en
- Adventure
- 12-day trip
- From €4,325 p.p.
Oman trip | Desert adventure in undiscovered Oman
The Sultanate of Oman, located on the Arabian Peninsula, is a country divided into five regions. Landscape, history and traditions vary between regions. The country's varied landscape boasts terrains of unimaginable beauty. With this trip, you will pass by Oman's very best places and experience every aspect of its beauty. The vastness of the deserts in the lesser-known Dhofar Region, the mountain ranges and the coast, they all pass by. You start the trip in the capital Muscat, including a short city tour. You then travel south for the Qara Mountains and the emptiness of the vast desert. Here you will set off in your own 4x4 with rooftop tent, your transport and accommodation for a few nights, driving back to Muscat by yourself via the coast for a short stay at the beach. It promises to be an unforgettable experience where you will immerse yourself in the rich Omani culture.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Arrival in Oman
- Day 2 Muscat city tour
- Day 3 Journey to Southern Oman
- Day 4 Exploring the Rub’ al-Khali Desert
- Day 5 Shalala Beach
- Day 6 Self-drive to Wadi Shuwaymiah
- Day 7 Desert and beach
- Day 8 Wahiba Sands
- Day 9 Gulf of Oman
- Day 10 Self-drive to Muscat
- Day 11 Relaxation in Muscat
- Day 12 Departure from Oman
Arrival in Oman
You will arrive in Oman's capital, Muscat. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting for you for the private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure and you can recover from the flight.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer your hotel
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Exclusief:
- Intercontinental flight
Muscat city tour
You’ll discover Muscat on a city tour with a local guide. You’ll begin your journey of discovery with a visit to the breathtaking Grand Mosque, a masterpiece of sandstone and marble. Admire the hand-woven Persian carpet and the magnificent Swarovski crystal chandelier in the majestic prayer hall.
You’ll continue your tour through the historic heart of Muscat, where the bustling Muttrah Fish Market greets you with lively fish auctions and picturesque boat launches onto the beach. Discover Oman’s oldest surviving souk, the Muttrah Souk, where a treasure trove of traditional Omani goods and rare souvenirs awaits you, such as silver jewellery and incense.
Enrich your cultural knowledge at the Bait Al Zubair Museum, where beautiful traditional jewellery, weapons and costumes are on display. The tour reaches its highlight with a view of the impressive Al Alam Palace and the historic Portuguese forts of Mirani and Jalali.
Tips from a Travel Specialist
When visiting the Grand Mosque, please be aware of the dress code: women must fully cover their hair, arms and legs; men must wear long trousers and a shirt. Visits are not permitted on Fridays
Inclusief:
- Muscat city tour (half-day) including transport by minibus and English-speaking guide
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Travel to South Oman
You will be collected early this morning for your flight to the south of Oman, to the city of Salalah. On arrival in Salalah, you will be met by an experienced Bedouin guide. This is a local guide from the traditional nomadic tribes who have lived in the deserts and mountains of the Arabian Peninsula for centuries. He will take you on your journey of discovery through the Qara Mountains, towards Thumrait. After about 180 km, you will reach the ruins of the famous city of Ubhar or Wabar, also better known as the ‘Atlantis of the Sand’.
Tonight you’ll be camping in the Rub’ al-Khali Desert, famous for its black camels. This evening, enjoy a clear starry sky by a warm campfire whilst listening to your guide’s stories.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to the airport
- Domestic flight with Omanair, based on economy class and including checked baggage.
- English-speaking Bedouin private guide
- Private transfer in 4x4
- Picnic lunch
- Overnight stay in a dome tent, including breakfast and dinner
Exploring the Rub Al Khali desert
The day is dedicated to exploring the beauty of the Rub Al Khali desert. En route to Hashman, admire the magnificent sand dunes, where more than 1001 different shades merge. Set up camp in a unique setting surrounded by dunes as high as 200 metres. During a sunset walk, enjoy the splendour of the world's largest sand desert and experience Bedouin culture with an authentic Omani dinner around the campfire.
Inclusief:
- English-speaking Bedouin private guide
- Private transfer in 4x4
- Picnic lunch
- Overnight stay in a dome tent, including breakfast and dinner
The beach at Shalala
After a final breakfast in the desert, it’s time to leave this extraordinary setting behind. The journey continues to the west coast of Oman, past the Bedouin villages of Bithnah and Muday, where people still live in a fairly traditional way.
