Northern Oman: Wadis, Mountains & Coasts
Northern Oman: Wadis, Mountains & Coasts
9 Days
Visiting: Oman
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NOM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Interests:
From:
$4325 (USD)Tour Overview
This 9-day tour introduces us to the highlights of Northern Oman as we travel along coastal roads and through ancient ports to the majestic landscapes of the Hajar Mountains, discovering tranquil oases, historic forts and colourful markets along the way.
We begin the tour in Muscat, a capital which offers a compelling blend of the old and new, before setting off along stunning coastal roads to the ancient port city of Sur. Set in the mouth of the Gulf of Oman, Sur was once a major port trading with Africa, Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula, and here we can learn more about Oman’s seafaring traditions. Turning inland, we then head into the heart of Wahiba Sands where we will spend the night at a fixed camp and can enjoy some of the most spectacular stargazing in the world.
Our journey then takes us towards the rugged peaks of the Hajar Mountains and the highlight of our adventure. Here amongst the dramatic landscapes of the Green Mountain, we will discover villages steeped in the traditions of ages past, where ancient falaj water systems share the timeless vistas with imposing forts and wadis and oases that are amongst the most beautiful anywhere in eastern Arabia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Muscat
Accommodation: Al Faraj or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
The tour starts from Oman’s International airport to coincide with the suggested Group Tour flights. We will head straight to the magnificent mosque of Sultan Qaboos, one of the largest in the Arab world, whose grand marble halls are capable of holding some 20,000 people. After which we will begin our guided tour of the city. One of Arabia’s most picturesque cities, Muscat lies within the protective embrace of a ring of horse-shoe mountains that run down into the glittering waters of Muscat Bay. We will drive along the engaging sea-front to the Al Alam Palace and the 16th century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. We will also have a chance to visit Muscat’s renowned Muttrah souk, one of the best in the region. There will be free time in the afternoon for those that want to explore independently, or time to rest and freshen up.
Day 2: Muscat - Bimmah Sink Hole - Wadi Shab - Sur
Accommodation: Sur Plaza or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We set off south along the coast this morning, first visiting Bimmah Sink Hole, a depression filled with crystal clear turquoise water that some locals believe was formed by a meteor. We then head to Wadi Shab, one of Oman’s most spectacular wadis, which can be reached via a remote pathway, taking us over boulders and through streams, before reaching this stunning natural swimming pool where we can enjoy a dip. After enjoying lunch at the nearby restaurant, we continue on to the port town of Sur. Once a major port trading mainly with East Africa, this interesting town perfectly exemplifies Oman's seafaring traditions. Here we can enjoy a wander through a labyrinth of streets, home to many fine old houses with carved doors and arabesque windows. Sur is most famous for its Dhow building, and so a visit to the shipyard will hopefully give us a glimpse of some of the craftsmen at work.
Day 3: Sur - Wadi Bani Khalid - Wahiba Sands
Accommodation: Sama Al Wasil Camp or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we leave Sur and drive inland towards the deserts of the Wahiba Sands. En route we visit Wadi Bani Khalid, another of Oman's most beautiful wadis, a picture-perfect oasis with palms trees lying next to crystal-clear water. After a chance to explore on foot or have a swim, we then drive into the vast, open landscapes of the Wahiba Sands, over 10,000 square kilometres of shifting sands and towering dunes that are home to isolated settlements of semi-nomadic Bedouin. En route we stop at the home of a Bedouin family where we can enjoy a delicious home-cooked lunch in the company of our welcoming hosts. Driving through an ever-changing landscape of colours and contours, we eventually reach our fixed camp in the heart of the desert.
Day 4: Wahiba Sands - Ibra - Birkat Al Mauz - Jebel Akhdar
Accommodation: Sama Hotel Jabal Al Akhdar or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The adventure turns west today, towards the Hajar Mountains and the limestone slopes of Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountain). Stopping off at the old town of Ibra en route, we have a chance to visit the local women’s market, a colourful display of fabrics, exquisite embroidery, and handicrafts. Continuing on our journey into the mountains, we can soak up the rich natural and cultural diversity of village life in this area, with visits to Al Munisifeh and Birkat Al Mauz. A fascinating insight into local Omani culture, the day is filled with wonderful scenery, captivating villages, ancient labyrinthine water systems and orchards of walnuts, pomegranates and damask roses.
