Things to do in

Ash Sharqiyah North Governorate

Discover the incredible oasis of Wadi Shab - one of the last places in Oman where you can chill in fresh blue water surrounded by mountains. Enjoy a rewarding full-day experience as you explore this spectacular waterfall in a cave. Start the tour with pick up from your hotel in Muscat. Hop into an air-conditioned vehicle and set off on a 2-hour scenic drive through the otherworldly landscapes of Oman. Along the route, stop at a local coffee shop to try an energizing Omani tea. When you arrive at your destination, hidden away in the canyon of the dry river Wadi-Shab, take a very quick boat ride to the other side of the bank. From here, embark on your 40-minute hike.  During the walk, experience the awesome power of nature which has forged the rock formations of this impressive canyon. Observe how the local farmers live and work, maintaining their crops in rough, rocky lands using the old irrigation system as their water supply. Be sure to bring along your waterproof cameras and shoes so that when you reach the lake you can snap some photos and walk around the magnificent site.  Admire the cascade of the waterfall and take a refreshing dip in the beautiful blue water to cool off from the heat. On the way back, stop to see a beautiful lake located in the Bimmah Sinkhole.  Finally, return to the vehicle and begin the drive back to Muscat where you will be dropped off at your hotel and the tour concludes.

Have you ever thought of attending a desert where you can explore the boundless sea of sand and feel the baking temperatures on your own? If your answer is yes, so the Wahiba Wilderness Tour is just for you! Cross the desert dunes by 4WD vehicle, and experience the adrenaline rush of driving across the rugged terrain in an off-road mode of transport. Make your way to the Wahiba Sands to see the traditional homes of the desert nomads and Bedouin tribes. Keep a look-out for the nomads as they move through the desert with their camels. Visit a Bedouin home in the middle of the desert, and contrast the arid landscape with the clear, blue waters of Wadi Bani Khalid. Enjoy a relaxing siesta in the shade of the palm trees, and catch a glimpse of the pretty villages scattered across the slopes of the wadi. Marvel at how the houses cling precariously to the rugged mountain side. Bring your swimming costume to take a dip in the inviting waters!

After being picked up from your hotel, the tour will begin from Shatti Al-Qurum (next to the Intercontinental Hotel). From here, your tour will take you through the mountainous and desert landscape. Your driver will show you how to use the audio guide system to benefit the GPS enabled commentary that follows the tour. You will pass the coastal township of Quriyat before reaching Wadi Shab after an approximately 1.5-hour drive, after which your guide will take you for a 45-minute walk to reach the natural pools and cave. You will be permitted some time to swim in the area's clear, sparkling waters, before returning to the base after walking for another 45 minutes. You will spend 3 hours in the Wadi, which will include lunch at the Wadi Shab Resort. Following lunch, you will continue traveling through the village of Finns. You will discover its famous white sand beaches, as you drive the coastal scenic route to reach the dramatic Bimah Sinkhole, a miracle of nature, where you will be able to swim in its half-salted water. You will then commence your journey back to Muscat with a smooth drive after an active nature day in Oman. Your tour will later end in Shatti Al Qurum, from where you will transfer back to your hotel.

Explore the lush beauty of the Wadi Ash Shab and the emerald waters of the Bimmah Sinkhole on this private tour. Start with pickup from your accommodation in Muscat and relax in a comfortable car on the scenic transfer along the coast to Quriyat and over a stunning plateau. Arrive at the starting point of your hike. Admire breathtaking desert landscapes on the hike to through a canyon. Pass through terraced gardens on your way to the cool pools of the Wadi Ash Shab. Enjoy the shade of palm trees and keep an eye out for birds and lizards along the way. Capture pictures of the stunning natural scenery. Plunge into crystal-clear waters for a swim through a narrow passageway in a cave to reach a hidden waterfall. Refuel along the way with a tasty local lunch. Continue to the Bimmah Sinkhole where you can bask in the sun at the edge of a deep crater lake that is thought to have been created by a meteor. Snap some photos or go for a second swim before making the return journey to your accommodation in Muscat.