For lunch, you’ll enjoy a picnic at Rakhyout, where you’ll have a beautiful view of the ocean. After lunch, you’ll travel on to the white beaches and blowholes of Mughsayl. The final leg of the journey takes you past the most beautiful vistas, with the road flanked by frankincense trees, which are common throughout the Arabian Peninsula. The fragrant resin extracted from these trees is widely used in Omani culture.
You’ll spend the night on the beach. After your exciting journey through the desert, it’s now time to relax before you set off on the second leg of your journey.
Inclusief:
- English-speaking Bedouin private guide
- Private transfer in 4x4
- Picnic lunch
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Self-drive to Wadi Shuwaymiah
After breakfast, you’ll collect your hire car. This special car is not only your means of transport, but also your accommodation for a couple of nights. Once you’ve collected the car and received instructions on how to use it, it’s time for your own adventure, and you’ll get behind the wheel yourself.
You’ll follow the route along the Omani coast. You’ll drive from Taqah, along the palm-lined coast, to Mirbat. During a short stop in Sumhuram, you can see the remains of a former palace. Legend has it that the famous Queen of Sheba once lived here. The next places you’ll come across are Sadah and Hasik, which are still authentic fishing villages. You can also pick up your dinner for tonight here.
Today’s final destination is Wadi Shuwaymiah. A remarkable wadi known for its fascinating rock formations. There’s hardly a more magical place to set up camp.
Inclusief:
- Toyota Prado hire car with roof tent, including insurance and unlimited mileage
- including GPS, an e-travel book, a map of Oman and a mobile phone for assistance.
- Overnight accommodation in your car with rooftop tent on a lodging basis
Desert and beach
The trip continues to the Pink Lagoon, where you can observe elegant flamingos and other seabirds in their natural habitat. Continue your drive along the coast until you reach Ras Madrakah, a beautiful bay with a white beach surrounded by black mountains of volcanic rock.
Inclusief:
- Toyota Prado hire car with roof tent, including insurance and unlimited mileage.
- Includes GPS, an e-travel book, a map of Oman and a mobile phone for assistance.
- Accommodation based on lodging
Wahiba Sands
After a relaxing morning on the hotel’s beach, the journey continues to Marata, the fishing village of Khaluf, famous for its white sand dunes. This spot is perfect for a cosy picnic lunch. After lunch, the coastal road takes you to Masirah, known for its white salt flats. Here you can buy fresh sea salt from one of the stalls.
Continue along the picturesque route and discover the fascinating desert landscape of the Wahiba Sands (also known as Sharqiya Sands). The dunes stretch 200 km in length and 100 km in width, all the way to the Arabian Sea, and have been home to the Bedouins for 7,000 years. Near Ras Ar Ruways, you’ll set up camp at one of these unique spots, surrounded by sand dunes and the sea.
Inclusief:
- Toyota Prado hire car with roof tent, including insurance and unlimited mileage
- including GPS, an e-travel book, a map of Oman and a mobile phone for assistance.
- Overnight accommodation in your car with rooftop tent, on a lodging basis
Gulf of Oman
This morning, you’ll drive through a surreal desert landscape of yellow-orange sand, partly covered by a field of black-brown stones. As you continue along the coast, you’ll reach Sur, a town that was once a trading hub between Africa, India, Asia and other continents.
We recommend visiting the dhow factory, which is the last one still in operation. Authentic Omani ships are still built here, and you can view the ‘Fatah al Khair’, an 18th-century dhow.
The final destination of the day is the Ras Al Jinz turtle reserve. Here, the endangered green turtles are protected and can nest safely. In the evening, a short turtle tour is planned for you, during which you will learn more about these remarkable animals and their conservation.
Inclusief:
- Toyota Prado hire car with roof tent, including insurance and unlimited mileage
- including GPS, an e-travel book, a map of Oman and a mobile phone for assistance.
