Taqah beach is an ideal place for birdwatchers as it’s home to a fishing fleet that draws in a wide range of birdlife
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rom the spectacular fjord-like scenery of the Musandam Peninsula on the northernmost tip of its tranquil coast to Salalah’s palm-fringed beaches in the far south, few countries can rival Oman for the diversity of its natural landscapes.
Whether you want to end your day camping amid mighty sand dunes or witnessing baby turtles scrambling towards their first swim, the Sultanate’s natural wonders promise an awe-inspiring travel experience
Glorious beaches, majestic deserts and a ‘grand canyon’ – here’s why you should visit Oman
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Unlike most other countries on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman prioritises its rich natural beauty. The low-rise capital, Muscat, dramatically situated between the Hajar mountains to the west and the Arabian Sea to the east, has been a centre for international trade for centuries, giving it a rich blend of culture and traditions.
Beyond the capital, step back in time at the Oman Across Ages Museum, which recently opened its doors in Wilayat of Manah and whose design is drawn from the shape of the Omani rocks and the Al Hajar mountain range. The museum aims to highlight the unique character of the Sultanate of Oman and portray its advantages, ancient history and renaissance.
Further afield, those imposing peaks, the vast sand seas of A’ Sharqiyah Sands and the Empty Quarter, along with the jaggedly beautiful coastline, offer the chance to immerse yourself in a world where nature dominates rather than humankind.
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Desert oasis
A dip at Wadi Bani Khalid is a blissful way to spend an afternoon
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The Omani coastline stretches for 3,165km (almost 2,000 miles), taking in everything from white-sand beaches to dramatic caves and crystalline seas. And it offers a huge range of activities both above and below the water line.
One of the most picturesque areas is the Musandam Peninsula – an exclave tucked away on the Strait of Hormuz, at the mouth of the Arabian Gulf. The convergence of waters creates wonderful diving conditions, while the seas teem with a diverse array of fish, turtles and even whale sharks (from May to October). There are a number of excellent dive schools in the area, with snorkelling offering an equally memorable experience for those who don’t wish to scuba.
Nearer to Muscat, the unspoilt Diymaniyat islands – a nature reserve – also offer snorkelling, with colourful coral and rich sea life, and can be easily reached by boat from the capital.
Dive into… the coast
Peaks and troughs
Discover fiordland,
Oman-style, on the Musandam Peninsula
Leaps for joy
Set out on a kayak or go on a dhow cruise – whatever pleases you
Beach lovers should head to the Dhofar region in the far south of the country, where the seaside town of Salalah makes a superb base from which to explore the sun-drenched coast. Nearby beaches include Ad Dahariz, with a palm-studded promenade and private gazebos for lazing in the shade; Al Mughsail, where the mountains rise up along the 6km (3.7-mile) stretch of pristine sand; and Taqah Beach, home to a small fishing fleet that draws in a wide range of birdlife, making the small town an ideal place for birdwatchers.
Those interested in history will be fascinated by the region’s Land of Frankincense, a group of archaeological sites that are testament to the trade in what was once a luxury item that flourished here for centuries. They are now a Unesco world heritage site.
Oman’s beaches are particularly rich in wildlife; in Ras Al Jinz, close to the resort of Sur on the north coast, hundreds of turtles come to lay their eggs on the sands. The sight of dozens of tiny hatchlings scrambling towards the water in the moonlight is one of Oman’s most unforgettable natural wonders.
Elevated existence
Explore the deserted Wadi Bani Habib
on the slopes of Jebal al Akhdar
One of the best ways to grasp the scale of Oman’s breathtaking natural landscapes is to take a trip into the Hajar mountains, about a two-hour drive from Muscat. The two main peaks are Jabal Shams – famous for the astonishing Wadi Ghul canyon, which it overlooks – and Jebel al Akhdar, known as the “green mountain” for the orchards, rose plantations and palm oases that dot its slopes.
Driving up Jabal Shams is an experience in itself, with hairpin bends and stunning views at every turn, although nothing prepares visitors for the gargantuan scale of Wadi Ghul – Oman’s equivalent to the Grand Canyon.
Aim high in… the mountains
Confident hikers (and those with no fear of heights) can follow the 5km (3.1-mile) Balcony Walk into the canyon, but there are majestic views just from the side of the road. Back at the base of the mountain, it’s well worth exploring Al Hoota Cave, an incredible 5km-long cave system accessible by a small sightseeing train.
A journey into the mountains is a chance to experience a glimpse of authentic Omani life, with small towns like Misfat al Abriyeen – where houses are carved into the mountainside and a centuries-old “falaj” system supplies water to the residents. These towns offer a fascinating insight into how Omanis have lived among the dramatic peaks for hundreds of years.
Hiker’s delight
Jabal Shams is the highest point in Oman, perfect for catching a sunrise
Arabian safari
Take in the majesty of the dunes at
A’ Sharqiyah Sands on a camel trek
Oman’s most accessible desert is A’ Sharqiyah Sands, easily reached as a day trip from Muscat, although its proximity to urbanised areas does nothing to detract from its stark and extraordinary beauty. Spending a night in one of the luxury camps scattered between the golden-hued dunes – some of which reach heights of up to 100m (328ft) – offers the chance to witness both sunset and sunrise, with most camps driving guests up onto the dunes to ensure the best views. Thrill seekers should book a dune-bashing safari, with an experienced off-road driver to navigate the peaks and troughs of sand, while those looking for something calmer can join a camel trek.
Be awed by… the desert
spending time with a bedouin family is one of the empty quarter’s most unforgettable experiences
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Time for torque
Dune bashing on a quad bike is fantastic, adrenaline-fuelled fun
If the great golden waves of A’ Sharqiyah Sands are impressive, the vast, rolling wastes of the Empty Quarter, in the far south of the country, are even more jaw-dropping. Known as the “Rub al Khali” by the Bedouin, who used to cross it to transport frankincense – for which Oman is famous – this swathe of land is almost entirely uninhabited, save for a few Bedouin families and small luxury camps.
Spending time with a Bedouin family, who can share their knowledge and understanding of the desert, is one of the most unforgettable experiences the Empty Quarter has to offer, along with the chance to spend a night beneath the glorious starlit skies.
