Nizwa and the Interior

The picturesque interior of Oman is dominated by verdant oases, imposing fortresses, crumbling mudbrick villages, and mountain ranges rising to over 3,000 metres. This is one of Oman’s most traditional, scenic, and culturally fascinating areas and offers exciting opportunities for soft adventure. Nizwa, the regional capital, is set amidst a large oasis and is dominated by its enormous fortress – one of the most imposing in Oman. The town is noted for its lively souq and atmospheric Friday livestock market, a highlight of any Oman holiday.

Two fortresses stand out from the hundreds in the interior: the UNESCO World Heritage forts of Bahla and Jabrin. Tucked up against the foot of the mountains are several of Oman’s most scenic mudbrick villages and beautiful oases. One should not miss the opportunity to wander through the densely-planted date palm oasis at Birkat Al Mawz, discover the tightly packed old stone houses of Misfat al Abryeen, or visit Al Hamra’s Beit Al Safa museum contained in a 400-year-old traditional house. Oman’s history stretches back well into pre-history, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi Al Ayn, Zukait, and Bat are beautiful examples of Bronze Age beehive tombs magnificently set against the precipitous mountains.

Jebel Shams is the highest mountain in Oman (3,005m) and the site of the spectacular gorge of Wadi Nakhr, popularly known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Oman.’ Oman’s mountains present superb opportunities for soft adventure, including fantastic mountain walks, stunning off-road drives, and mountain biking.