Oman

From spectacular mountains, wind-blown deserts and a pristine coastline, Oman is the obvious choice for those seeking out the modern face of Arabia while still sensing its ancient soul.

KHASAB (خصب)

We arrived late, so first, we had dinner at the famous Aroos Musandam Restaurant (Dal soup – 0,8 OMR, Chicken Sechuan noodles – 2,5 OMR, Chicken Tikka with rice – 3 OMR, Garlic paste – 0,6 OMR, Lemon-mint Juice – 1 OMR, Pepsi 0,33l – 0,25 OMR...

ROAD TO KHASAB

Finally, we took a trip to the Musandam Peninsula, an enclave of Oman within the UAE. We drove around the stunning coastline and enjoyed some of the region’s most breathtaking views. We made several stops to take photos, so it took us more than an hour’s drive down gorgeous...

SOHAR (ولاية صحار)

A two-hour stop was enough to enjoy Sohar, often congratulated for being well-kept. We parked next to the Corniche, an example of this civic pride. Providing an attractive pavement along which to stroll, this coast road is the social heart of town – joggers use it for exercise, visitors...

AL MUSSANAH (المصنعة)

We made a short stop in the sleepy coastal town of Al Musannah. We missed the morning little fish market, so we just wandered around the nearby fort. The fort probably dates back to the 16th century. It has a square ground plan with 2 round towers on opposite corners. It sits in the...

RUSTAQ (ولاية الرستاق)

We made a short stop and walked around the enormous fort – the entrance alone with two cannons, signals its former importance. Built on top of pre-Islamic foundations, the massive outer walls date from the 18th century, while the inner keep is of much earlier vintage. The fort is...

AL AWABI (العوابی)

We parked overnight next to the castle of Al Awabi, built around the year 1800. This tiny structure was used to guard the thoroughfare to the fertile Wadi Bani Kharus. The castle has a square ground plan with round towers diagonally opposite corners. The tower with the complete stone...

WADI BANI KHARUS

We drove around a long, winding waterway that snakes its way over 30km through dramatic Wadi Bani Kharus. It has only recently become accessible by constructing a paved road along the entire length of the wadi. The wadi has been a prominent agricultural spot in Oman for hundreds of years...

WAKAN (وكان)

We drove through wide Wadi Mistal. It´s less wadi and more an extension of the Batinah Plain, leading through a narrow gap in the Western Hajar Mountains to an enormous desert basin. Dotted with acacia and grazed by goats, this basin is bisected by an excellent paved road that offers...

NAKHAL FORT (قلعة نخل)

Nakhal Fort is one of the most magnificent forts in Oman (🎟️2 OMR), built in an oasis on the foundations of a pre-Islamic structure. Fort has been expanded and renovated by many of the rulers of Oman throughout history. The oldest record of improvement to the fort is during the time of...

BARKA FORT (حصن بركاء)

Barka Castle dates back to the late 17th century (🎟️3 OMR). The first castle, Ya’arubi, was built to defend against Persian and Portuguese invaders. In 1748, the governor of Sohar, Ahmad Al Bu Said, a promoted merchant, enlarged and strengthened the castle. The newer and bigger...