Joanna James
From hiking up towering peaks to discovering majestic fortresses that have stood the test of time, these day trips from Muscat afford plenty of variety to the keen globetrotter.
Dubbed the ‘Grand Canyon of Arabia,’ the Mountain of the Sun or Jebel Shams as referred to by the locals provides adventure seekers the perfect opportunity to go rock climbing and hiking. Believed to be the 1st place in Oman where the sun rises, Jebel Shams is the highest point in the Al Hajar Mountain Range and is found some 240 km from Muscat. Though, complete with two summits, members of the general public are only permitted to scale the southern mountain for the northern one contains a military base. While catching the sunrise is the main highlight, the vistas of nearby villages and towns will leave you overwhelmed.
Translating to ‘Green Mountain,’ Al Jebel Al Akhdar is yet another mountain found within the Al Hajar Mountain Range that would warrant exploring once your time is done at Jebel Shams. Complete with beautiful green plantations to behold, visitors will be in a prime position to journey to the numerous local settlements that are found here. Further, one can capture scenes of honey bees and Omanis engaged in their daily chores here which include the growing of crops.
For a slightly more engaging and exciting take on Muscat’s day trips, do consider heading off to Wahiba Sands in the Al Sharqiya region which will serve as a wonderful and insightful introduction to the nation’s deserts. Doubling as an action-packed adventure as well as a cultural tour, holidaymakers can look forward to delighting in some sandboarding and learning of the ways and mannerisms of the Bedouin tribes who have thrived in these arid lands for centuries.
Beachgoers and leisure vacationers alike will find the spectacular beaches of the Musandam Governate much to their liking. Nestled within a peninsula at the northernmost tip of Oman, Musandam opens out into inviting coastlines where holidayers will find more than one reason to while away the hours. Encircled by the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Gulf, the region best serves those passionate about swimming and enjoying a boat ride. In fact, Khassab Beach ought to be beelined from where a boating tour can be sought to capture scenes of playful dolphins in open seas.
Northern Oman is filled to the brim with age-old fortifications and structures that were once utilised as defence mechanisms against warring armies. Of particular interest would be the Al Batinah region which can be reached in under 2 hours from Muscat. Having journeyed from Avani Muscat Hotel & Suites which is one of the hotels in Seeb Muscat, one will be escorted through an array of historic sites. For example, you may allocate time for a trip to Nakhal Fort which was named after the Wilayah of Nakhal. Amongst its noteworthy features is its weekly goat market and museum where you will stumble upon every minute detail of the many guns that are exhibited. From here onwards, you can head straight for Al-Hazm Castle and take stock of its historic ties and identity that go back to the time when Oman was liberated from the Portuguese. Underpinned by a more technologically-savvy structure, the Castle’s ceilings are devoid of any wood while semblances of artistic flair and engineering brilliance are retained from when it was constructed in the 18th century.
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.
