Best ways to explore Oman as a tourist – Lonely Planet

Muscat: The best way to explore the beauty of the Sultanate of Oman is by driving a car through a wide network of roads, but driving off-road requires skill, said global travel guide “Lonely Planet”

Oman’s scenic landscapes, are the country’s tourist attractions, and to truly enjoy the rose-golden desert dunes, trails crisscrossing mountainous terrain, white-sand beaches, quiet fishing villages and rocky valleys with turquoise pools, it’s best to explore by car.

While Oman’s public transportation system of buses and ferries will connect you between major cities and towns, a special trip is recommended if you want to travel deeper in search of nature experiences.

“In addition to accessing remote areas across the country, getting around Oman by car gives you flexibility in your travel plans, there is nothing like reaching an empty beach tucked away in a cove and making an automatic decision to pitch your tent under a starry night sky.”

“If you are planning a road trip through the different regions of Oman – from the desert landscapes of Buraimi in the northwest and coastal cities, such as Muscat and Sur, to the fortified towns of Nizwa and Bahla, to the inland and agricultural villages of the Hajar Mountains, you will need at least a week, Add another week to your itinerary if you’re keen on driving to the beaches, green valleys, and nature reserves of the Dhofar region in the south, and perhaps visiting some of the islands along the way.

Renting a car is undoubtedly the easiest way to move around Oman, giving you a lot of flexibility, with the ability to reach remote locations that you wouldn’t be able to reach by other means, adding that the visitor will also enjoy the freedom to camp in the wilderness on public lands, and what All he has to do is bring a tent, food and a sleeping bag.

There is a wide network of paved roads in good condition linking major cities and regions in the Sultanate of Oman, and that vehicles are driven on the right side of the road most of the time, and the lane system is maintained, while respecting traffic rules. He added that driving in Muscat is not nerve-wracking as it is in cities in neighboring countries.

The road signs are written in both English and Arabic, and speed limits are 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways, 90 km/h (55 mph) on rural roads and 40 km/h (25 mph) in residential areas, All roads are monitored by radars and speed cameras.