Oman Road Trip Adventure: Dunes, Forts & Hidden Oases

In Oman, the desert whispers, the mountains watch silently, and every oasis feels like a secret the world forgot

Oman – The Jewel of the Arabian Peninsula

Oman is often overshadowed by its glitzy neighbors, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Stretching from the golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands to the dramatic Hajar Mountains and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Oman is a land where tradition still thrives. It’s one of the oldest states in the Arab world, known for its legendary seafarers, frankincense trade, and warm hospitality. Life here feels calm and authentic—mosques call for prayer, locals share dates and coffee with strangers, and time slows down in the shade of palm groves. For travelers, Oman is a perfect mix of desert adventure, mountain roads, and coastal escapes—without the overwhelming crowds.

A short but intense roadtrip

After our time in Jordan, we continued to Oman – a country that had been on Joona’s list for years. Getting there wasn’t exactly straightforward. We scored an insanely cheap Wizzair flights (21€) from Aqaba to Abu Dhabi, planning to connect onwards to Muscat the same evening. A couple of days before departure, Wizzair cancelled our connecting flight. With no cheap alternatives left, we ended up “stuck” in the UAE for two nights. Not our plan, but at least it meant a new country ticked off the list. Unfortunately, it also ate up one whole day of our already short Oman itinerary.

When we finally boarded our Air Arabia flight to Muscat, excitement returned. After a pre-flight call to prayer, we took off over lunar landscapes and jagged mountains. The 50-minute hop flew by, and descending into Muscat already felt like an adventure.

Immigration was smooth, and soon we were behind the wheel of our rental Suzuki, heading for the historic city of Nizwa. The vibe of Oman hit us instantly – calm, laid-back, and welcoming. A refreshing contrast after hectic Jordan. Tuning into Radio Oman, we discovered it played mostly prayers and religious music, which we found surprisingly peaceful. What we didn’t love as much? Speed cameras literally every 500 meters, and the car’s shrill beeping every time we nudged even one kilometer over the limit.

Day 1 – Exploring Nizwa and the Mountain Village of Misfat al Abriyeen

We reached Nizwa by late afternoon and checked into a small hotel with a lovely garden and pool. The owner welcomed us with tea and dates – Omani hospitality at its finest. After dropping our bags, we drove up into the mountains to visit Misfat al Abriyeen, a traditional Bedouin village Joona had scouted on Google Maps.

The steep road ended at a viewpoint overlooking a lush oasis surrounded by barren desert. We wandered narrow lanes, admired the ingenious irrigation system feeding terraced plantations, and soaked in the contrasts: palm groves bursting with green while endless desert stretched beyond. It felt like our first real wadi experience.

On the way back, we met a friendly local who recommended a restaurant. We ordered blindly – the only thing we recognized was camel meat. To our surprise, it was delicious: tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Back in Nizwa, we caught a glimpse of the historic souq at sunset, dipped in the hotel pool, and ended the day content.

Cool architecture of Misfat al Abriyeen

Nizwa

Day 2 – Wahiba Sands Desert Adventure

The morning started with an Omani breakfast and some street photography. Before hitting the road, we filled the tank – fuel in Oman costs only about 40 cents a liter. We had heard stories of Oman being expensive, but so far it felt cheaper than Finland.

Our goal was Wahiba Sands. The road cut through surreal, lunar-like landscapes before the dunes appeared in the distance. Google Maps confused us a bit, but eventually a local bedouin in a Nissan Patrol helped point us towards our desert stay. At first, we thought it might be a scam, but he turned out to just be selling tours (which we politely declined).

The hotel sat right at the edge of the desert, with giant dunes in its backyard. Naturally, we climbed one for sunset. The sand was so soft that every step sank halfway back, making the climb exhausting – just like in Namibia’s Sossusvlei years ago. From the top, we watched the sun melt into the horizon as fierce winds whipped sand against our faces like needles. Running down the dunes at full speed was pure joy. Later, we enjoyed another camel meat dinner in a nearby town and returned to find ourselves the only guests at the hotel – with a private pool all to ourselves.

Sand of Wahiba Sands

More sand and a friendly camel called Bertta

Day 3 – Swimming in Wadi Bani Khalid and Reaching the Indian Ocean

We started early, chasing a place that had caught our eye on the map: Wadi Bani Khalid. Driving deep into bare Hajar mountains, it seemed impossible that an oasis could exist here. But soon, palm trees appeared, and turquoise pools shimmered between cliffs.

The water was crystal clear, refreshing, and perfect on our sunburnt skin. Swimming in this hidden paradise was one of the highlights of the whole trip.

From there, we continued toward the coast. Passing small Bedouin villages, we finally reached the mighty Indian Ocean. In Sur, we stopped for a late lunch before carrying on along the coastline. Accommodation was scarce, but we found a hotel in the village of Tiwi. The place itself was quiet and unpolished, with just one small restaurant, but the endless beach and another glowing sunset made it worth the stop.

Wadi Bani Khalid

Tiwi village

Day 4 – Visiting Bimmah Sinkhole and Exploring Muscat

Our last full day began with a stop at the famous Bimmah Sinkhole. Swimming in the perfectly round, turquoise pool was fun, though we both agreed it felt a bit overrated compared to the wild wadis.

Back in Muscat, we returned our car and spent the evening exploring Old Muscat and the Mutrah Corniche. The old quarter, with its whitewashed houses against dark mountain backdrops, felt worlds apart from the modern sprawl of the neighboring UAE. The buzzing bazaar was a highlight, full of colors, smells, and life. We wrapped up our Omani journey with a delicious dinner in the city center.

Old Muscat

Day 5 – Farewell to Oman

The next morning we flew back to Abu Dhabi for one more short stop before continuing on to Central Asia – Joona’s favorite region.

Bottom line

Our short road trip through Oman reminded us how much beauty can be packed into just a few days. Between the silence of Wahiba Sands, the timeless walls of Nizwa, and the refreshing plunge into turquoise wadis, Oman proved to be a destination where every moment feels raw and authentic. It’s not about rushing from place to place, but about slowing down and letting the landscapes and people leave their mark on you.

Reflections on Our Oman Road Trip

Why Oman Feels Authentic and Calm: Life slows down here; people are welcoming, and tradition is everywhere.

Highlights: Nizwa’s historic streets, Wahiba Sands dunes, Wadi Bani Khalid oasis, Muscat’s old town, and amazing local food.

Why We’ll Definitely Be Back: Four days was barely enough for the north of the country, but Oman has many more layers we’re eager to explore next time.

Thank you Oman, we can’t wait to come back!