Private Day Trip to Nizwa & Jabal Shams (The Grand Canyon of Oman)
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
You'll spend a day exploring some of Oman's history and culture, Nizwa was the capital of Oman 500 years ago, and it was the capital of Islamic culture in 2015, We will take you on a tour between the ancient market of Nizwa, next to Nizwa Market is Nizwa fort and castle the fort its been build in 1649 and the castle been build in 888, the fort is a museum today.
From there we drove up to Jabal Shams (The Grand Canyon Of Oman) 3009 Meters, offering an exciting off-road experience and fantastic view.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not stroller accessible
Infant must not sit on laps
What To Expect
Nizwa Souq
The tour starts in the morning we'll leave Muscat towards Nizwa. Nizwa was the capital of Oman during Al Yaruba Dynasty we'll visit the famous Nizwa Souq. A wide variety of vendors offer their goods in the streets of the souk from here you can find, vegetables, pottery, jewelry, handicrafts Omani sweets (Halwa) dates spices, and souvenirs which are sold in authentic old market halls that few places can boast, especially interesting is the Friday cattle market when the locals come to sell their, goats, cattle, sheep, and chickens in a circus-style open marketplace. Please Note: if you stay in Muscat and you want to catch the cattle market on Friday you have to start at 05:30 AM, so please get in touch with us after you make the booking or mention it in the special request form, and we'll get back to you.
Nizwa Fort Oman
Next to the Souq is the Nizwa Fort and castle the Fort was built in 1649 and the castle was built in 888, the fort is a museum today and offers splendid views of this ancient town and the surrounding mountains you can walk around in this impressive Fort and Castle with many passages rooms, the fort is an architectural testimony to the economic and military achievements of the early Yaruba dynasty from the mid-17th century, it was a military stronghold designed to withstand even the strongest of attacks at the time, even along the corridors, many traps were laid to deter any intruders that might have penetrated the defenses.
Options
Private Day Trip to Nizwa & Jabal Shams (The Grand Canyon of Oman)
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Taxes
Bottled water
Hotels, Port, Airport, Residence pick up & drop off
Transportation by Air-Conditioned Vehicle 4WD
Nizwa Fort entry fees
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
59 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
One of the most beautiful landscapes in Oman
filippogenzini,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful hike in the mountains of Jabal Shams and views of the majestic canyon. After so many hours of driving it is pleasant to walk along the canyon along the coast of the mountain. The slopes are not excessive and there are also refreshment points. However, the best view is from above, where you arrive by car,
Excellent day of history and natural beauty
Deborah S,Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a great full day trip from Muscat, first visiting the souq and fort in Nizwa followed by drive to the spectacular Grand Canyon at Jabal Shams, all rounded off with a delicious late lunch in the way back to Muscat. Our excellent guide Fawzi made the trip very memorable. He was full of interesting information and kept surprising us with delicious treats such as ice creams and teas along the way. The fort provides a fascinating insight into the history of Oman, while the canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder. We highly recommend the trip.
A must visit when in Oman.
Companion05281459235,Feb 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Stunning scenery and culture from the Fort in Nizwa to the mountains. Ahmed was an amazing guide. Thank you for providing us with such a enjoyable day.
Waste of time
Martin L,Dec 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I was charged for the tour then TripAdvisor cancelled the tour? Still waiting for the refund? Please improve your service
Ann & David Blackmore from Wales
FarAway34395445795,Oct 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Ali again on this tour. What a great guide to have. Be prepared for a long day. Nizwa is a fascinating town but for us TGF highlight was going to Jabal Shams. A wonderful mountain experience which included a spectacular flash flood the scenery was spectacular. Our guide Ali was an extremely courteous, knowledgeable and safe driver.
Great and fun day out
josh f,Mar 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Knowledgeable and very friendly tour with Omar as my guide. All very professional and very pleasant day. Learned a lot about Oman.
The tour of the unexpected 🥰
tracyjgreaves,Mar 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fahad was an outstanding guide. We were picked up promptly in a lovely comfortable air conditioned immaculate car. Initially we had booked to visit Nizwan and Jabel Akhder, however Fahad advised us he thought we would much prefer The green mountain as there was much more to see. We took his advice and had an amazing day filled with surprises!! After a visit and quick shop in the souk at Nizwa we went up a mountain only accessible to 4x4’s. We saw some spectacular views on the way up and on our return stopped at some fabulous ancient deserted village that were so unexpected. He took us to see further amazing places. Fahad was an exceptional host who is clearly understandably proud of his amazing country.
A great experience!
NurHanani I,Mar 16, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had our tour to Nizwa Souk, Fort Nizwa and The Grand Canyon with Ferhad. He was a great tour guide, giving us the explaination throughout the journey on the famous lamdmark and history of it. He took time to walked with us to explain their local specialty food and snacks at the souk. Also give us a tour and information of the function of the many rooms in the fort. He took us to one of the restaurant for lunch that has delicious local food. Overall we had a great time and thanks to Ferhad for the dedication, patience and safe driving to and fro.
Amazing full day tour in Nizwa and in the wild
Junjie Y,Feb 21, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend. Great tour with amazing view of the mountain and Nizwa. Our guide Bu Mashari is very nice and professional. Really enjoyed this full day trip.
Enjoying the Great Outdoors of Oman!
henrylO6551HK,Jan 26, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We enjoyed a fantastic day exploring the countryside of Oman on this private tour. Our guide Fawzi Muhammad was super friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. He shared so much about Omani custom and culture on the drive. We were left with a much deeper understanding and appreciation of the country. After getting picked up at our hotel, we first checked out Nizwa Fort. Had plenty of time to explore and take photos of the beautiful compound. We also got see oryxes and feed a camel in the garden. Nizwa Fort was definitely a highlight of the trip. Another highlight was Jebel Shams. We drove along paved and gravel roads to experience the rugged mountainous terrain. Enjoyed incredible views from up top. It’s sometimes easy to forget how the Arabian Peninsula isn’t just flat desert. :) Topping it off were late afternoon photo stops of Bahla Fort and Nizwa Mosque. They weren’t officially part of the tour. We really appreciated Fawzi’s flexibility adding in these stops as they’re architectural gems. Oman has a diverse array of landscapes - the desert, ocean, oasis, canyons and mountains. After visiting the cityscapes of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, it was great to explore the great outdoors of Oman. Be prepared for a long day. Maybe 10-11 hours. It’s time well spent if you want to leave Muscat to see a different side of Oman. Highly recommend this tour!
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Operated by Discover Mazoon Tours Oman