Ever dreamt of exploring a golden desert of the middle East, experiencing the intense heat the Wahiba Wilderness Tour is tailor-made for you! Cruise through desert dunes in a 4WD vehicle, savoring the thrill of off-road navigation. Venture into Wahiba Sands to observe the traditional homes of desert nomads and Bedouin tribes, keeping watch for nomads accompanied by their camels. Explore a Bedouin residence nestled in the desert heart, contrasting the arid surroundings with the crystalline waters of Wadi Bani Khalid. Take a leisurely break in the shade of palm trees, marvel at villages adorning the wadi slopes, and appreciate houses clinging to the rugged mountainside. Remember to pack your swimsuit for a revitalizing dip in the inviting waters!

To start your full-day visit to Oman, board a 4WD vehicle and get ready to visit the most fantastic wadi. Head towards Fanjah, where you will have the time to make a photo stop to snap some great pictures fo the wadi and marvelous oasis.  Drive through the Sumail Gap that divides the Western and Eastern Hajars, past the ruins of Al Mansfah old mercantile community near Ibra. Head towards Wadi Bani Khalid. Drive past a village with endless plantations before you reach the magnificent Wadi. The pools are cool and deep, filled with silky water perfect for a long swim.  Move on to Wahiba's undulating golden sands to enjoy the experience of dune bushing with your experienced guide. Let your guide show you his talent in driving across the dunes of wahiba, take memorial photos for you and your family, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before you return to Muscat.

Wadi Shab is one of the last places in Oman where you can chill in fresh blue water surrounded by mountains. The true reward of this full-day experience is the waterfall in the cave; locals say it's an oasis. To discover this amazing destination, hidden away in the canyon of the dry river Wadi-Shab, begin the tour with a two-hour drive from Muscat. Along the way, take in the truly otherworldly landscapes of Oman.  Stop at a local coffee shop to try an energizing Omani tea before arriving to the destination. After a very quick boat ride to the other side of the bank, embark on a 40-minute hiking journey. The canyon will show you not only the power of nature, but also the lifestyle of local farmers. To this day, farmers do their rocking in rough, rocky lands, using the old irrigation system as their water supply. Bring along your waterproof cameras and shoes, because, when you reach the lake, you'll want to snap some photos and walk around through the magnificent site. On the way back, stop to see a beautiful lake located in a sinkhole.

Start with pickup from your accommodation in the city of Muscat. Relax in a comfortable car as you take in the sights on the scenic drive to Wadi Ash Shab. Explore a mesmerizing tableau of rugged beauty and serene hideaways. Walk thorugh a canyon where sheer cliffs are hugged by refreshing pools. Look for hidden caves, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil pools in this clandestine oasis. Cool-off with a swim in shimmering waters and have the option to purchase a boat ride (depending on water levels), allowing you to see more of this natural wonder. Continue to Bimmah, a turquoise sinkhole surrounded by rocky cliffs. Go for a dip in its crystal-clear waters, snorkel to explore marine life, sunbathe on the rocks, and embrace the tranquility of this picturesque Omani gem. Return to your accommodation in Muscat with unforgettable memories of Oman's natural beauty.

This overnight desert safari will help to expand your understanding of Omani heritage with a stay under the star-lit sky at a campsite in the desert. Take this unique opportunity to step back in time and experience Oman as it was five decades ago.  Begin your journey in Muscat and head towards Wadi Bani Khalid, where you will stop for a refreshing bath in the deep pools, and explore the hidden Mukal cave. Relax under the sun and enjoy a nice breeze from the mountains. Tuck into a tasty lunch, and then continue on to Bidiya village. Visit a Bedouin family in the desert. After spending some time with the family and enjoying Omani coffee and dates, arrive at the desert camp. In the evening drive in the desert to watch the sunset from the dunes and take amazing photographs. After dinner, enjoy a friendly conversation with friends around the campfire, and then head to your tent or your room, depending on the option you choose.

Cross the desert dunes of Muscat by 4WD vehicle, and experience the adrenaline rush of driving across the rugged terrain in an off-road mode of transport. Make your way to the Wahiba Sands to see the traditional homes of the desert nomads and Bedouin tribes. Keep a look-out for the nomads as they move through the desert with their camels. Visit a Bedouin home in the middle of the desert, and contrast the arid landscape with the clear, blue waters of Wadi Bani Khalid. Enjoy a relaxing siesta in the shade of the palm trees, and catch a glimpse of the pretty villages scattered across the slopes of the wadi. Marvel at how the houses cling precariously to the rugged mountain side. Bring your swimming costume to take a dip in the inviting waters!