Nizwa Fort, Ad Dakhiliyah, Oman

Mountains and Wadis

Just outside Muscat is a dramatic jumble of peaks and wadis that look tantalisingly wild and undiscovered, offering culture and history well worth including in a holiday to Oman.

The mountainous region of Jebel Akhdar combines the lush wadis of Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab and towns such as Nizwa and Jabrin, all key to giving understanding to Oman’s varied and fascinating history, landscape and people.

A hugely varied region, all sharing the striking landscape of mountains, wadis and forts, Jebel Akhdar is home to the Al Hajar Mountain Range. To the west is Nizwa and Jabrin, to the east is the fishing town of Sur and the turtle nesting sites of Ras al Jinz with swathes of wadi found along each fascinating route.

Nizwa Fort, Oman
Nizwa, Oman
Panorama, Nizwa, Oman
Nizwa, Oman

Discover Nizwa

Nizwa, a former capital, is one of the oldest cities in Oman and found at the base of the Western Hajar Mountains. With swathes of date plantation and a popular fort, Nizwa is considered a highlight of a visit to the region. Walking in the mountains and exploring the almost biblical villages gives the visitor an insight into rural life especially with their traditional farming methods and aflaj (irrigation systems). Spend a few hours quietly exploring Jabrin fort with its highly decorated ceilings.

  • Time your visit to Nizwa with the Friday cattle auction
  • Take a private walking guide through the gorges of the Jebal Akhdar
  • Walk to the top of Nizwa fort, and experience far-reaching views across the region
  • Hire a bike and make an exhilarating ascent down one of the marked mountain paths.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Biking, The View, Al Hamra, Oman
Mountains and Wadis

Mountain Biking

Hire a bike and make an exhilarating ascent down one of the marked mountain paths.

Nizwa Fort, Oman
Mountains and Wadis

Visit Nizwa Fort

Walk to the top of Nizwa fort, and experience far reaching views across the region.

Wadi Bani Khalid, Oman
Mountains and Wadis

Swim at Wadi Bani Khalid

Have a picnic lunch at Wadi Bani Khalid and take a dip in the fresh-water lagoon.

Bedouin Men at Nizwa Market, Nizwa, Oman
Mountains and Wadis

Nizwa’s Friday Cattle Market

Visit the ancient Omani capital of Nizwa on a Friday morning to experience the finest traditional market in the Middle East. Watch traders from all over Oman trade their livestock.

Hajar Mountains, Oman
Mountains and Wadis

Walk in the Jebal Akhdar

Take a private walking guide through the gorges of the Jebal Akhdar.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort £££££

  • Oman

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, perched 2,000 metres above sea level on the curving rim of a great canyon, is a luxurious base from which to explore this mountainous region and its rich local culture.

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The View £££££

  • Oman

The View is an eco-retreat, complete with 30 rooms, most in individual cabins, located in the hills above the town of Al Hamra, a few hours drive from Muscat and 45 minutes from the ancient city of Nizwa.

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Alila Jabal Akhdar £££££

  • Oman
  • Boutique

Perched 2,000 metres above sea level, Alila Jabal Akhdar overlooks a dramatic gorge, surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Al Hajar Mountains. The resort is the perfect base for exploring the region’s magnificent landscape of rugged, untouched beauty while experiencing a high level of comfort and one of the coolest swimming pools you’ve ever seen.

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