Day 5: Jebel Akhdar - Bahla & Jabrin Forts - Nizwa
Accommodation: Nizwa Heritage Inn or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we enjoy a short walk through the nearby local villages. Beyond being scenically stunning, the area is rich with produce including Damask roses, pomegranates, walnuts, juniper trees, and more. We can learn about the traditional open-air water system known as ‘Falaj’, which winds its way around the villages, filling the area with the sound of running water. Following a brief photo stop to take in the UNESCO World Heritage setting of Bahla Fort, we move on to Jabrin, possibly the finest of Oman's 17th century fortresses, whose exquisite painted wooden ceilings provide an eloquent testimony to the skills of the fort's original builders. We end the day in the town of Nizwa, the historical and heritage capital of Oman.
Day 6: Nizwa - Al Hamra - Jebel Shams
Accommodation: Sama Heights Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we experience the hustle and bustle of Nizwa’s Friday cattle market, the largest in Oman and an exciting way to see local life and learn about Omani culture. The souq is also in full swing on a Friday morning, and we will see many local Omanis and Bedouin communities travelling down from the mountains to sell their goats, bulls and the occasional camel. The livestock market is usually busiest between 7–9am, so expect an early start. From here we then visit the famous round tower fort of Nizwa, built in the 17th century to guard the Sumail Gap during the struggle between the Sultan and the Radical Imams. This fort is one of the best examples of defensive architecture in the country and it’s worth climbing to the top of the tower to get a great view of the city and surrounding date plantations. We continue on to Al Hamra and its incredibly atmospheric old town, where there are mud houses dating back 400 years that are still occupied. Here we visit a heritage house where we can enjoy lunch, before driving on to Jebel Shams via the ‘Grand Canyon’ viewpoint.
Day 7: Jebel Shams - 'Grand Canyon' Walk - Misfat Al Abriyeen
Accommodation: The View or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At over 3,000 metres, Jebel Shams (The Mountain of the Sun) is one of the highest points on the eastern Arabian Peninsula. Often called the 'Grand Canyon' of Oman, these mountains stretch in a 700-kilometre arc that is filled with hidden valleys and fertile oases. This morning we will embark on a spectacular walk along the rim of the canyon, enjoying the views out across Wadi Ghul and its fertile expanse of fig, apricot and pomegranate trees. We then continue to Misfat Al Abriyeen, an old mountain village and one of Oman’s prettiest, resplendent with its crumbling buildings and the atmospheric sounds of the open-air, falaj water systems. Here we can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and explore the area before enjoying some downtime at our hotel later in the afternoon, a stunning spot high up on the mountain.
Day 8: Jebel Shams - Bilad Sayt - Wadi Bani Awf - Muscat
Accommodation: Al Falaj Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The drive back to Muscat today takes us through Wadi Bani Awf and Bilad Sayt, an idyllic mountain village with a wealth of picturesque terraces. We spend some time exploring this area with a walk around the village and in the canyon, before enjoying some lunch nearby and driving on to Muscat for our final evening.
Day 9: Tour Ends In Muscat
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast today. Those on the suggested Group Tour flights will be transferred to the airport.
What's Included
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TRANSPORT
This tour is predominantly in 4WDs but a minibus may be used for our tour of Muscat
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MEALS
8 x Breakfasts8 x Lunches8 x Dinners
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
3 nights x Premium
5 nights x Superior -
ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Visas
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa if staying in Oman for 14 days or less (no extensions). If you do require a visa you will need to get an e-visa before departure. E-visas can be applied for through the following website: https://evisa.rop.gov.om/en/home
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Oman.
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is a requirement for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour.
If you fancy a tipple whilst on holiday, it can be quite hard to get hold of alcohol outside of the main international hotels and therefore it may be worth picking up a bottle in Duty Free of your preferred drink to have while in the more remote parts.
Travelling Solo and single supplements
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
Sunday - Monday
Oct 27, 2024 - Nov 04, 2024Sunday - Monday
Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 25, 2024Sunday - Monday
Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 10, 2025Sunday - Monday
Oct 26, 2025 - Nov 03, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise
You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**
We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:
There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
Tourist visas (if required) are available.
There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****
** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
**** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
*****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.