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Complete Oman
Example Itinerary
Overview
This comprehensive journey through the rugged and beautiful landscapes of Oman takes in vast deserts, enchanting oases and the highest mountains in eastern Arabia. Blessed with a dazzling array of natural and cultural highlights, the country that spawned the legends of Sinbad the Sailor provides the perfect setting for a spectacular road trip. Beginning in the country’s far north you will explore the remote fjords and mountains of the Musandam, before flying down to Muscat to explore the ...
This comprehensive journey through the rugged and beautiful landscapes of Oman takes in vast deserts, enchanting oases and the highest mountains in eastern Arabia. Blessed with a dazzling array of natural and cultural highlights, the country that spawned the legends of Sinbad the Sailor provides the perfect setting for a spectacular road trip. Beginning in the country’s far north you will explore the remote fjords and mountains of the Musandam, before flying down to Muscat to explore the nation's capital. Venture into the heart of the Hajar Mountains to enjoy a walk through Oman’s very own ‘Grand Canyon’ as well as visits to the spectacular forts at Nizwa and Jabrin. A chance to camp amongst the dunes of Wahiba Sands is then followed by crossing to Masirah Island to enjoy the delights of Oman’s largest island. Back on the mainland follow the Omani coastline exploring the beaches and wadis of the coast before the journey takes you into the vast expanse of the Empty Quarter, to camp amongst the sands of the Rub Al Khali. End the trip in Salalah on the shores of the Indian Ocean with a chance to discover something of the unique character of Oman’s second city,
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Khasab: Arrival
Arriving in Khasab on the Musandam Peninsula you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 Khasab: Mountain Wadis & Villages
Heading up into the mountains this morning, you'll follow a winding track towards the heights of Jebel Harim, the highest point on the peninsula. Lying some 2,087 metres above sea level, the journey up takes in some incredible views, with terraced mountain villages, lush forests of acacia and dry wadis laid out before you. Stopping at the picturesque villages of Sayah and Rowdah provides a chance to admire the vistas, before returning via Khawr Najid and the Al Khalidya Nature Park.
Day 3 Khasab: Fjord Cruise
Boarding a traditional Omani dhow this morning, the day sees you enjoying a cruise through the spectacular waters of Musandam's longest and most impressive fjord. Often referred to as 'The Norway of Arabia', the turquoise waters and creamy limestone cliffs of the Musandam provide an idyllic backdrop to small fishing villages and the occasional visit from friendly dolphins. Anchoring around Telegraph Island, there will be time for a swim and a snorkel before lunch, after which you will take a leisurely cruise back to Khasab.
Day 4 Khasab – Muscat: Capital Sights
Take an early flight to Oman’s capital city of Muscat and embark on a city tour visiting the vast Grand Mosque. Head to the National Museum to learn about the history of Oman through the collection of objects and artefacts along with digital experiences. See the Al Alam Palace before taking a walk through the Muttrah Souq, a traditional bazaar with stalls selling an array of goods including textiles, antiques and handicrafts.
Day 5 Muscat – Jebel Shams: Winding Mountain Roads
Leaving Muscat this morning you will head inland to the dramatic interior of Oman beginning with a visit to the 17th century Nakhal Fort which rises above the date palms on a rocky promontory providing views of the plains around. Stop by the hot springs in Nakhal which fill a small pool before heading to the rugged terrain of the scenic route through Wadi Bani Auf. Traversing steep mountain passes and deep gorges, you pass dramatic cliffs and hidden villages and by late afternoon arrive at Jebel Shams, the highest point in Oman.
Day 6 Jebel Shams: Canyon Walk
Oman’s Grand Canyon is the perfect place for a hike to explore the stunning views and traditional villages. You may like to head out along the Balcony Walk taking you along the rim of the canyon to an abandoned village where ancient homes are tucked into the cliffside and the remains of an irrigation system can still be found.
Day 7 Jebel Shams – Nizwa: Traditional villages and majestic forts
The mountainous interior of Oman is home to many villages perched on hillsides and home to traditional stone houses and streets too narrow to allow cars or even motorcycles. One such village is Misfat Al Abryeen, where you can stop to walk between the tall houses and observe the traditional water channel system. Continue on to the town of Hamra, nestled at the foot of Jebel Akhdar and where the fascinating old houses are still inhabited and connected by the falaj water system. As you head further south you will pass by Bahla Fort before reaching Jibreen Castle, an elegant and elaborately designed palace in which you will see some beautiful Islamic architecture.
Day 8 Nizwa: Old Town
The first stop of the day will be in the historic old city of Nizwa, home to an imposing 17th century fort and a bustling souk. After lunch you'll then visit the beehive-shaped Zakeet Tombs in Izki, which historians have dated back to the third millennium BC. There may also be time to visit Jernan Cave located below the ancient village of Ainizar, before returning to Nizwa for the evening.
