Nizwa & Jebel Akhdar Day Trip: Fort, Souk & Saiq Plateau Lunch

Summary

From Nizwa’s old souk to cool Saiq Plateau gardens and mountain air

You’ll wander Nizwa’s lively souk with a local guide, climb the ancient fort’s towers, sample fresh fruit in mountain villages, and eat lunch high above Oman’s valleys on the Saiq Plateau. Expect laughter with locals and moments of real quiet—this day trip from Muscat lingers long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“If you see a man selling pomegranates here, he probably picked them himself this morning,” our guide Khalid said as we squeezed past baskets of fruit in Nizwa Souk. I’d never seen so many silver daggers in one place—some shopkeepers let us hold them, their handles cool and heavy. The smell inside was a mix of cardamom and something metallic. Khalid knew half the vendors by name; he waved at a woman selling dates who grinned back with a handful for us to try. I think I ate more than my share.

The fort was bigger than I expected—its round tower just sort of looms over you. Inside, it felt hushed and thick-walled, sunlight slipping through narrow windows onto stone floors polished smooth by centuries of feet. Khalid pointed out where the old well ran under the fort (I peered down but couldn’t see much except darkness). There was a moment up top when the wind caught my scarf and everything went quiet except for some kids laughing below. That stuck with me.

We left Nizwa behind and drove through Birkat Al Mouz—a green splash in all that dust, date palms everywhere, water channels trickling along the road. Lunch happened up on the Saiq Plateau, which is way higher than it looks on a map (my ears popped). The air was cooler, almost sharp. We sat outside near terraced gardens where apricots and walnuts grow—someone handed around lemon slices sprinkled with salt. It tasted brighter than anything I’d had all week. There were walks you could do into little villages like Wadi Bani Habib but honestly, I just wanted to sit there for a while and breathe it all in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nizwa and Jabel Akhdar

• Travel through Sumail Gap
• Visit Nizwa Fort
• Explore Nizwa Souq
• Drive to Birkat Al Mouz oasis
• Visit Saiq Plateau village
• Walk in Wadi Bani Habib and surroundings
• Return to Muscat

Top questions

How long does the Nizwa & Jebel Akhdar day trip take from Muscat?

The tour lasts a full day with pickup in the morning and return to Muscat in the evening.

Is lunch included during the day trip to Jebel Akhdar?

Yes, lunch is included on the Saiq Plateau as part of your tour.

What can I see at Nizwa Fort?

You’ll explore historic towers, underground streams, thick walls, and panoramic views from the top.

Are there walks or hikes on this tour?

There are options for short walks in villages like Wadi Bani Habib if you wish.

Is hotel pickup included from anywhere in Muscat?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are available anywhere in Muscat city.

What fruits grow on Saiq Plateau?

Pomegranates, walnuts, apricots, and lemons are grown in terraced gardens on the plateau.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off anywhere in Muscat by air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water and soft drinks throughout, entry to both Nizwa Fort and Souk with a professional guide sharing stories along the way—and lunch served up on the cool heights of Saiq Plateau before heading back down at sunset.