How to Explore Nizwa—Oman's Cultural Treasure

Popular as the cultural capital of Oman, Nizwa is a traditional village located at the base of the Hajar Mountains. The place is a gem and exploring the area is a treat since it's home to so many historical and traditional sites. Hajar is home to ancient forts, wonderous museums, and iconic ruins. It's also nestled within Oman's most rustic environs, so a drive will treat you to gorgeous scenery consisting of beautiful wadis and blue-green mountains that promise to take your breath away. Since there is so much to do and see there, this article guides you on how to explore Nizwa.

Travelling to Nizwa From the Capital Muscat

Since most travellers begin their journey in the Omani capital Muscat with long-haul flights arriving there, you should know your travel options from Muscat to Nizwa. There are several transport options available for tourists transferring to hotels in Nizwa. Of course, if you are planning on staying at a star-class resort in Nizwa, you could ask your hotel to arrange a shuttle service; popular ones like Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, located in the gorgeous Green Mountains, are only a two-hour drive, whether you choose a shuttle, taxi or bus. Here are the best Muscat to Nizwa travel options:

Travelling by Bus 

Taking the bus from Nizwa to Oman is easy since the Mwasalat bus service runs the route twice daily. Booking your seats is as easy as downloading the app, or getting on the official Mwasalat website. However, there are times when the service is not operational, so it is important you check ahead for bus schedules so you are aware of your options.

Travelling by Taxi to Nizwa 

Taxis are another comfortable option. The drive takes about 1.5 hours and may cost you around US$120 to US$160, which is the fare listed at the time of writing this article. You can ask your Nizwa resort for accurate details on fares at the time of booking your accommodation in Oman. This way you can also decide between the hotel shuttle service.

Ji-Elle, Nizwa-Taxis (1), CC BY-SA 3.0

Driving to Nizwa from Oman

There are several reputed car hire places in Oman in case you want to drive to Nizwa. It is a hassle-free and uncomplicated journey that tourists enjoy since they are free to explore the surroundings on their own terms when travelling to Nizwa. The less than two-hour drive is an experience you will enjoy and will give you an up-close and personal encounter of the areas you pass. Besides, it's quite a treat to drive through the rugged terrain. If you are considering hiring a vehicle to get to your Nizwa hotel, a sturdy 4x4 vehicle will be a good choice, so you can even take some detours to explore the wadis—of course, only if you are familiar with the terrain or are travelling with a guide.

Hitchhiking to Nizwa From Oman for the Seasoned Traveller

Hitchhiking to Nizwa is a common practice. It is not as popular as in other Middle Eastern nations such as Jordan, but still an accepted way to travel in Oman. Also, Oman is listed as a safe nation to explore, so most tourists feel comfortable hitchhiking. It's also easy since the route from Oman to Nizwa is busy and there are lots of vehicles plying the road, so hitching a ride will not be too hard for a seasoned traveller.

Car Hire Options and Exploring Nizwa

Hiring cars in Oman is an easy option, as there are several international car hire agencies in the capital Muscat from where you can choose a vehicle that fits your needs and budget. Getting a vehicle from a reputed dealer will ensure any insurance claims and breakdowns are taken care of professionally. Hiring a vehicle and having your personal transport is a good option when exploring the rustic outback of Oman. But it is a better choice only if you are a seasoned traveller, if you are not, choosing your Nizwa resort tours to explore the Jabal Mountains, hike to villages, and explore historic sites and markets would be the safer option.