A Blog by Amelia Dalton
Richly diverse, Oman is full of contrasts. With its ancient history off trade through the frankincense production in the tropical south, to cutting edge medicinal science and marine conservation programmes: it is a land full of surprises.
I have been fortunate to visit regularly since the 1980’s when I joined my brother Dr Mark Stanley Price deep in the desert where he was Director of the project to reintroduce the Arabian Oryx into the wild. Successful and innovative, the project lead to Oman’s first nature reserve spread over an impressive 2,824sq km with a diverse array of wildlife. These visits, were my introduction to desert life and to Bedu culture, so dramatically different from our upbringing in rural Yorkshire! Mark and I explored together, rattling over sand and stone in a very basic Toyota, stopping when we spotted a party of Bedu to join them in the scanty shade of a acacia tree. Sitting on the sand, drinking sweet tea and eating dates, I couldn’t understand a word, but I fell in love with their quiet strength and music of their talk. I was intrigued: by the fish spiling out of dhows onto beaches near Masirah, by the giant desert roses of Wadi Darbat and by the sense of style and history in Muscat itself.
Returning regularly ever since, I am still captivated by the country, the people and contrasts. Landscapes still varying from harsh, jagged mountain ranges to lush, quiet date gardens and secret wadi oases, but now there is a breathtaking Opera House and the glorious, soaring Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, both elegantly 21st century. Traditional markets still flourish, whether you want a camel, a silver bangle or a sticky sweet! There are beautifully restored forts to explore, well organized informative museums, and soon the striking Botanic Gardens will showcase these extraordinary habitats from the dry deserts to lush monsoon forests: each with its highly adapted wildlife and flora.
Once again, I shall be taking a small group to visit these wonderful places in February 2026.
Come and join me!
amelia@ameliadaltontravel.co.uk +44 (0) 7831121156
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