OMAN, THE WILD HEART OF ARABIA - EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

We are planning an Epic Adventure to amazing Oman! This trip is currently under construction and will be finalised soon. We are working together with a reputable and highly regarded local operator who are experts in delivering outdoor adventure tours in Oman.

If you are potentially interested in joining this adventure please RSVP here and we will be in touch as soon as all the trip details are finalised!

Nights - 8. Cost - TBC. Group size - 12. Accommodation: 4 nights hotel/guesthouse, 4 nights wild camping (fully supported 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). Single supplement possible on our 4 camping nights for £40.

ITINERARY:

Sat 07/02 - Arrival in Muscat, time to explore the old town, souks and waterfront. Hotel in Muscat.

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 center of the Jebel Akhdhar, 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 (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:

Any transfers during days 2-8 we will be by four-wheel drive vehicles as this is required due to the rugged and sandy terrain. Our main luggage will be transferred to our next accommodation/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 starts cooking. 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 accommodation in multi-share rooms (3-4 people)
• 4 nights camping (tents and thick (7cm) mattresses provided, no bathroom)
• Four wheel drive (4x4) transport during days 2-8
• 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
• 1 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
• Flights (see below)
• Airport transfers (it will be easy to take a taxi to/from our hotel in Muscat and we will help to coordinate taxi sharing for those arriving on the same flights)
• Warm sleeping bag (-5 degrees)
• Travel Insurance

FLIGHTS:

Please note that although the trip starts in Muscat on Saturday 7 February, we recommend booking the direct overnight outbound flight with Oman Air leaving on Friday evening 6 February.

See here the recommended flights:

Outbound Friday 6 February:

Oman Air WY102
Departs 20:50 LHR London Heathrow
Arrives 07:00 MCT Muscat

Inbound Sunday 15 February:

Oman Air WY101
Departs 14:05 MCT Muscat
Arrives 19:10 LHR London Heathrow

Other airlines such as Etihad and Qatar Airways fly to Qatar with a short stopover. If you decide to book different flights you can meet the group at the hotel in Muscat on Saturday 7 February.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use OMAN as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:

Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003

Please email ingridhansen1@gmail.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)