A flight to Muscat introduces you to the Sultanate of Oman’s fascinating capital, dating back 1,000 years and famous for its ancient forts and modern shopping malls.
Explore times gone by at Muscat’s Jalali and Mirani forts which guard the entrance to Muscat Bay. Visit Muscat’s Natural History Museum to see the skeleton of a vast sperm whale washed up on a nearby beach and to wander in Muscat’s tranquil Botanic Gardens. Experience Oman’s oldest, most colourful market, Muttrah Souk, in the heart of old Muscat and buy frankincense, antiques and silverware.
Away from the crowds, find the secluded bay of Bandar Jissah (10km south-east of Muscat) and rock-scramble when the tide is out.
Locals in Muscat love their kahwa (Omani coffee) brewed with cardamom and served without sugar from a metallic jug called a dallah. It’s usually served with dates and halwa (a hard paste of sesame seeds, almonds and sugar). Festival time calls for Shuwa – a whole cow or goat is marinated in spices and then wrapped in banana leaves and roasted for 48 hours in a pit oven. |