The Wanderlust Guide to Oman The Wanderlust Guide to Oman

Featured

Culture & Heritage

11 amazing places to immerse yourself in the culture of Oman

Culture & Heritage

How to spend 24 hours in Muscat, Oman

Nature & Wildlife

In Thesiger’s tracks: rediscovering Oman

Food & Drink

Five Omani dishes you have to try
Nestled between the rugged mountains and the shores of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman’s setting alone offers visitors plenty to conjure with. But the Sultanate of Oman’s heart lies in its people. Visitors are famously welcomed with open arms – not to mention coffee and dates – to a land where upholding ancient traditions and embracing modern perspectives is second nature. When you add the natural advantages endowed on Oman – the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands, the solitude of the Empty Quarter, the fjord of the Musandam Peninsula, the heights of the Hajar Mountains, the many unspoilt beaches and the wealth of marine life – it is no wonder this is such an enticing place for curious travellers. Whether you visit the souqs, sands or seas, you’ll soon realise that Oman is more vibrant than you could have ever imagined!

Lyn Hughes

Spotlight

5 highlights of Oman

1

Desert

2

Cuisine

3

Coastline

4

Culture

5

Adventure

Oman through the seasons

Winter

Best for outdoor adventures

Oman’s winter months (December to February) are when the temperatures are at their coolest, making it a great time to get outdoors and have an adventure! Head to the Shariqiyah Sands to see the sun rise, experience the sandy shores on horseback, and hike through the foothills, fjords and rocky canyons of the mountains.

Spring

Best for the mountains

With temperatures around 30°C between March and May, escape the heat by heading up to the Jebel Akhdar Mountains. Translating to ‘the green mountain’, Jebel Akhdar is known for its cultivated terraces and vast produce. Pomegranates, walnuts and the flowers that are processed into the region’s legendary rose water have been growing here for centuries. And have your cameras at the ready for the rose blooming season, between March and April.

Summer

Best for cultural encounters

The summer months (June to August) may be excessively hot, but travelling during this quieter period still has its benefits. Escape the crowds and head inside some of Oman’s most spectacular cultural sites, including the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. Enter the main prayer hall to feel its reverent grandeur, from intricate calligraphy to the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. Muscat’s Royal Opera House is also a must-visit.

Autumn

Best for wildlife

September to November is the best time to see the turtles laying and hatching at Ras al-Jinz. While the nesting activity starts in August, it is best to wait until October, when the temperatures are less intense. Other wildlife highlights include migratory whale sharks, which head to the Daymaniyat Islands between September and October and dolphins off the coast of Muscat.

Expert Guidance

Essential information

Visa requirements

Many international guests, including those from the US and most of Europe, can land on Omani soil without a visa. British passport holders can visit the country for up to 14 days without one. You can visit the visa page on the Royal Oman Police website for the latest updates.

Currency

Buy some local currency upon arrival at the airport or visit a Bureau de Change in local shopping areas for more competitive rates. Most places will accept card and contactless payments, and it’s easy to find a nearby ATM, but having some Omani riyals to hand is always useful.

Local customs

Oman offers a relaxed escape, whether you’re unwinding indoors or exploring the coastline, but remember to be respectful. Dress modestly (but comfortably) and remove your shoes if you visit someone’s home. While freshly squeezed juices and refreshing minted lemonade can be found all over the country, alcohol is reserved for hotels and a small number of restaurants.

Emergency numbers

Store the phone numbers for your hotel, your embassy in Oman and the customer support service of your airline. The Royal Oman Police emergency number is 9999; they also provide fire and ambulance services.

Getting around

Renting a car is easy in Oman, and the roads are well-maintained, with signs in English and Arabic. App-based ride-hailing services like Otaxi and Mwasalat Taxi work in the capital and are more reliable for immediate pricing. Outside major cities, you may need to arrange one with your hotel.

Preparing for the weather

Pack sun protection and a hydrating moisturiser. Oman’s mountain terrain and high altitudes can cause the temperature to drop below freezing, and desert camps can be cold at night. Take a warm jacket or fleece.

Culture and heritage

Discover a world where age-old tradition meets contemporary charm…

Did you know?

Serving coffee is a national pastime and a symbol of Oman's hospitality. The coffee will be poured from a dallah into a small cup called a finjaan. You should take the latter with your right hand.

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Nature and wildlife

Spanning deep ravines, unexpected canyons, flower-strewn mountains and hidden lagoons, as well as fiery deserts and a sparkling coast overflowing with mesmerising marine life, Oman's outdoors promises an elevated experience in more ways than one…

Did you know?

Sharks, manta rays, seahorses, turtles and dolphins can all be seen in Oman's glittering waters.

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Gastronomy

Shaped by the heat of the desert and the abundance of the sea, Omani cuisine is the result of the patience of generations…

Did you know?

Coastal towns like Al Seeb, Salalah and Sur are famous for grilled hammour, kingfish and lobster, served with a tamarind sauce and fragrant rice.