Two weeks in Oman.
I planned Oman as a stopover between Armenia and the Maldives. I had found inexpensive flights from Muscat to Male and had been curious about this Arab State.
Over the course of the two weeks I arranged a few tours of the country, including the capital city and the town of Nizwa to the south. I also visited the Green Mountains, a number of forts in the area, and did a fantastic hike up Wadi Shab to a hidden cave and waterfall.
1.
Arrival and a tour of Muscat.
I arrive in Muscat near midnight, a short flight from Dubai after a long layover, where I had the opportunity to meet up with a friend I made while touring Armenia. We end up at the Dubai Mall drinking coffee and eating Chinese dumplings before she drives me back to the airport.
2.
A hike & swim in Wadi Shab and a visit to the Bimmah Sinkhole.
Yahya had suggested I as early as possible to avoid the heat. The guide tells me that it’s not necessary to leave at first light. He adjusts the time slightly, but it’s still later than I might have preferred.
3.
The road to Nizwa: Birkat Al Mouz, Falaj Al Khatmain, Jebel Akhdar & Diana’s Point.
Abdullah picks me up in the morning. I’ve packed an overnight bag and place it beside his in the boot of the car. We’re off to Nizwa for the night.
4.
Jebel Akhdar, a walk from Al Aqar to Al Ayn, Wadi Bani Habib, and a night in Nizwa.
I’m feeling refreshed and relaxed thanks to the coffee and dates at the Anantra Hotel. Abdullah asks if I’m ready to leave. Not quite, but we’re not spending the night and there’s more to see before we reach Nizwa.
5.
A morning in Nizwa: The souq & Nizwa Fort.
I meet Abdullah at 0900 in the parking lot. I put my bags in the boot and he drives us to the main parking lot, just outside the old city gates where the stretch golf carts usually wait. It’s early, I assume they’ll arrive later.
6.
A morning in Nizwa: The souq & Nizwa Fort.
It’s a thirty-minute drive from Nizwa to Bahla. We’re to visit the fort there and then Jabreen Castle.
7.
Dimaniyat Islands and a few final days in Muscat.
On my last Sunday in Oman I book a snorkeling trip out to Dimaniyat Island with hopes of seeing sea turtles.