Oman, with its diverse geography and history, has a wealth of stunning spots waiting to be explored. Muscat, Nizwa, and Salalah are all well-connected by guided tours and public transport, but Oman’s beauty lies in the hidden treasures spread all over its mountains, deserts, and coastlines. To witness those treasures, the best bet is to rent a car. Here, in this guide, we’ll uncover Oman’s hidden treasures that open only when you have the freedom and convenience of car hire.
Jebel Akhdar (The Green Mountain)
Situated in the Al Hajar mountains, Jebel Akhdar, or “The Green Mountain,” is an oasis of green orchards terraced farms, and spectacular scenery. There’s no public transport here, and therefore a 4×4 hire is the best method of driving on its steep, curving roads. When you arrive, you’re greeted by the stunning sight of dramatic canyons, picturesque villages like Al Ayn and Al Aqur, and the well-known Diana’s Point, which has been named for the visit made by Princess Diana. The warm weather and the greenery come as a respite from Oman’s deserts.
Wadi Bani Khalid
Wadis are river valleys with stunning views, and Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the prettiest in Oman. Located in the Sharqiyah region, it has crystal-clear turquoise pools, palm groves, and cliff-top scenery. To get there, good, best car hire services are needed to tackle the twisting mountain roads. When there, you can swim in natural pools, visit hidden caves like Muqal Cave, and picnic in the peaceful surroundings.
Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Nature lovers should head to Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve. The remote beach is a nesting place for the vulnerable green turtles. While some tours are planned, having a car means you can arrive at the best times of day and night for turtle viewing, especially when the turtles emerge from the ocean at night. The coastal road journey is spectacular, with wide views of the Arabian Sea and rocky cliffs, so the trip is almost as good as the destination.
The Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali)
The Rub’ al Khali, or Empty Quarter, is the world’s largest sand desert, stretching across Oman, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen. Its vast, rolling dunes and desolate beauty are entrancing. This remote area is closed to all except those with a sturdy 4×4 vehicle. Car rental gives the freedom to go an adventure through this fantasy land, where you can dune bash, camp beneath the stars, and view fabulous desert sunsets.
Misfat Al Abriyeen
Hidden away in the Al Hajar Mountains, Misfat Al Abriyeen is a picturesque village renowned for its ancient mud-brick houses, garden-scattered terraces, and old-fashioned falaj irrigation system. There is no public transport to this gem, so it is advisable to hire a car. The journey itself is an adventure, with twisting roads barely wide enough for two cars to pass, but with stunning views of the mountains that surround them. Strolling around the village is a time warp, an experience of Oman’s past.
Sinkhole Park (Bimmah Sinkhole)
Bimmah Sinkhole, located within Hawiyat Najm Park, is a natural limestone sinkhole with bright turquoise water. It is a great place to swim for a refreshing treat. It can be accessed from Muscat but has very limited public transport links. If you rent a car, you can visit as often as you like, avoiding the tourist hordes who inevitably descend upon it on a tour. The park around it is picnic-perfect with ocean views.
Jebel Shams (Mountain of the Sun)
Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest mountain, has stunning views over Wadi Ghul, also known as the “Grand Canyon of Arabia.” A 4×4 car is a must for the rock-strewn, mountainous landscape. The journey is not for the faint of heart, but the views around every bend are worth it. Walking trails are plentiful for aficionados of this outdoor sport, with the Balcony Walk providing a stunning view of the canyon below.
Al Khaluf White Sand Beaches
On the shore of the Arabian Sea is Al Khaluf’s hidden paradise of white sand beaches. Off-road driving on isolated desert routes makes a robust rental car a necessity. The white sand beaches, flanked by towering white sand dunes and blue waters, are perfect for camping, fishing, and unspoiled nature observation without the tourists.
Wadi Damm and Beehive Tombs of Bat
Hidden oasis Wadi Damm, near Al Ayn, has natural rock pools, waterfalls, and ancient petroglyphs. The Beehive Tombs of Bat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, near the wadi, are also Bronze Age artifacts. These attractions are off the beaten track and need a good rental car to access the rough roads. Visiting these ancient and natural wonders gives an insight into Oman’s ancient history and diverse landscapes.
Salmah Plateau and Majlis al Jinn Cave
Salmah Plateau, located in the eastern Hajar Mountains, has Majlis al Jinn, one of the world’s largest cave chambers. To reach this remote plateau, you need a 4×4 and a sense of adventure. The cave itself is a natural wonder, with a massive underground chamber large enough to hold several jumbo jets. The plateau is also scenically rich, with traditional villages and opportunities for hiking and caving.
Benefits of Car Rental in Oman
Flexibility and Freedom: A rental car allows you to travel in Oman on your schedule, not according to tour itineraries.
Access to Remote Areas: Oman’s hidden gems are beyond the reach of public transport. A rental car, preferably a 4×4, enables you to access these off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Comfort and Convenience: Driving a car is simple, especially in Oman’s varied climates, from the cold mountains to the hot deserts.
Scenic Drives: Oman boasts some of the most gorgeous drives in the Middle East, with breathtaking scenery around every corner.
Tips for Renting a Car in Oman
Choose the Right Vehicle: For driving in the city, a standard car is fine, but for mountains, deserts, and rural areas, a 4×4 is essential.
Insurance Coverage: Ensure your rental has comprehensive insurance, especially for off-road driving.
Navigation Tools: While GPS is useful, a hard copy map is a lifesaver in rural areas with weak signal.
Fuel Up: Refuel at all times when driving into the countryside as gas stations are few and far between.
Respect Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with Omani driving laws and etiquette to have a safe and respectful trip.
Conclusion
Uncovering Oman’s best-kept secrets requires more than a sense of adventure—it requires the right vehicle. A car rental provides the freedom, convenience, and access necessary to uncover the country’s most breathtaking, off-the-beaten-path treasures. From towering mountains and tranquil wadis to ancient villages and breathtaking beaches, Oman’s best-kept secrets await travelers willing to drive off the beaten path. So, pack your bags, rent a car, and take an unforgettable drive through the heart of Oman.