MUSANDAM
…also known as the “Norway of Arabia” lies in the northern tip of the Oman peninsula, bound by the Strait of Hormuz and United Arab Emirates. Khasab is the capital of Musandam and more or less the starting point to discover this purely stunning area. In the following blog I’ll give you some ideas what to do, where to go and what you have to consider to avoid any issues on your trip.
Table of contents:
1.) Dolphin-Tour
2.) Sall Ala (Al-Khalidiah Forest Park)
3.) Khor Najd
4.) Al Kamzra Fort
5.) Khasab Castle
6.) Jebel Al Harim
7.) Echo-Point
8.) Bassa Beach
9.) Sunset at Harf Viewpoint
– Where to eat?
– Where to sleep?
What to see in MUSANDAM:
1.) Dolphin-Tour
The Dolphin-Tour is the most visited attraction and a must. Although there is a risk not see dolphins it didn’t happen to me and many other customers. To book the trip you can easily choose one of the well-known agencies such as Dolphin Khasab Tours and send them your inquiry. They offer various of different packages which includes hiking or camping. Anyway, I booked a half-day Dhow Cruise and it was more than just an unforgettable adventure. Once you’re going to the meeting point in time, you will follow the car by your own until you reach the port (Musandam Dhow Cruise). You can park the car there free of charge. If you don’t have a car, they’ll take you with the bus. After that the tour guide will assign you to the right dhow where the boarding starts. The tour begins with awesome views and a complementary like tea, coffee and some fruits. It takes a while to reach the hot-spot where the dolphins are located. Once arrived, it won’t take a long time to spot them because they’re playing with the boat and swim next to it. Alone or in a group and believe me, it is such an awesome experience you have to enjoy.
Once the chasing of dolphins ends, the boat stops for about 45min to give the costumers the possibility to jump in for snorkelling. Others are just hanging out and take a nap while enjoying the sun. This brings me to the point to let you know things you definitely should bring with you:
– Sweater (it’s getting cold in the morning while sailing)
– Sunscreen (the sun is very intensive and you will forget it while you’re distracted)
Additionally, bring headphones with you, if travelling alone.
After the stop the boat sails back to the port. All in all the trip takes about 3,5 hours and every minute is just awesome. I hope you will enjoy this boat trip as much as I did 😉
Amazing view of the so called “Norway of Arabia” while sailing to out of the port.
2.) Sall Ala (Al-Khalidiah Forest Park)
Driving eastwards of Khasab you will reach out the end of the road which leads to Sall Ala. Bring some drinks, food and a picnic blanket with you to enjoy a picnic in the so called “Forest Park“. A natural green beauty and free-range goats are awaiting you there. I was a little bit surprised, why this place is not mentioned in the hot-spots of Musandam. However, I do and believe me, you will like it.
Beatiful landscape with a lot of green. Take a nap while the goats are roaming around.
3.) Khor Najd
On the way back from the picnic tour you shall go to Khor Najd. But take care, the Khor Najd Mobile tower is easily reachable by a normal car. There you can enjoy the breathtaking view and the “I Love Oman” sign. If you want to go down to the coast, make sure you’re driving a 4×4 car and not an ordinary car because it is rocky and there are some holes in the road because it’s not paved. I personally went down with my Toyota Corolla and it was everything but fun. At the coast you could see more or less 4×4 cars and the reason has been already explained. The way back was worse than driving down and I’m not sure whether it’s worth doing it. By the sea there’s not really much to see and do.
Khor Najd Mobile Tower reachable by a private car.
Khor Najd coastal area and transportation hub.
4.) Al Kamzra Fort
Very friendly people are welcoming you at the fort. The entrance is free and you can discover the fort by your own to take some pictures. Al Kamzra Fort is a historical archaeological monument which has been restored. Definitely worth going. Limited parking lots available free of charge.
5.) Khasab Castle
Nearly impossible to miss, you should add this on your to-do-list while spending time in Khasab. At the entrance two different ships are placed outside > they’re called “Quarib’s” and where used for fishing and transporting. The entrance is free and you can do a self-guided tour at the castle which was built in the 17th century by the Portuguese. Parking around the Khasab Castle is available and free of charge.
6.) Jebel Al Harim
Also known as the Mountain of Women, the beautiful Jebel Harim is the highest peak in Musandam located at 2,087 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the glorious valley. Reachable just only with a 4×4 car. Tours can be booked thru an agency.
7.) Echo-Point
While driving on the Jabal Sayh Road in the direction to Jebel Al Harim, you can go with a normal car to the Echo-Point. It’s fun playing around and it works. Just follow the marking on Google-Maps and try to make some sound to find the best place for your echo.
8.) Bassa Beach
Located in the North of Khasab you can find the famous Bassa beach. Unfortunately, it is still under construction and I do believe it will be a magnificent spot in the near future. However, that does not mean you can’t go there and enjoy swimming or picnicking by the sea.
9.) Sunset at Harf Viewpoint
Definitely a must is the beautiful sunset at the western part of Khasab. After a 15-20 minutes drive from Khasab city, you can park the car at the Harf Viewpoint and walk down along the cliffs. Just enjoy the show while taking pictures.
Where to eat?
There are a couple of places you can enjoy various of international dishes such as Pizza, Pasta, Fish, Indian, Middle Eastern, Chinese etc…
– Al Shamalia Grill Restaurant
– Al Mawra at the Atana Khasab Hotel (Alcohol available)
– Al Mawra at the Musandam Resort (Alcohol available)
Where to sleep?
Depending on the budget I can recommend three different places:
– Ahlam Villa Musandam (approx. 150-200 AED / 40-55 USD)
– Atana Khasab Hotel (approx. 450-500 AED / 122-136 USD)
– Atana Musandam Resort (approx. 500-600 AED / 136-164 USD)