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Heroes and Heroines Muscat
Muscat is a warm, welcoming city surrounded by rugged, mountainous peaks and the beautiful beaches of the Arabian Sea.
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![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Oman Holidays
Oman is an intriguing mix of rich history and diverse landscapes; from Arabian palaces and historic forts to towering sand dunes and lush verdant mountains. Find your adventure in scuba diving, fossil hunting, desert camping and witnessing turtles hatch.
Providing a fantastic choice for adults and children alike, a holiday to Oman offers huge diversity from relaxing beaches to adventures into the mountains and desert.
The hotels are superb and, as Oman is a relatively small country, it is easy to venture out on day excursions or longer more varied trips away from Muscat without incurring long, uncomfortable road journeys.
Salalah
Salalah is the capital of Dhofar, the southern region of Oman. It is a city set amongst coconut groves and banana plantations,…
Wahiba and Empty Quarter
Spending time in the deserts of Oman is a must during any trip. Wahiba is easily reached from Muscat and is home…
Northern Oman and Musandam
Musandam Peninsula is a remote enclave of the sultanate of Oman, separated by the east coast of the UAE.
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…
Masirah Island
Much undeveloped with a simple infrastructure, Masirah Island offers opportunities to surf, bird watch (with over 328 species recorded) and see four…
Why we like Oman
Oman is squeaky clean (it is a fineable offence to have a dirty car), safe and organised but still reminds you that you’re in Arabia. The weather is consistently good much of the year and it is only a relatively short flight from the UK. Plus, it is possible to be met air-side off the plane in Muscat, to receive assistance with the visa process, and more importantly, with bags and children.
Discover extraordinary in Oman
- Travel with tents in the footsteps of Wilfred Thesiger.
- Forget the normal car transfer, arrive at the Six Senses Zighy Bay on a paraglider.
- Wake up on a remote beach and watch the sunrise over Ras Al Jinz.
- Explore the lost city of Ubar with hardly another visitor – discovered by Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
Explore Oman
- Muscat
- Salalah
- Wahiba
- Musandan
- Wadis
- Masirah Island
Experiences
What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.
Where to Stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Katie Benden
The excitement of travelling the world has always hugely appealed. Largely cemented from my first solo trip to Egypt and the Middle East. The crazy hustle and bustle of Cairo was a huge assault on the senses, scrambling through the claustrophobic tunnels of the Great pyramid took me out of my comfort zone and I was left humbled by the warm hospitality of the Nubian people in Aswan as we shared dinner together.
Talk with our experts
- 1 740 4000644
Kate Hitchen
My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.
Talk with our experts
- 1 740 4000644
Can I use my mobile phone in Oman?
Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies, but these can be expensive. It is possible to purchase a local sim card which will be cheaper when making local and international calls. Phones are available at most hotels and restaurants. Phoning from any hotel room can be very expensive, enquire at the reception.
Can I wear a swimming costume on local beaches?
Yes, while staying at a hotel normal swimwear if fine. The beaches are public so you may feel more comfortable wearing a full piece and having some sort of cover-up to wear over.
How should I dress when sightseeing?
Oman is a moderate, yet conservative country so always best to wear sleeves below the elbow and bottoms below the knee to show respect to the local culture. A headscarf for women is required for the mosque and long trousers for men.
Is it ok to drink alcohol in public?
The short answer is no. Alcohol is only available at licensed bars and restaurants(and usually found in hotels), and should only be consumed at these locations. Some camps and smaller hotels do allow you to bring your own and this can be organised before hand.
Is there an etiquette to photographing people?
Being a conservative country, when photographing people you must ask beforehand to ensure you do not cause offence. To ask “May I take your picture?” in Arabic is Mumkin sura, min fadlak? (To a man) or Mumkin sura, min fadlik? (To a woman).
Can I eat out in Oman?
Most of the decent restaurants are in Muscat and the majority of those within hotels. Outside the capital, the food is pretty basic and some places are not overly clean. When travelling through the country a picnic is often a good option.
Can I rent a car in Oman?
Yes, renting a car is a great way of getting off the beaten track and the majority of the roads are ‘black top’. Getting up the mountains needs a permit and a 4×4 vehicle. Driving in the desert requires some skill.
Can I use my mobile phone in Oman?
Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies, but these can be expensive. It is possible to purchase a local sim card which will be cheaper when making local and international calls.
Phones are available at most hotels and restaurants. Phoning from any hotel room can be very expensive. Enquire at the reception.
What is the international dialling code for Oman?
968
What is the time zone in Oman?
Oman is four hours ahead of GMT.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Let’s chat
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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