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| Source: Pixabay |
The Sultanate of Oman is one of the most beautiful countries on the Arabian peninsula. Whether you love long walks, basking on the beach, or love to pick up some local bargains, Oman has all of this and more. Make no mistake, it will get hot, reaching temperatures of 40 C in summer, and even staying 25 C in winter. It is also a very conservative country and while visitors are not held to the same standards, it is still considered disrespectful to wear bathing suits on public beaches.
There are many distinct cities and regions in the country, and the weather and available attractions vary from one to the other. It is always sensible to check what is available and what weather you can expect in the area you are staying, rather than the country as a whole. Visitors should also know that while alcohol is available in hotels, bars, and even the airport, it is illegal to be intoxicated in public, so always take care when on the streets, even if you are walking between a bar and your hotel. Finally, citizens of nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council can travel to the country freely and people from many other countries are permitted to visit, but will need an Oman e visa, which is valid for 30 days after successful application.
Once you have your visa and have packed light clothes that will make it easier to survive the hot and sweaty weather, consider the following must-visit sites and locations when planning your trip.
Picnic At Wadi Dayqah Dam
The Wadi Dayqah Dam has a lake and park, and it boasts some of the most incredible views in the country. It is accessible by car, although the route is more challenging from the South and may require a 4x4 to get over the dirt track. The spot is not as heavily frequented by tourists, but it is popular with locals who visit the area for picnics. If you're into photography, try and visit at sunset, but the Dam is worth a visit at any time.
Camp At The Wahiba Sands Desert
There is a lot of desert in Oman, including some of the largest in the world. Most offer a variety of experiences, including camel rides, and the opportunity to camp out for the night. The Wahiba Sands Desert offers a glamping stay that you are unlikely to experience anywhere else in the world. If you prefer to rough it, wild camping is legal across the country, including on the Wahiba Sands, so pack your two-man and get exploring. Remember that it is very easy to get lost, and regular cars are not your best option when it comes to getting across the desert though.
Camp At The Wahiba Sands Desert
There is a lot of desert in Oman, including some of the largest in the world. Most offer a variety of experiences, including camel rides, and the opportunity to camp out for the night. The Wahiba Sands Desert offers a glamping stay that you are unlikely to experience anywhere else in the world. If you prefer to rough it, wild camping is legal across the country, including on the Wahiba Sands, so pack your two-man and get exploring. Remember that it is very easy to get lost, and regular cars are not your best option when it comes to getting across the desert though.
Discover The Al Hamra Ruins
The Al Hamra Ruins are around 800 years old, possibly older. It is believed that they were abandoned simply because the residents wanted to move somewhere with better infrastructure. They remain in very good condition, and are never usually overtly busy so you can enjoy a look around at your own pace and as part of your own schedule.
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| Source: Pixabay |
A souq is a traditional marketplace and they tend to be popular with travellers as well as locals. This means that they can get very busy; overwhelmingly so, in some cases. Bring cash, or use one of the ATMs just outside the souq, and you will be able to pick up some real bargains on local wares. The Mutrah Souq is very large, and incorporates quieter alleyways, as well as the main streets, so be sure to look around to get the best deals on the best items.
Swim At Wadi Bani Khalid
Wadi means valley that is dry except in the rainy season and there are many of them across Oman. The Wadi Bani Khalid is the largest. There is a lagoon filled with fish that will cleanse your feet, and there is a gorge of beautiful blue waters. The gorge tends to be quieter, although both areas can get busy, especially on Fridays and Saturdays when the locals visit. There is more than enough here to spend an entire day looking around.
Explore The Jabal Akhdar Mountains In A 4x4
Apart from some of the main marketplaces, Oman rarely feels overwhelmingly crowded, and there are plenty of places where you can enjoy almost total seclusion. The Jabal Akhdar mountains are one such region. This isn't your average road trip. There are well paved and marked roads that take you through the mountains, but the drive can get a little tricky and it is much easier if you hire a 4x4 for the ascent. It can be freezing during winter, but the rest of the time, you can enjoy a peaceful and beautiful hike through rugged mountains.
Relax At Khassab Beach
The Mussandam Governorate is surrounded by the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf and it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in this stunning country. The sands are an almost blinding white, and one of the most enjoyable and breathtaking of the beaches is that of Khassab beach. Remember, however, that even on the beach, you are expected to dress conservatively. This means that it is generally frowned upon to wear bathing suits, so plan your attire accordingly.
Watch The Turtles At Ras Al Jinz
The Ras Al Jinz is a nature reserve in the East of Oman. It has been reserved for the endangered green turtles, of which approximately 20,000 females return to the spot to lay their eggs every year. You can enjoy watching the turtles dig holes for their eggs and, if you time your visit perfectly, you will be able to see tens of thousands of baby turtles making their way off the beach and into the sea. This happens very early in the morning, and there are nature reserve guides that offer a guided tour and that can help ensure that you have the best possible chance of seeing this natural phenomena.
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| Source: Pixabay |
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post.
Thank you very much for reading today's post on these amazing features in Oman - I hope this is giving you guys Summer holiday fever already!
Would you visit Oman? If so, what is your favourite must-visit featured and why?
Let me know in the comment section below, along with any other feedback you may have, as I love hearing from each and every one of you! As usual, feel free to follow this blog before you leave for updates on when I post more content just like this!
Until next time,
Marina Rosie x
It looks great there!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated