Oman Thrills & Spills

Introducing Oman (Continued...)

air-conditioned shopping malls. The men parade proudly through the streets in their flowing white gowns; the women saunter elegantly through the markets in their colourful, cascading shawls.

The Sultanate of Oman is located in the Middle East and its capital is Muscat. To the north-west of Oman is the border with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Here you’ll find the Musandam Peninsula, a small enclave of Oman that juts northwards towards Iran. Saudi Arabia is to Oman’s west and Yemen is south-west. The Gulf of Oman laps against the eastern shores and the Arabian Sea is to the south/south-east.

The north of the country is the most popular region for travellers. This area has spectacular scenery. Jebel Shams is Oman’s highest mountain; it summits at approximately 3000 metres. Wadi Ghul is dubbed ‘the Grand Canyon of Arabia’, it offers trekking in one of the world’s deepest canyons. Jebel Akhdar is an oasis plateau that sits at 2000 metres above sea level; the temperatures here are cooler, the flora is lush and the environment pleasant. Some of the country’s best forts can be seen in Nizwa, Bahla and Jabrin.

The Musandam Peninsula reaches out from the Arabian Peninsula in to the Strait of Hormuz; here you will find a dramatic and stunning desert coastline. Oman’s most southerly province is Dhofar; it’s a peaceful land that beats to a different pulse. Gravel desert, groves of wild frankincense and unbelievable beaches are waiting to be discovered across Dhofar.

In the west of Oman, north of the southern highlands, is the ‘Empty Quarter’. This is an enormous desert that occupies 82 per cent of Oman (approximately 225,000 square miles) a rather large adventure playground by anyone’s standards!
Oman’s climate is very hot and humid from May to August in all parts of the country except Dhofar. The climate is best from October to March. The annual temperature range is 22C – 40C, and annual rainfall is low and varies according to the region. From June through September you can expect daily light rain in the southern Dhofar region.

4x4 Driving

With an enormous abundance of sandy desert, Oman is properly geared up for off-road adventures! The Al-Hajar mountain range in the north, allows trips through remote mountain villages, lush sub-tropical oases and vast meandering wadis. Further south, bash through the dunes and arrive at the impressive 17th century forts around Nizwa.

From Salalah in southern Oman, off-road trips into the vast Empty Quarter can be arranged. The vehicles are robust and made for the job, but the dunes can be unrelenting in your bid to summit them! Be prepared to drive your truck, and sometimes even dig out your truck and travel along the ancient frankincense trade routes.

Scuba Diving

There’s breathtaking underwater scenery to be found all around the waters of Oman. Dive-sites are comparable to more commercial sites in the Middle East. A bonus is the vastly reduced number of people travelling in this area - try it in October
The water temperature ranges from 20C – 35C through the year. This warmth brings with it a multitude of native and visiting marine species, including the elusive hawksbill turtle and the odd whale shark.
The Daymaniyat Islands are 11 miles off the Muscat coast They are a small congregation of uninhabited islands and Oman’s only protected marine reserve. The word on the street is these islands offer world-class diving.
The dive sites around the Musandam Peninsula deliver awesome adventurous diving to experienced divers. In the south of Oman, diving is also possible off the coast of Salalah.

Trekking

Trekking is by far the best way to enjoy Oman's spectacular mountain landscape. Combine desert dunes with mountain treks, or wild wadi walks with miles of unspoiled beach meanders.
In the north of Oman is the Musandam Peninsula. This area is wild and spectacular, and trekking can be tailored to suit all levels of comfort.
The Al-Hajar Mountain range extends from the northern borders with the UAE, down to central and eastern Oman. The tallest peak in the range is Jebel Shams, at just over 3000 metres this makes for a moderately strenuous climb.
Inland from the historic city of Sur, are the Wahiba Sands (also known as Sharqiya Sands). Take a desert trek in this inspiring 'sea' of dunes that rise up two-hundred metres.

Rock Climbing

Oman’s northern regions are home to the country’s tallest peaks and deepest crags. Climbing is still a fledgling sport in the Middle East, so you could pioneer new tracks through the canyons and wadis. Winter is the best time of year to climb – from November to March there is cooler weather and lower humidity. Reach the more remote sport climbs via exhilarating Via Ferrata routes. In the ‘Grand Canyon’ region at Wadi Nakhr, there are bolted and traditional multi-pitch climbs The monolithic towers of Wadi Ghul in the north, offer Alpine-style climbing. The challenging south-western facade of Jabal Mishfat commands climbs of up to five hundred metres. But, Jabal Misht beats all of these! Located a few hours west of Muscat, its south-eastern face extends for four miles and rises to 850 metres - here Alpine meets Arabia and the route’s good for all grades.

Classic Itineraries

Muscat is the porthole through which most people enter Oman, enjoy the city and its warm hospitality for a few days. Hire a 4x4 and head north, north-west for a plethora of adventure sport choices; trek, climb or drive through the Al Hajar mountain range. Remaining with your truck, travel south to Nizwa and marvel at the majestic ancient forts. From here, journey east to the boat building city of Sur and the world-famous Wahiba Sands; trekking, camel safari, sand-boarding and off-road adventures all wait for you in the desert wilderness. In the south of Oman is the chilled-out city of Salalah. Blessed by rains in the winter months, the city and surrounding area are the most verdant parts of Oman. Stroll along the endless beaches, relax in cool oases, catch a glimpse of a nesting turtle or watch the humpback whales play in the Arabian Sea. On your journey north again, and back to Muscat for departure, ensure time is left for some scuba adventure. The Daymaniyat Islands are only 11 miles offshore and the diving here is excellent

Other Activities

If you want marine action in the seas off Oman, then there’s a fistful of activities to captivate you. Sea Kayaking is relatively new in the country but a few companies hire kit. Sport fishing is very popular but can be pricey. Sailing along the coasts in a traditional Dhow or more modern vessel is a fantastic way to view the country, and there are multi-day tours available.
Inland, there are the mighty deserts of Arabia to keep you entertained. Tackle the dunes on a quad-bike or sand board. Ride through the wadis and canyons on a flighty Arabian horse, or perhaps explore the vastness of the desert from the back of a trusty camel.