Ecorating 3.0

Adventure in the North of Oman

Experience the magnificent beauty of northern Oman during an unforgettable ten-night journey. Begin in Muscat, Oman’s low-key yet vibrant capital nestled between sea and desert, where whitewashed buildings and date palms coexist with modern architecture. It is here, at the crossroads of the city’s tranquil rhythm and maritime heritage, that the journey begins. On the horizon lies the Al Sharqiya Sands, where the sand seems to dance in the wind. Known to many as Wahiba Sands, this desert holds a raw beauty, a place where days are golden and nights are framed by starlight. It is a landscape that speaks to the stillness within us.

The journey continues inland, where Nizwa awaits a city that was once the intellectual heart of Oman and now flourishes at the intersection of history and modernity. Its fort watches over the city like a monument to bygone eras, while the souq teems with color, fragrance, and craftsmanship. Yet, it is perhaps the surrounding landscape that truly captures the soul where wadi valleys and remote villages whisper of life in tune with the rhythm of nature.

The journey proceeds, and just a short drive away, the Hajar Mountains loom dramatic, rocky silhouettes against the sky. The western and eastern parts of the range offer another kind of serenity, one that feels almost ancient. Here you will find some of the Middle East’s most fascinating mountain landscapes, from the rugged and lesser-visited Jebel Shams to the lush and well-known Jebel Akhdar. It is a place for contemplation, for hiking, and for meeting people in villages where traditions still carry deep meaning.

Conclude your journey on Muscat’s beaches, where you can enjoy swimming, exquisite cuisine, and visits to some of the city’s many attractions.

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Sample Itinerary

The experience

This program is a source of inspiration — each trip is unique and tailored to you.

Day 1. Arrival & Wahiba Sands: Large Desert camp private day

Day 1. Arrival & Wahiba Sands

Your guide will meet you at Muscat Airport to begin your Oman Adventure. Leaving Muscat behind, we take the coastal road between Muscat and Sur. To the north lies the view over the Arabian Sea, and to the south in the hazy distance, the Wahiba Desert. You will make several stops along the way. You will stroll through one of the villages, and after a delicious picnic lunch, drive down toward Wahiba Sands. Passing the 18th-century fort at Mudayrib, you leave the paved road behind to venture into the desert and drive the final stretch along sandy tracks before reaching the camp nestled among the red dunes. Wahiba Sands is a stunning desert with parallel valleys of dunes stretching from north to south. Bedouins live mostly among the dunes, tending to their camels. Your camp is set deep within the desert, far from other tourists and light pollution from roads and villages. The sky is crystal clear and blanketed with stars. Once settled in at camp, you can take a sunset walk with your guide before enjoying a delightful dinner. Overnight stay in a Shared Desert Camp in Wahiba Sands.

Your Tent: Wahiba African tent with people

Your Tent

While in Wahiba Sands, you will sleep in authentic handcrafted Bedouin tents, carefully chosen and positioned to suit both the environment and the views. (However, this location may sometimes change depending on season and weather conditions.) Take an outdoor shower, relax in the tent, and enjoy gourmet dining after your journey.

Day 2. Wahiba Sands: hudhudwadi

Day 2. Wahiba Sands

Watch the sunrise over the impressive Sharqiya dunes from the camp, or for the more energetic, hike to the top of a sand dune. Following a leisurely breakfast, drive out of the desert to Wadi Hawer, one of the largest and most dramatic wadis (valleys) in Oman, a lush oasis spectacularly set against a mountain backdrop. The village still cultivates land in traditional ways, growing dates, bananas, mangoes, and papayas. A walk through this rarely visited community offers an intimate look into the lives of Omanis today and how things have remained unchanged for generations. The wadi flows out of the village into a dramatic, steep canyon where you can take a refreshing dip. The route is a fun combination of boulder-hopping, hiking, and swimming.

Day 2.: cahwa

Day 2.

You will enjoy a Hud Hud picnic lunch in a shaded spot. You can stop by a local Bedouin family for traditional Omani kahwa (coffee) and a short camel ride if you wish. This brief encounter provides a better understanding of how people live and work in what might be perceived as an extremely harsh environment.

Day 2.: Land Cruiser Wahiba 3

Day 2.

On the way back to camp, you can try some off-road sand driving as we put you behind the wheel of a 4×4. Under the expert guidance of our experienced Omani drivers, you will learn tips and tricks on how to recover even the most deeply bogged vehicle. Sandboarding can be arranged in the late afternoon, or you can simply relax and take in the views before savoring an incredible dinner served beside a crackling bonfire.

Day 3. Nizwa: nizwa

Day 3. Nizwa

After breakfast and checking out from camp, we pass the ancient houses of Ibra before driving toward Nizwa. We can make a stop at the Oman Across Ages Museum, a modern museum showcasing engaging exhibits about Oman through the eras, from early settlements discovered thousands of years ago to the present day. A picnic lunch is served along the way. Upon reaching Nizwa in the afternoon, we settle into our inn and take a buggy tour through the old quarters of the town, which are beautifully lit at night; the buggy drivers add to the charm with their stories about the various houses, neighborhoods, and history. Dinner at leisure (we recommend dining at Tamrah Restaurant in Nizwa). Overnight stay at one of the Nizwa inns.

