How to get to Bimmah Sinkhole: very simple, the place is close to the main road that goes to the east of the country and the parking is 5 minutes walk. It’s free and open from 8am to 8pm.

Tip: for turquoise water, plan a visit between 11am and 2pm, otherwise much of the pond will be in the shade ☀️.

What to do in Oman? Visit Wadi Ash Shab

Attention, we are already on my favorite part of the trip! For me, thisst LE Wadi is a must-see. But what is a Wadi? Simply a drained river bed with basins filled by underground springs. Yes, it is not the rain that fills these pools, it is quite rare in Oman and the water would not be so translucent .

When you arrive by car, there is no real parking, but everyone parks along the road. To find the location, it’s easy, type Wadi Ash Shab on Google Maps and it will take you to the entrance.

The visit is not chargeable, BUT you will have to pay for the small boat crossing as soon as you arrive. Indeed, the hike is on the right bank and we come from the left. Was it done on purpose? Of course. I find the experience really cool, even if it only lasts 2 minutes. So plan 1 rial per person round trip (or €2.50).

Once you are on the right side, follow the riverbed for about 45 minutes. The walk is quite simple and it’s relatively flat. If you walk fast enough and do not take too many photo breaks (good luck for that, because it’s too beautiful), you can put 30 minutes. There are many small pools along the way.

When you arrive at the main pool, I strongly recommend that you don’t stop there. One, because there are a lot of people. And two, because the Wadi has more surprises in store for you. Indeed, you can swim (or walk along the Wadi for a few tens of meters) to reach other quieter pools. AND above all, discover a cave with a hidden waterfall inside . Attention, the passage to reach the cave is very narrow and not suitable for people claustrophobic. It is quite wide at the body level, but the head barely passes between the 2 rocks on 1.5-2 meters.

Little tips: opt for a mid-day visit so you don’t get too much shade again. Also, equip yourself with a waterproof bag if you do not want to leave your valuables at the edge of the Wadi while you go exploring the cave. Even if there will never be a flight in Oman, except maybe from tourists… And finally, plan: sunscreen, water, towel and water shoes if you don’t want to slip.

Where to stay in Wadi Ash Shab?

For my first night out of the capital, I booked a place 5 minutes from Wadi Ash Shab at Tiwi Pearl. Nothing incredible but nothing to complain about either. The night is 54 €, the staff is adorable and the room quite large. The establishment also has a terrace upstairs where you can get food delivered for really cheap!

I can also recommend an amazing accommodation that was presented to me by one of our customers (thank you @melinsight_ if you pass by): The Nomad Inn Tiwi. It was unfortunately full when I was there, but I advise you to book it in advance because the place is SUBLIME! I let you discover the beautiful photos on the link.

Day 4 of the road trip to Oman

The famous Wadi Bani Khalid

To get to Wadi Bani Khalid, you will pass through the city of Sour. Don’t hesitate to stop and see its little port.

This time, while still free, this Wadi offers parking at the entrance. The walk is very simple and fast, take 10 minutes maximum. You will also find a restaurant on site. As you can see, it is much less wild than Wadi Ash Shab. I recommend moving away from the first pool as much as possible to be more relaxed.

Little tips: the place is very touristic, I would advise to come around 14h, when tourists leave. Or early in the morning, but less sun… For women, it is not forbidden to be in a swimsuit, but it is still advisable to stay in a t-shirt to respect local customs.

The little-known Wadi Hawer

Wadi Hawer is a hidden gem in Oman, located just before Wadi Bani Khalid. Much less frequented and preserved, I recommend you to venture there. But be careful, the hike, even if it is not very long, is not suitable for everyone. To get there, follow the directions you have on Google Maps. After 10-15 minutes of walking, you will be blocked by a huge pool. Here, you just need to step back and you will find.

Where to stay in Wadi Bani Khalid?

These two Wadis are less than an hour’s drive from Bidiyah, at the entrance to the Wahiba Sands desert. So I recommend you to spend one or two nights in the desert. Personally, I stayed at Arabian Night Resort. The experience was incredible! The camp is located 27 km from Bidiyah, deep in the desert. I really felt isolated in the middle of the dunes.

Attention, you must have a 4×4 vehicle to go in the desert! If you do not have one, please inform the hotel, they will arrange a transfer for 50 rials (about 125€) return.

Day 5: Nizwa visit

Nizwa is the ancient capital of Oman, it’s a real journey through time. As soon as I arrived, I was struck by the authentic atmosphere of this city surrounded by mountains. The Nizwa Fort with its massive circular tower is a must.

The fort is open daily from 8:00 to 18:00. However, on Friday it closes between 11:30 and 13:30 for prayer. Count 5 rials (about 12€) per adult.

What to do in and around Nizwa?

Close to the fort, don’t miss the Nizwa souq. You will find silver jewellery, local products, incense and dates.

I loved exploring the nearby Birkat Al Mouz, abandoned village with ochre alleys. Do not hesitate to go up to the “top” of the village to have a breathtaking view of the date plantations. Originally, I was looking for a production of dates but I did not find any. On the other hand, I discovered a plantation with a very nice coffee: Banana Café (even if it is a bit expensive for the country, 5€ the drink on average).

Where to stay in Nizwa?

Close to the city centre, I found a fully renovated apartment, quiet, with air conditioning and parking for 45 € per night. Ideal for a stay-in course before continuing the road trip to Oman.

Day 6: Misfah al Abriyyin and The View

Located less than an hour’s drive from Nizma, Misfah al Abriyyin is a village perched in the middle of an oasis. Thanks to its ancient irrigation system (Falaj) used for 2000 years, Misfah al Abriyyin is surrounded by lush gardens, palm groves and terraced crops, offering a striking contrast with the surrounding arid mountains. Take the time to order a drink on the café Bun Alhisn ’s panoramic terrace for an unobstructed view of the city and its greenery.

