2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do Families Photos we love Advice Responsible tourism

Oman travel advice

We represent some of Oman’s most expert tour operators who know exactly how to get under the layers of a country like Oman, which has a complex history, an extraordinary geography, a full on climate and a multi layered cultural heritage. Read on for their Oman travel advice, as well as some all important faq’s and facts from our travellers.

Home\Middle East\Oman

Oman travel advice

Tips from our friends in Oman

Things to do tips

Liz Pepperell, Managing Director of our supplier Odyssey World knows Oman like the back of her hand, and gives great Oman travel advice on what to do there: "Oman is such a special place but is sometimes perceived as being a five star beach holiday only, with people not being aware of what the country has to offer. So, I really advise people to look beyond the sun and sand as there is so much more to the country than this. Such as the fjords in the North, where you can see dolphins and whales and the region is ideal for scuba diving."

Nigel Fisher, Director at our supplier Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel: “The mountain trekking is brilliant through the Al Jabal Al Akhdar, but please put some time aside to walk though Oman’s secret Wadi’s in the Sharqiyah region”.

Environmental tips

Mark Huggins, from our supplier Undiscovered Destinations:

"Ensure that no rubbish is left. Take it with you back to your accommodation if there are no facilities. And also, be very careful to follow the instructions of the guides when visiting the turtles at Raz Al Jinz so as not to disturb them."

Packing tips

Oman travel advice from Nigel Fisher, Director at our supplier Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel: "You don’t actually need that much in Oman, but if you are camping in the desert you need a Polar Plus fleece, because it can be really cold at night. And take some decent summer walking boots, to get around the forts and desert sands. Not necessarily high tops, just cross trainer ones are fine. Just do them up tight in the sand. Those zip-off trousers are brilliant for ladies, as they can zip them off when they are in the vehicle."

Liz Pepperell, Managing Director of our supplier Odyssey World shares her Oman travel advice for those travelling into the desert: "If travelling into the interior take a smaller overnight soft bag and leave your main luggage at the hotel concierge. Cover the bags in plastic to keep out the sand and dust. Always have plenty of water and wet wipes & tissues."

Health & safety in Oman

Travel safely in Oman

Health

The biggest health warning is to drink a lot of water. This is two thirds desert after all. And protect yourself from the sun with all known methods possible to man.
If you are driving in the sand dunes, be warned that motion sickness can be an issue. It doesn’t occur to many people to bring sea sickness tablets to the desert.

Safety

For police, fire authorities or ambulance in Oman, call 9999.

Temperatures soar into the high 40’s in parts of Oman in the summer months. Always carry a lot of water, especially when exploring the deserts. 1 and 0.5L bottles are available in supermarkets. It is good to carry snacks too, as you might not see a shop or stall for miles.

Never go offroad alone, unless you are au fait with recovery methods in the event of an accident. These include the use of spades, ropes sand mats, ladders, two spare tyres….we could go on but, really, you are best to have a good guide.

If you do a self-guided trip in Oman, make sure you deal with an expert agency to provide you with route maps, detailed notes and support.

Always check the weather when you are travelling in Oman. Rainfall can cause sudden and severe flooding in dry riverbeds and on roads that cross them. Even 4X4’s can be knocked over by rainfall gushing down the dry valleys.

Just in case of flash floods, head to high ground, dry ground or shelter if the rain starts. Most wadi crossings have red and white poles to show where you can cross in the event of a flood. If the water has hit the red bit it’s a no go zone, no matter how big your vehicle. Unless it’s a boat.

Oman’s forts are favourites with families, rails or ropes are not always available. So, keep your eye out for any danger points to children.

As tempting as the oceans might appear, sea currents can be very strong on the coast of Oman. Always seek advice about safe swimming areas.

If you are taking a day trip on a tourist boat, always ensure that lifejackets and safety procedures are in place.

Anyone sailing around Oman will probably already be aware that the FCO advises against all but essential travel by yacht and leisure craft more than 12 nautical miles from shore in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and part of the Indian Ocean. See their website for more details.

Hello.
If you'd like to chat about Oman or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Rosy & team.

01273 823 700

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Oman tips from our travellers

Recommendations from those who have been there

At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.

We have selected some of the most useful Oman travel tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday - and the space inside your suitcase.

Take warm clothes for the desert and the mountains. It gets VERY cold at night. Take a lot of small denomination dollars or rial for tips. Make sure your trip is planned so that you get to the goat market in Nizwa on a Friday morning. It's great - Sally Frohlich

I loved the night in the desert. The Bedouin tent style accommodation was charming while still comfortable with our own bathroom (open to the skies). We watched the sun set from the top of a dune well away from anyone else and all we could see was a sea of soft, silky sand. Magic. Later we gazed at the stars from the top of the dune without any light pollution at all. The weather over Christmas and New Year was perfect with blues skies and sun - Elizabeth Hansen

Tips from Oman Ministry of Tourism

Never travel without a pashmina, you can buy one in any of Oman’s souks for a few rials but it is worth investing in a quality good one. They can protect you from the sun, sand and cold whether male or female, and act as a cover up for ladies when need to be.
If you forgot to pick up your duty free when leaving home you can buy some on arrival in Muscat Airport even during Ramadam after passport control. Useful if heading to non-licensed accommodation.
If you want to get a guide orientation or self-guided tours of Muscat, ask a taxi to take you to the nearest hop on/hop off Big Bus Tour stop.
The new Royal Opera House Galleria has a collection of beautiful Omani Shops and restaurants with more luxurious gifts. Don’t forget to look out for Oman’s internationally acclaimed perfume “Amouage” made with local rose water and frankincense.

Photo credits: [Photos: Oman Ministry of Tourism]

◄ Photos we love | Responsible tourism ►