Self drive Oman
 

Im planning to go on a self drive in Oman in february 2011 together with my mom and brother.

We're planning to go on a 'organized' self drive, that means the nights are booked and you get pickups and drop offs from the airport and the rental car.

Our itinerary looks like this:

Day 1 Düsseldorf - Muscat
Flying from Dusseldorf to Muscat

Day 2 Muscat (ca. 50 km)
Arrival in Muscat, pickup from the airport and drop off of our 4WD

Day 3 Muscat - Coastal Road - Ras Al Hadd (ca. 300 km)

Day 4 Ras Al Hadd - Wadi Bani Khalid - Wahibi Sands (ca. 180 km)
Overnight in tents in the desert

Dag 5 Wahibi Sands – Nizwa (ca. 200 km)

Dag 6 Nizwa & Jebel Shams (ca. 170 km)
Overnight in Nizwa.

Dag 7 Nizwa – Al Sawadi (ca. 270 km)
Stay in Al Sawadi Beach Resort

Dag 8 Al Sawadi
Stay in Al Sawadi Beach Resort

Dag 9 Muscat - Düsseldorf
Fly back to Dusseldorf

We will probably extend with 1 or 2 nights in Al Sawadi

Any opinions or suggestions?

I just recently spent 3nts in Oman on a long mideast trip and would love to return. It is an interesting country but I only saw Muscat and we took the road over the mountains to Nizwa(which I don't recommend doing on your own) so there is a lot I missed. The coastline is stunning and make sure you walk in the evening on the Corniche and see the Muscat souk. We also did some dune bashing and had tea in a Bedouin tent-the desert/dunes are beautiful.

I'm sure your temps will be much more comfortable than when I was there in Sept!

sounds like a good trip. I was in Oman for a day and was fascinated. But in the southwest, around Salalah (where the sultan spends his summers). One of the most pristine coastline's I've ever seen. I'm sure you'll have a fascinating journey.
Moremiles, will you post a trip report? Am dying to read more..

thx and yes I will definately post a trip report along with photo's ;)

(didn't know this forum had 'comment'spam as well?.. sigh)

do you have some tips and advice? how about money; are there atm's all around or do we need to get money at the airport/hotel? What about a local sim card? is it wise to get one at the airport as well?
other tips?

Sorry, can't help with any of those questions as I had cash on me and was only there for 3nts and used USD for my souk purchase. It was easy to get the visa upon arrival however, at least with a US passport.