Oman is a country full of adventure, culture and breathtaking nature. Whether you love adventure in the desert, exploring historic forts or relaxing on pearly white beaches, Oman has something for everyone. In this blog, we share the top 8 ‘things to do’ in Oman that you should not miss while visiting this enchanting country.
1. Wildlife Spotting
Oman is a true paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. On Ras al Jinz beach at sunrise, you can witness green sea turtles slowly returning to the sea after laying their eggs. Game reserves are home to the Arabian oryx, Arabian gazelle and Nubian ibex. With a guide, there is even a chance to see the rare Arabian wolf. For Whale Watching, a trip from Khasab, Muscat or Salalah on open water offers the chance to admire orcas and dolphins close to shore. Surrounded by fresh sea air, you will sail through the home waters of as many as 20 different species of whales and dolphins. Oman is also a birders paradise, with more than 500 species of birds, including the Omani owl, peregrine falcon and crab plover.
2. UNESCO World Heritage Site
Oman has five UNESCO World Heritage sites, and each takes visitors on a journey through time. At Bahla Fort there is a historic atmosphere surrounded by mosques and the lively souq. At the archaeological sites of Bat and Al-Khutm , cemeteries and settlements from the Bronze Age can be seen. In the Land of Incense in Dhofar , the scent of incense wafts across the ancient trade routes. The Aflaj irrigation system, with thousands of water canals, shows how the Omanis have managed water for centuries. And in Qalhat, the ancient city on the coast, you can imagine how trade used to take place there.
3. Birkat Al Mauz
If you leave the main thoroughfare and take a small winding path on your way from Muscat to Nizwa, you will arrive at the ghost town of Birkat Al Mauz. The last residents left Birkat in 1959, fleeing the war between the Sultan and Imam. The oasis is now inhabited only by birds. Date plantations are feral, yet the palms still bear dates. Otherwise, everything seems to stand still. Doors are ajar, but the valley is forgotten and deserted. Until someone takes another detour and discovers it.
4. Outdoor activities
Deep in the desert, you can sandboard on Oman’s orange dunes, sending adrenaline coursing through your veins as the soft sand serves as a pillow. High in the air, paragliding offers spectacular views of the mountains, coast and vast countryside. Oman also boasts a hidden world of limestone caves, full of impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The Majlis Al Jinn cave, accessible only after abseiling 150 meters, is an adventure in itself. The Muqal Cave in Wadi Bani Khalid, which is easier to access, and the Hoota Caves, with its breathtaking underground lake, are also impressive.
5. Forts, historical and archaeological sites
Omani forts were originally built to protect regions and ward off invaders, but today they welcome visitors and testify to Oman’s craftsmanship. Famous forts like Nizwa, Al Jalali and Al Mirani, as well as ancient villages like Manah and Samharam, bring the past to life. Due to its strategic location, Oman played a key role for centuries, which is reflected in places such as Wabar, Sumhuram and the Salut site in Bahla. Al-Midhamar Mosque, Oman’s oldest mosque, is also a reminder of the country’s rich history. Despite modern developments under Sultan Qaboos and Sultan Haitham, Oman retains its historical charm.
6. Al Hajar Mountains
The road through the Al Hajar Mountains has many twists and turns and sometimes gets narrow, teetering between two boulders. But to truly feel the power of the mountains, you must leave this road. Off-road routes such as the Wadi Bani Auff right through the mountains offer adventurers the chance to explore the rugged landscape. Among the steep mountains are oases, small wadis and ancient mountain villages such as Harat Bidah. The ancient irrigation system and a small mountain stream bring life to the area. The highest peak, Jebel Shams, offers impressive views for the go-getters who reach the summit.
7. Museums
The National Museum of Oman offers an in-depth experience of the country’s rich culture and history, with an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and traditions that reflect Oman’s past. You will discover how the country has evolved while continuing to nurture deep-rooted values and heritage. The Oman Across Ages Museum, located in the Wilayat of Manah, takes you on a journey through 800 million years of history, from the geology of the country to the flowering of new eras. Both museums offer an insight into Oman’s long and complex history.
8. Salalah and Dhofar
Even with the dust of the Omani desert still in your eyes, the fresh green of the southern province of Dhofar stands out. Unlike the rest of the country, Dhofar has a subtropical climate. The annual Khareef (monsoon rains) transform the arid hills into a tropical paradise every summer. Omanis from the arid North flock to this region to enjoy the rains. But even visitors who are less impressed by a rainstorm should not skip Dhofar. Waterfalls, coconut palms and mist-shrouded banana plantations give the landscape a fairytale appearance. In Salalah, the largest city in the south, the arrival of the monsoon is celebrated with the annual Khareef Festival, full of music, culture and sporting events.
