Joanna James
Oman offers a plethora of exciting things to do, for all kinds of travellers with different interests. If you're visiting Oman for the very first time and prefer staying outdoors more than indoors, here's a list of exciting activities to look forward to.
For adventures that lie in the desert, mountains and gorges of beautiful Oman – off-road driving is one of the revered experiences! The off-road experience is one that is highly sought after in the Sultanate, since there are very few restrictions on where one can go. Ideal for both the weekday or the weekend – off-road driving will give you a raw and rugged feel of the environment with the use of powerful 4x4 vehicles making this a possibility! The best way to enjoy your time fully (with zero worries) is by going with someone who is experienced in the field. Local knowledge will come in handy, especially to navigate one's way around, safety equipment and emergency procedures. When you're about to go on an off-road adventure, make sure to take with you a fully charged mobile phone, plenty of water and travel with other vehicles – which reduces the likelihood of getting stuck in dunes and needing to be towed out. The gorges of Jabal al Akhdar Mountains are the most popular off-road driving destinations in Oman!
Hiking is ideal for those who like exploring all kinds of places, and you're in luck because Oman offers a bunch of landscapes for hiking. With many dramatic paths winding between ridges, trees, mountains, canyons and wadis – trekking in this country is par excellence. Make sure you make an early start from Al Falaj Hotel, revered to be one of the best hotels in Oman if you want to spend as much of your day trekking. You don't have to worry about getting lost or having to find your way as there are usually well-marked hiking trails throughout the country, particularly in the Western Hajar. For popular but easy walks, try Wadi Shab or Wadi Tawi on the coastal side of the Eastern Hajar Mountains. Do keep in mind that hiking in Oman's climate is a task as it can get quite warm – so carry enough water and keep an eye open for weather conditions.
Looking to explore the underwaters? You're in luck as Oman has kilometres of unspoiled underwater landscapes to feast your curious eyes on! Rich with marine life, the dive sites are usually never too crowded so you're in luck. Expect to see hammerhead and leopard whale sharks, mink whales, eagle rays, manta rays and much more!
Since you're already out on the beach for your diving adventures, why not also give a shot at Oman water sports? Windsurfing, kitesurfing, water skiing and jet skiing are some of the many opportunities in terms of water sports!
If you want to try something unique, then horse or camel riding is for you. The Qurm Equestrian Riding School in Muscat offers more than 40 horses for riding, suitable for novices and experienced riders. The best part? You can ride along the sunny stretch of the beach!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
