Oman travel guide: plan your trip with local knowledge

The most comfortable season for touring and desert camping in northern Oman is October to April, when daytime temperatures are warm rather than hot and nights in the desert are cool. December to February is the peak season.

May to September is very hot across most of the country. The exception is Dhofar in the south (around Salalah), where the khareef monsoon brings mist, rain and green hills from roughly late June to mid-September.

The mountains, such as Jabal Shams and Jabal Akhdar, are noticeably cooler than the coast all year and can be cold at night in winter.

Many nationalities, including citizens of EU countries and the UK, can currently visit Oman visa-free for short stays, while others apply for an eVisa online through the Royal Oman Police portal.

Rules change, so always confirm the current requirements for your passport with the official Royal Oman Police eVisa website or your embassy before you travel. Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months.

Light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees, plus a warm layer or fleece for the evenings — desert nights in winter can feel surprisingly cold.

Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen. Comfortable closed shoes for wadis and forts, and sandals or water shoes for swimming in wadis.

A swimsuit (worn at wadis and beaches, with a cover-up in villages), a small torch or head lamp, a reusable water bottle, and any personal medication.

Oman is welcoming and relaxed, but modest dress is appreciated in towns, villages, souqs and forts. Women visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque must cover their hair, arms and legs; men should wear long trousers.

Ask before photographing people, especially women. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours.

The currency is the Omani rial (OMR), one of the highest-valued currencies in the world. Cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels; carry some cash for small villages, souqs and tips.

Tap water in hotels is generally treated, but most visitors drink bottled water, which is provided on our tours. Driving is on the right, and distances between regions are long — a guided tour with a local driver saves a lot of planning.