4×4 rental in Muscat, Oman

4×4 travel in Oman

Oman boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes: from wadis lost in the mountains to white sand dunes jutting out into the sea, a vast desert plain covers most of central Oman and several high mountain ranges (Jebel ach-Chams, 3,009m) stretch along its north and southeast coasts. There are few paved roads (outside Muscat city) and they connect the major cities (Muscat, Nizwa, Salalah). To stay on these main roads is to miss out on the beauty and diversity of the country’s landscapes. For access to remote and wild areas, 4-wheel drive is essential. You can also cross the country by motorcycle, mountain bike or on foot. Wilderness camping is permitted , so you can enjoy a starry sky free of light pollution. Drinking water points are available in all villages.

In Oman, there are thousands of trails to explore. We recommend you buy the book Oman Off-road, a real nugget offering a selection of 38 4×4 trails across the country. Visit our article to discover an itinerary optimized for two weeks, based on the various trips we’ve made there. It was largely inspired by the book Oman Off Road.

Which 4×4 to rent for your trip to Oman?

There are many 4×4 manufacturers and models, but not all of them are present in Oman. So you don’t get lost, we’ve put together an article on the best 4×4 rentals. The leading 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 parts than for other, less widespread brands.

To help you find a 4×4 for your trip to Oman, we put you in touch with trusted rental companies (see end of article). They offer 4x4s adapted to Oman’s trails. What’s more, you can rent a roof tent directly on your 4×4!

Driving rules in Oman

Be cautious and alert to the behavior of other drivers, especially in Muscat where traffic can be heavy. The main roads are rarely used. You’ll often be alone on the road!

4×4 rental insurance

Rental companies will usually offer you insurance. If your credit card does not include coverage, take out the insurance offered by the rental agency. They usually offer Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) protection, which covers part of the damage to the rental vehicle in the event of an incident. We also recommend that you set aside a small “repair” budget, as a simple puncture can happen very quickly!

Road conditions in Oman

As mentioned above, the roads are asphalted only on the main routes. On the other hand, to access mountainous and desert areas, you’ll need to travel on tracks of varying condition (sand, stones, etc.). For example, the tracks in the mountainous region south of Mascat are often covered with pebbles and rocks. Also, you’ll be driving on sandy tracks, so you’ll need to switch to 4-wheel drive and deflate your tires, as explained in our article How to drive on sand. Of course, you can also choose to do only easy trails!

Rent a 4×4 in Muscat

Muscat is, of course, where you’ll find the majority of rental agencies. There aren’t many rental companies specializing in off-road vehicles, but the market is growing. Here is a selection of very serious and professional rental companies.

You can choose between international rental agencies and those specializing in 4x4s equipped for off-road driving and independent travel (with roof tent, camping equipment and other services).

Rent a 4×4 or SUV in Muscat at the best price

On our first trip to Oman, we used RentalCars to find a 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser at the best price. This tool allows you to find out market prices and find the best rental agencies thanks to the many verified reviews.

If you’re on a tight budget, or if you don’t need a vehicle equipped for independent travel, using this comparator can be a good solution!

For safe driving on Omani tracks, we recommend these vehicles, renowned for their reliability and robustness: Toyota Prado, Toyota Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Pajero.