Oman
Desert dreams, rugged mountains and authentic Arabian charm.
Oman is a fabulous country and maintains the reputation of traditional Arabic hospitality, ensuring a warm welcome wherever you go. It is home to stunning landscapes and fascinating history with trading ports and Bedouin tribes. Oman’s capital, Muscat offers a glimpse into the modern country while maintaining centuries-old traditions. Admire the bustling souk, visit the spectacular mosque, and shop for the world’s most expensive perfumes created using frankincense and myrrh from Oman.
Step back in time with a trip to Nizwa and Bahla. Nizwa is Oman’s former capital and is known for its hectic livestock market every Friday morning. Visit Bahla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and shop for beautiful pottery. Oman’s landscape combines verdant hillsides with terraced fruit orchards, rolling sand dunes, and pristine beaches.
Visit the desert of Wahiba Sands for dunes up to 100m high and stay in a luxury tented camp. These mobile camps can be set up wherever you wish and are an ideal way to taste desert life in total luxury. Explore by 4×4, encounter migratory birds and wildlife such as gazelle and mongoose, take a camel ride, and visit a Bedouin family. Top it off with a romantic sunset over the dunes and you’ll feel like you’re in paradise.
For respite from the heat, escape to the Al Hajar mountains. Find charming hillside villages, rich orchards, and the scent of damask rose in the air. Relax in a luxury hilltop resort, visit a local village to see how rose water is made, and soak up the atmosphere in this stunning part of Oman.
For beaches, Oman has some of the best. Head north to the Musandam Peninsula for dramatic fjords, ancient tribes, and world-class diving and snorkelling. Visit the subtropical city of Salalah for a taste of the Indian Ocean or head to Sur to learn about the centuries-old tradition of Dhow-making. We’ve hand-picked the best hotels in Oman – from mountaintop retreats to exclusive beach resorts, city hotels, and luxury tented camps – you’ll be spoilt for choice on a luxury Oman trip.
- Currency
- Time Zone
- Language
- CAPITAL CITY
- NATIONAL DISH
- PEAK TIME
Key Experiences
- Natural Wonders
Discover the soaring dunes of Wahiba Sands, the lush terraced orchards of the Al Hajar Mountains, and the dramatic fjords of the Musandam Peninsula. Oman’s landscapes are as diverse as they are spectacular.
- Beaches
Unwind in luxurious resorts along the Indian Ocean, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, or sail past remote coves. Oman’s pristine coastline is perfect for laid-back indulgence.
- History
From the historic forts of Nizwa and the UNESCO-listed town of Bahla to the souks and mosques of Muscat, Oman offers a deep connection to Arabia’s storied past and Bedouin heritage.
Key Locations
When to Visit Oman
Oman is a year-round destination, but the cooler months from October to April are generally the most pleasant for travel, as summers can be extremely hot in the interior and humid along the coast.
BEST WEATHER IN Oman
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Sample Itineraries
Our Oman
The Humboldt team’s Oman highlights
The taste that stayed with me…
“Oman’s cuisine is full of subtle spices and fresh flavours that feel completely unique. I loved trying shuwa, a slow-cooked lamb dish marinated with local spices and cooked in an underground sand oven. I also picked up some dates from a local market. They were so sweet and rich, the perfect little taste of Oman to take home with you.”
FOUNDER, TRAVEL DESIGNER
FAQs
Oman offers a wide variety of landscapes and cultural experiences, so to explore it comfortably, we recommend 7 to 10 days. This allows you to visit the capital Muscat, the stunning fjords of Musandam, the vast deserts of the Wahiba Sands and the ancient forts and wadis scattered throughout the country. A longer stay gives you the chance to combine adventure, heritage and relaxation at a leisurely pace.
Jordan and Oman pair beautifully as travel destinations, offering a seamless blend of ancient history, breathtaking desert landscapes, and warm, authentic hospitality across two distinct yet complementary cultures. Travel is conventient between the two, with frequent direct flights between Amman and Muscat.
Most travellers, including those from the UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, require a visa to enter Oman. Fortunately, Oman offers an easy e-visa system online, allowing visitors to apply ahead of travel for stays typically up to 30 days. Some nationalities may also receive visas on arrival. Visa rules can change, so we recommend checking with your nearest Omani embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information before travelling.
There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Oman for most travellers. However, routine vaccinations such as MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended. Oman has very low risk for diseases like malaria, but consulting a healthcare provider 4 to 6 weeks before your trip is advisable.
Yes, Oman is considered one of the safest countries in the Middle East for visitors. The local people are known for their hospitality and the government places strong emphasis on security and tourism infrastructure. Visitors can confidently explore cities, deserts and mountains with minimal concerns, though normal travel precautions should always be followed. Using licensed guides and drivers enhances safety and the overall experience.
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