This Self-Drive Oman Holiday is a great way to experience the best of Oman independently.

Oman lends itself perfectly to Self-Drive as the roads are excellent and carry very little traffic. The drives through the mountains, past sand dunes and along the coastal road are varied and full of interest.

This Self-Drive Oman holiday includes time to explore Muscat with its mosques, souk, fish market and attractive corniche.

From Muscat head into the mountains to discover historic fort towns such as Nizwa as well as the beautiful mountains scenery of northern Oman.

From the mountains to the desert - drive south and be transferred into the great Wahiba Sands to experience an overnight stay in the desert, complete with camel riding and star gazing.

Sur offers the chance to see traditional Dhow building yards and the turtle beach at nearby Ras Al Jinz.

From Sur, head back to Muscat along the beautiful coastal road where you may hardly see another vehicle all day.

Our Oman Self Drive holidays and tours are all completely tailor made and can be adjusted to suit your exact interests and budget. Just let us know the kind of trip you would like.

Day 1: Fly UK to Muscat

Overnight flight UK to Muscat.

Day 2: Muscat

On arrival in Muscat you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight Muscat. Breakfast included.

Day 3: Muscat

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Muscat independently or alternatively add on a city tour.

Your retnal car will be delivered today if you wish to use it to tour the city or make an excursion beyond Muscat.

Overnight Muscat. Breakfast included.

Day 4: Sohar

Driver north from Muscat along the coast to Sohar.

Places to see between Muscat and Sohar include Barka town and fish market, Nakhal village and fort, Ain Thowara Hot Spring, Rustaq village and Hot Spring and Al Hazm Fort.

Overnight Sohar. Breakfast included.

Day 5: Bahla

Driver from Sohar to Bahla.

Places to see between Sohar and Bahla include Sohar Fort, the Behhive graves at Bat, Ibri town, Bahla village and fort.

Overnight Bahla. Breakfast included.

Day 6: Nizwa & Hajar Mountains

Drive from Bahla to the Hajar Mountains and Nizwa.

Places to visit include Bahla village and Fort, Jabrin Castle, Tanuf village and the Fort and Souq at Nizwa.

Overnight Nizwa. Breakfast included.

Driving in Oman

A Self Drive Holiday in Oman is a popular option for several reasons.

Roads are generally excellent throughout Oman and Self Drive holiday-makers normally don’t require a 4 by 4. Most attractions in Oman are accessible with a normal saloon car.

A popular route for a Self Drive holiday in Oman is from Muscat along the scenic Route 15 West into the Hajar Mountains through the Sumail Gap.

This two-lane highway is the main route through the mountains from the coast into the interior of Oman and is normally very quiet. The drive from Muscat to Nizwa is around 1.5 hours.

This makes it possible to easily make a day trip to Nizwa from Muscat and see some of the attractions en-route, although a one or two night stay is much more preferable to really experience the region properly.

To get off into the Jebels (mountains) either side of the highway is a different matter as most require a 4 x 4. Signposting is excellent for all the major sights along the route.

One option for those looking to explore the mountains by car is to rent a normal car for the journey to and from Nizwa but switch to a 4 x 4 for one day from Nizwa in order to explore the mountains.