Epic Adventure Club

One male place available! If interested in joining please get in touch!

Let's go on an Epic Adventure in amazing Oman!

Nights - 8. Cost - £1199. Group size - 12. Accommodation: 4 nights hotel/guesthouse, 4 nights wild camping (fully supported by 4x4 vehicles with tents and food provided).

One of Arabia’s undiscovered gems, Oman is a land of spectacular and diverse landscapes with dramatic mountains, vast golden deserts and deep canyons.

This off the beaten path adventure combines four days of incredible hiking in Oman’s highest mountain range, the Western Hajar Mountains, with two nights camping and hiking in the stunning Wahiba Sands desert. To top it off we finish with an exhilarating aquatic hike in one of Oman’s most dramatic canyons.

We begin our trip in the vibrant capital of Muscat, where we will have time to explore the old town with its maze of souks and charming waterfront.

From here our 4x4 transport takes us deep into the mountains for four days of hiking through the beautiful and rugged Wadi Bani Awf and Jebel Akhdar, also called the Green Mountain, with its dramatic cliffs, lush terraces, and breath-taking canyons.

Hiking through narrow gorges, remote palm gardens and over high mountain passes, we stay in a lovely remote guesthouse for one night and camp for two nights under the stars in spectacular locations where we can gather around a campfire.

Next up is a cultural stop in the fascinating Omani town of Nizwa with its ancient souks and vibrant markets. Here we can recharge our batteries before heading off for our next two-night desert camping adventure.

Leaving the mountains behind, we drive to the Wahiba Sands, a mesmerizing sea of golden dunes stretching for miles. From our remote desert camp we will explore the endless shifting dunes on foot and enjoy spectacular golden sunsets.

We finish it off with an exhilarating aquatic hike in Wadi Al Hwir, one of the most beautiful wadis in Oman with numerous turquoise pools, before driving back to Muscat where we will spend our final night.

ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation on this trip will be a combination of twin share rooms in hotels (3 nights), guesthouse in multi-share rooms of 3-4 people (1 night) and camping in twin share tents (4 nights).

Limited single occupancy places available for a single supplement of £70 which covers 7 out of 8 nights (3 hotel nights and 4 camping nights, but not the 1 night in shared rooms in a guesthouse). Please enquire for availability.

ITINERARY:

Sat 07/02 - Arrival in Muscat, free time to explore the old town, souks and waterfront (if arriving on the recommended flight). Hotel in Muscat/Mutrah.

Sun 08/02 - Transfer by 4x4 through rugged terrain to Bimah (impressive 3hr drive). Hike through mountains and villages of Wadi Bani Awf (4-5 hours, +600m/-500m). Mountain guesthouse.

Mon 09/02 - Hike toward the main ridge and Sharaf Al Alamain Pass (7 hours, +1200m/-250m). Camp on the mountain around 2200m near the ridge.

Tue 10/02 - Hike on the ridge to Jebel Akhdar (6 hours, +700m/-400m). Camp on a high plateau, 2400m high in the centre of the Jebel Akhdhar range, surrounded by giant juniper and wild olive trees.

Wed 11/02 - Hike to a remote palm garden in a canyon (5 hours, +500m/-650m). Transfer to Nizwa (1hr30min). Hotel in old quarter of Nizwa.

Thu 12/02 - Guided tour of Nizwa's souks (1hr30min). Transfer to campsite in the Wahiba Desert (3 hours). Sunset walk (1hr). Camp in Wahiba Sands.

Fri 13/02 - Hike in the wonderful sand dune landscape of the Wahiba Sands (4-5 hours ). Camp in Wahiba Sands.

Sat 14/02 - Aquatic hike in wadi Al Hwir, one of the most beautiful wadis of Oman (4 hours). Transfer to Muscat (3 hours). Hotel in Muscat.

Sun 15/02 - Trip finishes in Muscat. Option to visit the grand mosque on the way to the airport (self-organised).

Please note this itinerary is subject to change based on weather and other factors.

DIFFICULTY:

Hikes will be moderate to challenging with some significant elevation to be tackled and this trip is therefore suitable for fit and experienced hikers with a head for heights. You should be comfortable walking on rough, rocky and uneven terrain and will need the fitness to cover up to 1200m of ascent in a day. We will only need to carry a day pack on our hiking days.

TRANSPORT:

All transfers during days 2-8 we will be by 4WD (four-wheel drive) vehicles as this is required due to the remote, rugged and sandy terrain. Our main luggage will be transferred to our next accommodation or campsite each day so that we only have to carry a day pack on our hikes.

CAMPING:

On the days that we will be camping, our local team will choose beautiful, wild, and isolated wild camping spots. On arrival we will be provided with tents and mattresses to set up ourselves while the local team sets up the common camp and kitchen and cooks up a feast for us. Bathrooms will not be available during our 2 x 2 camping nights but there will be plenty of nature to find a quiet corner :).

