Wild Oman Jeep Safari
Steeped in a maritime tradition that can trace its origins back to the legendary Sinbad, Oman is one of
Arabia’s most captivating destinations. A relatively undiscovered gem, its deserts and mountains are still
home to Arabian oryx, leopard and wolves, whilst its rich coastal waters provide a haven for rare loggerhead
sea turtles.
This rugged overland adventure takes you deep into the heart of this fascinating landscapes, beginning in
Muscat, its historic and picturesque capital, before whisking you off to the heartland of the once powerful
Omani Imamate. You’ll get a chance to explore the imposing forts of Nizwa and Jabrin, visit the dramatic
landscapes of Jebel Al Akhdar and camp amongst the shifting sands of Wahiba.
Crossing over to Masirah Island, one of the largest loggerhead turtle nesting sites in the world, you’ll then get
a chance to swim in the azure waters of the Arabian Sea, before returning to the mainland and following the
coast south. The drive takes you on to beautiful Wadi Shwaymiah and the coastal city of Salalah, Arabia’s
‘Perfume Capital’ and your gateway into the vast emptiness of the Empty Quarter, one of the largest sand
deserts in the world.
Highlights:
Visit the dramatic mountain landscapes of Jebel Shams and Hajar Mountains.
Camp in the remote desert of Wahiba Sands.
Discover Masirah Island with its isolated beaches.
The stunning Wadi Shwaymiah and amazing deserts of the Empty Quarter.
Stay in Salalah, the ‘perfume capital of Arabia’.
Tour includes:
11 nights four star hotel accommodation, 3 nights desert camping
14 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 8 dinners
Accompanied by an experienced English speaking driver/guide. Private basis
Private vehicle, normally a saloon car and 4WD Land Cruiser
Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees
Private transfers to and from all airports
Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room
Itinerary
Day 1: Muscat
Arriving in Oman's charming capital today, you will be met at the airport
and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Muscat
One of Arabia's most picturesque cities, Muscat lies within the protective embrace of a ring of horseshoe
mountains that run down into the glittering waters of Muscat Bay. This morning you take a tour of the city, first
visiting the walled city and the Old Town, before moving on to the Bait Zubhair Museum and the Al Alam
Palace, the royal residence of his majesty, Sultan Qaboos. This afternoon is then free to continue exploring at
your leisure, perhaps taking a stroll through Muscat's renowned Muttrah souk, one of the best in the region.
(B)
Day 3: Nizwa - Jabrin - Bahla - Jabel Shams
Driving to the oasis city of Nizwa today, you will explore a little
something of the once powerful capital of the old Omani Imamate.
Nizwa is one of the country's most popular tourist attractions; its
imposing 17th century fort and bustling souk providing a wealth of
scenic and cultural diversions. You will also visit the impressive fort at
Jabrin, possibly the finest of Oman's 17th century fortresses. Following a
brief photo stop to take in the UNESCO World Heritage setting of Bahla
Fort, you then continue into the dramatic mountain landscapes of Jabel
Shams for the evening, to explore Oman's very own 'Grand Canyon'.
(B,L,D)
Day 4: Jabel - Jabel Akhdar
This morning you continue into the rugged landscapes of the Al Hajar
Mountains, to explore the jagged peaks of Jebel Al Akhdar, the Green
Mountain. One of Oman's most stunningly beautiful regions, these
surprisingly lush slopes are traditionally home to the Bani Riyam tribe
and present us with the highest point in the whole of eastern Arabia. The
scene of fierce fighting during the Jabel Akhdar War of the 1950s, this
breathtaking region was declared a nature reserve by Sultan Qaboos in
2011. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Jabel Akhdar - Sinaw - Wahiba Sands
Leaving the mountains behind this morning, you head next for the vast
expanse of Wahiba Sands. With over 10,000 square kilometres of
shifting sands and towering 100 metre high dunes these seemingly
barren deserts are in fact home to foxes, gazelles, birds and small
isolated settlements of semi-nomadic Bedouin. The journey takes you
via the market town of Sinaw and into the heart of an ever-changing
landscape of colours and contours as you make your way towards your
overnight desert camp. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Wahiba Sands - Masirah Island
This morning you will drive out across the shifting sands of Wahiba,
towards the coast and the rugged island of Masirah, an important
breeding ground for rare loggerhead sea turtles. Lying some 19
kilometres off the Omani coast, the island is reached by way of a regular
ferry service that utilises old converted tank landing craft to make the
hour and a half crossing. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Masirah Island
Today you will have a chance to explore Masirah with your local guide. The island enjoys miles of isolated
sandy beaches and it is home to all four of Oman's nesting species of turtle. Indeed, the island provides a rare
haven for the largest population of loggerhead turtles in the world. The shallow offshore waters are also ideal
for snorkelling, whilst the island's rugged coastline has proved a dangerous spot for passing dhows, littering
the shoreline with a number of wrecks. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Masirah Island - Khaluf Bay - Ras Madrakah
Returning to the mainland this morning, you will continue down the
coast, travelling by way of Barr Al Hickman and the pink shell beaches
and white dunes of Khaluf on Oman's eastern coast. Your final
destination today is the stunning beach at Ras Madrakah, where you will
spend the evening camped besides the turquoise waters of the Arabian
Sea. (B)
Day 9: Ras Madrakah - Wadi Shwaymiah
Today provides an ideal opportunity to make the most of Oman's rugged
coastline. The long drive south to Wadi Shwaymiah, provides an ample
array of viewpoints and photo opportunities to enjoy as you pass through
a picturesque collection of fishing villages, beaches and wadis en route
to tonight's lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Wadi Shwaymiah
Oman's wadis are havens of natural calm, unique environments that provide a dazzling splash of colour
against the desert landscape. Today you have a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Wadi
Shwaymiah, exploring the natural beauty of the area with your local guide. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Wadi Shwaymiah - Empty Quarter
Today you drive into the vast emptiness of the Rub al Khali, 250,000
square miles of waterless desert that covers much of the southern half
of the Arabian Peninsula. One of the largest sand deserts in the world,
this is the heartland of the nomadic Bedouin, made famous by Wilfred
Thesiger in his book 'Arabian Sands'. This evening you will camp
amongst the dunes, enjoying a final night beneath the desert sky before
your return to Muscat tomorrow. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Empty Quarter - Salalah
This morning you will drive to the coastal city of Salalah, the only spot in
Oman that regularly benefits from the monsoons that come roaring in
from the Indian Ocean. The birthplace and traditional stronghold of
Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the city prospered on the proceeds of the spice
trade and even today its markets are filled with the distinct aroma of
frankincense and myrrh. You will spend the next two nights in Salalah,
enjoying the views out across the Arabian Sea. (B,L)
Day 13: Salalah
Known as the 'perfume capital of Arabia', Salalah is a city of some antiquity. The traditional capital of the
Dhofar region, it can trace its origins back to the 1st century BC and its ancient port was once visited by both
Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta. This morning you have a chance to explore the city with your guide, perhaps
taking in the coral-stone houses of the old quarter and the distinctive ambience of the incense souk, before a
free afternoon to enjoy at your own pace. (B)
Day 14: Salalah - Muscat
Returning to Salalah this morning, you will continue on to the airport in time to take the flight back to the
capital. (B)
Day 15: Muscat
Transfer to the airport in time for the onward flight back to London.(B)
Accommodation
Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands Wild Camp
Salalah
Hilton Salalah
Jabel Shams
The View
Jabel Akhdar
The Sahab Hotel
Muscat
Tulip Inn
Empty Quarter
Empty Quarter Wild Camp