery in Oman. Wadi Shab is a gorge of green pools and palm groves, reached by a short boat crossing and a walk, with a swim into a cave and a hidden waterfall; the Bimmah Sinkhole, a deep, turquoise pool in a limestone crater, is a short drive away and is usually included. Allow a full day, and think about continuing to Sur and Ras Al Jinz for an overnight trip, where green turtles come ashore to nest.
The desert: Wahiba Sands
The Wahiba Sands, also known as the Sharqiyah Sands, are Oman’s great dune sea, a landscape of red and gold dunes that suits both a long day and an overnight stay in a desert camp. Most tours combine the dunes with Wadi Bani Khalid, a palm-fringed oasis with swimming pools, and an overnight stay allows you to see the sunset and the stars without a long drive in the dark. Dune driving is best left to local drivers with proper vehicles.
The mountains: Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams
These two ranges offer cool air and dramatic views. Jebel Akhdar, the Green Mountain, is a plateau of terraced orchards and rose gardens, about two hours from Muscat, with a four-wheel-drive-only road at the top. Jebel Shams, the highest mountain in Oman, is further, roughly two and a half to three hours, and its canyon rim is the closest thing in the country to a Grand Canyon. Both are best in the cooler months and both reward an early start; an overnight stay makes them far more relaxing.
The interior: Nizwa, Bahla and Jabreen
Nizwa Fort and its souq are the cultural heart of the interior, and the Friday morning livestock market is a famous local tradition. Bahla Fort, a World Heritage Site, and the painted rooms of Jabreen Castle are a short drive further. A full-day tour can combine all three, though many travellers prefer to stay overnight in Nizwa and see them at an easy pace.
The sea: Dimaniyat Islands
For a different kind of day, the Dimaniyat Islands nature reserve offers clear water, coral and turtles, with boat trips from the coast near Barka and Al Seeb. It is a half-day trip, and it pairs well with a quiet afternoon on the beach.
Choosing a trip
If you have one day, choose Wadi Shab for water and scenery, Nizwa and Bahla for history, or Jebel Shams for views. With two days, combine the Wahiba Sands with Wadi Bani Khalid and a night in a camp, or link Nizwa with Jebel Akhdar. In summer, favour the mountains and the sea, and avoid midday hiking in the wadis. Wherever you go, dress modestly outside the city, respect local customs and take your rubbish with you.
