Oman: Camels, Hidden Waterfalls, and Turtles

Oman:
Camels, Hidden Waterfalls, and Turtles

As it gets colder and wetter here in the US, I’m dreaming of camel racing across the desert followed by a refreshing swim in an oasis. Today we visit Oman! Travel to the Middle East is one of the safest options in the world because crime is unthinkable - it would reflect poorly on the Sultanate. Oman, in particular, is welcoming to all respectful people. This is going to be so great!
- Cris

Before we head to Oman, I’m curious about your travel plans for 2025.

Day 1: Muscat

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

Immerse yourself in the beauty and art of Islamic culture by visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture. The Mosque is one the world's largest mosques and a massive architectural work of art that intentionally blends different Islamic architectural schools. It features 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers and the world's second largest hand-knotted carpet. The Carpet of Wonder was commissioned for the prayer room.

The Grand Mosque is the country's tallest structure, with an imposing 90-metre minaret. The mosque has four additional minarets, and together the five towers symbolise the five pillars of Islam: profession of faith, prayers, giving of alms, fasting and pilgrimage. Sultan Qaboos Mosque of Sohar is one of the largest holy places in the Arab region. Comprises of more than 180,000 sq. meters and can hold more than 5,500 worshipers at any given time in its prayer halls for both men and women. The total area of the mosque is distributed into three main portions. The outer gardens, main structure where we have courtyard and main prayer hall. The mosque is known for its stunning architectural beauty, with a mix of traditional Omani and Islamic elements. The attention to detail is impressive. One example is that the ablution places are kept separated on the left side corner and they are huge and spacious so the cleanliness can be maintained up to high standards.

See the beautiful pictures

Mutrah Corniche

In the evening, return to Muscat and stroll the 1.5 miles along the Mutrah Corniche to visit the Mutrah Souq, one of the oldest markets in Oman. Sweeping from Muttrah Fish Market in the west to Riyam Park in the east, Muttrah Corniche lines Muttrah Bay on Muscat’s coast. Backed by the craggy Al Hajar Mountains and home to Muttrah Souk and Muscat cruise port; this popular waterfront is Muscat’s oldest commercial center and its most scenic and vibrant spot. This is where you come to shop, gossip, and drink coffee with your friends while admiring the ships and ocean.

Day 2: Nizwa

Nizwa Fort

Did you enjoy pretending to be pirates when you were young? Get ready to relive your childhood because Nizwa Fort has cannon holes, turrets, and 7 doors at the entrance which each lead to a different place. I would be so lost living there. We recommend visiting the Nizwa locations in a single day by hiring a local guide to handle transportation and ticketing. Technically, the entire complex is called ‘Nizwa Fort’ but it actually contains both a Fort AND a Castle.

Nizwa Castle

Since not everyone wants to live in a fort, there is a castle next door. Nizwa Castle was built by Imam Salt bin Malik Al Kharusi in the first half of the third century AH / late ninth century AD, and it was built next to the old mosque. Nizwa was the capital of Oman until the late 18th century and so this was the seat of power prior to the new capital opening. This castle had a place for everyone; a headquarters for guests who come from far away to visit the imam, the military room, the imam’s library, coffee making and preparation rooms, prayer rooms in which the imam used to meet with people, a room (al-Najwa) for secret conversation, the imam’s private rooms in which he used to stay for worship, receiving guests, and dates stores. I wonder if people invited into the room for telling secrets were secretly thrilled? Or really worried?

Check out the massive Bahla Fort while you are in Nizwa.

What To Eat (reviews and photos)

Day 3: Desert Adventure

Wahiba Sands

Do you drive an SUV with all wheel drive but mostly use it to go to Costco? Time to change that because we’re headed into the desert to do some dune bashing, camel riding, swimming in an oasis, and possibly meeting some bedouins! Take a tour and cruise through desert dunes in a 4WD vehicle, savoring the thrill of off-road navigation. Venture into Wahiba Sands to observe the traditional homes of desert nomads and Bedouin tribes, keeping watch for nomads accompanied by their camels. Explore a Bedouin residence nestled in the desert heart, contrasting the arid surroundings with the crystalline waters of Wadi Bani Khalid. Take a leisurely break in the shade of palm trees, marvel at villages adorning the wadi slopes, and appreciate houses clinging to the rugged mountainside. Remember to pack your swimsuit for a revitalizing dip in the inviting waters!

The desert is also home to some 3,000 Bedouins, some of whom you may meet if you travel through the sands. Bedouin camps can be found along the tracks and trails in this isolated desert. You can also spend the night in one of these camps and experience an unpolluted sunset followed by all of the stars in the night sky. People describe this experience as “life changing” and vow to make sure that everyone in their family gets to experience it. No phones. No computers. Just water, animals, people, and a focus on what is important.

See what it looks like

Where To Shop (reviews and photos)

Day 4: Turtles

Witness A Momma Turtle Lay Her Eggs

One of the most popular eco-tourism activities in Oman is turtle viewing. Oman is home to several important nesting sites of four different species of turtles: the endangered Green Turtle, the Olive Ridley Turtle, the Loggerhead Turtle, and the critically endangered Hawksbill Turtle.

Surprisingly, the best time to travel and see the turtles hatch in Oman is during summertime, between May and September. Because Oman is located in the Middle East, there is always that hesitation in traveling due to the temperature and humidity. Truth is, Ras Al Hadd (where the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is located) enjoys very comfortable weather all throughout the year and during summertime as well, averaging from 77°F to 97°F. As the only place to legally watch turtles in Oman, this experience absolutely should not be missed!

Where To Sleep (reviews and photos)

With warm, beautiful deserts and beaches, secret waterfalls, and delicious food, I’m tempted to buy an apartment here for the winter. Is it better to be a snowbird in Arizona or Oman? Tough question.

See you next Wednesday from Reims, France.

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