Explorer Diaries: Oman - A 7-Day Travel Guide
Visit one of the most underrated countries in the Middle East - an adventurer’s paradise with the perfect mix of culture, calm and things to do.
Oman is a dream destination for anyone in the pursuit of adventure, culture, and relaxation. With its golden deserts, rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect escape from the everyday. This guide is designed to give you a taste of everything—delicious food, stunning landscapes, and meaningful cultural experiences.
Day 1: Arrival in Muscat and A Warm Omani Welcome
Touch down in Muscat and step into a city that seamlessly blends the old and new. Stay at The Chedi Muscat, a stunning beachfront resort that feels like an oasis of calm.
Start your journey with a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque—it's breathtakingly beautiful, with its enormous chandelier and intricate mosaic work. Just remember to wear something modest (a light scarf for your hair and loose clothing will do). Then, wander through the Mutrah Souq, a maze of colourful stalls where you can pick up unique silver jewellery, spices, and the famous frankincense. It’s the perfect spot for souvenirs that actually feel special.
For dinner, Bait Al Luban is a must. Picture yourself savouring slow-cooked shuwa (Omani lamb) and finishing with a plate of sticky-sweet halwa, all while overlooking the harbour.
Day 2: Exploring Muscat
Start your day at Bait Al Zubair Museum, where you’ll get a feel for Oman’s history and traditions, from ancient weaponry to delicate handcrafted dresses. After that, take a dolphin-watching boat tour—watching these playful creatures in the turquoise waters is pure magic.
Unwind at Al Bustan Beach before heading to Kargeen, a stylish open-air restaurant where you can try Omani fusion food. Their majboos (spiced rice with chicken) is divine, and the chilled, lantern-lit atmosphere makes it a great spot to end the day.
Day 3: Nizwa and Jabal Akhdar
Leaving Muscat behind, drive to Nizwa, one of Oman’s oldest cities. It’s home to the Nizwa Fort, where you can climb to the top for sweeping views. The souq is full of handcrafted silver jewellery—ideal if you love unique, meaningful accessories.
Continue up into the mountains and check in at Alila Jabal Akhdar, a luxurious retreat perched on the edge of a canyon. The air is cooler up here, and the landscapes are jaw-dropping. Spend your afternoon hiking through Wadi Bani Habib, where abandoned stone villages look like something out of a fairytale.
Dinner at Juniper Restaurant is all about fresh mountain produce—think pomegranates, local honey, and warm Omani bread straight from the oven.
Day 4: Wahiba Sands for A Desert Adventure
When it’s time to experience the magic of the desert, head to Desert Nights Camp, where you’ll stay in a luxury tent under the stars. Try your hand at dune bashing (it’s like a rollercoaster ride in the sand), then slow things down with a peaceful camel ride at sunset.
One of the highlights? A traditional Bedouin dinner by the fire. The locals will teach you about their customs as you enjoy juicy grilled meats and fragrant rice. There’s something incredibly grounding about being surrounded by endless dunes and a sky full of stars.
Day 5: Wadi Bani Khalid and Sur
After the golden sands of Wahiba, it’s time for a refreshing dip in the natural pools of Wadi Bani Khalid. The turquoise water is perfect for swimming, and the shady date palms make it a dreamy picnic spot. Grab some samboosas (crispy Omani pastries) and mishkak (spiced meat skewers) from a local stall before hitting the road to Sur.
Stay at Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, where you’ll have the rare chance to see baby turtles hatching on the beach at night. Watching them waddle towards the sea is an unforgettable experience.
Day 6: Explore the Coast
Drive along Oman’s rugged coastline, stopping at the stunning Bimmah Sinkhole—a natural turquoise pool where you can take a dip. Continue to the beaches of Fins and Tiwi, where soft white sand meets crystal-clear water. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sun and just breathe.
For lunch, enjoy a simple but delicious meal of khubz ragag (thin Omani bread) with cheese and honey. Sometimes, the best meals are the simplest ones.
Day 7: Back to Muscat and A Relaxing Farewell
On your last day, take things slow. Treat yourself to a spa morning at Anantara, then do some last-minute shopping at the elegant Opera Galleria, where you can find luxury perfumes and handcrafted gifts.
End your trip with a sunset dinner at The Beach Restaurant at The Chedi—fresh seafood, a warm sea breeze, and a view you won’t forget.
Quick Cultural Tips
Dress modestly: Loose, breathable clothing is best (and keeps you cool in the heat!).
Respect local customs: Omanis are incredibly hospitable, and it’s always appreciated when visitors accept a cup of kahwa (Omani coffee) and dates.
No public displays of affection: A simple cultural norm to be aware of.
Bargain at souqs: It’s expected, but always done with a smile.
Oman is a place where you can find adventure, peace, and genuine connection. Whether you’re hiking through mountain villages, marvelling at centuries-old forts, or simply enjoying the warmth of Omani hospitality, this trip will stay with you long after you leave.
