Tour operator
Zahara Tours
One of Oman's longest-established travel companies, founded in 1971, running guided day trips from Muscat to Nizwa, the desert, the mountains and the sea.
A Seeb-based Omani tour company offering excursions and packages from Muscat, including Sharqiyah desert nights, Jebel Shams, Musandam and diving.
Good to know
Old Muscat Tourism is a locally based tour company with its office in Mawaleh South, in the Seeb area of greater Muscat. It is listed among the licensed tour operators on Oman's official tourism website, and it offers a broad mix of services: inbound tour packages and excursions within Oman, outbound travel, ticketing, hotel bookings and help with travel arrangements. Its pitch is about showing visitors the long history of the Muscat region and the variety of the country beyond it.
For visitors to Muscat, the excursions are the main interest. The company's programmes include a desert night in A'Sharqiyah Sands, trips up to Jebel Shams, the Khareef season in Dhofar, and Musandam in the far north. Closer to home, it offers a diving experience, camping programmes and a cruise package. Customised travel is a big part of the offer, so the team can build an itinerary around your dates, interests and budget.
Contact the company by phone or WhatsApp to discuss options. Ask for a clear written itinerary that sets out the vehicle, guide, meals, entry fees and any overnight accommodation, and check how hotel pick-ups work from your part of the city. The cooler months from October to April are the best time for desert and mountain trips; ask the team about the best dates for Dhofar's Khareef season.
The company suits independent travellers who want a tailored trip, families who prefer a private vehicle and guide, and visitors who want to combine several regions of Oman in one booking. As with any tour, bring water, sun protection and modest clothing for villages and souqs. If you are travelling as a family, ask about vehicle size and child seats, and for overnight desert trips check what kind of camp accommodation is included, from simple tents to lodges with private bathrooms.
The office is at Way 21, Building 358, Mawaleh South, Seeb. Call +968 9202 0049, use the second mobile and WhatsApp number on the website, or email [email protected] to book or ask questions. Allow a day or two's notice for desert and mountain trips, especially in peak season.
In Mawaleh South, Seeb, at Way 21, Building 358.
Desert nights in Sharqiyah, Jebel Shams, Musandam, Dhofar in the Khareef season, diving, camping and cruises.
Yes, customised travel is a core part of its service.
It is listed among the licensed tour operators on Oman's official tourism website.
Yes, hotel bookings and ticketing are among its services.
October to April.
Call +968 9202 0049 or email [email protected].
Yes, mobile and WhatsApp numbers are listed on the website.
Bar
An elegant, over-21s cocktail and malt lounge at the Kempinski Hotel Muscat in Al Mouj, styled after a traditional European lounge and open nightly until 1am.
Restaurant
Formal Omani restaurant beside the Royal Opera House, serving shuwa, harees and other national dishes in halls decorated with Omani patterns and silverware.
Café
The first Oman branch of the Danish coffee roaster and bakery, serving specialty coffee, sourdough and handmade pastries in Al Qurum from 7am daily.
Thing to do
One of Oman's oldest markets, a maze of covered lanes behind Mutrah Corniche selling frankincense, silver, textiles, spices and khanjars.