Traveling Oman with a roof top tent – a special experience

Mathias & Nadja

December 2019

Traveling Oman with a roof top tent – a special experience

TRAVELING OMAN

Around September, we made a bold decision: instead of joining the usual Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, full of stress, busy schedules, and overplanning, we wanted something completely different. We chose Oman — a destination we had heard only good things about — and decided to spend two full weeks traveling with a roof top tent.

Our main goal was to escape the hectic pace of the holidays and dive into a quieter, more adventurous, and more natural environment. Choosing to travel with a roof top tent instead of staying in hotels gave us exactly what we were looking for: flexibility, independence, and a deep connection with the beautiful landscapes of Oman.

We had planned many different stops — cities, mountains, deserts, and Wadis — and checking in and out of hotels for each place would have been time-consuming and stressful. Not to mention, some hotels are far from the actual sights we wanted to see. With a roof tent, we could sleep close to nature and start our days right at the foot of a mountain, beside a wadi, or in the middle of the desert.

Before we left, we received mixed reactions from friends and family. The most common question was:
“Really? Are you not afraid?”
Our answer was always: “No, not at all.”

Everything we had read and heard about Oman was incredibly positive: friendly people, delicious food, a safe and welcoming environment. And that’s exactly what we experienced. We spent two weeks in northern Oman, visiting Muscat, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar, Jebel Shams, the Wahiba Sands desert, and countless Wadis like Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab. At every stop, we were met with kindness, hospitality, and genuine curiosity from locals.

Not once did we feel unsafe or unwelcome. On the contrary — Omanis were always smiling, respectful, and helpful. Wild camping is not only allowed but widely accepted, and we often found ourselves camping in truly magical places, surrounded by camels, goats, donkeys, and stunning views.

The car we rented, equipped with the roof top tent, was perfect. The tent was easy to set up and take down, comfortable to sleep in, and gave us the freedom to choose our camp spots. The camping equipment that came with it included everything we needed — from chairs and tables to kitchen utensils and even solar lights. One of our original concerns was how we’d manage to shower during the trip — and to our surprise, we managed to have several nice, refreshing showers, either at public facilities or at well-equipped camp spots.

This type of travel allowed us to fully embrace the natural beauty of Oman — from the cool mountain air of Jebel Akhdar, to the vast golden dunes of the desert, to the crystal-clear waters of the Wadis. Each night, we fell asleep under the stars, and each morning we woke up to complete silence, surrounded by raw, untouched nature.

To everyone considering this type of trip: DO IT!
You’ll experience Oman in a truly authentic way — off the beaten path, away from crowds, and completely at your own pace. Whether you’re surrounded by goats on a mountain trail, cooking dinner under the stars in the desert, or taking a dip in a hidden oasis, you’ll realize how incredible and accessible Oman can be.

Traveling Oman with a roof top tent is not only safe and comfortable, but it’s also one of the most rewarding ways to explore this beautiful country. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget.

Thanks for sharing your story! It’s a wonderful and inspiring travel experience that many people would love to read, especially those interested in adventurous, independent travel in Oman.

Our Client Special Offer:

15% Off

*min 2 nights stay

Lana Villa is our charming guesthouse in Muscat, conveniently located just 2 km from our office. Situated on a tranquil beach road, guests will find a variety of restaurants and supermarkets in the surrounding area. Additionally, the airport is a mere 10-minute drive away. We offer a special discount for our self-drive guests, who can enjoy a 15% discount on our standard rooms.