Five Days in Oman by Car
It is probably clear by now that we are advocates of the self-drive/road trip model when traveling. While we love public transit for getting around cities, some larger-scale trips require covering more ground or reaching rural places that aren’t as easily accessible via mass transit.
Renting a car offers efficiency, privacy, and flexibility that few other methods can match. If you are feeling bold and adventurous, even countries like Oman can be the perfect choice for a road trip!
Here is our 5-day Oman itinerary, which you can use as a template for your trip. Timings, routes, and stops can easily be customized to meet your needs using this as a base plan. Let’s go!
Day 1 -
Arrive in Muscat - You will pick up your rental car (ensure it has 4-wheel drive - that comes into play a bit later) and begin the drive to your first destination.
Drive to Nizwa - Nizwa offers several interesting sites conveniently clustered nearby. Plan to visit:
Take a stroll around Nizwa’s Central Souq
Nizwa offers a range of nice yet simple restaurants and cafes. Some that we enjoyed include:
Tamrah Restaurant & Cafe (sit on the roof for stunning views of Nizwa Fort)
رغوة كرك (local fast food, perfect for a road trip!)
Time permitting, we would suggest staying the night in the Nizwa area and spending the first half of the second day exploring nearby Bahla before driving to the mountains. Plan to visit:
Bahla Fort (time permitting)
The next stop is a stay in the breathtaking Jebel Akhdar Mountains. The drive to the mountain resort is difficult. Be sure to allocate enough time from your departure so that you will arrive before nightfall. There is a checkpoint to ensure your vehicle has 4-wheel drive and is serviceable to make it up the mountain.
Drive to the Alila Jabal Akhdar resort in time to enjoy sunset and dinner.
Day 2 -
This is a resort day. Plan to take full advantage of the resort’s amenities and activities. Book ahead to ensure you have access to everything that interests you (stargazing, mountainbiking, hikes, abseiling, private meal experiences, etc.). You can also choose to simply lounge by the pool and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Day 3 -
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will begin your descent back down the mountain and drive to the first stop of the day: Wadi Bani Khalid.
Wadi Bani Khalid is one of several scenic “wadi” (riverbed or river valley) areas across Oman. They provide the feeling of a desert oasis, featuring clear water, lush vegetation, and rocky cliff formations.
While some other wadi locations are more private and less touristy (Wadi Shab, for example), Wadi Bani Khalid is the most easily accessible and fits best within this itinerary. If you have more time in Oman, adding one or even two more scenic wadis to your itinerary is a good idea.
Wadi Bani Khalid is easily accessible (~15-minute walk from the car park). It offers basic restroom and dining facilities. You can also stop at the local grocery store, LuLu Hypermarket, to pick up provisions for a light picnic lunch.
There is no entrance fee; however, some cash will be helpful for access to the changing rooms or to purchase food and drinks at the concessions area.
Be sure to bring modest swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, a dry bag, a dry change of clothes, and a towel.
After a short hike and a refreshing dip, continue your drive to the Desert Nights Camp meeting point.
You will be offered the option to park your car at the petrol station overnight and be driven to the camp, or to reduce your tire pressure and follow the driver out to the camp. We suggest parking your car and allowing an experienced driver from the camp to handle the desert drive.
Manage your schedule to ensure you arrive at the desert camp a bit before sunset, allowing enough time to check in to your room, book any morning activities for the next day, and quickly freshen up.
Following check-in, you will ride up the nearby dunes to enjoy stunning sunset views with some light refreshments.
After sunset, dinner is served under the stars, accompanied by music from local Bedouin musicians.
Day 4 -
Before departing the desert camp, participate in any morning activities you have selected. Consider a sunrise desert drive, dune bashing, quad bikes, or a camel ride.
Once you’ve completed any morning adventures and had breakfast, head back to your parked car and make your way to Al Bustan Palace in Muscat.
Enjoy the afternoon and evening relaxing at the resort.
Day 5 -
Spend the first half of the day exploring Muscat’s key sites with the help of a local guide.
Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House, Mutrah Souq, and Al Alam Palace
Time and interest permitting, you can also choose to book a marine adventure from Al Mouj Marina.
Once you are back in Muscat, consider Bait Al Luban Omani Restaurant - Mutrah or Ramssa Omani Restaurant for dinner. Book a reservation ahead as they can get busy with long wait times.
Notes -
Be sure to wash your rental car and return it clean to avoid any surprise charges.
