Sirius Black
Oman which is a short distance from Abu Dhabi and Dubai is a traditional country home to stunning landscapes, dazzling souks and age old traditions, all marvellous treats to savour.
The Grand Mosque is one of the most dazzling buildings in Muscat. The place is an architectural marvel boasting Italian marble, a massive 21 tonne hand woven rug and an immense Swarovski chandelier inside which 8 people can walk – an option that is not open to foreigners. If you want to tour this magnificent edifice then remember to dress modestly as required. Women should wear head scarves and garments covering the collar bone to below the knees while men should wear long sleeved shirts and trousers.
Located along the corniche on the seafront the, Muttrah Souk is one of the most iconic shopping destinations in Oman. It is home to a variety of goodies such as traditional silver and gold jewellery, Arabian rugs, garments, souvenirs, utterly soft Llama wool pashminas, artefacts and exotic spices. The most successful skill to practise at the souk is your bargaining talent. Remember to start at a lower price than required and meet the seller in the middle. If you want to people watch visit the bazaar after 6 pm which is when many of the locals decide to shop and haggling is an interesting skill to observe.
The Wahiba Sands are the most intriguing and exotic locations in Oman. Plan well and you will be able to do a desert crossing that will leave you with a million memories. Choose a personal desert crossing tour or book into a desert night camp and enjoy a stay within a typical Bedouin style village. Along the way you will come across local tribes and camel trails while the ever shifting sand dunes are magical sights to photograph.
Oman's fabled Green Mountain is a stunning location to explore. Situated around the Saiq Plateau home to the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, this location is favoured for its stark and stunning environs. Located 2,000 metres above sea level the plateau is a rivalled location for finding the best options where one can enjoy an almost royal like stay within the folds of the magnificent Al Hajar Mountains of Oman. From this location you can easily tour Nizwa Fort built in the 17th century, Nizwa Souk a one stop shop for Arabian artefacts and Birkat Al Mouz a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Birkat Al Mouz is just 36kms from the Saiq Plateau; it is a 400 year old valley that is serviced by ancient water channels. Staying at Oman luxury resorts in the region give you a chance to explore these sites of interest.
Wadi Bani Awf is the country's most favoured 4 wheel drive location. A Wadi is a desert gorge which fills quite quickly with water during a rainfall. The ride is rough and tumbled and can take a total of 2 hours. It is wise to hire a proper vehicle and experienced guide before attempting to explore this stunning region.
