As seen on
Langford Oman adventure
Oman
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
21 Nights
2 - 2
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Wild camp off the beaten track in the 'Sugar Dunes'
- View Oman's largest canyon from Jebel Shams (mountains of the sun)
- Meet local bedouin and learn about their way of life
- Explore Salalah and explore the 'Empty Quater'
Explore the vast landscapes of Oman in this private guided tour
This fantastic 22-day tour brings you the very best that Oman has to offer:
From the incense-filled souks of Muscat to turtle watching on golden sandy beaches; from the sun-bleached mountains of Jebel Shams to the tinkling of water along ancient falaj irrigation channels hidden beneath lush date palm plantations; from riding camels (optional) across the wild red sands of the Wahiba, to walking through the perfect white sands of the 'sugar dunes', snorkelling in the turquoise ocean and green freshwater pools of the wadis, and finally exploring tropical Salalah then spending time with the bedouin in the famous 'Empty Quarter'.
If you would like to learn more about Oman, you can watch our webinar here.
Oman is one of the best kept secrets of the Middle East: Safe, relaxed, sleepy even, the small country that neighbours the oft-visited UAE is consistently overlooked by tourists, and we like it this way. The Omani people are probably the friendliest people in the Gulf, and their country remains untouched in its pristine, rugged natural beauty. If you are looking for a unique cultural experience, in a safe environment with stunning scenery, with as much flavour as the local smoky coffee served with dates, Oman is the perfect escape.
Day 1: 15th Oct, Journey begins in Muscat
Flights
Transfer
Boutique Hotel
Following your arrival into Muscat airport at 12:00 noon, you will be met and transferred to your wonderfully located hotel.
Your adventure begins with an afternoon Tour of Oman’s capital city, the port of Muscat; a classic mix of modern living amongst historical architecture, and surrounded by mountains and desert.
Enjoy the alleyways of Mutrah Souk and Bait al-Baranda Museum, housed in an attractive seafront 1930s residence, gives us a snapshot of Muscat's history (and pre-history), to frame our adventures to come. We can also visit the Sidab Women Association, which empowers women in Oman through environmentally friendly projects that benefit all participants.
Overnight: Al Nassem Hotel or similar
Day 2: 16th Oct, Muscat exploring
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Morning : Dolphins watching and snorkeling (3h) - PM: discovery of the old muscat : Alam palace - Zubair museum - Qurum beach and park (ideal to see Omanis family)Overnight: Sama Wakan
Overnight: Al Nassem Hotel or similar
Day 3: 17th Oct, Into the mountains of Wakan
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Departure to the Omani mountains. Early morning visit of the fish market in Barka or Muscat. Poursuit in direction of the Nakhel fort
and natural hot Water. Arrival in Wakan, short walk. Mid afternoon free in the village of Wakan
Overnight: Sama Wakan
Day 4: 18th Oct, Misfah date plantation
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
After breakfast, departure to Bilad Sayt village; enjoy a walk in the village before having a tea/coffee with an Omani. Continue in the direction of the Jabal Shams. Stop at the mountain pass of 'Al Sharaf' and enjoy an easy walk with a 360 degres view of the mountains; before heading down to Misfah village for the night.
Enjoy a moment of peace on the terrace of the establishment, with a view of the palm grove and garden - this is one fo the most beautiful spots in the country.
Overnight: Misfah Old House
Day 5: 19th Oct, Jabal Shams (Mountains of the sun) & Al Hamra
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
This morning, and before the heats, transfer to the Grand Canyon of Oman for a walk (1h to 4h hike - depending on your desire). Then continue to Al Hamra village ; discovery of the living museum of Al Hamra and tasting of dates / bread / coffee on site. Back to Misfah.
Overnight: Misfah Old House
Day 6: 20th Oct, Misfah & Wadi Damn
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Free morning and/or short walk in Misfah before going to the Wadi Damn: possibility of walk and swim in the natural pools
Overnight: Misfah Old House
Day 7: 21st Oct, Jabal Akhdar (Green Mountains)
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Explore the wadi ghul (easy walk), before heading to the Jabal Akhdar OR decide to visit the Hoota cave. Stop en route in Tanuf to explore the abandoned mud village.
Overnight: Green View Hotel
Day 8: 22nd Oct, Nizwa
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Begin your day with an easy 1.5-hour walk through the terraced gardens of Jabal Akhdar, followed by a visit to a traditional rose distillery. On the way down, stop at the UNESCO-listed village of Birkat Al Mawz. Arrive in Nizwa in the afternoon and enjoy some free time to relax or explore at your own pace.
Overnight: Old Town OR Al Diyar hotel (with swimming pool)
Day 9: 23rd Oct, Nizwa Fort
Boat/Ferry
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Start after breakfast with plenty of time to explore the traditional souk and the impressive Nizwa Fort. Then head to Bahla to discover the town known for its pottery and meet a local artisan. Not far from there, visit the beautifully restored Jabreen Fort.
Overnight: Old Town OR Al Diyar hotel (with swimming pool)
Day 10: 24th Oct, Wahiba sands
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Head towards the Wahiba Sands desert, with a short stop in the town of Ibra along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to soak in the magic of the desert and take a sunset walk on the dunes.
