Journey to Oman in the desert

The journey from Western Europe to Muscat takes on average 10 hours.

👉 If you booked your flights through Oman Nomads, you’ll depart in the evening and arrive in Muscat on the morning of Day 1 of your trip.

👉 If you’re booking your flights independently, please note that rental cars are available on day 1 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

This means you'll need to schedule a flight arriving in Muscat in the morning, which will likely require a departure the day before.

🛏️ The first night is spent near Nakhal, just a short distance from the airport.

A later arrival will simply reduce the time you have for local visits and won't allow you to visit the mosque, which closes at 11 AM. However, this won’t affect the rest of the trip.

And we're off for the first day of this great adventure! Once you've landed and picked up your vehicle, you'll start your journey in Oman by exploring its capital and many iconic sites.

The day will kick off with a must-see visit to the stunning Grand Mosque of Sultan Qaboos. You'll then have the chance to pass through the city of Mutrah, wander around its traditional souk, or check out the royal palace.

After these initial stops, the goal will be to leave the capital and head to the charming village of Nakhal, where you'll spend your first night under your rooftop tent.

The day will start with a visit to one of our favorites in the region: the first fort of your trip, where you'll likely have the chance to be alone.

After this first stop, the goal will be to reach the charming mountain village of Bilad Sayt. To get there, you'll first reach the entrance point of the highest mountains on the Arabian Peninsula.

The adventure really begins here. Activate 4×4 mode and get ready to navigate the winding mountain roads. Take the opportunity to stop along the way and explore the impressive canyons, known as wadi, that you'll encounter on your journey.

On this third day of the journey through the mountains, you’ll head towards the peak of the country. But along the way, you won’t have a moment to be bored—discover wonderful architecture by exploring forts and castles and enjoy the typical towns to soak up the Omani atmosphere before reaching the top of Jebel Shams. In the evening, we recommend an incredible camping spot to beautifully end the day.

Early risers are in for a treat with the most breathtaking hike in the country: the W6 Balcony Walk. This thrilling trail clings to the cliffs of Oman’s Grand Canyon and leads to an abandoned troglodyte village. After this unforgettable trek, you can cool off with a dip in a secluded natural pool before continuing your journey to Nizwa, the historic former capital of the sultanate. There, you can explore the majestic fort and immerse yourself in the area's rich cultural heritage.

On day five, you will experience a dramatic change of scenery. Leave the mountains behind and head for the vast golden expanse of the Wahiba Sands desert. After a quick stop to stock up on supplies and deflate your tyres, follow the sandy tracks left by past adventurers into this surreal landscape. As you drive deeper into the dunes, find your own peaceful spot to camp beneath the stars. You might even cross paths with wandering camels and experience the desert's unique magic.

Take a moment to enjoy the magic of the Wahiba Sands one last time before leaving the desert. Your next stop is one of the region's most stunning wadis, the perfect place for a refreshing swim surrounded by lush greenery. Then, continue east until the Indian Ocean opens up before your eyes for the first time on this trip.

After one final night lulled by the sound of the ocean, it’s time to pack up your rooftop tent for the last time. On your way back, you can take a refreshing swim in the beautiful Wadi Shab or relax on one of the many beaches along the coast.

By the end of the day, you will return to the capital to drop off your car and enjoy a well-deserved night in a four-star hotel in the heart of Muscat, complete with a rooftop pool for the ultimate in comfort.

It is already time to pack your bags for the journey back home. For those who booked their flights through us, departure is scheduled in the morning. For the others, hotel check-out is at 12:00 pm.

If you decide to extend your stay in Oman, you will find our recommendations in the app. For example, you can book a boat excursion to the Daymaniyat Islands.