Oman vakantie
Ervaar Oman
Muscat, surrounded by walls on the south and west, is a metropolitan city that has much to offer visitors. Dating back to 6th millennium BCE, it is situated in the Gulf of Oman, with stunning views of the mountains to the north and east. Old Muscat is a great place to visit for a real taste of Oman, running from Port Sultan Qaboos to Al Bustan Beach.
Oman's landscape is extremely diverse, from miles of uninhabited and rugged coastline to the huge sand dunes of the Wahiba desert.
Oman's beaches are a great place to relax, with several offering emerald green waters that are perfect for swimming. They are also excellent for spotting wildlife. Many of the beaches are breeding sites for several species of sea turtle, with Masirah Island one of the hubs.
Muttrah Souk is a lively market in Muscat that perfectly blends modern with ancient. It"s possible to buy pretty much anything here, from frankincense and spices, to silverware and toys. Haggling is expected, so visitors are sure to come away with a few bargains.
The second largest town in Oman is Salalah. With a temperate climate, it is a popular place for those seeking an escape from the sweltering heat found elsewhere in the country. The climate has given rise to a green, lush area that is ideal for walking. Frankincense trees grow across this area and are used in many traditional medicines.
The Wadi Bani Awf, found in Al Rustaq Wilayat, is an ancient wadi (gorge) that offers mountain streams and calm pools – each perfect for an afternoon dip.
Directly north of Muscat is the coastal region of Al Batinah. This area is famed for its quiet, golden beaches, lined with palm trees and quaint towns. Al Batinah is also home to Sohar, an expansive city that also happens to be one of the country's oldest. Visitors who want to get to grips with this part of Oman can spend an entire day driving a circular route, known as the Rustaq Loop. The Loop takes in a number of fascinating sites, including the imposing forts found at Al Hazm, Rustaq and Nakhal. In addition, the Loop winds its way through some of the area's most beautiful wadis, such as Wadi Bani Awf and Wadi Abyad, making it a popular route for tourists on Oman holidays.
Nos meilleures offres en Oman
Need to know
Arabic is the national language of Oman, but there are a number of other regional dialects. Balochi is one of the most common and has become a language in its own right, although this tends to only be spoken in north-west Iran. Another derivative, Jibbali, is spoken in southern Dhofar. Urdu is also spoken in some areas. Most Omani citizens speak some English, and a few speak it fluently. Swahili and Malayalam are commonly spoken too, depending on the area of Oman. In the tourist industry, English is widely spoken, so unless tourists stray off the beaten track, they shouldn’t encounter any major language barriers. However, it might be worth investing in an Arabic phrasebook, which can be particularly useful for shopping and dining in restaurants
The official currency is the Omani rial (OMR) and there is 1,000 Baisa to 1 OMR. Foreign currency can be exchanged at most airports, but the money exchange offices found throughout the country tend to have the best exchange rates. There are ATMs in many cities and towns, although not all of them accept foreign cards. Credit cards are accepted for large purchases, but not all restaurants and shops have credit card facilities, so it’s best to carry cash as well.
For visitors from the EU and the UK, a single-entry visa can be obtained at any airport or sea terminal on entry. This allows for a 30 day stay and the fee is OMR 20. The fee can be paid in rial, pounds sterling, euro or US dollars. It is also possible to obtain a 10-day visa, which costs OMR 5. A valid passport with at least six months until expiry is required. UK Emergency Travel Documents are valid for entry to and exit from Oman. However, these must have at least six months' remaining validity to be accepted. On leaving Oman, both residents and visitors must have their passports stamped. Failure to do so can cause delays and even prevent passengers from boarding booked flights. Passports must be legal and valid.
Hot, dry and subtropical, the climate of Oman experiences little rainfall and plenty of sun. Temperatures are high, with maximum temperatures of around 35°C during the summer months. While cooler, this only makes spring and autumn more pleasant for many travellers, as the temperatures are that bit more bearable at around 30°C.
Watch out for sandstorms during spring and summer, created by the hot, dust-laden wind: the Shamal.
The main airport in Oman is Muscat International Airport (MCT), situated in the capital of Muscat. This is where virtually all international flights arrive, although a small number land at Salalah Airport (SLL). Muscat International Airport is much more accessible. Obtaining a visa tends to be significantly quicker here, too.
A lot of carriers serve Oman. Many fly to Muscat's airport from London-Heathrow, while others fly from Manchester. For those who have flights with connections, many have a layover in Dubai. Average flight time from London to Muscat is around 7 hours, 30 minutes.
Direct flights can be more expensive, whereas having a changeover in Dubai can make the fare significantly cheaper. Prices tend to rise during the peak season, from November to March, but travelling outside of this time can mean uncomfortable temperatures. Booking early can help to reduce fares.
It is possible to enter Oman by land from the United Arab Emirates. There are a number of crossings, such as Wadi Hatta or Ras Al Khaimah to Bukhara. Border crossings are easy, but anyone wanting to bring a car into Oman will have to provide proof of ownership and insurance.
Kaart
Feiten
- Oman is een van de langst bewoonde plaatsen op aarde. Mensen wonen al minstens 106.000 jaar in wat nu Oman heet.
- Voor degenen die niet gewend zijn aan de verschroeiende zomers, is de winter de beste tijd voor een bezoek aan Oman, wanneer de temperatuur meer Mediterraans aanvoelt.
- Het is niet gebruikelijk in Oman om fooi te geven aan obers en taxichauffeurs.
- Een aantal van de beste paarden ter wereld is in Oman gefokt.
- Het oudste monument in het moderne Oman is de klokkentoren van Masqat.
- De dadel is een van de belangrijkste gewassen in Oman. Dadels worden vaak met koffie geserveerd.
Feiten
- Oman is een van de langst bewoonde plaatsen op aarde. Mensen wonen al minstens 106.000 jaar in wat nu Oman heet.
- Voor degenen die niet gewend zijn aan de verschroeiende zomers, is de winter de beste tijd voor een bezoek aan Oman, wanneer de temperatuur meer Mediterraans aanvoelt.
- Het is niet gebruikelijk in Oman om fooi te geven aan obers en taxichauffeurs.
- Een aantal van de beste paarden ter wereld is in Oman gefokt.
- Het oudste monument in het moderne Oman is de klokkentoren van Masqat.
- De dadel is een van de belangrijkste gewassen in Oman. Dadels worden vaak met koffie geserveerd.
