Overnight and Multi-Day Trips from Muscat

October 20, 2026

Travel advisory: Oman is part of the 2026 conflict between the United States and Iran, so check the latest advice before you plan a trip of several days. At the time of writing, the UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel to Oman, but it reports strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran across the region, Oman among them, since 8 July, and it says terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out. The US State Department rates Oman Level 3, “Reconsider Travel”, and the Yemen border area Do Not Travel. Muscat and its airport are operating and no strikes on the capital are reported, but airspace closures and flight disruption can happen at short notice, so book flexible rooms where you can. The FCDO also says desert and mountain road trips are dangerous without a well-equipped 4WD. Read the UK FCDO advice and the US State Department advisory before you book and again before you fly.

These trips all leave Muscat for one or more nights. Prices are in Omani rials (OMR, about US$2.60 each), and cash is useful away from the capital. Fuel up before the desert and the mountains, check the weather for flash-flood risk between October and March, and avoid the hottest months for anything outdoors.

Sur and Ras Al Jinz turtle viewing

Ras Al Jinz is roughly 3 to 4 hours by road from Muscat via Sur, with distance estimates running from 240 to over 300 km, so it is an overnight and not a day trip. Green turtles come ashore to nest, and the reserve says it is the only official place where the public can watch. Tourist fees are OMR 12 for adults aged 12 and over, OMR 6 for children aged 6 to 12, and free under 6. Night viewing starts from 9 pm, and visitors who are not staying at the reserve should arrive by 8:30 pm. Dawn viewing starts from 5 am, with arrival by 4:45 am. The times shift with the season, so confirm with the reserve on +968 9655 0606. Flash photography and vehicle lights are not allowed. Stay at the reserve, where the rooms include dawn and evening viewing, or at Ras Al Hadd nearby. Details are on the Ras Al Jinz turtle viewing page .

Wadi Bani Khalid on the way

Wadi Bani Khalid is roughly 2.5 hours from Muscat, so it works as a stop on the road to Sur rather than a day trip. Entry is free. Swimwear must be covered with a T-shirt and shorts, and signs forbid diving and jumping. No lifeguard has been reported, so swim carefully. The Ministry of Tourism page describes the wadi.

Wahiba Sands overnight

Bidiyah, the gateway to the Wahiba (Sharqiya) Sands, is about 190 km and 2 hours from Muscat. The last 12 to 15 km into the dunes is soft sand, so a 4WD is required, with tyres let down to about 15 to 20 psi. Travel with a second vehicle or with a guide, because phone signal is limited. Desert Nights Camp, run by Canvas Club Oman, is one camp option. Rates are quoted very differently by different sellers, so ask the camp directly and confirm that it is accepting guests.

Nizwa, Bahla and Jebel Akhdar loop

Spend a first day on the forts and market in Nizwa, about 155 km from Muscat, and Bahla and Jabreen nearby. Then go up Jebel Akhdar, about 170 to 180 km from Muscat, where a police checkpoint turns back vehicles that are not 4WD. An SUV is not automatically 4WD, so confirm with your rental company. The Saiq Plateau is around 2,000 m, and Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar is bookable there in 2026 according to UK sellers.

Jebel Shams

For the Balcony Walk, stay overnight near Jebel Shams, which is about 3,000 m and roughly 240 km from Muscat. The path runs about 4 km one way along the canyon rim to the abandoned village of As Sab, taking 3 to 4 hours return. The upper road is steep and rocky, and guides say 4WD is essential.

Daymaniyat overnight camping

Camping on the Daymaniyat Islands is allowed only from 1 November to 30 April, because landing and camping are banned from 1 May to 31 October. An operator-run overnight costs about OMR 100 for an adult. Foreign visitors also need a reserve permit, which is OMR 10 for a visit, dive and overnight. As on any boat trip, insist on a life jacket for every passenger, since the FCDO lists the Gulf of Oman among waters with a raised risk of maritime attack.

To compare places to sleep along the way, browse stays in Nizwa .