Despite its rough topography and rugged nature, the Sultanate of Oman boasts world-class road networks spanning its length and breadth.
For a visitor to this country of mesmerizing natural beauty, according to a report Lonely Planet, “there is no better way to explore its pristine, wildly beautiful and surprisingly diverse landscapes than on a road trip”.
A network of excellent coastal highways and interior routes offers access to fishing villages, white-sand beaches, stunning gorges, mountain towns and lush nature reserves, says the Australian travel guide book publisher in the latest report published in its website.
Excellent coastal highways and interior routes offer access to fishing villages, white-sand beaches, stunning gorges, mountain towns and lush nature reserves.
“Whether you’re spending one week or two in the Sultanate of Oman, renting a car gives you maximum flexibility – something you’ll appreciate when faced with the prospect of spending an extra hour or two soaking in a turquoise spring instead of having to rush to the next spot while on a guided tour”, the travel advisory notes.
Road tripping also offers the opportunity to be spontaneous and wild camp around the country, and to experience the warmth and kindness of the Omani people, who are quick to invite you for a meal or tow your vehicle out of the sand should you get stuck.
The coastal drive along Highway 17 from Muscat to Sur and farther to Ras Al Hadd, where the Sea of Oman meets the Arabian Sea, is one of the most popular road trips in Oman for good reason.
“Not only do the stops along this route create a good three-day Oman road trip itinerary, but also the drive is rewarding for its spectacular scenery, especially if you don’t mind taking a few detours to the wadis (valleys) in the interior”, the travel guide urges.
On the left are azure sea hugs white-sand beaches and windswept cliffs along a coast dotted with quaint fishing towns. On the right, the eastern Hajjar Mountains beckon with the promise of valley trails, mountain villages and jaw-dropping canyon views.
“When stops for a coffee”, the Lonely Planet advisor urges, “you can wander around Quriyat, a fishing village with a busy souq and a 19th-century fort and round watchtower”.
Also swim in the turquoise brackish water at Bimmah Sinkhole (locally known as Hawiyat Najm Sinkhole), a natural 20m (65ft) deep limestone sinkhole that attracts visitors for the bright color of the water. Fins Beach, with its white sand, pebbles and interesting rock formations, is one of the most beautiful beaches along this coast and a good spot to camp overnight.
At Wadi Shab, hike along canyon walls to swim in turquoise pools and see a waterfall inside a cave. Visit agricultural villages at nearby Wadi Tiwi and hike past traditional falaj irrigation channels to take a dip in pristine pools surrounded by palms.
In Sur, two castles, an open-air museum and a boat-building yard where dhows (wooden boats) are still built using traditional methods tell of the town’s rich maritime heritage. Don’t leave the area without visiting Ras Al Hadd and the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, where you can witness nesting green turtles or hatchlings making their way to the sea.
