Nizwa Fort & Jebel Akhdar Tour: Mountain Views & Souk

Nizwa Fort opens onto the ancient town. Jebel Akhdar rises to mountain views across the valleys.

This eight-hour group tour departs Muscat for Nizwa Fort, the old capital's fortress-turned-museum, then moves through one of Oman's oldest souks before climbing to Jebel Akhdar's elevated plateau. You travel by 4x4 with an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup included, and water provided throughout the day. Nizwa Fort entry is optional at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Nizwa Fort3h
2. Nizwa Souk1h
3. Jebel Akhdar3h

Explore Nizwa and Jebel Akhdar

• Depart Muscat to Nizwa
• Visit Nizwa Fortress museum
• Walk through Nizwa Fortress
• Explore Nizwa Souk marketplace
• Pass through Birkat Al Mouz town
• See Al Kattmyn irrigation system
• Visit Jebel Akhdar and Saiq Plateau
• Drive back to Muscat

The experience

Nizwa Fort sits at the heart of the old capital, a military stronghold built to withstand sieges and now a museum showing the region's history. Walking through the fortress gives views across the ancient town and the nearby mountains. From there the route moves to Nizwa Souk, one of the country's oldest marketplaces, where separate blocks house fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. The drive then passes through Birkat Al Mouz, a town at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar, before climbing to the mountain itself.

Jebel Akhdar, called the Green Mountain, rises to 2,980 meters and encompasses the Saiq Plateau at 2,000 meters above sea level. The mountain is known for its terraced farms and rose gardens, which grow a variety of crops on the elevated terrain. Diana Viewpoint is a stop along the route, offering views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Trails through the lush landscapes allow time to walk and explore the natural setting before the drive back to Muscat.

The tour runs eight hours total and uses 4x4 vehicles suited to the mountain terrain. Hotel pickup and drop-off in the Muscat area are included, along with an English-speaking guide and water during the day. The group stays together for the full route, departing in the morning and returning by late afternoon.

What’s included

• Transportation in 4x4 vehicles.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in the Muscat area.
• an English-speaking guide for the full day.
• water throughout the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 08:30 and 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (6 to 90 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 26

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Landscape Tours

Is this one for you?This is a group tour, so you travel with other visitors on a fixed schedule that covers all three main stops in a single eight-hour day. The 4x4 vehicles and mountain roads mean the ride is not smooth, so it suits travelers comfortable with a full day of driving and walking on uneven terrain.

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Top questions

What is Nizwa Fort like when you walk through it?

Nizwa Fort is a fortress-turned-museum that showcases the history of the fort and surrounding area. Walking through it gives views of the ancient town and nearby mountains, and you can see how it was built as a military base to withstand attacks and sieges.

How high does Jebel Akhdar climb, and what grows there?

Jebel Akhdar rises to 2,980 meters, with the Saiq Plateau at 2,000 meters above sea level. The mountain is known for terraced farms and rose gardens that produce a variety of crops on the elevated terrain.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included in this tour. You can eat at Nizwa Souk or bring your own food for the day.

Is entry to Nizwa Fort included in the price?

Nizwa Fort entry is optional. You choose whether to add it when you book, and it costs 5 OMR at checkout.

What kind of vehicle is used for the mountain drive?

The tour uses 4x4 vehicles, which are suited to the terrain of Jebel Akhdar and the mountain roads you travel on during the day.