Outstanding Oman in January
We have a new favourite Arabian country! It’s hard to imagine a country where you can experience in just one week a more diverse range of landscapes than Oman, the fastest growing tourist destination in the Middle East and yet one still under the radar for many Kiwi travellers.
In our week of private touring in this extraordinary Gulf Sultanate, the oldest independent state in the Arab world, there were a lot of highlights! We walked the terraces of ancient ‘alfaj’ irrigation system, enjoyed views of spectacular Oman’s ‘grand canyon’ from Jabal Akhdar (green mountain) at an altitude of 2000m, stargazed, tried our hand at sunrise yoga and climbed the vast dunes of Wahiba Sands, swam in the turquoise freshwater pools of the amazing Wadi Shab and snorkeled in the uninhabited Damaniyat Islands, 42km off the Oman coast.
We visited the spectacular (both inside and out) Oman Across Ages Museum, which traces the story of Oman from the first settlers to the present day, spanning different ages, dynasties and civilisations. We marvelled at the truly jaw-dropping beauty of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, meandered through Muttrah Souq with its overwhelming aroma of frankincense, tried the delicious dates and ‘halwa’ sweets, climbed the walls of the fort at Nizwa and the staircases of the even more amazing Jabreen Castle and sauntered through the palm groves of Birkad al Mouz.
Despite all these natural wonders, the real highlight of Oman though is surely the genuine traditional Arabian hospitality that is afforded to all visitors; a great deal of thought has gone into the tourist experience. People here are devout Muslims and live in accordance with their faith,but are also tolerant and welcoming of all visitors; no-one is pressuring tourists to buy souvenirs. Oman is resource-rich and so has excellent roading and infrastructure, however, unlike some of its flashier neighbours, Omanis are understated and humble, there are no soaring skyscrapers or supercar showrooms here.
Our driver-guide Hamad was superb; a gracious, enthusiastic and generous ambassador for his remarkable country who made our trip truly special with humour and countless thoughtful touches. Always willing to answer our questions about Omani customs and society, Hamad quickly picked up on our taste for mint tea and the strong, spiced ‘karak’ tea and popular road trip snacks like samosas and pakoras and made regular stops to cater to our cravings!
A heartfelt “Shukran” Oman! I suspect we’ll be returning before too long to visit our friend Hamad, this time to include Musandam in the far North and tropical Salalah in the far South.
Curated journeys to suit every style and every one.
We have the world at our fingertips, let’s go and explore it.