Embarking on a Family Adventure in Oman
It was November 2018, and we had a two-week holiday ahead of us. Our vacation criteria were specific: we didn’t want to travel too far, we sought guaranteed sunshine, safety, and a blend of culture and nature. We also wanted to relax under the sun. This time, we had an additional requirement; we needed a destination free from Zika viruses and with high medical standards, as I was pregnant with our third daughter. After examining the world map, our attention was drawn to an undiscovered gem: Oman! This country met all our criteria. Without further ado, we booked our round trip through Oman. Join us as we recount our family adventure through Oman.
Exploring Oman with Kids: Day 1
Our adventure began at 08:30 in the morning as we checked in at the KLM desk for our flight to Muscat, via Dammam. We were fortunate to find ample space on the plane, allowing our youngest daughter, who is just 2 years old, to have her own seat. We were all set and excited to explore Oman!
After a comfortable flight, we touched down in Muscat at 22:00 hours. The opulence of the airport was immediately noticeable, a clear indication of the wealth of the country. The customs process was swift and efficient. As we exited the airport, a chauffeur was waiting for us, holding a sign with our name. He whisked us off to our accommodation, the Coral Muscat Apartments and hotel, in just 20 minutes. The luxury of the place was astounding, but it was late, and we were off to bed to rest up for the adventures ahead.
Exploring Oman with Kids: Day 2
Our second day in Oman was dedicated to exploring the capital city, Muscat. We had planned an early start, with our rental car scheduled for delivery at our hotel at 9:00 AM. However, a slight delay meant that the car wasn’t delivered until 10:00 AM. This was a bit frustrating as we had hoped to visit the Sultan-Qaboos mosque, the largest mosque in Oman, which closes at 11:00 AM.
Visiting the Sultan-Qaboos Mosque
Despite the delay, we managed to reach the mosque by 10:30 AM. The beauty of the mosque made up for the earlier inconvenience. The mosque, adorned with shiny marble and gold leaf, was a sight to behold. The meticulously maintained gardens, with every tree and blade of grass perfectly trimmed, added to the mosque’s charm.
Relaxing at the Hotel
After the mosque visit, we felt the need to unwind. The kids were quite tired, so we decided to head back to the hotel. Fortunately, our hotel had a pool. While dad enjoyed a swim with our eldest, mum took a nap with the youngest. We realized that the kids needed some time to adjust to the new surroundings, so we were content to spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool.
Experience Oman with Children
Traveling to Oman with children can be a unique and enriching experience. This Middle Eastern country offers a blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty that is sure to captivate both adults and kids alike.
Why Choose Oman for a Family Vacation?
Oman is a safe and welcoming country that offers a plethora of activities for families. Here are some reasons why you should consider Oman for your next family vacation:
- Rich cultural heritage
- Stunning natural landscapes
- Adventure activities like dune bashing and camel riding
- Warm and hospitable locals
Exploring Oman’s Natural Beauty
Oman’s diverse landscapes, from its sandy deserts to its lush wadis, provide ample opportunities for exploration and adventure. Whether you’re hiking in the Al Hajar Mountains or camping under the stars in the Wahiba Sands, the country’s natural beauty is sure to leave you in awe.
Immersing in Oman’s Culture
Experience Oman’s rich culture by visiting its bustling souks, historic forts, and grand mosques. Don’t miss the chance to interact with the locals and learn about their traditions and way of life.
Adventurous Activities for Kids
For the little adventurers, Oman offers a range of exciting activities. They can enjoy a thrilling dune bashing ride, go camel riding, or even take part in a traditional Omani meal.
Conclusion
With its mix of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, Oman is a fantastic destination for a family vacation. So why wait? Start planning your trip to Oman with your kids today!
Exploring Oman with Kids: Day 3
Our day began with the punctual delivery of our four-wheel drive at 9:00 AM. We bid farewell to Muscat and set our sights on Nizwa. En route, we marveled at the mud houses of Birkat Al Mauz, clinging to the mountains with a picturesque oasis nestled below.
Upon reaching Nizwa, we sought out a lunch spot. We stumbled upon a large shopping mall and decided to explore. Surprisingly, we found an ice-skating area inside the mall, a stark contrast to the 35-degree heat outside! The mall also catered to children with a large play paradise.
Post-lunch, we headed to Jabrin to visit the stunning Jabrin Castle. Oman is home to many castles, but this one is often touted as one of the finest. We also attempted to visit the Bahla fortress, but it was closed. Nonetheless, it was a sight to behold from the outside.
As the day drew to a close, we returned to Nizwa and checked into our hotel. We stayed at the Al Diyar hotel, which, despite its kitschy decor, was a comfortable place to rest for the next two nights.
Exploring Oman with Kids: Day 4
On the fourth day of our family adventure in Oman, we decided to explore the Nizwa region, specifically Jebel Shams, often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Oman. The scenic drive up into the mountains was breathtaking, setting the stage for a day filled with exploration and adventure.
We had initially planned to take the “Balcony Trail,” but the road conditions changed, turning into a dirt path. Despite this minor setback, the beauty of the landscape and the thrill of the journey made it a memorable day for us all.
Off-Road Adventure in Oman
Our journey in Oman took an unexpected turn when we decided to venture off-road. We quickly discovered that our 10-month-old daughter was not a fan of the bumpy ride. Her discomfort was too much for us to bear, so we decided to turn the car around. Despite the short-lived adventure, the sights we managed to see were truly breathtaking.