- Visit turtle reserve Ras al Jinz (evening tour)
- Overnight accommodation in your car with Carapace, including breakfast
Self-drive to Muscat
The final day of this scenic route through Oman takes you back to the capital, Muscat. On the way, you’ll first pass through Wadi Tiwi – a remarkably lush area full of ancient villages, green hills, date palms and refreshing lakes.
Closer to Muscat, you’ll pass the Bimmah Sinkhole, a deep natural depression filled with water. The Bimmah Sinkhole is situated in Hawiyat Najm Park. In Arabic, this place is literally called ‘Meteor Fall Park’, as the locals say that a meteor fell here, resulting in the natural depression and the formation of a small lake. At the Bimmah Sinkhole, you can take some lovely photos or enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear turquoise water.
At the end of the afternoon, you’ll arrive at your hotel in Muscat, where you’ll now have a full day to relax and recover from this special tour. You’ll end the tour in a touch more luxury, at a lovely beachfront hotel. Your hire car will be collected from the hotel.
Tips from a Travel Specialist
It is possible to swim in the wadis. Although the friendly Omani people will give you the freedom to wear whatever swimwear you feel comfortable in, wearing a T-shirt over your swimwear is appreciated. Experience shows that visitors also feel most comfortable doing this in the wadis.
Inclusief:
- Toyota Prado hire car with roof tent, including insurance and unlimited mileage.
- Includes GPS, an e-travel book, a map of Oman and a mobile phone for assistance.
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Relaxation in Muscat
This day is entirely at leisure. Enjoy another day of all the hotel's facilities before flying home tomorrow.
Inclusief:
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Accommodations
Radisson Blu Hotel Muscat
The Radisson Blu Hotel in Muscat is a 5-minute drive from popular beaches and less than 3 kilometres from attractions such as the Royal Opera House. The hotel consists of 153 rooms and suites, 4 restaurants and 2 bars. Services and facilities offered include a health club, a swimming pool,...
The Radisson Blu Hotel in Muscat is a 5-minute drive from popular beaches and less than 3 kilometres from attractions such as the Royal Opera House. The hotel consists of 153 rooms and suites, 4 restaurants and 2 bars. Services and facilities offered include a health club, swimming pool, steam baths, spa, sauna and free Wi-Fi.
Your stay: 2 nights
Souly Ecolodge
Located between Salalah and Taqah in Oman, Souly Ecolodge is an excellent choice for a beach holiday. The accommodation offers 15 spacious air-conditioned beach bungalows with minibars, double or king-size beds and private outdoor showers. Dining is available at a restaurant serving authentic Arabic cuisine and a coffee bar....
Located between Salalah and Taqah in Oman, Souly Ecolodge is an excellent choice for a beach holiday. The accommodation offers 15 spacious air-conditioned beach bungalows with minibars, double or king-size beds and private outdoor showers. Dining can be enjoyed at a restaurant serving authentic Arabic cuisine and a coffee bar. Guests at Souly Ecolodge can enjoy various activities and attractions, such as hiking along the Indian Ocean, sunbathing, bird watching, sardine fishing and more.
Your stay: 1 night
Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Residence Duqm
Located between the cities of Salalah and Muscat, the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Residence Duqm offers comfortable accommodations with direct access to the beach. The hotel's elegant rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. The chalets and flats feature a living room...
Located between the cities of Salalah and Muscat, the Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Residence Duqm offers comfortable accommodations with direct access to the beach. The hotel's elegant rooms feature flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. The chalets and flats feature living rooms and fully equipped kitchens. Guests can enjoy delicious dishes at the on-site restaurants. Additional amenities include a lounge, a fitness centre and luggage storage.
Your stay: 1 night
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is truly a unique destination created to observe the fascinating sea turtles. The total accommodation has 31 rooms and tents.
Your stay: 1 night
InterContinental Muscat
InterContinental Muscat is located on the beach, in the heart of the city's diplomatic quarter. The hotel offers views of the Hajjar Mountains and has direct access to the sandy beach.
The rooms are all air-conditioned and have private balconies with mountain or sea views. The hotel features...
InterContinental Muscat is located on the beach, in the heart of the city's diplomatic quarter. The hotel offers views of the Hajjar Mountains and has direct access to the sandy beach.
The rooms are all air-conditioned and have private balconies with mountain or sea views. The hotel has several restaurants and bars, and the hotel's Palm Beach Club offers access to tennis courts, swimming pools, a fitness centre and a sauna.
