Tradition and Development –
The Sultanate of Oman a contrasting landscape, boasts spectacular white beaches – with amazing turtles love to lay their eggs regularly, fjords, lush oasis in the mountains, crystal clear water springs, huge expanses of red sand dunes, banana plantations – to name a few.
A rich yet fully modern infrastructure, organization on its way to the bright future. With a ultimate level of friendly hospitality, a peaceful and stable country like Oman is, still new to tourism.
Introducing Oman –
Oman is an ultimate reclusive country, a true reminiscent of the soul essence across Middle East, without any pomp and distortions. After all, the Omani desert wonder allows you to experience a completely new dimension of life, not just a place. However, tourism is truly exciting discovery in a country like Oman.
About Oman –
Well-known as the third largest country on Arabian Peninsula after Saudi Arabia and Yemen, Oman differentiates itself from other Arabian Gulf not only in size but also for its entry point to the ocean.
Location –
Bordering the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west and the south-west Yemen, Oman overlooks the Arabian Sea in the south and east, the Persian Gulf in the north-east. It’s even crossed by the Tropic of Cancer – just below the capital city, Muscat.
The Geographical Setting –
With a trapezoidal shape, the Sultanate of Oman has expanding around 309,500 square kilometers and has a population of 4,200,000 inhabitants. It comprises of approximately 80% desert. The population of country is concentrated in two main geographically unique areas, the north and Dhofar. Both the areas are separated by a huge expanse desert of 800 km long, includes the sandy desert (Rub al Khali), the Sabkha (salt lake of Um Al-Samin) and Hamadas, i.e. the rocky desert of Jiddat el Harassis and sand dunes (Wahiba Sands).
The Dhow Cruising Experience –
When you’re in Oman, you shouldn’t miss out the wonderful experience of cruising between “the fjords of Arabia” – located on the peninsula of Musandam. It’s nothing but a bit of rock, branching off the Strait of Hormuz, with coves. It’s only accessible by sea. So, take a dhow cruise and make bathrooms, maybe surrounded by dolphins, and spot small fishing villages and also the Telegraph Island, stands as the home to a British repeater of the nineteenth century.
The Ancient Civilization with Traditional Souks & Mosques –
Blessed with the magnificence of the glittering Arabian Nights, Oman – the ancient homeland of incense and myrrh, stands as a true evidence to a genuine suspended discovery of an enchanting ambiance with handful arrays of legends. The splendid sights include the unspoiled coastline along with long white beaches – the turtles lay their eggs, the north harsh yet varied thick castles overlooking the sea, and then the south the magical land of incense hidden in the dunes.
On the hills of Dhofar, the doorstep of the world’s largest sand desert, some low trees, twisted wood as a Mediterranean shrub with thick leaves and tough as leather, are sprouting from the ground . The scientific name of these flora species is “boswelia sacred”. They are used to extract a mythical perfume, as well as the most precious resin Gold. For centuries, the incense has accompanied during all rites of worship and burial, magic cults as well as state ceremonies. Even, for over thousands of years it has also been used to cleanse the body, mind and ward off evil.
During the monarchism of the Queen of Sheba, the “tears of the gods” was defined this precious resin runny engraved in trees, made the fortune of Omani land, making it one of the richest countries around the world.
In fact, Oman is so-called “incense route”, stretching over 2,000 km, leading through the Arabian Peninsula. Along the route, they were carried gold, myrrh and other oriental spices. Currently, the most precious incense, the white and blue Hujari, are produced only in the Dhofar region which sells 6-7 thousand tons every year.
The Sea and Desert Wonders along the Incense Route –
Taking an Oman holiday, you will be invited to the mesmeric land of the “Thousand and One Nights”, the magnificent ancient homeland boasting incense and myrrh, in a magical atmosphere steeped in traditional sightings, including mosque and souk, sand dunes, a huge array of castles sea, long white beaches overlooking the pristine coastline you won’t find anywhere else.
A vacation in Oman introduces into the exceptional sensations, descended from an ancient rich history and from that resin, a most precious time of gold, the Queen of Sheba called “tears of the gods” and made the fortune of this land – the fragrant incense Oman, expanding over a distance of 2000 km along the Arabian Peninsula, named as the perfect “way of incense” spreading the legendary fragrance permeating a unique civilization and scoring the time of Arabia Felix.
Why Do You Visit Oman –
• To indulge yourself in an enchanting yet fascinating country, the mystical land of the Arabian Nights.
• To intoxicate yourself by a huge array of markets, flooded streets of incense – a common product available in Oman.
• To witness the beautiful castles built overlooking a cobalt blue sea silhouetted against a picturesque deep blue sky.
• To get your lost in the traditional souks, the bustling local markets.
• To experience the real sand dune adventures in the picturesque desert of Oman.
The Important Documentation & Formality Customs –
The Climate –
When it comes to the best time to visit Oman, the months between October and April are perfect. It’s due to the fact that the average daytime temperatures remains around 25 degrees.
