Oman Discovery: From Muscat to the Wahiba Sands




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
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Money pot
- Sandboarding
- Coordinator's money pot share
- All extra activities that each member of the group agree on doing and the coordinator's fee as well
Additional info
Twin rooms with private bathroom. Private single room available at an extra cost.
- Private Room Option Show all details
Why WeRoad
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Small groups, on average 11 people
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Free cancellation with 100% refund up to 31 days before departure
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Book with a £/€100 deposit
The travel coordinators
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 Coordinator.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Coordinator. 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.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
About this trip
This journey begins at Muscat. On the first day, we meet at 18:00.
Your Coordinator 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 Coordinator will provide guidance on the ideal baggage before departure via the WhatsApp group.
About Oman
If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Oman, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.
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:
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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
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Shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals for the beach
- Hiking boots if you plan to explore the mountains
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Accessories and Technology:
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- Power bank
- Universal adapter (Oman uses type G plugs, 240V, 50Hz)
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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!
An "Available" departure means that the trip isn’t confirmed yet and we’re waiting for a few more travellers to sign up… which could be you!
If you book the trip please wait for it to be confirmed before booking your international flights.
The question of all questions! Here’s some more information:
- The Money Pot is a common fund collected in local currency from all travellers on the trip and managed by your Travel Coordinator.
- It is used to streamline payments for extra activities, goods and services that the whole group decides to do. This guarantees flexibility in choosing activities and excursions at the destination in line with the mood of the group.
- It is typically collected on the first day of the trip in local currency, although at times, the Travel Coordinator may ask for it to be paid before departure.
- You’ll find the Money Pot amount on the website under the section ‘What’s included in the Money Pot’. To find this look for ‘What’s included’, scroll down to ‘Money Pot? Click here’ and you’ll find the details.
- The amount varies depending on the destination chosen.
- It is usually used for group expenses that all travellers decide to take part in, but sometimes if you opt out of an activity it might make more sense for it to come out of the Money Pot. In these cases the Coordinator will return the amount for this activity back to you at the end of the trip.
- It is estimated based on the experience of other groups but can vary depending on what activities your group is keen for. As such, the Travel Coordinator may need to increase the amount during the trip.
- If not all of the Money Pot is spent, the difference will be returned to all travellers at the end of the trip.
- The Money Pot also covers the Travel Coordinator’s share of the activities included in the Money Pot, except for those activities that are free for the Travel Coordinator.
- If you pay in advance for part of the Money Pot before the trip for certain non-refundable optional activities, unfortunately, the amount cannot be refunded if the trip is cancelled.
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.
Anyone who books a WeRoad trip has the option to cancel or modify the trip – including both the dates and the destination – free of charge up to 31 days before departure. In case of cancellation up to 31 days before departure, you will receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price. If you make a change, a price adjustment will be applied to the new trip chosen – meaning, if the new trip is cheaper, we will refund the difference; if it’s more expensive, you will need to pay the difference.
If you’ve purchased the Flexible Cancellation Option (which you can add in the first step of the booking process), you can request a cancellation or trip change until 8 days before departure. In case of cancellation, you’ll receive a 100% refund of the WeRoad trip price, minus the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option.
How to request a cancellation or change to your trip? Send us an email at [email protected] or a WhatsApp on +447716573700. Please share the booking reference for the trip you want to cancel or change, and, in case of a change, the new trip you would like to join.
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 Travel Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!
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 Coordinator has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. Click 'Ask the Coordinator' and follow the link here.
Our groups usually consist of 8–12 travellers, with a minimum of 3–4 and a maximum of 15.
Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, with an average age of 34 across all trips.
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 Coordinator 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!
The WeRoad Travel Coordinator 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 Coordinator 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 Coordinator 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 [email protected] 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.

























