How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Oman?
Seven to eight days is the perfect amount of time for a first road trip across Northern Oman. In just one week, you can experience an incredible amount of variety. You can swim through clear desert pools, sleep under the stars in massive sand dunes, hike the edge of deep mountain canyons, and snorkel with sea turtles in turquoise bays.
If you have less than a week, you will need to cut out either the desert or the mountains. With seven full days, you can easily connect the coast, the sands, and the high peaks into a single loop.
Do You Really Need a 4x4 to Follow This Route?
Yes, having a proper four-wheel drive with high ground clearance is essential. While the main highways linking Muscat, Sur, and Nizwa are modern and smooth, the best parts of the country sit off the tarmac.
Driving into the dunes of Wahiba Sands, climbing the steep dirt road up Jebel Shams, and crossing the mountain pass through Wadi Bani Awf are simply not safe or possible in a standard city rental car.
Day 1: Muscat and Coastal Kayaking
Fly into Muscat International Airport (MCT) and get settled into your accommodation.
Spend the morning exploring the capital. Start at the historic Mutrah area, walking along the waterfront Corniche and wandering through the narrow alleys of Mutrah Souq, where you will smell frankincense and find local spices. Next, head over to Old Muscat to see the Sultan's Al Alam Palace, flanked by the two 16th-century Portuguese stone forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani.
In the late afternoon, head down to the coast for a sea kayaking session along the limestone cliffs. Watching the sun go down from the water is a fantastic introduction to Oman. Finish your first day with a relaxed barbecue dinner on the beach.
Day 2: Wadi Al Arbeieen, Bimmah Sinkhole, and Beach Camping
Leave Muscat behind and drive southeast along the rugged coastal road toward Sur.
Your first stop is Wadi Al Arbeieen, a dramatic freshwater canyon hidden between dry mountain walls. Take a swim in the fresh turquoise pools before heading to the famous Bimmah Sinkhole. This natural limestone crater is filled with bright blue-green water and is a great spot for a quick dip.
In the afternoon, head to Wadi Shab, one of the most famous valleys in the country. You take a quick boat across