Fjorde & Dhow
Fjorde & Dhow
One of the most famous images from Musandam is the fjord-like bays that can be found in many places along the steep coast; breathtaking cliffs that plunge into the sea and create pictures that inevitably remind some travelers of Norway. No wonder that Musandam has earned the nickname 'Norway of the Middle East'. These beauties can be experienced and learned about in various ways.
Experience the fjords up close
Anyone visiting Khasab will quickly notice that the capital of Musandam has quite a bit to offer, but is not necessarily suitable for a longer stay – unless one wants to use their accommodation in Khasab to explore the beautiful surroundings and coastal regions of Musandam. For example, a whole range of jeep and bus tours to the bays and fjords along the coast are offered. On these trips, one can gain a deep insight into the beauty of the country and will quickly realize that Oman has much more to offer in terms of natural beauty than one might think.
The second option is a classic one, used by the locals for several centuries. Taking a Dhow boat into one of the fjords is one of the things a traveler from Khasab should definitely do. Unlike other types of ships, the Dhow is not a fixed ship category. More than 50 ship types carry the name Dhow, even if they only somewhat resemble each other in construction. These are sailing ships of various sizes, which feature several characteristic traits, such as the trapezoidal sails. Dhows come as single, double, and triple masted. The ship type, which probably originates from ancient India and gradually flooded into the Arab world, is today a popular means of transportation when one wants to make the trip interesting and enjoyable for tourists. Sailing back from a fjord to Khasab on a Dhow at sunset is a dream that definitely makes the hearts of many romantics and nature lovers beat faster.
Cruising past the fjords of Musandam
Cruise lines like Costa have long recognized Khasab as a port for their Orient cruises and have come to appreciate it. Anyone deciding on an Orient cruise with a stay in Khasab will also pass by some fjords on the onward journey and will be able to admire the beauty of this coastal region at least from a distance.
Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home
Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.
We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.
From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.
Experts for your Oman trip
You might also like this
Communication in Oman
In Oman, a blend of basic language skills and cultural sensitivity can unlock more profound travel experiences. While Arabic is the official language, English facilitates communication in many areas. Often, though, it’s the simple Arabic phrases that bring smiles to Omanis and enhance encounters. This guide demonstrates how apps, phrasebooks, and an awareness of local customs can help travelers connect authentically with the country and its people....
Self-Drive Travel Oman
Due to the well-developed road network – especially in northern Oman – it is recommended for tourists to explore the country independently with a rental car. To ensure a smooth flow of your trip, you should plan in advance which parts of the country you want to explore. Especially if you plan to spend one or more nights in the desert, you should ensure that the rental car has all-wheel drive and sufficient ground clearance. However, it is not advisable to explore the desert without the guidance of a local expert, even with the best off-road vehicle, as driving in the loose sand of the desert r...
Rub al Khali
The largest contiguous sand desert in the world, the Rub al Khali desert, also covers parts of southern Oman. 650,000 square kilometers of sand and stone – there is not much more to be found here. The desert is so inhospitable and so poor in oases that it is hardly inhabited. No wonder it is called ‘the empty quarter’, for that is exactly what ‘Rub al Khali’ means. Almost a third of the Arabian Peninsula is covered by it. It spans the territories of four countries: Oman, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates. The largest desert on Earth has a lot to offer In the Rub al Khali lies...