Day1: Wadi Tiwi & Bima Sinkhole
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Starting your adventure from Muscat, you'll set out on a scenic drive along the coastal road toward Wadi Tiwi, known for its beautiful turquoise pools, lush greenery, and narrow, winding paths through the mountains. Here, you'll have time to explore the wadi, take a refreshing dip in its cool waters, and hike through the charming villages that dot the area.
After soaking up Wadi Tiwi’s beauty, enjoy a delicious lunch before continuing your journey to the famous Bimmah Sinkhole, a natural limestone crater filled with crystal-clear water. It’s an ideal spot for a quick swim or just to marvel at this geological wonder, which is believed to be caused by a natural collapse in the earth’s surface.
From the sinkhole, head to Wadi Dayqah, a perfect place for an overnight camping experience. This wadi is known for its impressive dam and wide expanse, where you can set up camp, enjoy a BBQ dinner in a relaxed evening, and take in the serene surroundings under a star-lit sky.
As night falls, you’ll have a chance to experience the peace of Oman’s landscape, rounding out an unforgettable adventure.
Day 2: Wadi Hawer & Wahiba Sands
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Starting your journey from Wadi Dayqah, you’ll drive south towards Wadi Hawer. As you leave behind the scenic dam and green surroundings of Dayqah, enjoy the changing landscapes as you approach Wadi Hawer. This secluded wadi is known for its rugged beauty, hidden pools, and impressive rock formations, providing a quieter and more intimate experience with nature. Upon arrival, set up a relaxing picnic lunch in the shade near one of the wadi’s pools. Enjoy a leisurely meal surrounded by the sounds of nature and cool off with a refreshing dip.
Spend some time exploring the wadi, hiking along its rocky trails, and enjoying the natural scenery. After an afternoon of exploration, continue the drive toward the iconic Wahiba Sands, where you’ll set up camp for the night. As you arrive at the rolling dunes, find a prime spot to settle in and catch the sunset over the golden sands.
For dinner, enjoy a traditional Omani BBQ around the campfire, savoring the flavors and warmth of the desert as night falls. Camping in Wahiba Sands offers a special connection to Oman’s untouched beauty.
After dinner, relax under a canopy of stars, soaking in the tranquility of the desert before a peaceful night’s rest.
Day 3: Jebel Shams Balcony Walk
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your trip begins at dawn as you set out from the serene Wahiba Sands, watching the soft hues of the sunrise sweep across the dunes, giving the desert a magical glow. The drive takes you through captivating landscapes, with rugged mountains and valleys emerging as you make your way toward Jebel Shams, Oman’s highest peak.
Arriving mid-morning, you’re greeted by the cool mountain air and stunning views of the dramatic canyon that Jebel Shams is famous for. After a quick setup at the camp, you head out for the Balcony Walk, a scenic trail along the edge of the canyon with sweeping vistas of the cliffs and valleys below.
As you navigate the trail, the breathtaking sights offer countless opportunities to pause, soak in the views, and capture a few photos. Midway through the walk, you find a picturesque spot to enjoy a packed lunch, surrounded by the peaceful, untouched landscape. Refreshed and re-energized, you return along the trail, retracing your steps with one last look at the awe inspiring canyon.
Arrive back at the camp in Jebel Shams, you relax and reflect on the day’s adventures while enjoying the delicious BBQ dinner, savoring the rugged beauty and contrasting landscapes you've experienced from dawn till dusk.
Day 4: Jebel Shams Summit
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast in the morning, start your journey from the Jebel Shams camp, you’ll follow a marked trail leading toward the Jebel Shams summit, often referred to as the South Summit. This roughly 9-12 km round trip takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes Oman has to offer, including spectacular views of Wadi Ghul, famously known as the “Grand Canyon of Oman.” The hike is a moderate to difficult climb, with a steady elevation gain of around 1,000 meters and takes approximately 6-8 hours in total (4-5 hours ascending and 2-3 hours descending). Starting early in the morning, around 5-6 am, is ideal, as it allows you to enjoy cooler temperatures and ample daylight for your trek.
As you begin your ascent, the trail gradually becomes steeper, with rocky terrain and loose stones, requiring careful footing and frequent breaks. Along the way, the trail is usually marked with red, yellow, and white paint on rocks, guiding you toward the summit. The higher you climb, the more spectacular the views, as the Hajar Mountains stretch out beneath you and the dramatic drops of the wadi create unforgettable scenery. Keep an eye out for mountain goats that frequent the area, adding a touch of wild charm to your experience.
Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning, panoramic views over the entire range—a perfect spot to pause, enjoy the scenery, and refuel with some snacks and water. After soaking in the sights, you’ll begin your descent, carefully retracing your steps down the same path. The way down is faster but requires caution on loose sections, so steady footing is key.
Once back at the camp, you can look forward to a well-deserved meal and rest.
Day 6: HEART OF OMAN
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Starting the day early at Snake Canyon Camp, you can feel the cool mountain air as you prepare for the journey toward Nizwa, a historic city rich in Omani culture. After a quick breakfast, set out on the scenic drive, watching the rugged mountains transition to more open plains as you near Nizwa.
Arriving in Nizwa by mid-morning, head straight to the famous Nizwa Fort, an imposing structure that dates back to the 17th century. Built by Sultan bin Saif Al Yarubi, it’s a symbol of Nizwa's resilience and strategic importance in Oman’s history. The fort’s massive, round tower offers panoramic views of the city, surrounded by date palms and the majestic Hajar Mountains in the distance.
Day 5: Snake Canyon
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You’ll start your journey descending from the heights of Oman’s highest peak. Begin by driving down from Jebel Shams along the winding, scenic road, where you’ll take in breathtaking views of rugged mountain landscapes. After navigating the switchbacks and following the paved route, you’ll make your way through smaller villages and into the Wadi Bani Awf region, known for its incredible rock formations and dramatic canyons.
The route to Snake Canyon involves some rough, unpaved roads. As you approach Snake Canyon, you’ll notice the surrounding cliffs growing steeper, with the area becoming more enclosed by towering rock walls. Once you arrive, you’ll be ready to explore the narrow canyon with its beautiful rock formations and natural water pools – a thrilling spot for adventure and exploration.
Over the next 3-4 hours, explore this open-top canyon, where scrambling, sliding, and swimming is just part of the fun. Jump into crystal-clear turquoise pools and scramble through narrow gorges, guided by experienced professionals.
After completing your exciting canyoning journey, exit at the charming village of Zama, where you’ll be treated to a local lunch amidst the serene beauty of the village’s farms. Soak in the tranquility and enjoy the area before you head to your camp for dinner in a nearby area for the night under the stars.