Top Reasons to Visit Oman
With great natural sights, vast deserts, authentic Middle Eastern culture and food, Oman is a great tourist destination for anyone.
1. Secluded Crystal Clear Wadi Pools
Wadis are normally dry valleys that are filled during the rainy season. There are hundreds of wadis in Oman between stunning and grand mountains and palm trees, with turquoise and sometimes lime-green water that offer the ultimate in natural beauty. Each wadi is unique and offers a different experience based on its location and surrounding geography, and provide a refreshing relief from the heat.
2. Deserted Beaches
Oman has some pretty amazing beaches due to its coastline. There are a lot of beaches you can find that will provide a perfect place for relaxation and enjoyment.
3. Beautiful Desert
The Sharqiya Sands is just one of the desert areas in Oman, having amazing red sand dunes and a mesmerizing view.
4. Historic Forts and Castles
Oman is home to a number of historic forts and castles such as Nakhal Fort (built in the 17th century and beautifully restored) and Bahla Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 13th century. There are over 500 forts and castles in Oman.
5. Excellent Roads
The paved roads in Oman are in excellent condition and very quiet once you get out of Muscat.
6. Salalah Khareef Festival
Khareef, which means monsoon in English, is a very well-known season that hits the southern part of Oman starting in late June of every year until the following September. During this season, Salalah, in particular, becomes very green and rainy, turning the dry desert-filled city into a natural paradies. For the pure constant beauty of nature, Khareef Salalah attracts locals as well as international visitors who want to enjoy the season.
7. Traditional Weddings and Celebrations
Traditional costumes, food, and well choreographed dances are all components of festivities in Oman. Omanis celebrate the country’s Renaissance Day on the 23rd of July and the Sultan’s birthday on the 18th of November, and they prepare for both celebrations all year long. Another festive occasion is weddings; they are always colorful and joyful in their own traditional way.
8. Other Tourists Are Rare
You will be able to have the beauty of Oman all to yourself as there are relatively fewer tourists in Oman compared to more popular destinations.
9. Wild Camping
There are few restrictions as to where you can camp in the wild in Oman, and you can pitch your tent anywhere, as long as you don’t camp near villages or in wadi beds. Of course you need to pick up your trash and clean up after yourself.
10. Diving
With a coastline that extends 1700km and covers the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, Oman has become one of the best kept secrets for avid divers looking for exceptional marine life and diving experiences. Muscat, the capital of Oman, is the most easily accessible city and offers several dive sites within a day trips distance.