Hear about a road trip in Oman as the Amateur Traveler talks to Max Walton from Sloths with Latitude about the country he thinks is the best in the world.
In this episode of the Amateur Traveler podcast, we explore a two-week road trip through Oman, a country offering dramatic mountains, turquoise wadis, pristine deserts, and a warm culture rooted in Ibadism. Max shares his favorite country in the world, guiding us through a self-drive adventure with a 4×4, rooftop tent, and plenty of memorable encounters.
Why Visit Oman?
- An authentic Middle Eastern experience, very different from Dubai
- 2,000 km of coastline, mountains, wadis, and deserts
- One of the safest countries in the world, often called the “Switzerland of the Middle East”
- Rich history: oldest independent state in the Arab world
- Wild camping is legal almost everywhere
Best time to visit: September–April (avoid the scorching summer unless heading to Salalah during the khareef monsoon).
Practical Travel Tips
- Transport: Rent a 4×4 with a rooftop tent (recommended: Active Oman in Muscat).
- Driving: Public transport outside Muscat is limited. You’ll need a car.
- Costs: The Omani rial is strong, so the country feels expensive, though camping helps reduce costs.
- Customs: Respect Islamic laws and traditions; alcohol only in licensed establishments.
- Timing: Sunset is early (around 7 p.m.), so plan camp setup in daylight.
- Gear: Always carry more food, water, and fuel than you think you’ll need.
Suggested Itinerary
Days 1–2: Muscat
- Stay one night in a hotel (e.g., Ramada Encore Muscat, or upscale options like W Muscat or Al Bustan Palace).
- Explore Muttrah Corniche and Souq, Muttrah Fort, and the Sultan’s yacht.
- Dine at Royal House Restaurant for Indian-influenced Omani cuisine.
- Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (morning only), the Royal Opera House, The House of Amouage perfume factory, or the National Museum (Oman).
- Stock up on supplies at Lulu Hypermarket before leaving the capital.
Day 3: Wadi Adventures
- Drive to Wadi Dayqah or Wadi Al Arbeieen for turquoise waters and hiking.
- Stop at Bimmah Sinkhole for cliff jumping and a refreshing swim.
- Camp near White Sand Beach, where snorkeling with turtles is possible.
Day 4: Wadi Shab & Sur
- Hike and swim into the cave pool of Wadi Shab.
- Continue to Sur, a fishing town with traditional dhow boats.
- Camp near Ras al-Jinz, famous for turtle nesting. Take an evening turtle-watching tour at the reserve (note: no wild camping on the reserve beach).
Day 5: Turtles & Wadi Bani Khalid
- At dawn, visit beaches near Ras al-Hadd to see baby turtles making their way to the sea.
- Drive inland to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman’s easiest and most popular wadis.
- Enter the desert near Bidiyah, deflating tires for sand driving. Camp near the dunes (or stay at the Thousand Nights Camp if you prefer a lodge).
Day 6–7: Nizwa & the Sayq Plateau
- Explore Nizwa Souq and Nizwa Fort, a hub of Omani silver and traditional crafts.
- Visit Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Drive up to the Sayq Plateau, camping near Diana’s Viewpoint.
- Optional: If visiting on a Friday, see the famous Nizwa goat market.
Day 8: Jebel Shams – Oman’s Grand Canyon
- Drive to Jebel Shams, the highest peak in Oman.
- Camp overlooking the canyon, often called the second deepest in the world.
- Hike the Balcony Walk (W6 trail) along the rim.
Day 9: Snake Canyon
- Guided canyoneering in Snake Canyon, Oman Adventure Tour (abseiling, cliff jumps, natural slides).
- Visit the village of Bilad Sayt, a picturesque mountain settlement.
- Cross the dramatic Wadi Bani Awf road, one of the country’s most scenic 4×4 drives.
Day 10: Return to Muscat
- Stop at Wadi Wadi Hoqain for a last swim before heading back to Muscat.
- Drop off the 4×4 or continue with a side trip.
- Option: Take a boat/snorkel trip to the Daymaniat Islands Tours, known as the “Maldives of the Middle East.”
Days 11–14: Salalah & Dhofar
- Travel south (night bus or flight) to Salalah, in the Dhofar region.
- Stay at Salalah Gardens Hotel or the luxury Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.
- Visit Wadi Darbat, Gravity Hill Point, and Jebel Samhan viewpoint.
- Explore history at Mirbat (site of the 1972 Battle of Mirbat).
- Enjoy local camel burgers at simple eateries in Salalah.
- Drive west toward the Yemeni border (if safe), stopping at Mughsail Beach and its blowholes.
Highlights of the Trip
- Wild camping under the stars in the desert with 5G signal
- Swimming in turquoise wadis and hidden caves
- Watching turtles nest and hatch on Omani beaches
- Exploring UNESCO sites like the Bahla Fort
- Dramatic canyoneering in Snake Canyon
- Seeing Salalah turn green during the khareef monsoon
Summary
Oman is peaceful, humble, and varied—an ideal destination for adventurous travelers seeking a balance of rugged road trips, cultural encounters, and natural beauty.
Sponsors
- NerdWallet Smart Travel Podcast. This week’s show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the link below:
subscribe: rss feed | Apple podcasts
right click here to download (mp3)
Show Notes
Sloths with Latitude
The Ultimate 2 Week Adventurous Sultanate of Oman Itinerary
Oman
Travel to Brunei and Sabah on Borneo – Amateur Traveler Episode 947
Oman (Bradt Travel Guides)
Muscat
The Official Oman Taxi App
Ramada Encore by Wyndham Muscat Al-Ghubra
W Muscat, Muscat
Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel
The Chedi Muscat
Active Oman – Rooftop Tent and 4X4 Rental in Oman
Muttrah Corniche and Souq
Al Jalali Fort
Royal House Restauarant
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Ibadism
The House of Amouage
Royal Opera House Muscat
National Museum (Oman)
Wadi Dayqah
Wadi Al Arbeieen
Bimmah Sinkhole
Wadi Shab
Ras al-Jinz
Wadi Bani Khalid
Nizwa
Sayq Plateau
Bahla Fort
Jebel Shams
Bilad Sayt
Snake Canyoning Oman Adventure Tour
Daymaniat Islands Tours
Salalah Gardens Hotel
Wadi Darbat
Gravity Hill Point
Al Baleed Resort Salalah
Battle of Mirbat
Community
Amateur Traveler Trips