Day 9 Nizwa – Jebel Akhdar: Three Villages Walk
Visit the village of Birket al Mawz today from where you can embark on the Three Villages walk taking you past abandoned mud brick villages and through gardens and agricultural land. In the afternoon drive on to Jebel Akhdar, the Green Mountain, an area of the rocky mountains home to a number of villages and communities, where wadis and natural springs provide water for terraces of fruit trees and shrubs including pomegranate and walnut.
Day 10 Jebel Akhdar – Wahiba Sands: Dune Driving
Wake this morning to views out over the Hajar Mountains with the rocky peaks spreading out in front of you. Descend from the mountains and make a stop in Ibra where you will find a busy souq known for its traditional weapons. You can also visit the old quarters of Ibra where traditional houses, an old souk and a mosque lie deserted. As you continue towards the coast you will reach the vast sand sea of the Wahiba Sands, a region of orange dunes sculpted by the wind. You will drive off road and across the dunes with your driver, an exhilarating experience and stop for lunch with a Bedouin family before you reach your desert camp for the night.
Day 11 Wahiba Sands – Masirah Island: Desert Island
Driving on through the dunes today you will reach the coast with the glittering turquoise sea stretching before you. At the port of Shannah board the ferry to Masirah, a journey of around 1.5 hours. Oman’s largest island, Masirah has a rocky interior, white sand beaches and an array of wildlife. The small town provides amenities and the main industries for the small population have traditionally been fishing and weaving.
Day 12 Masirah Island: Wildlife & Beaches
Today you will have a chance to explore Masirah with your local guide. The island enjoys miles of isolated sandy beaches and it is home to all four of Oman's nesting species of turtle. Indeed, the island provides a rare haven for the largest population of loggerhead turtles in the world. The shallow offshore waters are also ideal for snorkelling, whilst the island's rugged coastline has proven a dangerous spot for passing dhows, littering the shoreline with a number of wrecks.
Day 13 Masirah Island – Ras al Madrakah: Beach Camp
Head south along the coast once back on the mainland pausing at Al Duqm to see the natural geological formation of the Rock Garden. Reaching Ras Madrakah you will find a wild camping spot for the night. The waters around Ras Madrakah beach are known for their diversity of rare marine life such as humpback dolphin and stingrays. In the skies ospreys can often be seen. Enjoy the beach and sea this afternoon, taking a walk along the coast or tumbling in the waves.
Day 14 Ras al Madrakah – Wadi Shwaymiah: Birds & Lagoons
Enjoy sunrise across the ocean from your beach camp before packing up and continuing on your road trip along the coast. Stop off to see the pink lakes, separated from the sea these saline lakes have a pinkish hue due to the algae that blooms in the salty water. A little further south you will find the lagoon of Khor Gawi. This long sandbar which separates the sea from the lagoon is home to a number of sea birds including flocks of flamingos in the winter months. Continue to Wadi Shwaymiah to find an overnight camping spot. The wadi has vertical cliffs of white limestone towering over pools and palm groves.
Day 15 Wadi Shwaymiah – Empty Quarter: Lost City of Ubar
Head inland to the great sand sea that is the Empty Quarter. Stop at the archaeological site at Shisr, the site is considered by some to be the lost city of Ubar and the current village of Shisr was also an important trading post. In the afternoon head deeper into the Empty Quarter amongst the dunes to find a remote camping spot for the night. Settle down and enjoy the silence of the desert and the star lit sky.
Day 16 Empty Quarter – Salalah: Wadi of Frankincense
Wake to the solitude and peace of the desert this morning. You will then visit the region of one of Oman’s most famous exports with a walk through Wadi Dawkah, the Land of Frankincense. Here the boswellia sacra or frankincense trees thrive and the wadi holds historical significance in the ancient frankincense trade. You will then descend from the mountains to the coast and the city of Salalah.
Day 17 Salalah: Explore Dhofar
Today's tour begins with a visit to the old fishing village of Taqah, famed for its dried sardines and traditional old Dhofari houses. Continuing on to the ancient ruins of Sumharam (Khor Rohri), you'll then explore the easternmost outpost of the old Hadramawt Kingdom before taking a relaxing stroll through Wadi Darbat. Driving up into the Qara Mountains you'll enjoy some stunning views across western Salalah, before heading to the white sands of Mughsail Beach and the frankincense groves that lie close to the country's western border.
Day 18 Salalah: Departure
Transfer to the airport for the return flight back home.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Atana Khasab, Khasab
Set on a rock face looking out over the sea, the Atana Khasab hotel prides itself on offering traditional Omani hospitality. All rooms have private balconies and are decorated in warm colours, there is a traditional restaurant as well as a cafe and bar and an outdoor pool.
Crowne Plaza Muscat Hotel, Muscat
The four star Crowne Plaza Muscat is nestled at the tip of Qurum Beach and has panoramic views of the Gulf of Oman. The elegantly appointed and recently refurbished rooms have all modern amenities you'd expect and the hotel offers excellent leisure facilities including floodlit tennis courts, a swimming pool, a state of the art gymnasium, squash courts, sauna and steam rooms and massage and spa treatments. Restaurants serve a variety of Persian, Italian and international food.
