Oman: nature and scenic diversity of the Sultanate

In the Sultanate of Oman you will find an impressive variety of landscapes. Often referred to as a desert state, Oman offers far more natural spectacles. The attractions range from long coasts with fjords to mountain ranges and tropical green oases. This makes Oman a worthwhile destination for travelers with very different interests.

Landscapes and regions of the Sultanate at a glance

Oman is a coastal state that comes with a surprising Variety of landscape features awaits you. Geologically and climatically, Oman is also anything but one-sided. Eastern Oman is essentially characterized by a coastline that stretches for about 1,700 kilometers. It is marked by extraordinary fjords, which are an imposing sight. But the Omani coast also offers long and picturesque sandy beaches in abundance.

The coastal region also includes the fertile Batinah Plain. It is over 400 kilometers long and corresponds to a large part of the landscape of the sultanate.

A contrast is offered by the high Oman mountains, which nestle around the coast like a crescent moon. The mountain massif, also known as the Hajar Mountains, reaches heights of over 3,000 meters with some peaks. The mountain range invites to mountain hiking and climbing. Thanks to some rivers and streams, rafting tours are also possible in Oman. The mountains reach the coasts in some places, where fjords form. They partly remind of the coastal areas of Norway and other parts of Northern Europe. Other mountain ranges in Oman include the Hajar Mountains and the Dhofar Mountains.

The interior of Oman is dominated by desert areas, but some of them are characterized by oases. The large sandy deserts are the reason for Oman's predominant reputation as a desert state.

In order to make the most of this diversity large part to get to know including its sights and its selection of activities, an Oman round trip is ideal. Thus, your trip is always a colorful mix of everything Oman has to offer: Hikes and tours to oases, wadis, deserts and mountains are just as much a part of it as city trips (for example to Muscat, Nizwa or Sur) and the visit of attractions such as the Bahla Fort or the fortress of Jabrin.

Omani desert: endless expanses in Rub Al Khali

As a long sand belt, the Rub Al Khali desert stretches along the border in the northwest of the country. The name Rub Al Khali means "Empty Quarter". It is the world's largest pure sand desert. It covers almost a third of the Arabian Peninsula. The hostile region is at the same time scenically exciting.

Sand dunes tower up to 300 meters. Hiking tours through the remote areas are possible for different target groups. Both beginners and active travelers will find appropriate tours through the desert with different levels of difficulty and demand. This also includes overnight stays in Bedouin tents. A particularly impressive sight you can enjoy at night on the starry sky over Oman. The clear air allows the best view of the Milky Way.

Desert excursions are also possible along the main tourist route. Bidiya offers some desert attractions about two hours drive from the capital Muscat. These include desert trips by off-road vehicle or horseback riding on a camel.

Dhofar region: the largest province of Oman

About one third of the Sultanate is covered by the diverse region of Dhofar. It is the largest province in the entire Sultanate. With SumhuramAl Baleed and Shisr are important archaeological sites in the region. They are located along the former Incense Road and are protected UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Dhofar has a long tradition in fragrance production. Until today, important raw materials of the perfume industry are cultivated here. The numerous frankincense trees, from which the valuable frankincense resin is extracted, are striking. This is used in many ways as incense, phytotherapeutic or for perfume production. Especially the northern foothills of the Dhofar mountains are characterized by the famous incense trees of the species Boswellia Sacra. Numerous products containing frankincense are sold in the villages, including incense mixtures of secret recipes. These also include myrrh, sandalwood and various flowers. The recipes are traditionally passed down from mothers to daughters.

The region of the coast in Dhofar is characterized by the monsoon in the months from June to August. This provides in this period for permanent fog and drizzle.

During the monsoon, the vegetation of the region blossoms. Especially in the mountainous areas, a kind of green paradise emerges in the midst of the hot desert in summer. In the warm months, therefore, numerous tourists from the surrounding Gulf States travel to the monsoon area. Especially the coastal strip near Salala, capital of Dhofa governorate, is popular with tourists from July to September.

Oman coastal landscape

The coast of the sultanate, which is more than 3,165 kilometers long, has an extraordinary variety of landscapes. In the north you will find extensive beaches, which are characterized by numerous colorful pebbles. In the area of the eastern tip, on the other hand, you will find the large and natural sandy beaches. Fjords and rugged cliffs can be found especially in the south in the province of Dhofar. In the monsoon season these cliffs are often richly vegetated and covered with green vegetation.

The fjords also offer a view of the large shoals of sardines and schools of dolphins that move close to the coast. The Omani coast is also known for its rare sea turtles. These lay their eggs in the period from June to September, especially in the area of the sandy beaches of Ras Al Jinz.

Oman and its high mountains

Two of the most famous mountains in the desert state are found in the Hajar Mountains. The "Green Mountain" (Jabal Akhdar) offers as a special attraction the terraced gardens cut into the rock. The highest point of the country is found on Jabal Shams, whose summit reaches a height of 3,075 meters. These two and numerous other mountains of the high mountain range are crisscrossed by an extensive network of hiking trails. The routes lead past rocky outcrops, gorges and cliffs and offer you picturesque views. At Jabal Shams, the view opens up to the canyon of Wadi Nakhar.

The mountain region is characterized by several small villages inhabited by locals. These offer local goods and specialties for sale in many of the villages. Through stone canals water flows from the mountain region into the villages and supplies the gardens with liquid.

Wadis and oases in Oman

A special scenic attraction are the wadis in Oman. These river courses are mostly dry and show partly picturesque rock formations. Periodically, the wadis carry water, from which blooming oases emerge in a short time. The special location leads to the development of a stubborn flora and fauna. The climatic conditions and ecology also cause locals to use the wadis as excursion destinations. The Shab, Bani Khalid and Tiwi wadis in particular belong to the paradisiacal oases.

Conclusion: Oman fulfills many travel wishes

From desert and oasis to wadis, coasts and mountains - the Sultanate of Oman has a lot to offer, especially in terms of landscape. But the destination is not only ideal for nature lovers, but also for those who like to spend their vacation with city trips and sightseeing.