• Overview
• Getting there
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• Expert guide

Omani’s have a deep respect for their country and its customs. Even in its modernity, Oman is distinctly Arab and offers the visitor a glimpse of many unique old-world wonders. The legacy that has been passed from generation to generation, the art, the culture, the folklore and the craftsmanship have to be seen. But there is much more in the heart of Oman to explore: the rich heritage kept alive and unchanged for generations, inspiriting the sense of respect for time, for people, and for nature.

Highlights

Muscat is Oman’s attractive capital city and makes an excellent base for your Oman holiday. Spend some time relaxing on the white, sandy beaches, explore the Old Town, visit the Muttrah Souq or use it as a base to take day tours to the interior, including Nizwa, Sur and Wahiba Sands.

Explore the Wahiba Sands and stay in one of the traditional tented camps. Night skies have never been so clear and the spectacular sand dunes are host to traditional Bedouin families, camels and adventure activities.

Visit Ras al Jinz to see the green turtles nesting on the beaches, and if you’re fortunate, the hatchlings making their way down to the ocean to begin their new lives.

Although not necessarily a destination in its own right, Sur is a worthwhile stop on the coastal drive between Ras al Jinz and Muscat.  Once an important base for trade with Africa, Sur has been an important dhow-building centre for many centuries, and you can visit what remains of the boatyards today and see dhows being built in the traditional way.

A day trip to Nizwa can be very rewarding, but we recommend at least an overnight stay to really take it all in. Set at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, sights include Nizwa’s famous souk (particularly worth visiting on Fridays), the impressive Roundtower Fort, Jabreen Palace, the pretty mountain villages of Misfah and Al Hamra, as well as the highest peak in Oman, Jebel Shams, from which the views are absolutely stupendous!

Take a dhow cruise and snorkel or dive in the waters off the remote and utterly spectacular Musandam Peninsula, whose coastline is most frequently compared with Norwegian fjords.

Planning your holiday

Oman is blessed with year round sunshine and the best time to visit is during the British winter, between October and April, when temperatures in the north of the country range between 24 and 35 degrees Celsius.  However, some visitors do choose to travel in May when it’s a little quieter and although it’s very hot, it’s usually only June/July when the humidity begins to make it particularly uncomfortable.

We usually suggest spending around seven to ten nights in Oman. This will allow time to explore Muscat and relax on the beach, and take day or short tours into the interior or up to the Musandam Peninsula.  Our tours are all tailor-made to your particular interests, either guided in a 4WD with an experienced English-speaking Omani guide, or on a self drive basis.

Culture

The Omani culture has its roots firmly in the Islamic religion. Oman developed its own particular form of Islam, called Ibadhism, after its founder, Abdullah ibn Ibadh who lived during the 7th century AD. Not all Omanis are Ibadhis however; there are also Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. Omanis are not only tolerant of the beliefs of different Muslim sects, they are also tolerant towards believers of other faiths, who are allowed to practice their religion in churches and temples.

The Khanjar –a national symbol of Oman

The khanjar (dagger) is worn in a leather sheath at the front of the body in a special belt, in a tradition unique to Oman. It is a symbol of a man's origin, his manhood and courage. National dress is not complete without it and men wear the khanjar on all formal public occasions and festivals. The khanjar has played an important role in Oman's history and this fact is reflected in the incorporation of its image into the Omani national flag. One dagger takes more than one month to make! Engraving carried out on the silver shaft is a very delicate process, and entails a highly specialised skill, one requiring excellent craftsmanship and precision. These techniques are passed down through generations, and it is this which sets them apart from other daggers of the region.