Your stay: 2 nights
Destinations
Rub' al Khali Desert
The Rub al Khali Desert, also known as the 'Empty Quarter' for its pristine, wild nature, is the largest continuous sandy desert in the world, covering parts of southern Oman over an area of 650,000 square kilometres. Sights in this alien environment include the remarkable Lake Beds, with fossils and evidence of human life from thousands of years ago, and the ancient ruins and excavations of Ubar, a mysterious city mentioned in the Quran. Although there is little life, there is flora and fauna adapted to the desert; keep your eyes open for the graceful oryx, as well as scorpions and rodents. Photographers and stargazers will be able to take countless stunning pictures here, while action enthusiasts can enjoy sandboarding and 4x4 adventures.
Wadi Shuwaymiyah
Wadi Shuwaymiyah lies idyllically on Oman's east coast, south of the desolate, stony desert Yiddat al-Harasis. It is one of Oman's ten most beautiful wadis, known for its secluded and tranquil location. Discover the fishing village of Shuwaymiyah and enjoy exploring the picturesque landscape in an all-terrain vehicle. Visitors can swim and snorkel at Shuwaymiyah Beach, discover the pristine beauty of the wadi and admire the spectacular landscapes. Don't miss the chance to experience the pristine nature, breathtaking rock formations, network of caves and small palm groves.
Muscat
Muscat lies on the edge of the Gulf of Oman, nestled between the desert and the ocean, with a dramatic blend of unspoilt coastline, rugged mountains and beautiful sandy landscapes. It is a fine example of ancient history seamlessly combined with contemporary charms. The city has done a remarkable job of preserving its old-world splendour, centuries-old Bedouin culture and traditional values, whilst at the same time embracing the modern and cosmopolitan.
Visit the local markets, steeped in the scent of incense, or stroll through the streets of Mutrah at sunset for a magnificent view of Arabic architecture and fishing boats against a backdrop of mountains. The opulence and vibrancy of Muscat are complemented by its striking landscape.
Oman
As one of the gentlest and most sublime destinations in the Middle East, the Sultanate of Oman has endless charms to offer visitors. A rich heritage reflected in its ancient mosques and historic sites, incredible diving spots, beautiful sandy beaches and an exotic Arab culture.
Oman is situated on the Arabian Peninsula, boasting a stunning landscape of vast desert, endless coastlines and undulating dunes. The green wadis stand in stark contrast to the rugged landscape of steep mountains and desert. It is a country where Eastern mysticism, as in the fairy tale *1001 Nights*, blends with Western comforts.
Highlights include the elegant, evocative capital, Muscat, whilst the interior, with its impressive mountainous regions and desert, is also an essential part of any trip to Oman. Thanks to its strategic location, the country has long been at the heart of trade between East and West. As a result, it has a tradition of hospitality dating back centuries, which has meant that the country continues to welcome visitors with open arms to this day.
Ras al-Jinz
The sandy bay of Ras Al Jinz is located at the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula in eastern Oman. The area is home to Turtle Beach Nature Reserve, an important protected area managed by the Omani Ministry of Tourism. Here, more than 20,000 female dollar turtles come to the coast to lay eggs and return to the beach where they once hatched. The main nesting season is from July to September, although turtles can be seen all year round. Note that only a limited number of people are allowed on the beach at a time, so booking in advance is essential. For this reason, many visitors choose to stay in available accommodation in the reserve, although Ras Al Jinz is also accessible from the scenic Wadi Bani Khalid.
Wahiba Sands
The locally famous Wahiba Sands, also known as the Sharqiya Sands, is located in Central Coastal Oman and is a vast desert with rolling sand dunes just south of the city of Sur. The desert stretches for an impressive 170 kilometres along the Arabian coast with dunes up to 100 metres high. Visitors can venture into this spectacularly beautiful desert and spend the night in one of the many camps. The views of the uninterrupted starry sky will enchant you, the golden sunsets and sunrises will enchant you, and the traditional way of Bedouin worship will enchant you. Popular activities include: 4WD tours (dune bashing), camel riding, guided horse rides, hiking, sandboarding and quad biking. Don't miss the chance to pick up some expertly handmade products, such as traditional camel bags and colourful woollen key chains.