Travel Guide: Desert Escapes to Steal Your Heart
If you’re looking for something a little different for your next adventure, why not head to one of the world’s most stunning beauty spots in the desert. Here are our picks!
When it comes to desert holidays, it’s likely that Dubai’s rolling dunes or Morocco’s spectacular sands spring to mind. Instead of these firm favourites, I’ve chosen a few more unusual desert escapes to pique your interest.
Namibia
Despite not being the first on everyone’s list, there is perhaps no better desert location than Namibia. The desert here is one of the largest and most impressive in the world, spanning over 80,000 km².
Although you may think this arid region should be sparse on wildlife, the Namib Desert is in fact home to a vast array of birds, mammals and reptiles! A great way to witness the mighty black-maned lions, galloping gazelles and herds of African elephants that roam the sands is via a self-drive holiday through this magnificent country. Work your way from the country’s capital, Windhoek, on to Sossusvlei and Damaraland before exploring Etosha National Park. You can even stop off at the Tropic of Capricorn en route, which features a sign to mark the furthest point south that the sun can be seen directly overhead.
While on your journey you may want to push the boat out and discover the dunes from above on a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride above the desert!
Once you’ve hiked up the mammoth Big Daddy dune in Sossusvlei, dig your toes into the sand and sit back and relax as you watch the sands change from red to burnt orange to golden yellow as the sun rises for the day. Even though the memory of these breath-taking views will last a lifetime, be sure to snag some snaps of this unique location. Another photo-worthy destination on your route is Deadvlei. This quintessential landscape of Namibia comprises of a dry, white clay pan floor peppered with black, dead camel thorn trees set against a backdrop of orange-hued dunes – just wow!
And if, by now, you haven’t had enough of sand, end your Namibian adventure with a drive down the Skeleton Coast, a rugged shoreline scattered with shipwrecks that runs from Angola all the way down to Swakopmund. Don’t forget to look out for seals and other wildlife as you drive.
Antarctica
It is a little-known fact that The Arctic and Antarctica are actually both desert landscapes. Despite being covered in ice, the region of Antarctica receives such a low amount of annual rainfall that is it classed as a desert.
If you are ever fortunate enough to reach the seventh continent, you’ll soon see the similarities (and of course, differences) between this vast wilderness and the deserts of Africa and Asia. What at first seems devoid of life, soon turns out to be a remote home to some unique wildlife. As you move from island to island through Antarctica’s archipelago you’ll begin to spot a range of birds, from petrels and terns to huge wandering albatrosses and the much-loved penguins!
Penguins are peculiar characters so you’ll never get bored of watching them waddle through the snow, slide around on ice floes or dive into the frigid waters of the Antarctic Peninsula. From squawking gentoos and cute Adélies, to golden-throated emperors and quirky chinstraps (named for their characteristic black-lined chins), you’ll never run out of photographic opportunities.
The best way to visit Antarctica is by boat. The ice-breaker ships that venture to Antarctica have been specifically designed to navigate these waters. Although the journey through the Drake Passage to reach Antarctica can be somewhat treacherous (depending on sea conditions) the wonders that await you will hopefully have you feeling that it was all worthwhile.
Witnessing sweeping glacial vistas, mountainous icebergs and tranquil plateaus of water will be sure to leave you astounded.
The Antarctic cruising season runs from November to March with each month being “best” for a certain type of experience. The landscapes will be totally unspoilt in November leaving untouched trails of ice and snow; December and January bring penguin hatchlings and plenty of hours of sunshine; and February and March allow for greater whale sightings and the chance of spotting fledgling chicks.
Oman
Another spectacular destination for a desert escape is Wahiba Sands in Oman. This remote region is home to a collection of nomadic Bedouin tribespeople who roam this seemingly desolate environment in search of food, water and a place to call home (for a few nights at least). Enjoy an authentic Bedouin camping experience with sunset camel rides, traditional food and desert-brewed coffee before laying back to take in the mass of stars overhead. The dark night sky in the desert is the best place in the world to witness the galaxy, with the Milky Way, planets and shooting stars clearly visible throughout the night.
Aside from during traditional Bedouin music shows, the silence out in the desert is incomparable. Those who live in cities may find it difficult to sleep being in such a noiseless place but if you can learn to appreciate the silence you’ll begin to see the beauty of living in such a remote region. Enjoy it while it lasts as once you return to the hustle and bustle of Muscat you’ll soon be wishing you were back out in the dunes!
Oman’s desert is also a great spot for adrenaline junkies thanks to the option to rampage through the dunes on buggies, quad bikes and 4x4s.
Contrasting with the flat landscape of Oman’s desert is the Western Hajar mountain range and Wadi Ghul, Oman’s answer to the Grand Canyon. This dramatic gorge plunges deep into the earth with sweeping vistas and stunning layers of rock and sand. If you’re brave enough, take on the Balcony Walk, an exhilarating hike along the edge of the cliffs - looking down if you dare!