Even, these months experience the temperature below 10 degrees. In summer, the weather of Oman is very hot and stuffy, as temperature exceeds 40 degrees. However, the southern Oman is affected by the summer ‘khareef’, as well as the rainy season – runs from mid-June to mid-September.
The Appropriate Clothes –
Carry swimsuit, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, something heavy fabric for the evening – especially while traveling in winter. Usually there are some restrictions within hotels and resorts as well as the beaches that wearing respectful clothes.
Mostly, women must wear pants and shirts with long sleeves. In the winter warm clothing is a must-have essential for any overnight stays in tented camps located the desert.
The Preferred Languages –
Arabic is the official language in Oman; but English is highly popular worldwide, given importance to many foreign residents. .
The Money –
The official currency of Oman is the Omani rial, known as OMR, divided into 1000 baisa. The Omani Rial is actually equal to 2.4 Euros or 2.6 USD approximately. (But it’s changed in January 2016).
Banks remains open from Saturday to Wednesday within timing, 8-12, Thursdays from 8 to 11. On 30 and Fridays, they are closed. All types of major credit cards are accepted in the main centers.
The Electricity –
The voltage stays between 220-240 volts. You can bring a universal adapter. You can get any adapters in the main hotel.
The Phone Connectivity –
The telephone connection system is well distributed everywhere in the Sultanate of Oman. You can get public telephones and phone cards systems in local stores and supermarkets. Even, fax facilities are available 24 hours in the main post offices and major hotels.
Internet connections are available in the Cyber Café and in major hotels. If you want call Oman from any other country, you should dial 00968 directly followed by the number. The mobile network in Oman is solely based on the European GSM9000 system, so your phone can be used if it has a roaming agreement. Oman-tel is the main carrier of mobile phone connectivity.
The Transportation Facility –
Besides Muscat International Airport, there are two domestic airports are located opposite ends of the country, the Salalah and Khasab. The large connected roads are perfectly maintained, – make the sliding fast. The dirt roads penetrating the interior of the country are also in top shape and often are accessible by cars or a two-wheel drive. However, we recommend an off-road vehicle like 4WD to those coming into the country.
The Vaccinations –
No vaccination is compulsory. The availability of medicines is sufficient and is advised to have cooked foods and vegetables, drink water and soft drinks bottles or cans, without adding ice. Remember, Oman is free from classical diarrhea.
The Tipping –
Usually, there is a tip of 10% you should give in hotels and high-class restaurants, unless it’s included a fee for the service. Always are tipping are welcome, even for drivers and guides.
The Shopping Options –
Shopping in Oman is excellent option top buy local produces, spices, incense particularly in Salalah, available with a ceramic incense burner. However the significant gold and silver handicrafts are even the popular shopping options.
In fact, the ‘khanjar’ – typical Omani dagger with a curved blade, the handle with embellished design, coffee pots, bronze or silver pottery, woven baskets with leather, camel bags, rice straw mats, cushion covers can be bought in Oman. All Omani shops accept payment in Euros or US dollars, and major credit cards.
The Photos and Videos –
You will find spools for photographs in many cities, but slides or special films usually are available only in Muscat. It’s been restricted to photograph or film any military post (including the police), or strategic places like airports, bridges and railway stations.
It’s highly recommended to seek for permission to photograph or film people, especially women, and avoid photographing the mosques during prayer hours. Generally, you’re allowed to photograph or film the interior of religious and archaeological sites, without any warning signs.
The Kitchen –
Though Oman is blessed with a long stretch of coast, many of the Omani cuisines include liberal use of fish. An original delicacy of the south is the rabees, includes boiled and fried shark. The meat available in Oman is mainly sheep.
Perhaps the most common dish type is the ‘harees, prepared with cooked wheat and boiled meat, being seasoned with lime, chili and onion. However, The Omani inhabitants have a real passion for sweets, including the ‘halwa, elongated sweet made with dates, saffron, cardamom, almonds, walnuts and rose water. You need to try, coffee flavored with cardamom. Remember that alcohol is only available in large hotels.
The Tour Guide –
Our Oman tours are accompanied by a highly professional tour leader and an experienced excursion leader.
The Ramadan –
The Ramadan is ‘the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Oman is respected fasting from dawn to sunset,- but not required for foreign travelers. We encourage you to maintain a respectful behavior throughout your vacation and with patient. The archaeological sites and restaurants are always open to foreigners during the Ramadan.
The Customer Service –
We have provided ‘Ask the expert’ option – requires you to fill out a form with your specific requests. Oman Safari Tours corporate group will respond you directly. The tariff with flights, quotas and seasonal discounts are available on the network along with current offers and the list of travel agencies we work on with throughout the territory.
The Additional Services –
Services and facilities are the prerequisite aspect to conduct a trip. Clients are requested to write to use at the time of booking and confirmation by the organizer of the trip. In the absence, it won’t be accepted any complaints.