Salalah
Salalah, a lush, subtropical region known for its annual Khareef (monsoon rains), is the capital of Dhofar province in southern Oman. The best time to visit is between June and September, when the famous rains transform the desert landscape before your eyes and create seasonal waterfalls. However, there are some excellent cultural attractions to enjoy in Salalah at any time of the year: don't miss the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, which offers a fascinating look at the trading past, the 800-year-old Bin Ali Mosque, the Grand Imperial Palace and the ruins of the Palace of the Queen of Sheba. When you are done sightseeing, head to the beautiful Mughsayl beach to enjoy its white sand and warm waters.
Duqm
The port city of Duqm, located on Oman's east coast, borders the Arabian Sea. The city has recently developed rapidly, transforming from a sleepy fishing village to a thriving industrial city. Duqm rises from the sand and lies in a newly created special economic zone along a stretch of unbroken coastline dotted with traditional Bedouin camps. Visitors can look forward to viewing a stunning natural rock with spectacular wind-eroded formations, learn more about local cultural heritage at the city's cultural centre, or relax on Khaluf Beach with its white sand and blue waters. Other highlights include: Bar al Hikman, a peninsula with a huge salt pan, numerous petrified trees scattered in the desert sand and Ras Markaz, a beautiful long stretch of beach. Fossil hunters will enjoy the area's hidden treasures, including Rudist Reef and the Huqf, home to the oldest rocks in Oman that are 730 million years old.
Al Hajar Mountains
Situated in northeastern Oman and spreading into the eastern United Arab Emirates, the Al-Hajar Mountains, also known as the 'Oman Mountains', are the highest mountain range in the eastern Arabian Peninsula. Staggering landscapes characterised by awe-inspiring rugged rock formations, great wadis (valleys), ruins of ancient villages, and a network of scenic hiking trails await visitors. Adventure into this cooler, mountainous region on an off-road excursion through Wadi Bani Auf, visit one of the many date plantations and enjoy an overnight stay in a luxury tented camp in the mountains. Other highlights include: the traditional local fish market in the small seaside town of Barka en-route, the beautifully restored pre-Islamic Nakhl Fort and the Ain a'Thawwarah hot springs in the sleepy village of Nakhl and watching the sunset from the peak of Jabal Shams - the highest point in Oman.
Dhofar Governorate
Travel to the enchanting realm of Dhofar governorate, with its capital at Salalah, which transforms during the kharif season. As autumn unfolds, the landscape erupts in vibrant greenery, hills shrouded in mist and gentle rain almost around the clock. In contrast to Oman's typical scorching temperatures, Dhofar offers a refreshing coolness. Explore Wadi Darbat, a famous wadi turned into a lush haven with a beautiful lake, green mountains and waterfalls. Immerse yourself in Omani culture at Haffa Souq, a bustling market with traditional crafts and performances. Besides urban carpets, Dhofar reveals ancient wonders such as the historic city of Samharam, the Khor Taqa reserve, a journey through quaint villages, ancient ports and picturesque Mirbat, where you can discover the region's rich incense trading history. End your adventure by enjoying camel meshkak, a kebab made from camel meat, and wash it down with the refreshing taste of coconut juice from a local fruit hut.
Oman trip | Desert adventure in undiscovered Oman
We offer this itinerary from €4,325 per person.
The price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates. The trip can also be booked with a guide at an additional cost.
Included
• Domestic flight
• Accommodation in charming lodges, tented camps and hotels
• Toyota Prado hire car with roof tent or equivalent, including insurance, taxes, unlimited mileage, excess waiver, GPS, e-travel book, map of Oman and mobile phone for assistance
• Camping equipment: 1 dome tent, gas burner, 1 pan and crockery for 2 people, sleeping mats, sleeping bags and a travel shower.
• All meals as specified in the itinerary
• All excursions as mentioned in the programme, including a city tour of Muscat
• All necessary transfers as mentioned
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Visit to the Ras al Jinz turtle sanctuary
Not included
• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Visa fees
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Local car hire costs, such as administration fees and fuel
• Personal expenses/tips
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• National park entrance fees, where applicable
• Meals and excursions not specified
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)