Oman roadtrip in October

After Ras Al Jinz, spend a night at one of the desert camps in Wahiba

Stick with Nizwa. If you live in Dubai you can spend time in the desert any weekend you like. Wahiba is nice, but its not materially different to the open desert in the UAE.

Whats the visa process like at Hatta? Heard it could take hours sometimes?

Normally fine, 20 minutes tops, but at the start of a long Eid, it can be absolute chaos - I know people who have taken 4 hours at the border post to get into Oman on the first day of Eid. Either leave seriously early (like 04:00am), or get a 1 day jump start, or find another way to beat the rush. It can be really miserable.

Which places in Muscat are a MUST SEE? (would like to take in a little about the history / art / architecture)

The Grand Mosque is stunning but may be closed to tourists depending on which days are announced as Eid. Muttrah Corniche and the souk, and then the coastline drive through to Oman Dive Centre (for lunch) is the other must see for me.

Is 1 night in Ras Al Jinz enough? Or is a 2-night stay suggested to have a more relaxed schedule?

1 night is plenty, but you will be lucky to get a booking. Phone them now. They always get booked out well in advance of Eid.

Is the road from Ashkharah to Shannah fully paved / marked?

It is - brand new, and in perfect condition.

Do they have gas stations enroute from Ashkharah to Shannah or at Shannah?

Nothing at Shannah, and I dont think there is anything between Ashkarah and Shannah yet. There is a petrol station at Mahoot (40 minutes drive West of Shannah).

Do they have gas stations on Masirah Island?

Yes, but only at the town where the ferry lands. Fill up there before you leave town.

Any places enroute from Masirah to Nizwa which we should see?

Wadi Bani Khalid is nice, but it will be heaving with people over Eid so might lose a little in the crowds. There is a very cool series of old abandoned villages not far off the main road north of Mintarib, but I dont remember the names. Maybe do a search online.

Suggestions for places to stay in / around Nizwa? Not looking for anything fancy, but should be clean / nice.

Falaj Daris Motel is nicest, again book ahead - they will be packed over Eid.

Any other places which we should see around Nizwa?

Jabrin Fort is fabulous, dont miss it.

On the way back, would it be quicker to go through Al Ain? Or back via Hatta?

Much quicker through Al Ain if you're already in Nizwa.

Enjoy.
GC

GC! I knew I could count on you for a response!

You must be the most active person on the Oman thread! I also remember you helping me out on the thread with a Salalah trip which I planned a year or so ago.

Thanks a ton!

Hi Genghis Caterpillar/everyone else,

I'm also planning a road trip around Oman for February with a friend (female) of mine. I just had a few questions which I would be grateful if you or anyone else could answer.

We have two potential routes and I would appreciate your views on these:

Route 1: Spend a few nights in Muscat, then head to Sur/Ras Al Jinz (to see the turtle sanctuary). Then to drive from Sur to Nizwa, spending a night in a desert camp and one night in the mountains, before heading back to Muscat.

Route 2 (essentially the above in reverse): Arrive in Muscat and head south for a night in the mountains, then onto Nazwa. Then spend a night in the desert before heaidng up to Sur. And from Sur, back west to Muscat for a few days.

Which do you think is best?

Regarding the nights in the desert (Wahiba Sands) and in the mountains (Jebel Shams?), do you have any recommendations of places to stay? Accommodation seems to be heavily booked up and quite pricey so any advice is gratefully received.

Obviously, I've been researching Oman and Muscat, but I was curious to know what you think the most important sites are to see in Muscat (anywhere else in Oman too!). We intend to visit the Grand Mosque, the Sultan's Palace, the most famous forts etc but any other suggestions would be great.

We are also hoping to squeeze in one day of rest and relaxation on the beach. Where is best for this? I have seen that the Qurum and Qantab beaches are popular but do you have an opinion on which is better? I am also aware that if we want to sunbathe, this may only be possible at private beaches? Is it better to get a day pass to a private hotel beach for this then?

On a separate note, I was planning to hire the car from rentalcars.com; I think we will need to hire a 4x4 but do you have any other suggestions for a cheaper way to hire a car for a week?

Finally, I think egg laying season is September-October time? With this in mind, is there any point in staying in Ras Al Jinz in February, or are we better to stay in Sur?

Anyway, too many questions, but maybe you'll be able to help with some of them!

Many thanks

tpw89

We have two potential routes and I would appreciate your views on these:

Either works fine. I'd say your defining criteria would be to avoid the weekend at Ras Al Jinz. As you noted later in your post, February is already mighty booked up, and I sincerely doubt you'll get a booking for the turtles at the weekend. Book that first, use it to decide your final itinerary.

Regarding the nights in the desert (Wahiba Sands) and in the mountains (Jebel Shams?), do you have any recommendations of places to stay?

For Wahiba, I like Nomadic, partly because they're one of the smallest camps, which makes it more individual, but mostly because they have no power so its oil lamps, torches and firelight only, which adds to the atmosphere. I've only ever wild camped at Jebel Shams so have no advice to offer there.

I was curious to know what you think the most important sites are to see in Muscat.

The Grand Mosque is wonderful, the Muttrah Souk and Corniche is lovely, the palace well worth a look. I don't much rate any of the Muscat Museums - the best (IMO) is the Bait al Zubair but only because it has a fairly good gift shop. For me, the major attractions in Muscat other than those above, are the ocean and the water sports. ODC, CAYC and Bandar Rhowda Marina are the places that I end up spending lots of time in. Diving is great, snorkelling likewise, even if you dont want to be in the water, dolphin watching or dhow trips are a great way to see the coastline.

We are also hoping to squeeze in one day of rest and relaxation on the beach. Where is best for this?

ODC or CAYC (ODC is my preference) - reasonable day rates for visitors, good basic beach facilities, licenced restaurant, minimal hassle. There are plenty of free beaches but for the sake of 3 OR I'd rather have the comfort of knowing I'm not being perved at and pestered.

On a separate note, I was planning to hire the car from rentalcars.com; I think we will need to hire a 4x4 but do you have any other suggestions for a cheaper way to hire a car for a week?

I've never rented a car here, I have no clue. Sorry.

Finally, I think egg laying season is September-October time? With this in mind, is there any point in staying in Ras Al Jinz in February, or are we better to stay in Sur?

At Ras al Jinz they really do have turtles laying every day of the year. Its always worth staying at the Turtle Reserve, even though i think the food and accommodation is horribly overpriced and generally sub-standard. And the early morning tour is well worth getting out of bed for if you want photos.

Also, Sur is a hole of a place. I wouldn't recommend a night in Sur to my enemies. Or maybe I would, but only if I really hate them.