Where to sleep?

I strongly recommend that you spend a night at The View Oman. The hotel is located at 1000 m altitude and allows you to live a unique experience. Access is by 4×4, but you can also ask the hotel to arrange a transfer for the 7 km of climb (35 rials, or 90 €). The rooms all offer a sublime view. The infinity pool is a real plus! Even in February, I was able to enjoy it (the water had to be 24 degrees). The catering, in buffet form, is excellent!

Day 7: End of the Road trip to Oman, Jabel Shams Mountain

Jabel Shams, highest peak in Oman

Jabel Shams, nicknamed the “roof of Oman,” is a must-see for a mix of nature and adventure. The summit is over 3,000 metres high and offers breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon of Arabia. The winding road to get there is an experience in itself, but this time it’s still accessible without a 4×4.

There are 2 things you should not miss:

• • the Balcony Walk hike (search for W6 – Balcony Walk Hike to find parking), a spectacular trail that runs along the steep cliffs of the canyon to the abandoned village of As Sab. The view over the cliff is impressive, and the sunrise from the summits is a magical experience. I was there from 7 am and I met no one except biquettes! Walking is quite simple, but if you are very sensitive to dizziness, it can be more complicated. Count 3 hours of walking back to make the 7 km and many photo breaks!

• the sunset point, offers in my opinion the most beautiful sunset in Oman. Easily accessible, you can not miss the sunset from the plateau or from your car if it is too cold. Indeed, between the valley and Jabel Shams, you will lose almost 15 degrees!

Where to sleep in Jabel Shams?

For a great experience, I recommend Jabal Shams Domes. It is an unusual accommodation in the form of transparent domes, offering a breathtaking view of the mountains and the starry sky from Jabel Shams. There are only 3 rooms and the hotel has no restaurant or reception, but everything went well.

How do you plan your week trip to Oman? Practical Information

When to go to Oman?

I’m not going to surprise you with the fact that it’s nice all year long in Oman. However, it can be very (too) hot in the summer. That’s why I don’t recommend going to Oman between May and September.

I personally did my road trip to Oman in late February and it was just perfect, with 28 to 32 degrees during the day and 19 to 21 at night. No worries, I was able to swim in the natural pools, the water had to be between 24 and 26 degrees.

Where to book your flight?

I went to Oman with the airline Qatar which has a flight with a stopover in Doha from Lyon.

✈️ To book my flight tickets, I always use the French flight comparator Ulysse. The customer service is very responsive in case of problems. Get €10 off by registering via this link.

I would like to remind you that I have also written a itinerary for visiting Abu Dhabi, the neighbouring country And that you can also find sunshine in winter in our articles about Thailand.

How do you rent a car for your road trip?

To find a car rental at Oman, I highly recommend Discovercars. Indeed, this comparator allows to scan the whole market and gives very low prices. Prices are often the lowest, they are even cheaper than on live rental sites. For added peace of mind, don’t hesitate to take out insurance which is not that expensive on their site.

Budget for a week-long road trip to Oman

This is the breakdown of my travel to Oman:

• ✈️ Flights Lyon – Muscate: 600€ AR
• Car rental: 350€ for the week
• ⛽️ Gas costs: 60€, representing 2 and a half full for the entire route taken
• Hotels: 70€ per night on average for a comfortable hotel or apartment
• Restaurants: 20€ per day per person, for 2 meals at the restaurant

Total budget for a 7 night trip for 2 people = €2,380, or €1190 per person, excluding activities.

This budget may vary depending on the prices of car/plane rentals and the quality of accommodation you choose. You can also save a lot on food by cooking in a hotel apartment or eating a snack for lunch. I did!

Can you travel alone to Oman as a woman? Is Oman a safe country?

I’ve been asked the question several times on Instagram, so I take the time to make you a flat. YES, travelling alone to Oman as a woman is quite possible and even quite safe. Oman is one of the most secure countries in the Middle East, with a low crime rate and a generally benevolent and visitor-friendly population.

Why is Oman a safe country?

✔️ Very low crime rate – assaults and theft are very rare.
✔️ The Omanis are lovely and have a great respect for tourists.
✔️ Respectful society: as a single woman, you will rarely be bothered, provided that you respect the cultural codes.
✔️ Well developed infrastructure : excellent roads, quality hotels and a tourist police present.

Tips for travelling alone to Oman

• Respect local customs: avoid too short or tight outfits, especially in the villages.
• Getting around easily: I recommend renting a car, but taxis and private drivers are also good options.
• Avoid isolated areas at night: this advice applies to almost all countries, but Oman is generally very safe even in the evening.
• Staying in reputable establishments: hotels and guesthouses are welcoming and secure.

In short, Oman is a great destination for a woman travelling alone, with a higher sense of security than many other countries.

Rent a 4×4 for your road trip in Oman

As mentioned above, I did not rent a 4×4 for my road trip in Oman. It is of course better to rent one, for more comfort. But honestly, it will depend mostly on the price. Because even adding the 2 necessary transfers to the hotels I did, it was better to rent a classic car. I let you find your happiness by comparing prices on Discovercars.

If you don’t know, close to Oman, I recommend my article on what to do in Abu Dhabi. Also in the upcoming destinations, you can watch Aurélie’s article on her road trip in Jordan.

This article contains affiliate links. If we helped you plan your trip or you just want to support us, consider booking your activities and hotels in Oman by clicking on our links. We will get a small commission and the price remains unchanged for you of course.