Hello from Oman, where the mountains look like wrinkled skin and the ocean is a deep turquoise blue. The contrast in the scenery is stunning and I still cannot believe I am actually here. It was definitely a last minute decision after realising that I wouldn’t stay in Asia much longer. I basically needed a place to enjoy the sun and so here I am, on my roadtrip through the country of Oman. Visiting forts, old villages, mountains and the desert.
And yes, Oman is safe to travel and the best way to get around is with a car.
Ad Dakhiliyah Region
Only 200km South West of Muscat is the Ad Dakhiliyah Region. It seems to be the region where you can basically explore everything Oman has to offer. From Nizwa, an ancient city with a stunning fort and castle, to Bahla where the oldest fort (UNESCO site) is surrounded by an abandoned oasis settlement, I am amazed with it all!
Nizwa Fort
Driving through the Oman is certainly the best way to enjoy the scenery and landscape. The mountains create a quite dramatic landscape. Maybe because they are pretty much rock mountains with no greenery? But that is part of the charm and something new to see and absorb.
Jibreen Castle 
Bahla
And after stopping in Ibra, the oldest town of Oman, I found myself finally at the edge of the Oman desert.
Ibra
Desert Camping in Oman
Camping in the Oman desert is supposedly a ‘must do’. So, since arriving here I have spent hours exploring the options and camp sites online. There are a few camps available, it was just a matter of trying to find out which one to book. At the end, I didn’t end up booking any and I am not sad about it. Why?
Let me explain. At first I found some great camps for a reasonable price (although 160 AUD still seemed a lot for one night). I also realised I can’t get to the camp without a 4WD and it wasn’t included in the accommodation fee. And I’d rather avoid crossing the sand dunes by myself with little experience. However the camp sites wanted to charge for the pick up/drop off almost as much as the experience itself. Really? It just didn’t seem right.
So instead I decided to drive to Al Wasil and check it out myself.
The Desert
Al Wasil sits at the edge of the Oman desert. As soon as I approached the town the dunes were clearly visible. I was able to drive a little bit deeper into the dunes and so was able to take some amazing shots. And walking on sand is always fun. Not to mention the camels cruising by!
As for the actual camping in the desert, I have decided to do it in the Wadi Rum region in Jordan. All in all the experience will be awesome, no matter which desert. I believe there is something beautiful about sitting and sleeping under the stars. Don’t you think?
TRAVEL TIP: If your trip is only to Oman then I would definitely do it. Either through an official camp site or wild camping. But given I am going to a few countries where desert camping is possible, Oman seemed the most overpriced and least organised to me. I am prepared to wait for the Jordan experience and I am sure you will hear about it soon enough.
But first more about Oman! Hiking, swimming and exploring! This country has it all!