Exploring Nizwa
After our off-road escapade, we headed back to Nizwa for lunch and a tour of the old city centre. One of the highlights of our visit was the Nizwa Fortress. This historical site was not only fascinating for us adults but also served as a medieval playground for our oldest child.
Exploring Oman with Kids: Day 5
Today, we bid farewell to Nizwa and set our sights on Wahiba Sands. The journey is quite lengthy. En route, we attempt to grab lunch in Ibra, but we’re met with only old, shabby shops. We decide to try our luck in the next village, Al Mudayrib, but find no food there either, just peculiar little towers. Each village we pass through feels like a ghost town, so we arrive at the “gate of the Wahiba Sands desert” rather famished at the end of the day.
At the gate, we wait for our guide who will lead us through the desert to our overnight desert camp. Thankfully, our youngest is thrilled by this type of off-road adventure. The loose sand and flat tires transform our vehicle into a sort of hovercraft, and our little miss bumpy ride is perfectly content with that! We traverse the stunning gold and yellow sand hills, and after about half an hour, we reach our camp in the middle of nowhere. We’re assigned to our charming little hut, which is decorated entirely in Bedouin style, complete with an outdoor shower and toilet. It’s an incredibly cool experience!
Experience the Magic of a Camel Ride
Next on our itinerary is a camel ride. As we bump and bounce into the dunes, we witness the most beautiful sunset we have ever seen. The desert dunes transform into a mesmerizing palette of gold and yellow hues. It’s a truly special experience to share with our children!
Unwind at a Desert Camp
After the sunset, we return to our tent camp for dinner. Instead of a loud belly dance show with bright lights, we are treated to a simple campfire. It’s a delightful return to basics – no TV, no WiFi, no electricity. Just an oil lamp, a campfire, and the bright starry sky.
Exploring Oman with Kids: Day 6
Awakened by the chirping of desert birds at 6:30, we quickly dress and step out of our hut, finding ourselves in the heart of the desert. After a swift breakfast, we pack our bags and head back towards civilization. What an exhilarating experience!
Next, we decide to visit a wadi, a type of oasis, named Bani Khalid. Its beauty is captivating, and with each passing day, Oman captures more of our hearts. We stroll towards the wadi, enjoy a bite to eat, and dip our feet into the refreshing water. It’s simply delightful! After this tranquil experience, we set our sights on the coast.
The journey is long, and the villages we pass through seem deserted, making the inhabited world feel far away. Upon reaching the coast, we discover an old, rusted playground where our eldest can have some fun. Our final destination for the day is Ras al Jinz, known as the turtle mecca of Oman.
However, as it’s the low season for turtles, we decide to skip the turtle search walk and head to bed, ready for the next day’s adventures.
Exploring Oman with Kids: Day 7
Today, we embark on the final leg of our journey, driving towards Muscat. Our first stop is the bustling port town of Sur, a refreshing change after two days of traversing no man’s land. We take a moment to enjoy the beach, dipping our feet in the water. A simple pleasure, but a lovely one nonetheless.
Visiting Wadi Shab
Our next stop is Wadi Shab, although it doesn’t quite live up to the wadi we visited the day before. A local party is in full swing here, and our blonde, chubby, western baby quickly becomes the center of attention, with locals eager to hold her.
The Blue Pool Sinkhole
We then visit the blue pool sinkhole, a deep hole in the loam filled with bright blue water. The sinkhole is located in a beautifully maintained park, complete with playgrounds, making it an excellent stop for kids. After dipping our feet and enjoying the swings, we continue our journey to Muscat. We grab a quick lunch at the Mac (my pregnancy has triggered a massive craving for a quarter-pounder, so I’m delighted!) before heading to our resort.
Arriving at Muscat Hills Resort
We’re staying at the Muscat Hills Resort for the next three days. It’s a three-star resort, so we’re not expecting much, but upon arrival… Wow, just wow!
Exploring Oman with Kids: Day 8 & 9
After a long day of travel, we finally arrived at our destination. We had a quick dinner and went straight to bed, eager to explore our surroundings the next day. And what a paradise we woke up to! We were staying in an idyllic beach hut with a straw roof and an outdoor bathroom, right on the beach. The private beach was nestled in a bay, completely cut off from the sea, which meant no waves and shallow waters – perfect for swimming and playing with the kids. The resort itself was the epitome of luxury, with a beautifully finished pool and lovely surroundings.
Relaxing in Oman: Day 9
Our ninth day in Oman is all about relaxation. We’re staying at a beautiful resort that offers everything we need: a stunning beach, a refreshing pool, and delicious food. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge.
Our days are filled with swimming, relaxing, eating, drinking, and even some canoeing. It’s the perfect balance of activity and relaxation, making the most of the resort’s amenities.
Departure Day: Day 10
Unfortunately, our tenth day in Oman marks the end of our journey. Our flight isn’t until the evening, so we have the entire afternoon to soak up the last of the resort’s charm. I’m slightly anxious about the night flight, unsure if the kids will sleep well. However, we’re fortunate to secure an extra seat for the flight and a baby bassinet for our youngest, ensuring she can sleep comfortably.
Our flight back is smooth, and as soon as we touch down on Dutch soil, we can only say one thing: Oman, you are great!
This article is written by our regular guest blogger Kim. Kim is a mother of two daughters (ages 4 and 1) and is currently expecting her third child. She and her family are avid travelers, not only for the joy of exploration but also for the educational value. They believe in showing their children the world’s deserts, mountains, temples, and castles in person, rather than in a picture book. Kim and her husband Adri view the world as one big playground and relish every opportunity to explore it with their children.