A Specialist in Oman

Matt on his self-drive trip of Oman

Oman might not be one of the countries that immediately springs to mind when you think of self-drive holiday destinations, however, with well-maintained roads, cheap fuel and many road signs in English, there is a lot to be gained from embarking on a self-drive tour here.

Matt Vlemmiks, our North Africa & the Middle East Regional Manager has just returned from  doing exactly this, accompanied by Oman specialist Sarah Whatman. Neither of them had navigated the scenic roads that pass through Oman’s stunning desert, mountain and coastal landscapes, so the itinerary was an enjoyable challenge for both of them.

Here is a little excerpt from their trip:

“Any visit to Oman is likely to start in the relaxed capital Muscat. Although clearly wealthy and undergoing a development boom that has been only partially slowed by global economics, Muscat is a world away from neighbouring Dubai. The city is a series of well spread out, mainly modern suburbs, with Old Muscat and Muttrah providing a smattering of historic sights and attractive souqs around the central bays. The gleaming, ultra modern Great Mosque is fabulous: Swarovski crystal chandeliers, Italian marble walls and an enormous, ornate rug in the main prayer hall, and smooth, spotlessly clean arches and towers outside, it is undoubtedly the most pristine and well-planned religious building I have visited in the Arab world.

Muscat’s well known beaches and opulent hotels are still in evidence, but we were also able to find some more affordable options that you might want to discuss with your specialist. Our car was delivered to one such hotel and here we began possibly the most challenging drive we would tackle in Oman! Muscat is nothing like the hectic metropolises of Cairo and Damascus, where self-driving would be inadvisable, but it is still far busier than anywhere else in the country. Once you find your way out of this maze though it’s the open road for the rest of your trip.”

To read Matt’s full article on his self-drive in Oman, please visit the Audley Magazine section on our website.

For further information on self-driving in Oman, take a look at our guide to self-driving holidays around the world.