Women group travels are becoming a trend as more women seek adventure and meaningful connections. Travelling in groups provides a sense of safety, companionship, and shared experiences, allowing women to explore new destinations with confidence.
Destinations that offer both cultural richness and natural beauty, like Oman, are especially appealing. Oman stands out for its welcoming atmosphere, rich heritage, and stunning landscapes, from mountains to pristine beaches, making it a perfect destination for women seeking adventure and tranquillity in a safe, hospitable environment.
We talked to three women to share what their travel is like in the country.
Magical villages and dreamy destinations by Naura Zoubir
@naurazoubir
My career has been as a trekking guide, travel agent, and eco-tourism consultant. In early December 2009, the French trekking agency for which I used to work in Jordan proposed training in the Sultanate of Oman. I did not know the country but the travel agency urgently needed to train French-speaking guides for the tours during Christmas and New Year. I had one week to find out information about Oman before the training started.
There was very little literature in French, so I looked for books written in English. I also dug into travel forums on the Web to gather some information.
What a surprise when I arrived in Muscat. I was greeted by a police officer elegantly wearing a beautiful mussar and the traditional dishdasha! Since then, a new and bigger airport has been built to welcome a larger flow of international visitors, and nowadays the policemen wear elegant uniforms and are always very welcoming.
The training was intensive. We covered the whole country over two weeks with the local team. It was love at first sight: splendid landscapes of long pristine beaches, refreshing wadis (canyons), gorgeous mountains and deserts of legends.
Every village offered amazing hospitality, and local people were keen to share their fascinating customs and traditions. For those new to the country and who want to have a deep dive into Omani culture, you can visit the villages of Misfat al Abriyeen, Bilad Sayt, and Birkat al Mouz. These three villages are an amazing encapsulation of traditional living but developments would allow you to enjoy your time there as there are designated aesthetic coffee shops and plenty of nature activities or those that you can engage with locals.
Whenever in Oman, I am always grateful for the peace and serenity that I feel at all times. Fifteen years later, I am still amazed by this country, where I also had the opportunity to create strong friendships with Omanis and expats.
For women visiting Oman, it's also a must to include visiting Khareef. In the southern Dhofar region, Salalah offers a lush, tropical escape, especially during the Khareef season when monsoon rains transform the landscape into a green paradise. Here, the contrast between the arid desert and verdant hills creates a unique adventure. Travelers can explore the frankincense trail, hike through mist-covered mountains, or visit hidden waterfalls and pristine beaches that stretch along the Arabian Sea. The seasonal weather and cultural richness of the south make it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the full spectrum of Oman’s natural beauty.
I feel so safe in Oman that I sometimes go alone to camp in the wild.
I am so grateful to live in this legendary country of the 1001 Nights. I am very attached to Oman which has become my residency. Whenever I do my trekking tours in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Socotra, I also look forward to coming back.
Pristine beaches and exhilarating water adventures by Rose Ebuen
@duchessofmuscat
I came to Oman expecting only to stay for two years. Back in 2015, I thought working in the country would be challenging, especially for women. Fast forward to eight years later, working as a marketing and communications specialist and managing a digital travel page, I’ve come to learn that Oman is a total gem that is still quite unknown to a lot of people.
Because of my work, I’d been to nearly 60% of the country. It helped a lot to have adventure-loving Omani friends who could also show some of the country’s best-kept secrets. As for safety, we’ve gotten lost a lot. We entered someone else’s property, but as always, we got invited for a cup of kawa and dates instead of being chased out. This has become one of the reasons why Oman is a second home to me. It’s very safe.
For those coming to the country for the first time, Oman is more than just a desert country. You go to Al Khaluf and you will be welcomed by some of the whitest dunes that seemingly flow towards the bluest or greenest of water. If you’re a little more adventurous, head out to Ras Al Rowais which is very remote but allows you to witness where the desert meets the sea. You can’t also miss Barr al Hikman and Ras Madrakah, the first, the Maldives of Oman so pristine you would want to stay a bit longer and the latter, perfect for winter camping.
One of the most memorable trips I joined was when we did a coastal cave hop, starting from Muscat to Dhofar. There are plenty of hidden gems that only reveal themselves to those willing to take the off-beaten route.
If there’s a secret to exploring Oman, the best one is finding a friend among the many hospitable locals. Once you make an Omani friend, you usually have a friend for life.
For women travellers, this is what you have to remember. With over 3,000 kilometres of coastline, Oman’s waters are a paradise for marine enthusiasts. The Daymaniyat Islands, a protected marine reserve, are known for their vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, offering some of the best diving and snorkelling experiences in the region. Here, divers can encounter whale sharks, turtles, and schools of colourful fish, while the islands themselves provide a pristine environment for camping and nature observation. Further south, the coastal town of Sur invites you to explore traditional dhow-building sites and embark on sailing expeditions along Oman’s scenic shores.
A safe destination seamlessly blending old and new by Rachel Chew
@ rachelbethanychew
I’m a British expat who has been living in Oman since September 2019. I present a show on Hi FM Radio on weekdays from 4-7 pm. When I’m not in the studio, you will either find me reading a book or hiking.
I truly love Oman; the community spirit is so welcoming and contagious; and I generally think I am a nicer person after mixing with Omanis and fellow expats who have been so kind to me during my time here. I feel very safe here, and I am proud to call it my home. When my Mum came to visit, she was so shocked and confused that we were just leaving our bags unattended at Wadi Shab and that no one stole anything, sadly, that wouldn’t be the case in my home country.
Anyone who has truly experienced the nature of Oman will fall in love with it. In my time here, I’ve been on plenty of trips, and this appreciation for nature will happen whether you are checking out the views on the balcony walk in Jabal Shams or if you’re swimming up the quiet, glistening, beautiful pools at Wadi Hoquain.
Farther down south, the magical greenery of Salalah is so unique that the khareef season has become a full-blown attraction. If you’re coming here between June to September, you can’t miss what it has to offer including the beautiful Ayn Athum and other waterfalls that pepper the landscape.
For those new to the country, if you’re looking for a remote location off the beaten track and you fancy a swim in Wadi, there is a smaller, quieter wadi, very close to the famous Sa’al steps, not far from Muscat. I don’t even know its name, as it’s not written on a map, but I have been multiple times and thoroughly enjoyed it. There are little fish who can give you a little foot spa as they nibble on your feet, a rope that you can attempt to climb, and some goats to cheer you on as you plunge into the water.
Many of the expats who came to Oman for work may have originally planned to stay here for a short time. Oman has a way of creeping up on you and tugging into your heartstrings that, just like me, five years later, is still here.
What sets Oman apart is its balance between preserving its ancient traditions and embracing modern adventure tourism. Whether you’re glamping in a Bedouin-style tent, sipping coffee in the historic Mutrah Souq, or setting off on a 4x4 expedition across the mountains, Oman seamlessly blends old and new, offering an immersive experience where adventure and culture meet.
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