Oman Discovery: From Muscat to the Wahiba Sands




Group info
Show group
With more than 2 months from departure and 12 people expected, this trip is likely to fill up.
Itinerary
Discover Oman’s epic contrasts on this 9-day road trip: from Muscat’s elegant shoreline to the Hajar mountain amphitheatre, the terraced gardens of Jabal Akhdar, the glowing sands of Wahiba and the remote beaches where sea turtles nest. Over a compact adventure, you’ll drive scenic wadis, trek a dramatic canyon ridge, swim in emerald pools, stand on wind-sculpted dunes at sunrise, and watch endangered green turtles on a protected beach.
Practical comforts are included: carefully chosen hotels and desert camp nights, English-speaking drivers and guide, group transfers, and pre-booked site entrances. The route is engineered for social groups — think cinematic sunrises on Jabal Shams, photogenic village terraces at Al Ayn, and slow-motion sandboarding footage at Wahiba Sands. Whether it's your first time in Oman or not, you're sure to get an adventure off the beaten track here. This itinerary is ideal for travellers wanting active outdoor days, authentic culture, and a touch of luxury in key places.


Welcome to Oman
1 night: Muscat
Arrival in Muscat
After airport arrival and hotel check-in, the group gathers for the first briefing...the welcome meeting!
The evening is free to enjoy Muscat’s calm evening ambience and try a local meal. This gentle first day ensures everyone has time to settle, exchange contact details with the coordinator, and review the vehicle and self-drive instructions before the more active mountain and desert days begin.

Rustaq & Hajar Mountains
1 night: Bilad Sayt
Forts & off-road canyons
Today kicks off bright and early with a visit to Nizwa Souq, one of Oman’s most vibrant traditional markets — best experienced in the early morning when the local trade is at its liveliest. After soaking in the colors, sounds, and aromas of the souq, we continue our journey into the mountains. Nakhal Fort’s terraces and hot springs offer a calm late-morning stop before the vehicle handover and mountain approach. Expect multiple short breaks for panoramic photos and fresh air. The off-road section showcases Oman’s raw geology — narrow gorges, terraced villages, and sweeping saddle views. In the evening, we check into our mountain-area accommodation (Bilad Sayt / Season Inn or similar), a peaceful base before tomorrow’s canyon trekking adventure.

Al Hoota & Jabal Shams
1 night: Nizwa
Cave wonders & Canyon trek
A contrastive day that moves from subterranean mystery to alpine heights — Al Hoota’s caverns then a strenuous but scenic canyon hike on Jabal Shams. The route rewards effort with sweeping panoramas and a feeling of remoteness rarely experienced in other parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Carry water, layered clothing for altitude winds and comfortable trekking shoes. The guide will time the hike to make the most of the daylight and will arrange an evening transfer to Nizwa for an overnight stop.

Nizwa & Jabal Akhdar
1 night: Jabal Akhdar
Traditional towns & mountain terraces
Nizwa’s fort and market capture Oman’s living heritage; the souq is an ideal place to purchase frankincense, silver or local crafts. The short drive to Birkat Al Mauz provides cool shade and a flavour of oasis agriculture before ascending to Jabal Akhdar’s high-altitude orchards. The evening at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort (or similar) gives a chance to experience elevated Omani hospitality and the cool mountain air. This day blends heritage, agricultural landscapes and relaxed mountain time.

Wadi Bani Khalid → Wahiba Sands
1 night: Wahiba
Pools & dunes
The day starts cool and watery before the desert heat: Wadi Bani Khalid is one of Oman’s most photogenic and swim-friendly wadis. After time to refresh, the route takes you to Wahiba Sands where dune driving and a night in a desert camp are the evening highlights. The desert night is a sequence of sunset, campfire and stargazing — a complete sensory experience and a highlight of any Oman itinerary

Wahiba Sands → Sur → Ras Al Hadd
1 night: Ras al Hadd
Dunes & sandboarding
We are in the desert, so it is forbidden to sleep late. In fact, we wake up before the sun because we want to see the sunrise from a dune; we’re only here for today, so let's not miss this opportunity! We spend an adrenaline-filled morning exploring the desert, drive up and down the dunes, and then with an unconventional means of transport... Sandboarding! It's up to us to choose the height from which we start, but the fun is guaranteed! We mustn't forget that the sun gets hot, so we’re prepared with garments and sunscreen protection!

