Each year, millions of foreign visitors, accompanied by their families and friends, arrive in the Sultanate of Oman, renowned as one of the most hospitable countries globally for tourists spanning all age groups.
The Sultanate is increasingly becoming the preferred vacation spot due to its exemplary track record in various aspects such as safety and security, advanced infrastructure, and telecommunications connectivity.
While several projects are still in progress to develop the country as a hub for adventure activities, the Sultanate already stands as a must-visit for enthusiasts of adventurous pursuits.
Over time, tourism amenities have been tailored to cater to every traveler setting foot on the country’s terrain. Families can delve into the extensive 3,000-km coastline, expansive deserts and dunes, and mountain ranges.
Foreign visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditional Omani lifestyle by interacting with local families.
Primarily, for any traveler venturing to this region, the allure lies in the deserts and the associated adventures.
Wahiba Sands, situated in the South Sharqiyah governorate, ranks among the top destinations for desert camping under the night sky and a plethora of adventures including camel riding, sandboarding, dune bashing in a 4x4 jeep, and quad biking.
Tour guides can facilitate visits to traditional Bedouin villages, offering insights into their lifestyle and culture.
DIVERSE ACTIVITIES
The optimal time for dolphin watching spans from October to May, with sunny days being recommended for the best experience. Dolphin watching is particularly popular in Muscat and Musandam Governorates, with several tour operators offering diverse packages.
Don’t miss the Al Hajar Mountains, with a stop at Nizwa, home to Nizwa Fort, Oman Across Ages Museum, and the Birkat al Mouz villages, which harbor the traditional Falaj irrigation system, recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site.
The Al Hajar Mountains range provides an ideal setting for hiking in Oman, presenting tourists with scenic spots and opportunities for adventure sports such as rock climbing and trekking.
As you ascend higher into the mountains, feel the temperature drop, perhaps taking a stroll through the picturesque village of Birkat Al Mauz, adorned with lush green date plantations. The Al Hajar Mountains offer a truly distinctive experience.
Beyond beaches, the main attraction in the Sultanate of Oman is the wadis, small streams of flowing water nestled between mountain ranges, providing ideal conditions for hiking during non-peak summer months.
Jabal Shams, known as the ‘Sun Mountain’, stands as the highest point in the Al Hajar Mountains, soaring to an altitude of over 3,000 meters above sea level, affording visitors the opportunity to explore its terraces.
While hiking excursions are thrilling, hikers must make adequate preparations, ensuring they carry all necessary equipment, particularly an ample supply of food and water to sustain the challenging climb, among other essentials.
Oman boasts numerous hiking trails, underscoring the importance of opting for an escorted tour equipped with a comprehensive guide and plan to mitigate the risk of getting lost.
The period between November and April presents the ideal window for planning a hike in Oman, as temperatures during this time are conducive to outdoor activities without being overly hot.
Summer is not recommended for hiking in Oman due to extremely high temperatures, which can lead to exhaustion, sunburns, and disruptions to your itinerary.
Travelers bound for Oman can partake in the world’s longest zipline over water in Khasab, Musandam.
Covering a distance of 1,800 meters from Jebel Fitt, riders can reach speeds of up to 80kmph before concluding the ride on a platform connected to the Atana Khasab Hotel.
The zipline offers awe-inspiring vistas of Khor Qadi and the Mokhi area along the coast of Khasab, providing tourists with a truly unparalleled experience that seamlessly blends adventure and exploration.
From deserts and wadis to ziplines, another avenue for adventure awaits at indoor snow parks, including one of the largest malls in the Sultanate. The park boasts family-friendly rides and attractions, including a 430-meter ice rink and a penguinarium.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
