Holidays in Oman - The New Adventure Destination

Did you know that 21 different species of whales and dolphins have been identified off Oman? And Oman may have the only resident population of humpback whales in the world. Other cetaceans range from blue whales to dolphins and sightings are almost guaranteed. If not, you are not alone.

Did you know that the seas off the coast of Oman contain a remarkable variety of creatures including 5 types of sea turtles with important nesting sites of green and loggerhead sea turtle species? The coastal waters of Oman are home to a number of unique coral species and a wide range of fish that delight divers and snorkelers alike. Over 400 bird species have been recorded, and during the winter months Oman is home to a remarkable variety of migratory birds. Flocks of white storks pass by and European rollers can rest for a few days on their migrations. Land animals include the Oryx, Nubian Ibex and Arabian Gazelle. But did you know that Oman has an Arabian leopard? Unlike the Tasmanian tiger, the Arabian leopard can be elusive but not legendary. It can still be found.

Oman offers a whole range of exciting adventurous experiences on land and at sea, as well as a wide range of captivating and virtually unexplored scenic spots and hiding places. The world knew little about this destination, but now the secret is out, it will be the new adventure vacation destination in the world. So, if you have the spirit of adventure and the desire to explore, it's time for you to find an Oman vacation.

Oman occupies the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula and occupies a strategically important position at the mouth of the Gulf. Once the most isolated, Oman has now opened up and embarked on economic reforms. It opened its doors to tourists and in fact the Sultan reaffirmed that tourism is important and necessary for his future development program. There is no doubt that tourism has great growth potential. Oman will be the next great destination for adventure seekers who love to explore.

RAIN IN OMAN

It is not uncommon to think that it does not rain in Oman. But it does, sometimes somewhere. As the great explorer Wilfred Thesiger discovered during his pioneering journeys through the Empty Quarter, in subsequent years it never rains in the same place, hence the endless wanderings of the Bedouins.

Rain shapes Oman's behavior and contributes to the country's extraordinary diversity. To the north-west, the vast Hajar range, of which Jebel Akhdar is the central section, captures winter storms and feeds them through springs to village wells or along falaj, irrigation channels on the walls of the expanses mudflats built for the first time by the Persians 2000 years ago, which still make layers of desert bloom. Crystal clear streams flow along wadi beds that serve as the only roads through the mountains, but can suddenly rage with flash floods caused by rainwater. There may be flooding.

In the south-west of Oman, on the other hand, the Indian monsoon touches the coastal range of the Dhofar mountains and makes it an unlikely green paradise for five months of the year. For the rest, the sand deserts make up four-fifths of the land surface of Oman, and include the infamous Empty Quarter, the Rub 'al Khali and the even more feared Sea of ​​Sand, a vast area of ​​shaking sand in that men and camels disappear. It rains here too. But never in the same place as last year.

JEBEL AKHDAR

The Jebel Akhdar range is a collection of spectacular limestone slopes and plateaus that dictate the character of northern Oman. It is located about 100 km inland and is one of the most spectacular areas of Oman. Its altitude is three thousand meters above sea level and it is the highest peak of the eastern Hajar Mountains, the highest mountains in the country. The view from the top is breathtaking. To the natural beauty of the place is added the beauty of the nature of the people which has made the place a natural choice for tourists.

The late Princess Diana visited Jebel Akhdar in the 1980s and the spot from which she saw the Canyon is now called Diana's Point. Mount Jebel Akhdar is also home to fragrant flowers, called the desert rose. It is used to make rose water and the place also has juniper groves. The oil that comes out of these plants instantly relieves headaches and muscle aches.

THE FORTS

Most of the forts are located northwest of the capital, Muscat. The significant forts of Oman are important pieces of military architecture. Fort AI-Hazm is located at the foot of Jebel Akhdar and at the start of the fertile coastal plain of Batinah. Built in the early 18th century, it has been restored but don't expect the glittering arabesques of the Moorish world in Morocco or southern Spain. Rather a desert austerity and quiet elegance that should not be confused with a lack of ambition and taste.

Another 30 miles away is the oasis town of Nakhl. Here you can visit a precious and elongated castle, insinuated into the contours of its rocky promontory. The oasis has this wonderful feeling of a protected private world, shaded by date palms and banana trees and enveloped by its humid micro climate from the rigors of the surrounding desert.

At the southwest corner of Jebel Akhdar, lies the historic town of Nizwa. It is the center of the tourist trade, with a finely reconstructed souk, a spectacular fort dominated by a vast drum-shaped cannon tower and an excellent hotel, where the mountain views from the swimming pool must be one of the best in the world.

Salalah

Salalah is a comfortably sprawling town, with two-story houses and markets intermingling with coconut palms, banana trees, and papayas. It is a place of history. Almost thirty years ago, Sultan Qaboos led a palace coup against his father here, with British backing. Modern Oman with its streets, schools, cleanliness, and balanced development started here. Just over 20 years ago the Yemeni-backed rebellion against the sultan was defeated here, the final battle, again with British participation, took place a few miles north in the now quiet seaside town of Mirbat.

Otherwise, Salalah is for the senses. Frankincense trees are found in the surrounding desert. Fresh sap has the texture and flavor of old chewing gum. When dried, it has a sweet, penetrating smell, which becomes more pungent when heated in an earthenware stove. In the ancient world, ships and camels transported the resin, more precious than gold or myrrh, around Arabia and the Mediterranean: from the 9th century, sailors from Oman made regular deliveries to India and China.

MODERN OMAN

Oman has now entered the modern world. Modern yes, but without renouncing its traditions. It has developed services for its inhabitants while preserving their individuality and dignity, their history and their fauna. One of the best seasons to visit this modern country is the European winter, when temperatures and weather conditions are ideal, around 20 degrees Celsius during the day and even cooler in the evenings and early mornings. And adventure and relaxation is one of the best reasons to visit Oman. For a truly memorable experience. Go on holiday to Oman.

Nain Tara is a leading adventure travel expert. She writes on travel trends and advises on emerging travel destinations worldwide. if you want to Explore an adventure Vacation Visit Oman. Iconic walking, cycling, and family tours, Book Complete Oman Tour Packages with Mountain Valley Holidays is a young and dynamic travel company based in Muscat, Oman. We specialize in providing full range of travel services to our guests. At Mountain Valley Holiday we are proud to represent Oman and to introduce it to the world.