Ras Al Hadd → Wadi Shab → Bimmah Sinkhole → Return to Muscat
1 night: Muscat
Wadi Shab hike & swim, then Bimmah Sinkhole
After making some new friends (the turtles are apparently quite friendly) we say goodbye to our reptile pals and set off for Wadi Shab. We are once again in the presence of Omani nature, which hides oases of immense beauty among its inhospitable deserts. Next, we arrive at the most beautiful spot along the coast - Bimmah Sinkhole. It is probably one of the most famous places in all of Oman and obviously, the cool waters invite us to put on our swimming costumes and dive into the water.
In the afternoon we return to the capital Muscat. We have almost reached the end of our trip but let's enjoy these last moments in Oman, to discover the fascinating and unique culture of this country. Once in the city we take a walk and look for a traditional restaurant where we can taste some local dishes.

Muscat City Tour
1 night: Muscat
Royal Opera, Al Alam & Muttrah Souq
This day is a gentle cultural capstone: the guide leads the group through Muscat’s best attractions, telling stories of the Sultanate’s heritage and pointing out craft traditions in the souq.
We can also go to explore the fish market in the picturesque port of Muttrah, where one of the luxurious yachts of His Majesty, the Sultan is moored. If we want, we can take a half-day boat trip to enjoy the Omani sea - we can go snorkeling or, fingers crossed, see some dolphins.
We finish the day with our farewell dinner, remembering all the hightlights from our adventure together!