Sama Heights Resort, Jebel Shams
Formerly known as Jabal Shams Heights Resort, the Sama Heights Resort is a celebrated hotel located in the heart of the Ajar mountain range. Standing at an altitude of 2100m above sea level, the property is a welcome escape from the hotter temperatures of Muscat and the desert. Using locally-sourced Omani stone and recycled materials, the unassuming villas and bungalows melt into the mountain landscape and offer simple but spacious rooms with en suite bathrooms, or you can enjoy a night in a Bedouin style tent for something a little different. Please note due to its location, Wi-Fi is not available at this property.
Ihyaa Inn, Nizwa
You'll feel transported back in time at the Ihyaa Inn, set in the historic Alaqr suburb of Nizwa. The traditional design is maintained throughout the property, with mud walls and large wooden doors helping to celebrate the ancient architecture of the region. Rooms and communal areas are spread across a selection of old houses, originally the residence of politicians and scholars. The rooms are fit with your basic amenities and private (very small) bathrooms, with just a handful coming with shared bathroom facilities. The property is in a great location just minutes away from Nizwa Fort and the main market area, and serves local dishes accompanied by lovely views of the old town.
Sahab Resort & Spa, Jebel Akhdar
The Sahab hotel is a unique hotel situated on the Saiq Plateau, located 2,000 metres above sea level, of Jabal Al Akhdar. The cooler climes of the western Hajjar Mountains area welcome retreat after a desert adventure. The property overlooks the canyon that is dotted with ancient villages and famous terraced farms or gardens. The twenty-seven rooms are subtly decorated, and all have a private patio or terrace, many of which look towards the mountains. Wake up to the beautiful hues of the sunrise, a peaceful start to a day of activities in the Jebel Akhdar or a day of simply relaxing. The wonderful pool and jacuzzi are surrounded by well-tended gardens full of native plants and fossils dating back millions of years and again offer stunning views. The hotel has a good restaurant and bar, where you can enjoy meals below the stars. You can choose to indulge in a treatment from the spa at the treatment rooms or in your room.
1000 Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands
1000 Nights Camp is the only one of its kind at Wahiba Sands, where you can travel further into the sands away from the main 'traffic' of this now quite busy area. The deluxe camp has 73 hand-made Bedouin wool tents, furnished with Arabic carpets, comfortable twin beds, table and chairs, and towels. The camp also features a swimming pool which is unique amongst all the camps in Wahiba Sands. Each tent has a separate walled but open roofed bathroom. There is an atmospheric dining building with cushions and low tables, where you are served a simple yet tasty Omani dinner. Activities such as camel riding, dune bashing, sand boarding and Bedouin family visits can all be arranged. Please note the hotel is dry and most rooms don’t have air conditioning.
Ras Al Madrakah Wild Camp, Ras Al Madrakah
This evening your campsite will be set up on the beach in the Ras Al Madrakah area, the desert dunes will provide a stunning back drop to the site with the sea to the east. Here you will camp and explore, climb the dunes, sit around a campfire and watch the sunset, seemingly without another soul alive in the universe. This experience will not be for everyone. The camping, although comfortable with mattresses, pillows, tables and chairs, is reasonably rudimentary. But for those with a sense of adventure who like to get off the beaten track to witness nature at its most serene and beautiful and are prepared to rough it a little, this is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Empty Quarter Wild Camp, Empty Quarter
Your wild camp will be set up this evening in a remote area of the desert in a truly epic location. And what an experience it will be... The size of the dunes, the colour of the dunes and the scale on which this sand sea rides, stretching as it does over a quarter of a million square kilometres deep into Saudi Arabia and Yemen, is like nothing else. Here you will camp and explore, climb the dunes to watch the most stunning sunset, sit around a campfire and catch shooting stars, seemingly without another soul alive in the universe. This experience will not be for everyone. The camping, although comfortable with mattresses, tables and chairs, is reasonably rudimentary. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. But for those with a sense of adventure who like to get off the beaten track to witness nature at its most serene and beautiful and are prepared to rough it a little, this is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Souly Eco Lodge, Salalah
Located just half an hour from Salalah city centre, the Souly Eco Lodge offers a wonderful stay, located on the peaceful shores of the Indian Ocean (Oman Gulf) in a spectacular setting between Taqa and Salalah, and just metres away from a fresh water creek called “Khour Souly”, a favourite hangout for some of the local wildlife. Originally set up with just a handful of Bedouin tents, the property now offers a lovely selection of 21 spacious wooden bungalows, all beautifully furnished and en suite. The eco-property has been built using local materials from the nearby area, and utilises solar-power systems as much as possible in addition to providing organic products for its clients. Each bungalow has a veranda from where you can enjoy the stunning sunsets, and there is a welcoming campfire area with Bedouin tents where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks and local live music as you soak up Oman's perfect starry nights.
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Dan
Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Daniel by calling
+44 (0) 20 8741 7390
OTHER ITINERARIES IN OMAN
Check out our group tours in Oman
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Oman. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Oman