Destination: Oman
Essence of the Trip:
An unforgettable adventure across Oman’s stunning landscape with an insider’s insight on ancient Omani culture and traditional way of life. From vibrant Salalah to the ruined mountain villages of Wadi Bani Habib and the souks of Muscat, this is a trip that encapsulates the very best that Oman has to offer in a truly epic style.
This Trip Will Give You:
- Discovery of Oman’s most remote regions and unexplored deserts that will ignite a feeling of complete isolation.
- A true insight into Omani culture; witnessing religious rituals and learning directly from nomadic mountain dwellers.
- The opportunity to stay in traditional Bedouin settlements.
- Genuine Omani expertise from the unrivalled knowledge of our guides who will ensure you make the most of your time in Oman on a life enriching adventure.
Details:
Arriving in Salalah you will in be met by your specialist guide who will brief you on your upcoming expedition.
Salalah has a distinctly African feel to it and is a unique corner of Oman that sees it transformed by annual monsoons from arid desert into a lush oasis. In Salalah you will immerse yourself in Omani culture as you visit the fishing village of Taqah (the Sultan’s mother was born here) and discover its ancient castle. You’ll visit Khor Rhori, the ruined city of Samhuram and capital of ancient Arabia’s exotic Frankincense trade. Sample local foods before heading into the mountains to the dizzying heights of the tomb of Prophet Job.
The days ahead will have you experiencing true desert life as you fly from Salalah deeper into the wilderness, stopping off on route to watch adrenalin inducing camel racing and exploring Ibra, one of the oldest cities in Oman and once the capital for trade and religion. Transported to the spectacular Wahiba Sands we will arrive in time for sunset, one of the most enduring visions on your Arabian adventure.
In Wahiba Sands, you’ll be staying at a private camp that is completely remote and beautifully positioned against the dunes. A place that is eerily quiet and suffers no light pollution, star gazing opportunities in Wahiba Sands are plentiful and your guide will be on hand to guide you through the night sky. There is no use of electric light here in the desert so we will be using candles and open fires too cook and eat. We will have an early morning start to climb the nearest sand dune and watch the sun rise over the expanse of golden mounds that spread out to the horizon. You’ll feel as though you’re the last person on earth as you quietly take in this giant expanse of unconquered territory.
From Wahiba Sands you’ll stop at a traditional Bedouin settlement for a further taste of desert living. With your expert guide on hand this will be an enlightening experience as you learn first-hand how the Bedouin survive in these harsh conditions. Your next stop will be Nizwa for a day exploring Oman’s forts and castles constructed between the 13th and 17th centuries. You will have the opportunity to visit Nizwa’s local market with your guide on hand to explain the local foods and traditions. After a night in Nizwa, we again gain altitude as we climb Jebel Shams, over 3,000 meters above sea level and the highest peak in Oman. Hiking around 3 hours from the summit of Jebal Shams will take us to a hidden mountain village only accessible by foot. With views over terraced landscapes and cultivated gardens and the opportunity to meet members of the Bedouin inhabitants, this will be total immersion into authentic Omani life.
On the coming days you will journey between remote villages in the Jebal Akhdar region to gain a true understanding of Omani’s mountain culture. Wadi Bani Habib is a stunning ruined village built into the side of the mountain and is a sight that leaves most that visit speechless. The last days of your Omani adventure will be spent in Muscat where your day may start with a visit to witness morning prayers at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the fifth largest in the world. The mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture. As you wander through the labyrinthine Souks nearby, you’ll end your epic trip feeling as though you’ve truly earned an experience that few have had the opportunity of realising.
If you are interested in taking this trip and would like to discuss it in more detail with our team of experts get in touch here or call us on 0207 426 9899 (UK) or 1-888 341 9663 (US) to start planning your trip.