The Complete Oman Travel Guide: Family, Adventure and Unique Experiences

With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Oman is a destination that appeals to every kind of traveller. Whether you are looking to spend memorable moments with your family or are looking for some unique experiences, the country lives up to your expectations. In this blog post, we bring you a list of the top 10 places to visit in Oman and how to best plan your trip according to your time, whether it is 3 days or a week. We will also give you information about some of the best routes and places to visit in Oman by car, and tell you when is the best time to visit Oman. So, let’s set out to discover those magical and unique places in Oman that will make your trip unforgettable.

Places to visit in Oman

The best places to visit in Oman include –
The capital city of Muscat, where the magnificent mosques and old forts are worth seeing. The ancient city of Nizwa, famous for its fort. The beautiful desert region of Wahiba Sands, the lush mountains of Jabal Akhdar, and stunning coastal spots like Wadi Shab and Salalah.

Top 10 places to visit in Oman

The top 10 places to visit in Oman include –

1. The capital Muscat, famous for its grand mosques and traditional souks (markets).
2. The historic city of Nizwa, where the ancient fort is worth seeing.
3. The lush green mountains of Jabal Akhdar.
4. The beautiful Wahiba Sands desert.
5. The coastal city of Sur, known for its traditional dhow boats.
6. The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, where you get a chance to see turtles up close.
7. Wadi Shab full of natural beauty.
8. The unique Bimmah sinkhole.
9. The lush Salalah region.
10. Views of the spectacular cliffs and fiords of Khasab.

Exploring Oman by car

Travelling around Oman by car is a great way to see the country’s many beautiful sights – whether it’s the desert, mountains or coast.

A 4WD is best for off-road adventures like the Wahiba Sands or rugged mountain paths, but a 2WD is sufficient for most paved roads and famous sights like the Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab.

The main sights include:

• The capital city of Muscat
• Historic Nizwa
• Stunning Jabal Shams (known as Oman’s “Grand Canyon”)
• Desert dunes Wahiba Sands
• Coastal cities Sur and Ras al Jinz (where turtles lay eggs)

A typical itinerary will allow you to experience both the desert and mountains, explore wadis and old forts. This trip can be easily done in 7–10 days or longer if desired.

Special activities for families

Some of the best activities for families in Oman are –

• Dolphin watching and snorkelling at the Deymaniyat Islands.
• Swimming and cave exploration at Wadi Shab.
• Visiting cultural sites like the Nizwa Fort and the National Museum.
• Dress camping and dune bashing.
• Indoor fun areas at malls in Muscat, like Snow Oman, where kids can enjoy snow.

Travelling in Oman with kids

Oman Road Trip with Kids – GlobalMouse Travels Family Travel

Visiting Oman with kids offers many fun experiences.

1. Adventure on the sand slopes of Wahiba Sands.
2. Swimming in Wadi Shab and other wadis.
3. Trekking on the Balcony Walk of Jabal Shams.
4. Exploring old forts like Nizwa Fort and Jibreen Castle.

Attractions for kids in Muscat are – Oman Children’s Museum, Qurum Beach, and Oman Aquarium. Also for a cultural experience, visiting Muttrah Souq and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque will be memorable for both kids and adults.

Places for family experiences

Experiences for families in Oman

• Enjoy dune bashing and desert camping at the vast Wahiba Sands.
• Watch turtles lay eggs at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.
• Visit the historic Nizwa Fort.
• Great swimming spots such as Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Darbat.
• Parks and cultural sites for families in Muscat, such as the Grand Mosque and the National Museum.

Unique and exciting experiences

Some of the unique and exciting experiences in Oman are –

1. Camping and dune bashing at Wahiba Sands.
2. Dolphin watching and enjoying a traditional dhow cruise in Musandam.
3. Canyoning in Wadi Shab and Snake Canyon.
4. Staying in the ancient mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen.
5. Experiencing the monsoon (Khareef season) in Salalah.
6. Trekking in Jabal Shams, the “Grand Canyon” of Oman.
7. Turtle watching at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.

When is the right time to visit Oman?

The best time to visit Oman is between October and April. The weather is especially pleasant from October to March and is ideal for outdoor activities like desert safaris, hiking and beach walks.

For a different experience, you can visit Salalah, the southern region of Oman, where the “Khareef” (monsoon) season lasts from June to September. During this time, the place is green and the temperature is also cool.

If you travel from March to May (spring season), you can also see the beauty of roses blooming in the mountains.

Final Thought

Oman offers a memorable experience to every kind of traveler. Whether it is with family or on an adventure by car, the deserts, mountains and historical sites here will make your trip unforgettable. Plan your trip well and enjoy the natural beauty and rich culture of Oman.