Wadi Shab, Desert safari and The historical city of Nizwa

Wahiba Sands, Oman



Enjoy swimming in the water pools, Enjoy the desert with stunning sunset and explore the history of Oman in the former capital.

3-Day Oman Desert, Wadi, and Cultural Tour from Muscat

This 3-day guided tour from Muscat suits travelers interested in desert adventures, swimming in natural pools, and exploring Omani culture and history.

Highlights

  • Swim in blue, fresh water pools at Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid
  • Experience camel rides and desert activities at Wahiba Sands
  • Visit historical sites including Nizwa Fort and explore Omani markets
  • Explore natural landscapes such as the Sinkhole and Jabal Al Akhdar

Description

Day 1: Depart early from Muscat heading southeast. The first stop is the Sinkhole, a large crater formed by a meteor impact. Then drive along the white beach to Wadi Shab. Enjoy a 45-minute hike through the mountains to reach clear, blue swimming pools. Picnics are allowed at the Wadi. In the afternoon, proceed to Sur or Ras Al Hadd for overnight accommodation.

Day 2: After breakfast, explore Sur by visiting the traditional dhow (wooden ship) factory. Continue to Wadi Bani Khalid for swimming and relaxation in natural pools. Later, travel to Wahiba Sands desert for activities including camel riding, sandboarding, and quad biking (additional fees apply). Watch the sunset from the dunes and spend the night at a desert camp.

Day 3: Depart the desert camp and drive to Nizwa, the historic former capital. Visit Nizwa Fort, castle, and surrounding markets offering souvenirs, Omani dates, and halwa sweets. Next, visit Birkat Al Mouz, known for the UNESCO-listed falaj irrigation system. Drive up to Jabal Al Akhdar, 2000 meters above sea level, where the climate is approximately 14 degrees cooler. Return to Muscat in the evening.

Includes

  • Accommodation for one night in Sur or Ras Al Hadd with breakfast
  • Accommodation for one night in the desert camp with dinner and breakfast
  • Transportation in a comfortable SUV
  • Water and beverages during the tour

Excludes

  • Entry tickets to Nizwa Fort
  • Lunch and dinner (except desert camp dinner)
  • Camel rides and quad biking (extra fees apply)
  • Tips

Easy Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring swimwear and comfortable hiking shoes. The ideal time to visit is during cooler months from October to April.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes swimming in freshwater pools at Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid, camel riding in Wahiba Sands desert, visiting Sur’s dhow shipyard, exploring Nizwa’s fort and markets, and discovering Birkat Al Mouz and Jabal Al Akhdar.
The tour departs early from Muscat, Oman.
Yes, you can swim in clear freshwater pools at Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid in Oman.
Yes, the itinerary features a camel ride during the sunset in the Wahiba Sands desert.
The tour visits Nizwa’s historic fort and castle as well as the traditional dhow shipyard in Sur city.
Yes, the tour includes visits to local markets in Nizwa, Oman.
Jabal Al Akhdar has a cooler mountain climate compared to the desert areas visited on the tour.
Bringing swimming gear is recommended for enjoying the freshwater pools at Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid.
After desert and wadis, the tour includes visits to Sur city and the oasis village of Birkat Al Mouz in Oman.

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