Nizwa Market (Souq)
The tour starts in the morning towards Nizwa, Nizwa was the capital of Oman during Al Yaruba Dynasty we'll visit the famous Nizwa Souq, a wide variety of vendors offer their goods in the streets of the souk, where you can find, vegetables, pottery, jewelry, handicrafts Omani Sweets (Halwa) dates, spice, and souvenirs which are sold in authentic old market halls that few places can boast, especially interesting is the Friday cattle market, when the locals come to sell their, goats, cattle, sheep and chickens in a circus-style open market place.Please Note: if you stay in Muscat and you want to catch the cattle market you have to start at 05:45 AM, so please get in touch with us after you make the booking or mention it in the special request form, and we'll message you bake.
Nizwa Fort
Next to the Souq are Nizwa Fort and Castle the Fort was built in 1649 and the castle was built in 888, the Fort is a museum today and offers splendid views of this ancient town and the surrounding mountains, you can walk around in this impressive Fort and castle with many passages rooms, the Fort is an architectural testimony to the economic and military achievements of the early Yaruba dynasty from the mid-17th century, it was a military stronghold designed to withstand even the strongest of attacks at the time, even along the corridors, many traps were laid to deter any intruders that might have penetrated the defenses.
Jabal Shams (The Grand Canyon of Oman)
From Nizwa we drive towards Jabal Shams Mountain (The Grand Canyon of Oman) This mountain road drives up to the Jebel Shams 3009 meters this mountain is one of the most adventurous Mountains in Oman, offering existing off-road experiences and fantastic views, you reach canyon view which is 2000 meters stop there and enjoy the view and photo.From the Grand Canyon, we drive back to Muscat.
2 Comments
4.4
We had a fantastic day exploring Nizwa and Jabal Shams, immersing ourselves in Oman’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. The ancient fort in Nizwa was a highlight, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the region’s past. While the drive to the canyon could be a bit long, the scenery along the way made it worthwhile. We loved experiencing the contrast between the historical treasures and the natural beauty of the mountains. Just be prepared for a few bumps on the road! Overall, it was a memorable adventure that beautifully showcased Oman’s charm.
4.4
Our day trip offered a wonderful blend of Oman’s historical treasures and stunning landscapes. Exploring Nizwa’s bustling souk and its fascinating architecture was an unforgettable experience, especially as we tried local delicacies and chatted with the friendly vendors. The drive up to Jabal Shams was a bit long, but the breathtaking views of the canyon made it worthwhile; we even stopped for a hike along the edge, which was thrilling. One small drawback was that our guide could have shared more historical context about some sites, but overall, we appreciated the insight he provided. We returned to Muscat feeling enriched by the culture and beauty we had witnessed.