Day 4. Alila Jabal Akhdar: Alila Jabal Akhdar – Lifestyle 4504

Day 4. Alila Jabal Akhdar

The morning starts early so you can experience the fruit, vegetable, and honey auctions, or admire some of the daggers and other weapons brought in by their owners to be sold. You then visit the livestock market, held exclusively early on Friday mornings—a true spectacle. You then drive up to Jebel Akhdar to check in at Alila Jabal Akhdar, a stunning mountain hotel boasting incomparable views! Dinner on your own at the hotel (not included). Overnight stay at Alila Jabal Akhdar.

Alila Jabal Akhdar: MCTAL Mountain View Suite – Twin Room2

Alila Jabal Akhdar

Retreat from a day of exploration into a mountain suite featuring a king-size bed or two twin beds, located on the first floor of the resort’s main building, complete with a balcony offering panoramic views of the mountains and canyon.

Day 5. Alila Jabal Akhdar: ALILA_JABAL_AKHDAR_LOST_VILLAGE_BIRKAT_AL_MAWZ-3106

Day 5. Alila Jabal Akhdar

Today you can spend your time exploring Jebel Akhdar, its small mountain settlements, farms, rose terraces, and abandoned villages. Thanks to its temperate climate, roses, pomegranates, and a wide variety of other fruits and vegetables thrive here. The geology is fascinating and best explored on one of the great hikes in the area. We suggest taking a hike to visit Wadi Bani Habib, followed by lunch in the picturesque village of Sogra, accessible only on foot. In the afternoon, you can enjoy activities at the hotel such as the Via Ferrata or book treatments at the spa. Dinner on your own at the hotel (not included). Overnight stay at Alila Jabal Akhdar.

Day 6. Muscat: Wadi bani auf view from the top 3

Day 6. Muscat

Leaving the mountains behind, drive to Al Hamra, renowned for its mudbrick houses and Bait Al Safah, a historic home converted into a living museum. Winding up the rocky mountainside is the ancient village of Misfat al Abriyyin, featuring a picturesque collection of ochre-colored stone buildings that lend it a distinctly medieval feel. A stroll through this lovely village with its winding alleys and covered passages leads you to the falaj (irrigation system) that runs below the village, surrounded by lush bougainvillea, banana palms, and other vibrant greenery. Following an early lunch, head toward Balad Sayt for a brief stop and walk through the village. You then continue your descent through the magnificent Wadi Bani Awf. This route takes us through the Hajar Mountains via a steep downward track, widely regarded as one of the finest and most memorable off-road drives in Oman.

Day 6. Muscat: The-Chedi-Muscat-Sunset

Day 6. Muscat

You pass through a truly rugged and extraordinary mountain landscape. Finishing near Rustaq, take the paved road to Muscat, passing the village of Nakhl home to a restored fort encircled by date palms and the Ain a’Thawwarah hot springs. You will return to Muscat and its beautiful coastline late in the afternoon to check in at The Chedi Muscat, your home for the next 5 nights. Dinner on your own at the hotel (not included). Overnight stay at The Chedi Muscat.

The Chedi Muscat: chedi

The Chedi Muscat

The Chedi Muscat is a beach resort featuring chic, minimalist design—a serene oasis right by the sea, the perfect way to conclude your stay.

Day 7. Muscat: Stora Moskén Oman

Day 7. Muscat

Today you will visit the Grand Mosque, a magnificent example of modern mosque architecture subtly designed with traditional Arabian and Islamic features. From the mosque, we visit the Royal Opera House. You then continue to the Muttrah Souq, a lively bazaar. The souq here hosts a labyrinth of alleyways and quaint stalls selling everything from plastic pots to antique rifles. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the old city of Muscat. In Old Muscat, you can visit the National Museum of Oman or simply stroll around. Spend a relaxing afternoon at the beach soaking in all the impressions from your Omani adventure. Continue to enjoy peaceful days by the sea.

Day 8 - 10. Muscat: Bimmah Sinkhole

Day 8 - 10. Muscat

Continue to enjoy peaceful days by the sea, or why not head to the Bimmah Sinkhole for a swim! The Bimmah Sinkhole is a deep turquoise swimming hole framed by sheer limestone cliffs, with a long staircase leading down. The water is actually much warmer than you might expect.

Day 11. Journey Home: Muscat

Day 11. Journey Home

Enjoy one final breakfast before your transfer meets you to take you to the airport in good time for your international flight back home.

