Muscat, and out to the coast
The best-known Oman road trip starts and ends in Muscat, looping through the north-east of the country. From the capital the coast road runs south toward Sur, past the Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab, whose turquoise pools are worth an early start before the heat and the crowds arrive. Driving is the only real way to link these stops; the distances are long but the highways are wide, empty and easy.
Into the sands
From the coast the route turns inland to the Wahiba Sands, a sea of golden dunes about three hours from Muscat and a highlight of any trip. The desert camps sit off the sealed road, so reaching them means driving on soft sand: this leg needs a proper 4x4, with the tyres let down for the dunes. Nearby, Wadi Bani Khalid makes an easy detour for a swim.
The mountains, and back
The loop finishes in the Hajar mountains, with Nizwa as the base for the interior: its fort and souq, the mud villages of Misfat al Abriyeen, and the cool heights of Jebel Akhdar. From here it is a straightforward run back to Muscat to close the circle.
Do it comfortably
- Allow around a week for the full loop at an unhurried pace
- Book a 4x4 if the Wahiba Sands or Jebel Akhdar are on your list
- Start early for the wadis to beat the heat and the crowds
- Fill up before long empty stretches; fuel itself is cheap
Set it up
Most trips begin with a car collected at Muscat Airport. Before you go, the driving in Oman guide covers the licences, limits and road rules you will want to know.
