Oman is a hidden gem on the Arabian Peninsula where guests can discover a vibrant culture, rugged mountain ranges, vast sands and sweeping golden beaches overlooking the Arabian Ocean. Our Middle East Travel Consultants have put their heads together to give you their top 5 experiences to be found in this diverse country. Private Sailing Experiences Muscat is home to a number of different sail operators who can organise experiences from an e Read More

Oman is a hidden gem on the Arabian Peninsula where guests can discover a vibrant culture, rugged mountain ranges, vast sands and sweeping golden beaches overlooking the Arabian Ocean. Our Middle East Travel Consultants have put their heads together to give you their top 5 experiences to be found in this diverse country.

Private Sailing Experiences

Muscat is home to a number of different sail operators who can organise experiences from an evening sunset cruise, dolphin watching or longer trips consisting of a number of days at sea on a private yacht. Time on holiday can be precious so most Akbar Travels’s guests favour a day or afternoon on a private speedboat with its own skipper. Moor on a deserted beach for a private BBQ lunch or watch the sun set on the ancient city of Muscat – best seen from the Gulf of Oman.

Arabian Nights

As the intense afternoon sun slowly softens and gives way to a softer orange glow and a gentle breeze, explore the rolling dunes of Wahiba Sands on a private camel experience. Complete the evening with a sundowner as the sun finally dips below an endless sea of sand and the evening draws in on the desert.

Turtles – Big and Small

Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is around a 2.5 hour drive from Muscat and an hour or so from Wahiba Sands. It is particularly popular with families, and the study centre offers evening tours of the beach and hatchery areas with specialist guides, where you can observe the behaviour of turtles big and small. There is a visitor centre, museum and even spacious eco tents that can comfortably accommodate a family of four. Our guests tell us their experience comes to life once on the beach, where you’ll often see giant green back turtles laying their eggs before slowly shuffling back into the sea.

Picnic Lunch

Almost every trip to Oman that Akbar organises will include the suggestion of private picnic lunch in a Wadi, a gorge often with water and surrounded by lush vegetation. Your guide will pick a shady spot, often under a giant date palm, and layout a large rug scattered with a freshly prepared, traditional lunch complete with dates and freshly brewed Omani coffee.

Hidden Gem

Misfat Al Abreyeen village walk, 6kms from Al Hamra. This quick walk is only 15 minutes and is gentle so suitable for all. Leave the village centre through a traditional alley, heading down steps passing abandoned houses and a large pool fed by an ancient irrigation system, follow the path past banana, lime, mango and date trees before you walk up steps leading to an elevated ledge, perfect for a photo of the village, plantations and surrounding countryside. Follow the path uphill back to the village centre where your driver will be waiting to take you on to your hotel or next stop.

1. THE WADIS

One of Oman‘s greatest natural wonders are the numerous Wadis that can be found across the country. Being a true insiders tip, the Wadi Ash Shuwaymiyah is – in my opinion – the most spectacular one. The harmony of nature‘s most beautiful colors and shapes will make you feel like you are experiencing an alternate reality.

2. JEBEL AKHDAR

As part of the Western Hajar Mountains, the so called „Green Mountain“ is the perfect getaway for hiking-enthusiasts and mountain-lovers. Abandoned villages, deep canyons and excellent hotels guarantee for a great stay. In April, when the famous roses are in full bloom, you can witness the distillation of rose water and get enchanted by the infatuating scent surrounding you.

3. KHAREEF SEASON IN SALALAH

It is one of the biggest natural phenomenons of the Arabian Peninsula. From June to September the monsoon „Khareef“ transforms the Dhofar region into a green shangri-la and an experience you will never forget.

4. SHOOTING STARS IN WAHIBA SANDS

You can’t leave Oman without a little detour to the desert. The Rimal Al Wahiba, a 12.500km² desert, located in the east of Oman, is suited best for such an excursion. Rest your head on the sand and watch the galaxies trying to outshine each other.

5. FORTS

A visit to one of the numerous forts in Oman is an exciting jouney into the history of the country and should not be missed. The historic sites date back centuries and were built for protection. Some of them are open to visitors (Jabreen Castle, Bahla Fort, etc.) and offer beautiful views over the Arabian Sea and Omani landscapes.

6. SULTAN QABOOS MOSQUE

Muscats big Mosque is not only an architectural masterpiece but also one of the main attractions in the Capital Area. Spacious and beautifully planted, the Sultan Qaboos Mosque stuns its visitors and appears like an oasis amidst the vivid city life.

7. MISFAH AL ABRIYEEN

Famous as Sultan Qaboos favorite village, the picturesque Misfah Al Abriyeen is the perfect place to experience the traditional Omani life. Walking along the falaj will make you feel like you just got out of a time machine.

8. DHOW-CRUISE IN MUSANDAM

People call this exclave in the North of Oman the „Norway of Arabia“. A Dhow-trip along the exhilarating fjords should definitely be on your bucket list. Dolphin sightings guaranteed.

9. MARKETS AND SOUQS

Every Friday morning the former Capitol Nizwa turns into a huge market place. Sheep, goats, bulls and camels are being sold in a traditional manner. If you’re not looking to buy animals, the Mutrah Souq in Muscat is the perfect address for an authentic shopping experience. Here you can haggle with the locals over clothes, handicrafts, jewelery and frankinsence.

10. THE OMANI PEOPLE

Last but not least, probably the main attraction of the country: its people. The Omanis are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Helpful, hospitable and forthcoming, they will forever hold a special place in your heart.