Details

Everything you need to know

Travel facts

Eco-rating: 3.0

Season: Year-round

Airport: Muscat International Airport (MCT)

Included in the tour price:

  • 4X4 Land Cruiser with English-speaking guide,
  • 2 nights at a desert camp in Wahiba Sands including half board
  • 1 night in Nizwa at an inn on half board
  • 2 nights at Alila Jabal Akhdar in a Mountain View room with half board
  • 5 nights accommodation with breakfast at The Chedi Muscat
  • Guiding by our Omani English-speaking guides, each day includes lunch (either a picnic lunch or lunch
    at a local restaurant), soft drinks, tea and coffee with the guide, and any entrance fees (as well as
    short camel rides at a local bedouin house if interested), VAT, ESO
    (environmental fee which is an OMR 5 donation to the Environment Society of Oman) & transfers & activities according to the itinerary.

Not included in the tour price:  International flights, beverages, activities outside the itinerary, visa, gratuities, travel insurance can be booked via Insurance.

Tips for your journey

Good to know about Oman: The Sultanate of Oman is located in the Middle East and is a Muslim country that observes a conservative lifestyle. To show respect for local culture, it is recommended to dress modestly, avoid drinking alcohol in public places, and refrain from public displays of affection. Cover your shoulders and knees when outside the hotel, and avoid tight tops that show your midriff or have a low neckline. On the hotel’s private beach, swimwear such as bikinis is acceptable, but at public beaches, more covering attire is required.

Alcohol cannot be purchased in grocery stores in Oman. However, alcoholic beverages are served at all major hotel chains.

Travel etiquette:  Always ask before taking photos and dress appropriately.

Mobile network and email: Email and internet access are available at the hotel.

Visa: A passport is required for all destinations outside the Nordic region. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure. In cases where visas are required for Scandinavian citizens, this will be stated in the information sent to the traveler after booking. Travelers are responsible for their own visa applications.

Visa requirements for travel to Oman vary depending on nationality, and in all cases, it is advisable to contact the nearest embassy or consulate regarding individual travel document requirements. Visa fees also vary depending on nationality.

Tourist/business visas valid for one month are issued upon arrival. It is possible to extend these for an additional month. Multiple-entry visas are also available.

You can only apply for a visa online. You can do so via this link. 

Time zone: GMT + 4

Vaccinations: Read more about required vaccinations here.

Packing:  Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, good hiking shoes, and do not forget to bring clothing to cover your arms and legs when appropriate. Feel free to bring mosquito repellent.

Local currency:  Omani Rial

Weather:  Oman Weather

Water: Clean water is available at the hotel.

Safety:  Your safety is our priority. Oman is considered a safe country with low crime rates.

More information at: 1177.

WBK Man and boy with donkey
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Travel with purpose

How does my trip contribute?

This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.

Generally speaking, Oman has not come very far in offering sustainable operations. However, there are a few that have actually started their sustainability journey. Ecolyx actively works to promote sustainability so that new destinations/hotels realize that travelers and travel companies demand it. In this way, Ecolyx and our guests can help contribute toward development in a more responsible direction.

Hud Hud Camp, Wahiba Sands: conducts its operations with great consideration for nature and the landscapes where their camps are situated. They maintain good relationships with the villagers/Bedouins living in the areas where they camp. Omani guides are employed to support local income. Hud Hud works to prevent food waste wherever possible. They strive to minimize their plastic use at the camps. A solar panel generator has been installed to reduce the use of petrol-powered generators. They collaborate with suppliers who share similar visions and ideas for sustainable operations. Hud Hud works closely with some of the key driving forces behind the Environment Society of Oman. Hud Hud donates OMR 5 for all guests. They have initiated a partnership with Blue Oceans, which conducts extensive research related to whales, dolphins, turtles, etc. Hud Hud is a member of The Conscious Travel Foundation—a global organization that brings together like-minded tourism enterprises.

Alila Jabal Akhdar / Hyatt group of hotels: Hyatt promotes environmental action to ensure destinations around the world remain vibrant for colleagues, guests, customers, owners, investors, and communities.

Climate Change and Water Conservation – Hyatt aims to accelerate climate action and water resource protection. Their 2030 science-based targets, approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon Emissions, Energy, and Water – Hyatt offices and hotels utilize a variety of approaches to manage emissions, energy, and water—taking into account factors such as building type and age, climate, layout, and local infrastructure. Hyatt is making vigorous improvements in water efficiency and prioritizing water conservation. They also focus on addressing locally specific water-related risks such as water scarcity, flooding, and water quality.

Caring for People – Fostering a culture of opportunity by caring for the well-being of colleagues, guests, customers, owners, and communities. Hyatt encourages colleagues to continually learn and develop, both professionally and personally, opening doors to new career opportunities and unlocking their highest potential.

Human Rights and Human Trafficking – Hyatt respects the fundamental human rights of all people, and their zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking reflects their deep commitment to human rights and dignity everywhere. Since 2015, Hyatt has been a signatory to the ECPAT Code of Conduct.

Hyatt complies with all applicable labor-related laws, including wages, overtime, and working conditions, ensuring that Hyatt is a place where people can be their best. Hyatt also operates in accordance with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015, and our separate UK Modern Slavery Statement is available on our website.

Upholding Responsible Business Practices – Hyatt takes responsibility for creating fair, ethical, and transparent business practices both within and outside Hyatt and its properties.

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