Oman: Deserts, Wadis & Ancient Forts

Leave Muscat and follow the coast south toward Ras Al Jinz.

Stop at the striking Bimmah Sinkhole, where clear turquoise water fills a natural limestone depression. Continue to Wadi Shab, one of Oman’s most beautiful valleys. Those wishing to explore can take the short boat crossing and walk through the wadi toward its pools and rocky gorge.

Continue through the fishing town of Sur, historically famous for its wooden dhow-building tradition, before reaching Ras Al Jinz or nearby Ras Al Hadd.

In the evening, you may join an optional guided visit to the protected turtle reserve. Turtle sightings are natural and therefore cannot be guaranteed.

Overnight: Ras Al Jinz or Ras Al Hadd
Driving: Approximately 250 km / 155 miles
Driving time: Approximately 3½ hours, excluding stops

After breakfast, travel inland toward Wadi Bani Khalid. Surrounded by date palms and rugged mountains, its beautiful natural pools make it one of Oman’s most inviting wadis.

Continue toward Sharqiya Sands, also widely known as Wahiba Sands. The landscape changes dramatically as enormous golden dunes rise from the desert.

Depending on the selected camp and your rental conditions, you will either drive to the camp using the approved access route or leave your vehicle at an arranged meeting point and continue by camp transfer.

Enjoy sunset over the dunes, a traditional dinner and a memorable night beneath the desert sky.

Overnight: Sharqiya Sands desert camp
Driving: Approximately 200 km / 124 miles
Driving time: Approximately 3 hours, excluding stops

Wake early to experience sunrise over the desert before enjoying breakfast at your camp.

Return to the main road and continue through Oman’s interior toward Nizwa, the country’s historic cultural capital. Along the way, you can stop in Ibra, known for its old mud-brick buildings and traditional atmosphere.

After arriving in Nizwa, explore the old quarter or enjoy an evening walk around the fort and souk.

Overnight: Nizwa
Driving: Approximately 190 km / 118 miles
Driving time: Approximately 2½–3 hours

Spend today discovering the historic and mountainous region surrounding Nizwa.

Visit Nizwa Fort and its massive circular tower before exploring the traditional souk. Depending on the day of the week, you may see traders selling pottery, dates, spices, silverware and local produce.

Continue to the UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort and the beautifully restored Jabrin Castle. Later, travel toward Al Hamra and Misfat Al Abriyeen, a traditional mountain village with stone houses, shaded pathways, date plantations and an ancient falaj irrigation system.

Return to Nizwa for the evening.

Overnight: Nizwa
Driving: Approximately 100–87 mi (140 km) / 62–87 miles

After a relaxed morning, leave Nizwa and drive into the Al Hajar Mountains toward Jebel Akhdar, meaning “the Green Mountain.”

A 4WD vehicle is required to pass the mountain checkpoint. The winding paved road climbs to a cooler plateau of terraced farms, deep canyons and traditional villages.

Spend the afternoon exploring scenic viewpoints or follow part of the village walk connecting Al Aqur, Al Ayn and Ash Shirayjah. During the appropriate season, the mountain terraces are known for roses, pomegranates, apricots and walnuts.

Enjoy a peaceful night in the mountains.

Overnight: Jebel Akhdar
Driving: Approximately 55 km / 34 miles
Driving time: Approximately 1–1½ hours

Enjoy breakfast surrounded by the spectacular mountain landscape before descending toward Muscat.

Depending on your interests and available time, stop at Birkat Al Mouz to see its old village, date plantations and traditional irrigation channels.

Continue to Muscat and spend your final afternoon exploring the capital. Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque during permitted visiting hours, photograph Al Alam Palace or return to Mutrah for last-minute shopping.

Complete your journey with dinner overlooking the Gulf of Oman.

Overnight: Muscat
Driving: Approximately 170 km / 106 miles
Driving time: Approximately 2½ hours