A white vehicle driving on a sandy, desert landscape with dunes in the distance, viewed from inside another vehicle.

Self-Drive Travel Oman

Self-Drive Travel Oman

Written by: Luca Krohn Last updated at: May 27, 2025

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 requires experience. Rental cars are generally available year-round in Oman. A small exception is the coastal region in the south of the country during the summer months. Due to high demand, there may occasionally be shortages. Therefore, it is advisable to also reserve a rental car when booking such trips.

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.

You might also like this

A grand political palace with a large open courtyard in front, featuring a modern architectural style and surrounded by trees and fencing.

Politics in Oman

2 min read

Oman is an Arab and Islamically shaped state. Thus, many views and ways of life refer to the Quran, the holy scripture of Muslims, and Sharia is used as a legal basis. The head of state of Oman is Sultan Haitham ibn Tariq. The Sultan unites both the executive and the judiciary and legislature within himself and therefore possesses all the power. However, the Omanis do not see the Sultan as an absolutist ruler, but much more as a father who has shown them the way into a new era, towards freedom and into the modern age. There are no parties and a parliament in the Omani government. Sultan Haith...

A solitary person dressed in black walking in an arched, sunlit courtyard with intricate shadows on the polished floor.

Clothing in Oman

5 min read

TRADITIONAL CLOTHING FOR MEN IN OMAN Men's traditional clothing in Oman is deeply rooted in the nation’s culture and history, symbolizing both personal identity and practicality. Two key elements of this attire are the dishdasha and the kumma, worn in daily life and for special occasions. Dishdasha The dishdasha is a long, ankle-length garment, typically white or in pastel shades, known for its simplicity and elegance. In Oman’s hot climate, the dishdasha serves multiple purposes: it offers protection from the sun and promotes airflow, making it ideal for everyday wear. It also symbolizes m...

A man dressed in traditional Bedouin attire walking through a desert landscape with sand dunes during sunset.

Bedouins in Oman

2 min read

Classically viewed, a Bedouin is a desert dweller who wanders as a nomad through the desert. Historically, nomads generally moved from grazing land to grazing land to ensure the survival of their herds and their respective tribe. The people in the coastal regions of Oman settled down long ago. In the fishing villages and smaller trading ports, people have lived as 'Hadr' for centuries—a term used to describe settled coastal dwellers. The Bedu (the term for desert tribes in Oman), on the other hand, have mostly settled down in recent decades. How many Bedouins are there in Oman? The country i...

Why book with the Oman specialist

On site

Own Canvas Club team with office in Muscat and Salalah. We know all tour guides for many years, all services on site come from us - from one source!

Expertise

Every travel consultant has already lived in Oman for several years. We know all the hotels and highlights of the country personally! And are several times a year on the spot.

Hotel product

Own luxury desert camp 'Canvas Club' in the Wahiba Sands desert with exclusive benefits for our clients

Network

Attractive prices and exclusive benefits through long-standing, trusting partnerships with local hoteliers and service providers.

Accessibility

Contactable 7 days a week via all common communication channels - 24h emergency number on site.

Personal

Each trip is individually worked out and 100% tailored to your needs!