The Governorates of North & South Al Batinah Facing the Sea of Oman along a coastal plain that runs from the north of Muscat to the border of the United Arab Emirates lie the governo..

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Being a country that is rich in natural diversity and graced by a terrain of mountains, gorges, deserts, and azure seas, the Sultanate is a dream come true for the outdoor enthusiast. With activities that range from diving...
 

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Muscat Festival Dubbed Oman’s biggest historical and cultural occasion, the Muscat Festival is the Sultanate’s exhibition of local and international art, culture, handicrafts, multilingual activities, and food...

Bahla Fort (1987) • Bat, al-Khutm and al- Ayn (1988) • The Land of frankincense (2000)
• Aflaj irrigation system (2006) • Ancient City of Qalhat (2018)

Famed world over for its steep ravines and golden gorges, Oman’s scenic mountain range boasts of a quintet of spectacular peaks that draw in visitors from near and far, no matter the season! Running from the Musandam Peninsula in the north to the A’Sharqiyah Governorate down under are the magnificent Hajar Mountains, home to the renowned peaks of Jebel Shams and Al Jabal Al Akdhar, while the magical southern Governorate of Dhofar houses the pristine Jebel Samhan, part of a biodiverse mountain range that extends off the Al-Hallaniyah Islands.

Listed below are our pick of five such awe-inspiring peaks home to the Sultanate; indeed they make for adventurous hikes and trekking trips, and for those of you who prefer things a little more relaxed, they make for excellent camping out and sightseeing spots as well!

Bird watching is one of the favorite attraction for the tourists visiting Sultanate, owing to the remarkable diversity of avian species, which has been documented to include 486 varieties in numerous specialized studies and reports.

The Muscat Governorate serves as an excellent starting point for bird watching enthusiasts, with Qurum Nature Park standing out as a prime location for observing common bird species year-round. Visitors can marvel at a plethora of birds such as the yellow bulbul, osprey, graceful warbler, laughing doves, small oriental warblers, and Asian tamarinds. Coastal areas offer sightings of herons, flamingos, gulls, and hawksbills, while water monuments’ ponds are ideal for observing eagles and water birds.

For birdwatching enthusiasts, Al Ansab lagoons, also referred to as Ansab Wetlands, and Qurum Natural Park, in Muscat offer prime locations on the mainland. These sites host a variety of breeding birds native to Oman, providing ample opportunities for sightings. Among the commonly observed species are the grey francolin, red-wattle plover, laughing dove, little green bee-eater, yellow-vented bulbul, Arabian babbler, purple sunbird, and Indian Silver-bill. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a novice enthusiast, these spots promise rewarding experiences amidst Oman’s avian diversity.

Nestled in the Dhofar region near Jabal Samhan, the Jabal Samhan Reserve spans an impressive 4,500 square kilometers. This expansive wildlife sanctuary remains uninhabited throughout the year, serving as a vital refuge for diverse species. Among its inhabitants are the elusive Arabian leopard, along with the Arabian wolf, Indian crested porcupine, cape hare, rock hyrax, and an array of bird species. The reserve also boasts a rich variety of flora, including acacia trees and the iconic Frankincense tree. Access to the Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve requires special authorization.