4×4 rental in Muscat, Oman

Oman has an incredible diversity of landscapes: from wadis lost in the mountains to white sand dunes flowing into the sea. A vast desert plain covers most of the central part of the country and several high mountain ranges (Jebel ach-Chams, 3,009 m) stretch along its north and south-east coasts. There are few paved roads (outside the Muscat agglomeration) and they connect the major cities (Muscat, Nizwa, Salalah). Staying on these major roads means missing out on the beauty and diversity of the country’s landscapes. To access remote and wild areas, 4 wheel drive will be essential. It is also possible to cross the country by motorbike, ATV or on foot. Wild camping is allowed, so you will be able to enjoy a starry sky without light pollution. Drinking water points are accessible in all villages. Wild camping in Oman is a unique experience… you will enjoy a starry sky without light pollution.

Oman is home to thousands of trails to explore. We recommend that you buy the book OMAN OFF-ROAD, a real nugget offering a selection of 38 4×4 tracks across the country. Read our article to discover an optimized itinerary for two weeks, inspired by our last trips there and the tracks of the book OMAN OFF-ROAD.

There are many brands and 4×4 models but not all of them can be found in Oman. To help you, we have written an article about the best 4×4 rental cars. The most common brands in Oman are Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi. If you have a problem during your road-trip with one of these brands, it will be easier to find a mechanic and spare parts.

Beware of driving in Muscat. Outside the major cities, you will often be alone on the road. A real pleasure!

As mentioned above, only major roads are paved. To access mountainous and desert areas, you will have to drive on sandy and gravel tracks. For example, in the south of Muscat, routes are often covered with pebbles and rocks. Also, if you drive on sand, you will have to switch to 4 wheel drive and deflate your tires as explained in our article “How to drive on sand”. 

Usually the rental companies will offer you an insurance. If you don’t have coverage included in your credit card, take the insurance that the rental agency will offer you. They usually offer Collision Damage Waiver coverage that covers some of the damage to the rental vehicle in the event of an incident. We also recommend that you plan a small “repair” budget, a simple flat tire can quickly happen!

Some travellers will prefer to use the services of a driver when travelling to Oman. This can have several advantages if you have no experience in 4×4 driving or mechanics in case of a problem. Drivers are familiar with their vehicles, can act as translators, and are used to driving on uncertain tracks.

Most of car rental agencies are located in Muscat. There are not many rental companies specialized in off-road vehicles, but the market is growing. Here is a selection of very serious and professional rental companies.

You will have the choice between international rental companies and local companies specialized in off-road driving and wild camping (roof top tent, camping gear, etc.).

Rent a 4×4 at the best price in Oman

On our first trip to Oman, we used RentalCars rental agency comparator to find a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser at the lowest price. With this comparator, you can get a quick overview of the market price and discover the best 4×4 rental agencies in Oman with verified customer reviews.

If you are on a tight budget, or if you don’t need a vehicle equipped for independent travel (with camping gear, rooftop tents, etc.), using this comparison tool can be a good solution!

To drive safely on the Omani tracks, we recommend these vehicles known for their reliability and robustness: Toyota Prado, Toyota Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Pajero.