Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(admission 500 baisa; 9am-4pm Sat-Thu; )
Built over 12 years in the 17th century by Sultan
bin Saif al-Yaruba, the first imam of the Ya'aruba dynasty, the fort is famed for its 40m-
tall round tower. It's worth climbing to the top of the tower to see the date plantations en-
circling the town and the view of the Hajar Mountains.
Nizwa Souq
SOUQ
( 9am-1pm & 5-8pm Sat-Thu, 5-8pm Fri; )
The fruit and vegetable, meat and fish markets are
housed in new buildings, behind the great, crenulated piece of city wall that overlooks the
wadi. If you're not put off by the smell of heaving bulls and irritable goats, the
livestock souq
(in full swing between 7am and 9am on Friday) is worth a look. It occupies a small plot of
land beyond the souq walls, left of the entrance.
You'll have to try hard to find a bargain for antiques and silver at the other end of the
souq (nearest the fort), but local craftsmanship is good. Nizwa is particularly famous for
crafting silver
khanjars
. Today Indian or Pakistani silversmiths often work under an
Omani mastercraftsman, especially for pieces designed for tourists, but the workmanship
is exquisite. Prices range from OR50 for a tourist piece to over OR500 for an authentic
piece.
Sleeping
All of Nizwa's hotels are located along Hwy 15 between Birkat al-Mawz and Nizwa. You
need to book ahead between October and April.
Majan Guesthouse$
HOTEL
( 25 431910;
www.majangh.com
; s/d OR25/30)
With Arab decor, carved wooden doors with brass
fixtures and a gift shop in the foyer, this hotel makes a genuine effort for the tourist trade.
Next to the Hungry Bunny fast-food outlet, the hotel is 5km from the
khanjar
roundabout.
Tanuf Residency$
HOTEL
( 25 411601; fax 25 411059; s/d OR18/20)
This one-star hotel attempts some frivolity with fes-
toons of plastic flowers hanging from the ceiling but the effort would be better spent keep-
ing the simple accommodation clean. With so little accommodation in town, it may be
better than nothing. The hotel is 4.5km from the
khanjar
roundabout.
Falaj Daris Hotel$$
HOTEL
( 25 410500;
www.falajdarishotel.com
; s/d OR58.500/64; )
This delightful hotel, wrapped
around two swimming pools and a bar and with a vista of toothy mountains beyond, is the
