Discover Jebel Akhdar

If you haven't planned to hire a 4x4 for your stay in Oman, the journey to Jebel Akhdar can quickly become complicated. On the road leading to Jebel Akhdar, and therefore to the Saiq plateau, there is a checkpoint a few kilometres north of Birkat al Mouz.

After this checkpoint, you will not be allowed to continue without a four-wheel drive vehicle. If you want to get to Jebel Akhar on your own, you'll need to hire a 4×4 and make sure your brakes are in good condition, as the road is steep. The climb up to the plateau, once you have passed the checkpoint, takes around 45 minutes on a steep but good road to the main village.

If you don't want to hire a 4x4 and still get to Jebel Akhdar, there are other options. You can leave your car in the lower car park and take a 4x4 taxi to your hotel or to explore the area. Or you can opt for a day trip from Muscat.

The best time to explore Jebel Akhdar and the surrounding area is in spring, when the plantations are lush and the roses in bloom. Winter is the busiest time for tourists (although we're still a long way from mass tourism!), and summer is the busiest season for locals looking for a milder climate.

Before setting off on your ascent, we recommend that you stop off at the checkpoint reception centre to pick up a map of the mountains. This shows all the sites to be visited, along with the GPS coordinates of the main points. But don't worry, there aren't many roads and you won't get lost.

As well as admiring the incredible panorama before you, there are plenty of things to do in the area. Here are just a few that we recommend:

• Admire the breathtaking view from Diana's viewpoint (named after Lady Diana who made it famous);
• Visit the old village inside Wadi Bani Habib;

Take the Al Ayn rose hike to the Al Aqur rose village (especially in spring).

You can also take a variety of walks inside the wadis or along the falaj (irrigation systems), visit the village of Ar Rus with its mud houses on the mountainside, or explore the natural caves such as Al Sahil, Al Biban or Al Mawel. To be on the safe side, we recommend hiking with a guide.

The Alila Jabal Akhdar hotel alone is a good reason to visit these mountains. More than a hotel, it's an experience in its own right. Set on the edge of Oman's 'Grand Canyon', this privileged location offers a collection of traditional dark stone dwellings, with clean, well-cared-for interiors. The sublime infinity pool overlooks the sheer cliffs, the canyon and the glistening sun. Quite a spectacle!

As well as the exceptional setting, the hotel offers a host of exciting activities that you can book in advance from France. If you have the time, we recommend you spend at least two nights in this timeless place to make the most of it.

One of the activities on offer is via ferrata! The hotel maintains its own via ferrata routes in the canyon, ranging from suspension bridges to fairly easy climbs. If you're a thrill-seeker and not too sensitive to heights, this is the best way to enjoy the incredible views.

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