Goodbye Oman!
Farewells & onward travel
Time to say goodbye: ensure passports and boarding passes are ready. We leave with a full set of photos, memories of desert nights and turtle encounters, and the sense of having traversed Oman’s full scenic spectrum. The tour officially ends with a group airport dropoff.
What's included
8x night's accommodation in twin rooms with private bathroom
8x Breakfasts
Dinner in the desert on Day 5
English-speaking guide from Day 2 to Day 7
English-speaking drivers from Day 2 to Day 7
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
- Food and beverages when not specified
Forts & Castles Package - approx. USD35
Entrance to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve - approx. USD30
Wadi Shab Boat ticket - approx. USD5
Tips for driver and guide - approx. USD70
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Optional activities
Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.
Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.
Dolphin Watching - approx. USD70
Sunset Camel Ride - approx. USD35
Bedouin house visit - approx. USD35
Sandboarding - approx. USD40
Additional info
- Accommodation
Twin rooms with private bathroom. Private single room available at an extra cost.
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with €/£/$0. Pay the €/£/$100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
Find your flight
For this trip, we recommend arriving and departing from these airports.
This is a WeRoadX
A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.
About this trip
This journey begins at Muscat. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.
Your Group Leader will add you to the WhatsApp group for your trip about 15 days before departure.
It’s a great way to start getting to know your travel mates, receive more details about the first day’s meeting point, and ask any pre-departure questions you might have.
This journey ends at Muscat. On the last day, you are free to leave at any time, so whether you need to book a flight, a train, or wish to continue the journey on your own, you can organize your return as you prefer.
For this itinerary, traveling with a backpack is mandatory for logistical reasons and the convenience of the entire group - including yourself! Trolleys, bulky suitcases, or hard luggage are not allowed. The Travel Group Leader will provide guidance on the ideal baggage before departure via the WhatsApp group.
About Oman
Find out the entry requirements for Oman, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Oman – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
Oman is in the Gulf Standard Time (GST) zone, which is 4 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+4). Oman does not observe daylight saving time. So, if it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 4pm in Oman. If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 8pm in Oman. Keep this in mind when planning your calls or meetings.
Oman's currency is the Omani Rial (OMR). The daily exchange rates are approximately:
- 1 GBP to 0.49 OMR
- 1 USD to 0.39 OMR
- 1 EUR to 0.42 OMR
You can exchange currency at banks, airports, and authorized exchange centers.
In Oman, you can pay using credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Most major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller shops, markets, or rural areas where card payments might not be available. ATMs are common in urban areas, allowing you to withdraw the local currency, which is the Omani Rial. Always check with your bank for any foreign transaction fees when using your cards abroad.
Tipping in Oman is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, you might want to leave a tip of around 10 percent if service isn't included. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Hotel staff, like porters, usually receive a small tip of around one Omani Rial. In general, tipping is a way to show appreciation for good service, but it’s not expected everywhere.
In Oman, it's a good idea to buy a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan if you want to stay connected. Major providers like Omantel and Ooredoo offer various plans. Wi-Fi is generally available in hotels, cafes, and some public areas, but having a SIM card ensures you're connected on the go. Roaming charges can be high, so a local SIM is a cost-effective option for staying connected throughout your trip.
In Oman, the official language is Arabic. Here are a few useful colloquial expressions you might hear or use:
- Hello: "Marhaba"
- Thank you: "Shukran"
- Yes: "Na'am"
- No: "La"
- Goodbye: "Ma'a as-salama"
Many Omanis also speak English, especially in tourist areas, so communicating shouldn't be too difficult.
In Oman, you'll find that Type G plugs are used, similar to the ones in the UK. The electrical system operates on a voltage of 240V with a frequency of 50Hz. If you're coming from a country with different plug types, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be used without any issues. Always check your device’s compatibility with 240V to prevent any damage.
The main religion in Oman is Islam, with the majority of Omanis practicing Ibadi Islam, a unique branch that distinguishes them from many other Islamic countries. When visiting, there are a few cultural and dress considerations to keep in mind:
- Women should cover their shoulders and knees, especially when visiting mosques or religious sites.
- Men should also dress modestly, avoiding sleeveless tops and shorts.
Important religious holidays in Oman include Ramadan, a month of fasting, and Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. Eid al-Adha, another significant festival, celebrates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Plan your visit accordingly as these holidays can affect business hours and public services.
Oman is a beautiful destination with diverse landscapes, so packing smart is key. Here's a list to help you get started:
-
Clothing:
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants (to respect local customs)
- Breathable T-shirts
- A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
- Swimwear for the beach or pools
-
Shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals for the beach
- Hiking boots if you plan to explore the mountains
-
Accessories and Technology:
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Power bank
- Universal adapter (Oman uses type G plugs, 240V, 50Hz)
-
Toiletries and Medication:
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)
- Travel-size first aid kit
- Common travel medication (pain relievers, motion sickness tablets, antihistamines)
Keep in mind the warm climate and cultural respect, especially in public places.
The weather in Oman varies by region, so here's a quick breakdown:
- Coastal areas: Hot and humid, with temperatures often above 30°C (86°F) most of the year. Best time to visit is from November to March when it's cooler.
- Interior regions: Very hot and dry, especially in summer with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F). Winter months are more pleasant.
- Mountainous areas: Cooler than the rest of the country, especially at night. Great for visiting year-round, but the coolest months are November to March.
For the best experience, visit during the cooler months from November to March.
About WeRoad
Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.
