Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Off-Road Exploration
One of the highlights of visiting Oman is off-road exploration of its mountains, wadis,
sand dunes and coastline, particularly in a 4WD with some camping equipment. Hiring a
4WD can be expensive, but tour companies offer all the main off-road destinations as day
trips or on overnight tours.
Hiking, Rock Climbing & Caving
With a pair of stout boots, a map, water and
Adventure Trekking in Oman,
by Anne Dale
and Jerry Hadwin, you can access superb walking territory all over the country. Unless
you are an accustomed outbacker, however, it is advisable to take a tour that can help tail-
or a trip to suit your interests.
Rock climbing and caving are increasingly popular activities in Oman, but they tend to
be conducted on a 'go-it-alone' basis.
Rock Climbing in Oman,
by RA McDonald, lists
some exciting routes, but you need a climbing partner and equipment.
Oman has some rich cave systems, many of which have never been explored.
Caves of
Oman,
by Samir Hanna and Mohamed al-Belushi, gives an excellent account of spele-
ology in Oman and points out some local safety advice.
Other Activities
Game fish is tag and release but tuna you can take home for supper. The competitive
angler might like to try a line in the three-day Sinbad Classic, held in Muscat each winter.
Dolphin-watching
Oman is a great country for naturalists, with dolphins and whales
found in large numbers off the coast: early-morning boat trips from Marina Bandar al-
Rowdha (
Click here
)
are the best way to spot them.
Turtle-watching
Important turtle-nesting sites are found near Sur; informative tours of a
nesting beach can be arranged through Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve (
Click here
)
.
Water sports
There are some excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities in Oman, and
the vast coastline is virtually unexplored in many places. Diving courses are available in
Muscat, Al-Sawadi Beach Resort (
Click here
)
and Salalah. Various water sports are
offered through the five-star hotels in Muscat and at Oman Dive Center (
Click here
)
.
BOOKS
The Doctor and the Teacher: Oman 1955-1970,
by Donald Bosch - includes an interest-
ing account of life before the 'renaissance'.
On the Track of the Early Explorers,
by Philip Ward - combines modern travel narrative
with the accounts of earlier travellers.
