Bordering the Indian Ocean on the eastern extremity of the Arabian peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman is a magical land distinguished by the names of such legendary figures as Sinbad, Job, Marco Polo and the Queen of Sheba.
In contrast with its low-lying neighbours, Oman's landscapes are characterised by a series of awe-inspiring mountain chains. Dramatic rocky peaks, several around 3000m, alternate with oceans of vast dunes, over 100m high in places, and seemingly limitless expanses of flat stony sands concealing exotic wadis and leafy oasis villages perched precariously amid craggy peaks overlooking terraced fields and palm groves.
In the south, desert gives way to lush, monsoon-fed plains in the Dhofar region. On the coast, deep fjords, coral reefs and mile upon mile of deserted, sandy beaches reward those prepared to forsake the beaten track to follow in the footsteps of great explorers who for centuries, since Marco Polo, have been fascinated by this solitary Arabian outpost.
The best time to visit is between October and April when days are pleasantly warm and evenings cool. Outside this period, summer temperatures in the north soar to over 35 degrees, though the heat in the south, in the area of Salalah, is tempered by monsoon rains between June and September. Muscat Oman's capital city stands in a fine natural harbour flanked by mountains which plunge steeply to the sea. Visit Old Muscat, still surrounded by its original ramparts and protected by twin 16th century forts, with its old merchant houses and colourful souk.
Hajar Mountains To the north and west of Muscat, narrow gorges lead up into the scenic Hajar mountains where fortified towns and villages stand guard over valleys and mountain passes. Foremost amongst these are the forts at Nakhl and Rustaq, whose crenellated towers and ramparts dominate the surrounding palm groves.
Nizwa This oasis city, set against a backdrop of high mountains, is the medieval capital and cultural centre of Oman. Visit the renovated citadel, with its 17th century fort and adjacent golden-domed mosque. A highlight is the spectacle of the Friday morning market which attracts thousands from far and wide.
Sur & Wahiba Dunes Famed for the shipyards where traditional dhows have been built for centuries, Sur is the nearest town to the turtle nesting beaches of Ras Al Junayz and the spectacular dunes of Wahiba Sands which extend for some 180kms, providing extraordinary contrasts of colour and light, especially at sunrise and sunset.
The Dhofar Renowned in ancient times for its lucrative frankincense trade with Babylon, Egypt and Mesopotamia, the Dhofar's main attraction today is the garden city of Salalah which stands on a vast sub tropical plain where coconut, banana and mango trees flourish. Some of Oman's best beaches line the coast hereabouts, whilst Salalah itself is the main departure point for trips to the Qara mountains and the archaeological site of Sumhuram, legendary palace of the Queen of Sheba.
Musandam Separated from the rest of Oman by part of the UAE, the Musandam peninsula, bordering the Strait of Hormuz in the north of the country, offers breathtaking coastal scenery comprising 600kms of spectacular cliffs, coral reefs and deserted beaches.
Salalah Salalah lies in Oman's southern Dhofar region. Known for its glorious history, heritage, rich culture, traditions and wonders of nature. Salalah today is also contributing towards the economic boom in the Sultanate of Oman. Spread along the coast, Salalah is the most densely populated city in the Dhofar region. It has a modern port, hospitals, schools, colleges and a wide range of accommodation for both short and long staying visitors.
Sohar Ancient capital of Oman and birthplace of Sindbad the sailor, Sohar is located on the lush Batinah coast and lapped by the calm waters of the Gulf of Oman. A visit to the fish souk is a must for visitors. Early morning and early evening fishermen beach their boats at the market and disgorge their catch. The town retains it's old fashioned charm with a labyrinth of streets and alleyways and at it's heart lies a beautiful restored fort, and a magnificent Corniche sweeps the coast.
