Whistle-stop Tour Of Oman

After all of our fun and frolics in the UAE we are left with a mere two nights in Oman! Had we not been flying from Muscat to Johannesburg, I think we would likely have saved Oman for another time. Equally, had we not already booked Mozambique, we may have skipped the latter and extended in Oman. As it is, we find ourselves on an early flight from Abu Dhabi to Muscat (despite the fact that we had booked flights for May rather than April).

Our driver collects us from the airport, and recants his own experiences of the recent flooding. Oman had similar weather to Dubai and fared fared worse, in as far as human casualties were concerned – with 20 people losing their lives. The impact of the flooding will take a while to redress, with several of the roads we would otherwise taken closed, and certain natural landmarks transformed in a less than positive way, by the water.

What makes it slightly frustrating is that Oman looks beautiful. Muscat looks different to anywhere we’ve been before and the combination of architecture, sea, and blue sky, against a mountainous backdrop makes for a very aesthetic. albeit lengthy drive.

We drive to a desert camp for the evening, making several stops along the way. What should have been a 2.5 hour drive, ends up being over 5 hours due to the road closures.

We arrive in time for sunset on the sand dunes. Sand is incredibly fine and makes it easy for the wind to sculpt. Worth the long drive!

Following day we head of to the mountains. Another lengthy drive, but not before taking some photos with a friendly resident camel.

En route we stop at a small village dating back c. 400 years. Watch towers remain, as do the skeletons of some of the houses, which were still occupied until relatively recently, when the new village was constructed. Interesting to see the fusion of new and old.

Also visit Ayn village. Impressive terraces, full of roses. Walk along the ingenious irrigation system. Very aesthetic, and a place so noteworthy that even Princess Di visited it when in the region back in the 80s.

The temperature in the mountains when we arrive is significantly cooler, given the elevation. The hotel grounds are just what the doctor ordered. Great spot to relax. Definitely wish we were staying a little longer. The moon is too full to take full advantage of the star gazing, but it is nice nonetheless.

We go for a short stroll in the morning. Oman has a lot of wildlife to offer, although, again, after the rains it’s fairly quiet. The views themselves however, make the walk well worth while.

All too soon we are back on the road and head to Nizwa castle and fort. Learn that such is the abundance of dates in this part of the world, that, rather than relying on boiling water or oil, defenders would pour molten date juice on attackers through murder holes!

Also visit a local souq where amongst the myriad of dates on offer, one can also find such exotic offerings as myrrh and frankincense.

Temperature is much hotter than in the mountains, and glad that we are not visiting in the summer when the mercury can rise to 50 degrees Celsius!

Grand mosque in Muscat looks like its well worth a visit as we pass in the car. Serves to reinforce that this is a place where we needed more time. It’s not a crazy distance from the UK, so suspect we will likely return in the not too distant future. Would make a very nice week of winter sun.

With that it is onwards to Mozambique for a few days of beach and snorkelling.