DAY 1

MUSCAT TO SUR

The coastal road to Sur has several attractions along the way worth a small detour, including one of the largest water dams in Arabia.

 

Wadi Dayqah Dam is one of the largest dams in the region and, thanks to its visitor friendly facilities, a great place to bring the family for a picnic overlooking the dam.

 

Misfat Al Abryeen is a hidden gem and an easy wadi to explore, although a 4WD vehicle is required to reach it. Water pools and green vegetation all-year round make it a favourite with locals and visitors alike.

 

Close to Bimmah Sinkhole and the village of Tiwi, Fins Beach is a great place to let the kids enjoy the white sand and pebble beach while setting up camp.

 

DAY 2

SUR & RAS AL JINZ

A day exploring Sur’s maritime history and turtle watching.

 

If you ever wondered how Dhows were built, the last remaining Dhow yard in Sur offers a unique insight into this ancient tradition. The nearby Sur Maritime Museum is also worth a visit.

 

Overlooking a lagoon and the ocean, the Al Ayjah lighthouse or watch tower was once built by the Portuguese. A walk through the neighbourhood of Al Ayjah, with its old merchant houses, offers a glimpse of Sur’s former importance as trading hub.

 

The Ras Al Jinz nature reserve has been set up to allow for sustainable viewing of turtles in their natural habitat. At night, Green turtles scamper up the beach to lay their eggs. Rangers ensure that visitors do not harm the animals or their environments.

 

DAY 3-4

ASH SHARQIYAH SANDS

Setting off from Raz al Jinz, the desert awaits but not before a refreshing swim at one of Oman’s most well-known wadis.

 

Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the most scenic in the Sultanate. Natural pools are hidden in beautiful rock formations and invite a refreshing swim. Locals live nearby, so please dress modestly at all times.

 

There are plenty of activities in the desert to keep the entire family entertained, from camel riding to dune driving, from sandboarding to quad biking. Stargazing at night, around the campfire, is a favourite with all and offered by most desert camps in the region.

 

DAY 5

JEBEL SHAMS

Oman’s highest mountain offers vistas to remember.

 

The hike along the cliff edge, known as the Rim Walk, to the abandoned village of As Sab is a fairly easy hike, but not to be undertaken with smaller children. In such cases, we recommend smaller walks atop the plateau to enjoy the view of the ‘Grand Canyon of Oman’.

 

DAY 6

AL HOOTA CAVE & WADI BANI AWF

A visit to Al Hoota Cave is fun for the entire family, followed by crossing the mountain in a 4WD vehicle.

 

An underground lake with blind fish and amazing stalactites and stalagmites formations make Al Hoota Cave a must-see when in the area. Not to mention the magnetic train operating inside the cave that brings visitors to the cave entrance.

 

The mountain crossing to Wadi Bani Awf by 4WD vehicle is not for the faint hearted and should be undertaken by experienced drivers only. Visitors can expect amazing vistas and secluded mountain villages. Alternatively, there is a highway from Nizwa to Muscat.

 

DAY 7

MUSCAT

Time to unwind and explore Oman’s capital. Including some time at one of the many city beaches, such as Qurum Beach which is great for beach walks or a swim.

 

The Children’s Museum is a science museum housed in two unique, domed buildings not far from the beach. The Children Public Library is just opposite.

 

What better way to end a family holiday than with a sunset Dhow cruise, offered by several tour operators. You might even spot dolphins!