Beautiful Deserts in Oman

No trip to Oman would be complete without a tour into the immense Arabian Desert, where you may learn about old customs that are on the verge of extinction as Bedouin people gradually abandon their nomadic lifestyle. This desert encompasses much of the Arabian Peninsula, including roughly two-thirds of Oman, and is tantalizingly close to the city, Muscat. In this hard, sun-baked landscape, compassion, courage, and honor are not simply desirable personal traits; they are also necessary for survival. It's no surprise that the Arabian Desert is steeped in myth and legend: it's wildly evocative, captivatingly beautiful, and always holds the promise of adventure.

Touring a wadi is another must-do on any desert vacation in Oman; these valleys can be bone dry, suitable for exploring by 4x4, or they can be full with water. Swimming in an emerald green natural pool surrounded by tumbling waterfalls, tunnels, and terraces of date and pomegranate trees is an unforgettable experience. Some, like Wadi Bani Khalid, are so well-known that they even have lifeguards.