As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!
It depends on when you cancel, the status of your departure, and how much you have already paid. Here are all the cases.
If you cancel more than 31 days before departure - Departure not confirmed
You can cancel via email at hello@weroad.com
If it was your first unconfirmed booking (if you have more than one), nothing has been charged: no refund is needed.
If you paid the €/£/$100 deposit, it will be fully refunded.
Departure confirmed – you paid only the €/£/$100 deposit
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the deposit paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Account and use the amount for another departure.
Departure confirmed – you paid the full amount
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the amount paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Area and use the amount for another departure.
If you cancel less than 31 days of departure
You can cancel your booking at any time. However, in case of cancellation of less than 31 days before departure, no refund of the amount paid is provided, nor is it possible to change your trip, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.
The private room fee, included in the price of your trip, is not refunded under any circumstances within this time frame, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.
If you have Flexible Cancellation
With Flexible Cancellation, you can cancel up to 8 days before departure and receive a 100% refund of the price, including the deposit and the private room fee. The only amount not refunded is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!
For any doubts about your specific situation, write to our team at hello@weroad.com - we’ll help you!
Yes, you can change your trip directly from your MyWeRoad personal area, up to 31 days before departure. If you purchased Flexible Cancellation, you have up to 8 days before departure.
How to change your trip from MyWeRoad
- Enter your booking
- Scroll to the “Change your trip” section at the bottom right
- Select a different date for the same trip or a completely different trip
Things to know
You can change your trip up to 3 times from your MyWeRoad personal area. Further changes must be requested by contacting our team at hello@weroad.com.
The new trip must depart within 12 months from the original departure date.
If your original booking included a private room, Flexible Cancellation, discount codes, gift cards, or vouchers, we will notify you before confirmation if they cannot be applied to the new trip.
You cannot switch to sold-out trips. For “On request” departures, we will check availability. For “Last spots” departures, availability in rooms of your same gender may not be guaranteed.
If there is a price adjustment: if the new trip costs less, we will refund the difference; if it costs more, you will need to pay the difference.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!
In some cases – for example when a departure is not yet confirmed and it is your first unconfirmed booking – you can book without paying the €/£/$100 deposit upfront.
This means that you can secure your spot at zero cost: nothing will be charged until the departure is confirmed. Once the departure is confirmed, the €/£/$100 deposit will be automatically charged within 48 hours according to the terms agreed at the time of booking.
If a departure is “Available”, it means that the trip is not yet confirmed and we are waiting for a few more bookings… maybe yours!
The good news? If it’s your first booking on an unconfirmed departure, you can book without paying anything! Just. leave your credit card details as a guarantee: no immediate charge, €/£/$0 deposit.
In the meantime, wait for the departure to be confirmed before purchasing your round-trip flights!
Yes, but the available options depend on the status of your trip and when you make the request.
If your trip is not yet confirmed
You can cancel your booking by emailing hello@weroad.com
free of charge, up to 31 days before departure.
Please note: if it’s your first unconfirmed booking, you will only be asked to provide a credit card, PayPal, or Revolut as a guarantee, but nothing will be charged. From the second unconfirmed booking onwards, a mandatory £/$0100 deposit will be required.
If your trip is confirmed
Fees are not refundable in cash. You are entitled to cancel up to 31 days before departure, but after this deadline, cancellation is no longer possible.
Flexible Cancellation
If you purchased the Flexible Cancellation option (available in the first step of the booking process), you can cancel your trip up to 8 days before departure and receive a 100% refund of the price, including the deposit and private room fee. The only non-refundable amount is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.
How to cancel your trip
- Write to hello@weroad.com
- indicating your booking code.
- We will reply as soon as possible applying the cancellation conditions for your booking.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!
For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.
The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
We offer several payment methods to fit every need:
1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.
Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking.
1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously.
2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!
3. If the Group Leader has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website.
Generally, our groups have an average of 11 people. Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to travelers between 25 and 49 years old. The indicated age is meant to give you an idea of the type of group, but it's not a strict limit: it's possible to participate even with a few years more or less, as long as you can keep up with the pace and energy of the group you're traveling with.
Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Travel Coordinators, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported.
If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700.
Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking.
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked.
Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!
For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation.
The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Group Leader is an experienced and skilled traveller who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too!
The Group Leader will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Group Leader assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.
Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. By default this will be people of the same gender, unless you tick ‘I'm OK with a mixed gender room’ when you book. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travellers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.
You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.
On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travellers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout.
Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email hello@weroad.com if you have a preference on this.
When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.
But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here.





















