One Week in Oman: Epic Road Trip Itinerary (Updated Late 2025)
Oman’s northern highlights pack perfectly into a 7-day self-drive adventure, blending stunning coastlines, dramatic wadis, endless dunes, and mountain vistas. This itinerary follows a classic loop from Muscat, ideal for first-timers seeking turquoise sinkholes, turtle nesting beaches, desert camping, and grand canyons—all with minimal crowds.
Total distance: ~1,200-1,400 km. Roads are excellent; fuel is cheap (~0.24 OMR/$0.62 per liter for M91/M95 as of Dec 2025).
Bimmah Sinkhole’s iconic turquoise waters.
Day 0: Arrive in Muscat
Pick up your rental car at Muscat Airport (book in advance via DiscoverCars for best rates). Explore the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque (open mornings for non-Muslims) and Muttrah Souq. Overnight in Muscat.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.
Day 1: Muscat → Quriyat (140 km, ~2 hrs)
Drive southeast along Highway 17. Stop at Wadi Dayqah Dam, explore Quriyat’s fishing village and beaches. Wild camp on a quiet coastal spot.
Wadi Shab’s emerald pools and canyon swim.
Day 2: Quriyat → Ras al Hadd (280 km, ~5 hrs)
Highlights: Bimmah Sinkhole (stair access, early morning for solitude), Wadi Shab (boat crossing 1 OMR, hike/swim to cave waterfall), optional Wadi Tiwi. Evening: Turtle watching at Ras al Jinz (book guided tour; year-round sightings, peak May-Oct). Camp nearby or stay at Turtle Beach Resort.
Day 3: Ras al Hadd → Wahiba Sands (110 km, ~2 hrs)
Cruise wild beaches, explore forts. Enter Sharqiyah/Wahiba Sands from Al Wasil or similar (4WD essential for dunes). Dune bash, watch sunset, wild camp under stars (or desert camp).
Golden dunes at sunset in Wahiba Sands.
Day 4: Wahiba Sands → Izki/Ibra (285 km, ~4 hrs)
Morning dunes, then Wadi Bani Khalid (year-round pools). Explore Ibra’s old mud-brick ruins and souq. Camp nearby.
Day 5: Izki → Jebel Shams (130 km, ~2.5 hrs)
Visit Nizwa Fort and souq (goat market Thu/Fri mornings). Drive to Jebel Shams plateau. Hike Balcony Walk (W6, ~4-6 hrs) overlooking Wadi Ghul (“Arabia’s Grand Canyon”). Camp on rim.
Jebel Shams’ dramatic canyon views.
Day 6: Jebel Shams → Al Musannah Beach (180 km, ~4.5 hrs)
Epic off-road via Balad Sayt (4WD required; stunning terraced village). Descend Wadi Bani Awf. Beach camp or resort stay.
Picturesque Balad Sayt.
Day 7: Al Musannah → Muscat (110 km, ~1.5 hrs)
Relax on beach, optional Seeb mosque. Return to Muscat for final sights/flight.
Practical Tips (2025 Updates)
- Visa: Visa-free entry up to 14 days for 100+ nationalities (including US, UK, EU, Australia). Longer stays: e-Visa online.
- Car Rental: 4WD highly recommended (~$80-120/day); 2WD possible but limits access. Book early.
- Budget: ~$100-200/day per person (sharing car/costs). Fuel cheap; wild camping free.
- Best Time: Oct-Apr (cooler); May-Oct for peak turtles (hotter).
- Essentials: Conservative dress (cover shoulders/knees); women cover more at mosques. Download offline maps; carry cash/water.
This itinerary captures Oman’s magic—uncrowded, welcoming, and wildly beautiful. Extend for Salalah or Musandam if time allows!