Oman

Oman holds to its culture and traditions but embraces the modern lifestyle

My first visit to the Middle East was to Oman as guest of the Omani Tourist Board. I flew into Muscat from Doha with Qatar Airlines. The city holds to its Arabian culture and traditions but embraces the modern lifestyle. One of the highlights was a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The pathways, terraces and buildings are covered with beautiful marble. The magnificence of the mosque, its décor, carpet and chandelier is breathtaking. A tribute to Islamic religion, culture and architecture. I made a comment that unlike the Medieval Churches of Europe no peasants suffered in construction of the building, it was built and paid for by the Sultanate. Another spectacular building in the city is the Opera House built in 2011.

The city stretches along the coast and restricted by a rocky, grey-brown coastal mountain range. A six lane highway services the city from Mussandan Marina and the International Airport in the north-west to the Government Buildings and the Sultan’s Palace in the south-west. The main shopping is situated in Al Queum Commercial Area however shopping malls are spread throughout the city.

All visitors will be attracted to negotiate a bargain at the Muttrah Souq which is walking distance from the cruise terminal. The store keepers are very friendly and honest and while they hassle you to buy a pashmina scarf or an Omani hat you will feel very safe shopping there.

While country has an excellent modern road system, the petrol is cheap but a car rental can be expensive.

My recommendation would be to take a tour. Enjoy the hospitality of the local guides to learn more about the history, culture and life in Oman, and experience the off-road 4W drives through dried up river beds, the deserts and plains.

Experience Oman

4 Day 4WD Escorted Tour

Day One – On arrival you will be met by your driver/guide who will drive you in his 4WD vehicle to Nizwa, through the majestic canyons, dried up river beds, deserts and plains. Nizwa is the ancient capital of Oman. After checking into the Golden Tulip Hotel, subject to arrival time, you could relax around the swimming pool.

Day Two. After breakfast, explore Nizwa, its fort and the adjacent Souq. Drive on to the Jabrin Castle, often described as one of the most beautiful castles in all of Oman. Enjoy a packed lunch purchased at the Golden Tulip Hotel. Then drive on to the high plateau of Jebel Akhdar.

Day Three. Hotels offer personalised tours for those of its guests who wish to explore the essence of Jabal Al Akhdar and its rocky mountain ranges with its breathtaking views. There are a variety of treks or rock climbing opportunities.

In the afternoon drive back to Muscat and in the evening visit the Muttrah Souq open till 10pm.

Day Four. A tour of the city which includes a visit to the Grand Mosque open Saturday to Thursday till 11am. In the afternoon relax at your resort before your flight.

Optional addons – Ash Sharqiya, the sand ‘sea’ stretches for 200 kms. in length and 100kms wide. Its a perfect place for a thrilling 4WD roller-coaster ride through the dunes. Stay overnight in the Desert Palm Camp at Sama Al Wassil. a three hour drive south west of Muscat.

Rass Al Jinz Turtle Reserve for an overnight stay, with an opportunity to be taken on an escorted visit to the reserve in the evening and again in the early morning to see the turtles nesting and with the hope of seeing the young scurrying into the sea.

Resorts & Desert Camps in Oman

Shangri-la Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa – 5 Star plus is located on the bay of Barr A Jissah. The resort is made up of three resorts. Al Waha ideal for families and Al Bandar for couples, both are interconnected by two lagoon pools and a lazy river where you relax in tubes as the current slowly glides you along.. Al Husin Resort is Adults only with a private beach, complimentary mini-bar, afternoon tea and pre-dinner cocktails and canapes.

Golden Tulip Hotel Nizwa – 4 Star. Built in the traditional Omani style architecture, As with many hotels in Oman you are greeted with Omani dates and coffee on arrival. The pool area offers buffet dining in the evening.

Alila Jabel Akhdar Resort Jabel Shem Heights – 5 Star. Perched on a rocky hillside 2,000 meters above sea-level, overlooking a dramatic gorge and surrounded by the Al Hajar Mountains.

Sama Al Wassil Desert Camp – 3 Star. Located in the heart of the Sharquiya Sands The camp is surrounded by dunes of varying heights that gives the feeling of complete isolation. Accommodation is in ten en-suite chalets, with meals served in a traditional tent. You will get to experience an exhilarating drive through the sand dunes to watch the sunset.

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