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 3 nights hotel accommodation in twin share rooms
• 1 night guesthouse accommodation in shared rooms (3-4 people)
• 4 nights wild camping (tents and thick (7cm) mattresses provided, no bathroom facilities)
• Four wheel drive (4WD) transport during days 2-8
• 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
• 1 experienced local English speaking mountain guide
• 1 Epic Adventure Club trip leader
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Any other meals not specified
• Single supplement (see above, please enquire)
• Flights (see below)
• Airport transfers (it will be easy to take a taxi to/from our hotel in Muscat/Mutrah and we will help to coordinate taxi sharing for those arriving on the same flights)
• Warm sleeping bag (-5 degrees)
• Travel Insurance

Trip now full.

Join us on an Epic Adventure to the stunning island paradise of Cape Verde!

Nights - 8. Group size - 14. Cost - £899. (Single supplement £170 - sold out).

Let’s explore the raw natural beauty of Cape Verde’s volcanic landscapes, lush valleys, and dramatic coastlines while immersing ourselves in the rich culture of these unique islands.

We will meet in Cape Verde's capital Praia, on the island of Santiago. From here we take a short 30 min flight to the neighbouring island of Fogo where the real adventure starts.

After a hike to view the crater of the recent 2014 eruption, prepare for an exhilarating hike to the summit of the iconic Pico do Fogo volcano (2829m), where we will be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of the crater and surrounding landscape.

Descending into the fertile valley below the next day, rugged trails take us to charming villages, covered in volcanic soil, producing rich coffee and exotic fruits.

From Fogo we fly via Praia to the vibrant island of São Vicente, with its captivating colonial charm, bustling markets, and dynamic music scene.

After a night in the capital of Mindelo, we take a short 1 hour ferry ride to the beautiful neighbouring island of Santo Antão for three days of spectacular hiking. This island's dramatic terrain is a hiker's dream, with winding mountain trails, green valleys, terraced fields, and cliffs that drop steeply into the sea.

After three nights on Santo Antão we will take the ferry back to São Vicente where the trip ends.

ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation on this trip will be in twin share rooms in a mix of hotels, guesthouses and one night in a hostel. Limited single supplement places are available.

ITINERARY:

Sat 14/03 - Arrive in Praia, Santiago. Hotel in Praia.

Sun 15/03 - Early morning flight to São Filipe, Fogo island. Afternoon hike to visit the crater formed by the 2014 eruption on the flanks of the volcanic cone of Pico do Fogo (5km, 330m ascent/descent). Guesthouse in Chã Das Caldeiras.

Mon 16/03 - After a very early morning start we hike the iconic Pico do Fogo volcano (9km, 1100m ascent/descent). Guesthouse in Chã Das Caldeiras.

Tue 17/03 - Hike through Chã das Caldeiras National Park down to the seaside village of Mosteiros, transfer to São Filipe with a swimming stop in Salinas on the way (time permitting) (9km, 150m ascent/1300m descent). Hotel in São Filipe.

Wed 18/03 - Fly to São Vicente island via Praia. This day will vary depending on the flight time (schedule tbc). Transfer to our accommodation in Mindelo. Hostel in Mindelo.

Thu 19/03 - Early morning ferry to Santo Antão, transfer to the Cova crater from where we hike down to the beautiful Paul Valley (15km, 100m ascent, 1200m descent). Hotel in Ponta do Sol.

Fri 20/03 - Spectacular coastal hike from Ponta do Sol to Cruzinha (15km, 550m ascent/descent). Hotel in Ponta do Sol.

Sat 21/03 - Hike in the stunning Ribeira da Torre /Ribeira Grande (10km, 800m ascent/descent). Hotel in Ponta do Sol.

Sun 22/03 - Late morning ferry back to Mindelo in São Vicente. Trip finishes here.

Please note this itinerary is subject to change based on weather and other factors.

ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation on this trip will be in twin share rooms in a mix of hotels, guesthouses and one night in a hostel. Limited single supplement places are available for £170.

DIFFICULTY:

Hikes on this trip will be moderate to challenging with significant elevation to be tackled on some days and this trip is therefore suitable for fit and experienced hikers with a head for heights. You should be comfortable walking on rough, rocky and uneven terrain. You will need the fitness to cover around 12 km with up to 1100m of ascent and up to 1300m descent in a day.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 8 nights accommodation in twin share rooms
• 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners
• 1 experienced local, English speaking hiking guide during our 6 hiking days (with a second guide for our Pico de Fogo climb)
• 1 Epic Adventure Club trip leader
• Airport transfers to/from our internal flights
• All transfers on our hiking days
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Any other meals not specified
• Single supplement (£170, enquire about availability)
• International flights (see below)
• Internal flights and ferries (see below)
• Airport transfers for arrival and departure flights (it will be easy and affordable to take a taxi to/from our accommodation and we will help to coordinate taxi sharing for those arriving on the same flights)
• 1 night accommodation on 22 March (we can recommend affordable accommodation in Mindelo and for those wanting to extend their stay it is possible to take an internal flight to another island that day).