Oman exudes culture. From pre-Islamic Frankincense ports to lost cities in the desert, the finest Arabian forts and souks and modern masterpieces like the Grand Mosque and the Muscat Opera House, there’s artistic and architectural majesty abundant. And that’s before we even whisper the real draw of the country; the lure of the great outdoors. Wonderful fish-rich seas, towering mountains and dunes, the empty desert with the occasional oasis and deep cavernous ravines known locally as wadis; getting amongst it in Oman is an adventure.
Practically speaking, Oman enjoys a summer climate all year round (although it’s best to avoid the intense heat of May through September), welcoming and, relative to the region, politically stable. Ed Granville, Red Savannah’s Oman expert and frequent visitor to the Arabian jewel, says “there is so much to do within such a small area and the activities are exotic, adventurous and fabulous fun.” We’ve teamed up with Ed to share our 10 IDEAL reasons to visit Oman.
EXPLORE THE AMAZING WADIS
The Wadis of Oman are a sort of valley or canyon with a stretch of still water at its trough. Head out in a 4×4 to and drive along dry riverbeds, hike up the dramatic deep ravines and swim in the fresh, sweet waters of their clear pools, all fringed with palm trees and a carpet of sand beneath your feet.
VISIT WAHIBA SANDS OR THE EMPTY QUARTER
These undulating desert lands are home to the Bedouin herdsmen and their cherished camels. Mount one (the camel, that is) for a sunset safari, camp under the stars, watch the sun set and rise from atop a dune and see the tracks of desert animals out during the night . Stay in a permanent tented camp or in a private, campaign-style camp for the ultimate adventure.
DUNE DRIVING
Let the air out of your tyres and navigate the soft sandy dunes by 4×4 which demands a certain driving style, one which the locals have perfected. If you’re not up to it, have a someone with the skills take the wheel. Scale the towering dunes with a seasoned driver for a truly exhilarating experience.
ENJOY A CUP OF KAHWA
The Omani people are extremely welcoming and renowned for their hospitality. A traditional greeting in the country is to be offered a china cup of hand blended coffee, called kahwa. Of course, it’s polite form to accept the offering and guests should be prepared for their senses to be thoroughly awakened – rather than taken with milk and sugar, the beverage is drunk through a mouthful of sweet confectionery called halwa and accompanied by dates.
EXPLORE THE FISH-RICH WATERS OF THE GULF OF OMAN
Oman has over 1000km of coastline along the Arabian Sea and this stretch of water offers some of the best fishing in the world, as well as excellent snorkelling, diving and dolphin-watching.
TURTLE BEACHES AT RAZ AL JINT
See the world famous beaches where the Green Turtles lay eggs in their millions. At night, the mothers haul themselves up the beach to dig their nests, and it’s possible to watch as the hatchlings scrabble out of the nests down to the sea, avoiding the crabs and hungry sea-birds en route. This is nature at its wondrous, enchanting best.
AMAZING ARABIAN FORTRESSES
In Oman, sand-coloured, crenelated fortresses and their outlying guard-posts stand guard over the precious date-palm oases. Atmospheric and in tremendous condition, replete with murder-holes, escape tunnels and all manner of traps for would-be attackers, these are some of the finest forts in Arabia, and a carefully preserved insight into the history of the region. Among the best are the forts at Nizwa, Jabrin and Bahla.
GLITTERING CITY OF MUSCAT
The capital, Muscat, is home to the extraordinary Grand Mosque, which, on approach, has a tendency to take the breath away, even if it’s not your first time in its presence. The newly built Opera House is another must-see, as well as the traditional fish market at the port of Mutrah and the adjacent souq. The old town has a couple of Portuguese forts guarding the harbour, whilst the Bait Al Zubair Museum gives an excellent introduction to Oman’s history and culture.
SMELL THE HEADY SCENT OF THE ROSE TERRACES
In March and April, the famous rose terraces of Jabal Akhdar come into bloom and the dusty landscape is transformed into a shock of pink hues, with a fragrance to match. Explore the villages where the aroma is captured and turned into valuable rose water and walk the steep terraces among the bright blooms and pomegranate trees.
SERIOUS COMFORT
Oman offers some of the most stylish accommodation in Arabia. In Muscat, The Chedi is famed throughout the world for its stunning location, sophisticated rooms and wonderful service. Up in the mountains, the newly opened Alila Jabal Akhdar is perched in a jaw-dropping spot on the edge of a mighty wadi, and in the northern exclave of Musandam lies the glorious Six Senses Zighy Bay resort, on a majestic crescent-shaped beach framed by the Al Hajar Mountains behind.