Nizwa
is full of character
Welcome to Nizwa
The historic town of Nizwa, with its giant fort and high-walled souq, lies on a plain surrounded by a thick palm oasis and some of Oman’s highest mountains. Only half a century ago, British explorer Wilfred Thesiger was forced to steer clear of Nizwa: his Bedouin companions were convinced that he wouldn’t survive the ferocious conservatism of the town and refused to let him enter. He would have been amazed to find that Nizwa is now the second-biggest tourist destination in Oman. The seat of factional imams until the 1950s, Nizwa, or the ‘Pearl of Islam’ as it’s sometimes called, is still a conservative town, however, and appreciates a bit of decorum from its visitors.
Top experiences in Nizwa
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Nizwa activities
Private 4x4 Safari - The Mountain of the Sun
In Nizwa you will visit the famous 17th century fort and the souk with its excellent Bedouin jewelry. Continue to Misfah, a village seemingly hewn out of rock.Your next stop will be in the picturesque Al Hamra, one of the last loam villages in Oman. From Al Hamra the path leads to Jebel Shams, the "Mountain of the Sun", from a height of nearly 9,843 feet (3,000 meters) you will have an outstanding view deep into the "Grand Canyon of Oman".A stop for a picnic lunch will be made en-route.
Day Trip to Oman's Grand Canyon: Jebel Shams
The tour begins by driving through the beautiful embassy quarter of Muscat en route to Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. You will stop to visit the mosque, a splendor of unique Islamic architecture. A popular visit to Nizwa, the former capital of the interior and the birthplace of Islam in the Sultanate of Oman. Nizwa is enchanting with forts, the most famous being the Round tower Fort, built in the 17th Century and its Souq is renowned for its intricately hand-carved “Khanjars (daggers) and ornamental silver jewellery. The tour then heads to Wadi Nakhel, which is situated at the bottom of the Jebel Shams, Oman’s Grand Canyon and on to Misfah, one of the oldest mountain villages in Oman. You will be taken along the mountain road to Jebel Shams with a stop at another farming village called Wadi Ghul, where you can catch one of the best views of the highest peak in the Jebel Shams range about 3000 meters above sea level. The tour proceeds to Al Hamra, a 300 year old town lying on the edge of a sprawling oasis. An off road tracks to the secluded 13th Century village of Misfat Al Brein, which clings to the edge of the Canyon and return to Muscat. You will then be returned to your hotel in Muscat.
Muscat to Nizwa Private Day Trip Shore Excursion with Guide
When your cruise ship docks at the Port of Muscat, meet your private guide and travel southwest to Nizwa. Sit back and relax on your journey, admiring the scenery of the towering Hajar Mountains overlooking the lush oases of Fanjah and Birkat Al Mauz.After just less than two hours on the road, arrive in Nizwa and hop off your vehicle to explore the historical town. See Nizwa Fort, a 17th-century fort built for Sultan bin Saif al-Yaruba, an early leader from the Ya’aruba dynasty. Admire its 131-foot (40-meter) tower that dominates the town center, and gaze out at the palm oasis that stretches out around it.Visit Nizwa Souk to marvel at the antiques and Bedouin silverware on offer. Enjoy a break to explore the center at leisure and have lunch (own expense), and then meet your guide at the pre-arranged time to continue your tour.Leave Nizwa and travel west to the nearby town of Jabrin, passing a series of old battlements at Tanuf and Bahla. Jabrin’s pièce de résistance is Jabrin Castle, one of the best preserved fortresses in Oman. Explore with your guide, admire the elaborately painted ceilings and see if you can find any of the famously hidden rooms of the fortress.Return to your vehicle and travel back to Muscat, finishing your tour at the start point. Worry-free Shore Excursion:We will ensure your timely return to the Port of Muscat for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Jebel Shams, Wadi Ghul, Wadi Nakhr: Full-Day Private Tour
At 08:30 hrs you will be picked up from your hotel or accommodation in Muscat city to board a 4x4 to travel via Fanjah, Izki and Nizwa. You will stop at Nizwa for a stroll through the Old Capital of Oman before moving onto Al Hamra. Once you have reached the region of Al Hamra you will visit the scenic Wadi Ghul and stop at the old village of Ghul to see the abandoned Persian ruins. Moving on you will drive along Wadi Nakhr, also referred to as the Grand Canyon with breathtaking views. At the end of the Wadi is a village where rugs with bright colors and designs are made by local weavers. Visit the local weaver and haggle for their wares. You will then have a picnic lunch.After lunch you will make your way up to Jebel Shams, the highest peak in Oman at 3000 metres. From there you will have an outstanding view deep into the Grand Canyon of Oman. On your way back to Muscat, you will stop at Misfat Al Abrein, a picturesque village strapped on to the side of a mountain. As you walk around this beautiful village where time has come to a standstill, you will be moved by the simplicity and friendliness of the people. Return to Muscat by 16:30 approximately.
Full-Day Grand Canyon and Nizwa Tour by 4x4
This tour starts through the Hajar Mountains to the township of Nizwa, the ancient capital of Oman. At Nizwa you will visit Nizwa Fort and the Traditional Souk. From there you will travel through the deep Wadi Ghul and arrive at Jebel Shams “Mountain of the Sun” the undisputed lord of the mountains. Jebel Shams is the highest peak of the Jebel Al Akhdar mountain range, soaring 3,000 meters above sea level. It provides a spectacular scenery, ancient rock carvings and remote villages.This is the Grand Canyon of Oman. There will be time to experience some of the breath-taking scenery before continuing to the beautiful old village of Misfah. The village of Misfah is perched on the side of a mountain where narrow ancient stone pathways lead you into the valley below. Lunch will be held in a restaurant, where you can savour local delicacies at the top of the mountain. Afterwards , you will explore the ancient labyrinth of the region of Al Hamra before your return trip to Muscat.
Nizwa Full Day (Muscat tours) : Oman Shore excursions
This tour takes you first to Nizwa, the old capital of Oman. The Nizwa Souq is among the largest of its kind in the country. A wide variety of vendors offer their goods in the streets of the souk from 05:00 am to about 10:00 am each morning. Here you can find fish, meat, vegetables, pottery, jewellery, handicrafts and souvenirs which are sold in authentic old market halls that few places can boast. Especially interesting is the Friday cattle market, when the locals from the nearby villages come to sell their donkeys, goats, cattle, sheep and chickens in a circus style open market place. Next to the Souq is Nizwa Fortress. The fort is a museum today and offers splendid views of this ancient town and the surrounding mountains. You can walk around in this impressive fortress and visit its many rooms, passages and towers. The fort is an architectural testimony to the economic and military achievements of the early Yaruba dynasty from the mid-17th century. It was a military stronghold designed to withstand even the strongest of attacks at the time. Even along the corridors, many traps were laid to deter any intruders that might have penetrated the defences.Then we drive to Al Hamra, to visit the old village and see the tradition homes their, Then we move on towards Misfath al Abreen. This picturesque village lies on a steep slope at the foot of Jebel Shams, a few kilometres from the village of Al Hamra and consists of old homes and narrow streets. It has a large Falaj system which supplies water for many orchards, date palms and vegetables. It is worth to spend at least 1 ½ hours walking around the village. There are marked footpaths through the village and surrounding area. In the late afternoon we drive back to Muscat.