Overnight: Sama Al Wasil
Day 11: 25th Oct, Wahiba sands
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Spend the day in the desert, with an excursion to Wadi Bani Khaled where you can refresh yourself in the natural turquoise pools. Return to the camp in the afternoon to enjoy the tranquility of the dunes.
Overnight: Sama Al Wasil
Day 12: 26th Oct, Sugar Dunes
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Camping
Begin a scenic desert crossing from Wahiba Sands to the remote coastal area of Khaluf. Experience the vastness of the shifting landscapes before setting up for a night of wild camping under the stars.
Overnight: Wild Camping
Day 13: 27th Oct, Al Ashkharah
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Explore the stunning white landscapes of the Sugar Dunes in Khaluf with a walk along the pristine dunes. Continue towards Al Ashkharah and enjoy free time by the shores of the Omani Sea, where you can relax or take a swim.
Overnight: Al Ashkarah beach resort
Day 14: 28th Oct, Wadi Tiwi
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Camping
In Al Ashkharah, observe the local fishermen at work in the morning. Then head to Sur to visit the traditional dhow shipyard, followed by a scenic walk through the Omani villages nestled in Wadi Tiwi.
Overnight: Wild Camping
Day 15: 29th Oct, Wadi Arbeein
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
In Al Ashkharah, observe the local fishermen at work in the morning. Then head to Sur to visit the traditional dhow shipyard, followed by a scenic walk through the Omani villages nestled in Wadi Tiwi.
Overnight: Wadi Arbeein resort
Day 16: 30th Oct, Muscat
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
4 star hotel
Option 1 : Short transfer to Muscat. Enjoy swimming and free snorkeling at Bandar Khairan before heading to Muscat. Free afternoon
Option 2 : Short transfer and visit of Muscat
Overnight: Intercity hotel
Day 17: 31st Oct, Salalah
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Free day at leisure (no guide/driver). Private transfer to airport and flight to Salalah.
Overnight: City Hotel Salalah
Day 18: 1st Nov, Djebel Samhan, Salalah
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Salalah – Hike for about 3 hours in Wadi Darbat. Visit Tawi Atayer, the sinkhole, then continue towards Jebel Samhan for the night.
Overnight: Sama Jabal Samhan
Day 19: 2nd Nov, Djebel Samhan, Salalah
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
Jebel Samhan – Morning hike. Then head to Mirbat to explore the port, followed by a short visit to Khor Rori/Sumhuram. Finally, stop at Ayn Razat. *(The order of visits may be reversed)
Overnight: Sama Jabal Samhan
Day 20: 3rd Nov, Rub Al khali (Empty Quater)
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Camping
Drive towards the Rub’ al Khali desert, crossing the Qara Mountains. Stop in Thumrait town for a short break and lunch. Continue on the 175 km journey to the “Lost City of Ubar,” a UNESCO World Heritage site, before entering the desert.
Overnight: Bedouin camp
Day 21: 4th Nov, Muscat
Flights
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Morning walk at the Rub al khalik then back to Salalah airport for flight to Muscat
Overnight: Al Nassem hotel or similar
Day 22: 5th Nov, Departure
Transfer
Breakfast
Boutique Hotel
Early morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight at 09:00AM heading home filled with many wonderful, sandy memories of Oman!
Adventure Optional Extras
Single room supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis.
We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is not available to book for part of the trip where it would have been possible.
Private Transfer - One Way Arrival (1 to 2 people)
If your flight schedules do not align with our group transfers (please refer to the essential info page for more information), you will need to arrange private transfers. Note that these transfers are one-way, so if you require them for both arrival and departure, please select two. After booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
Private Transfer - One Way Departure (1 to 2 people)
If your flight schedules do not align with our group transfers (please refer to the essential info page for more information), you will need to arrange private transfers. Note that these transfers are one-way, so if you require them for both arrival and departure, please select two. After booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
Pre/Post Tour night for 2 people B&B
Stay at Al Nassem or a similar hotel on a bed and breakfast basis before or after your adventure. Please note that if this hotel is unavailable, we may need to book an alternative property, so the rate provided is an estimate only.
Pre/Post Tour night for 1 person B&B
Stay at Al Nassem or a similar hotel on a bed and breakfast basis before or after your adventure. Please note that if this hotel is unavailable, we may need to book an alternative property, so the rate provided is an estimate only.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not included
- Flights & airport taxes
- Insurance (compulsory)
- Transfers outside our group transfer timings
- Visas
- Drinks & Snacks
- Tipping
Contents
Travel & Arrival
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the airport in Muscat.
Airport & Arrival and Departure Info
Muscat International Airport (its slogan is “Gateway to Beauty & Opportunity”) is the main international airport in Oman, 32km from the city, and is modern and fully functioning.
Included in the cost of your adventure is a group transfer to and from the airport.
Group transfers are only available on the official start and end dates of the trip. Arriving or departing on any other days means group transfers will not be included. If you plan to arrive before or after the adventure dates and need assistance with transfers or accommodation, please add these services when booking, or contact us directly to make the arrangements.
Once you have made a booking, you will be prompted to complete a travel information form where you can provide us with your exact flight times and details. This will enable us to organise your private transfers accordingly. Please note that private transfers may be subject to availability.
You are also welcome to book your travel independently, and we will provide clear instructions on how to meet the group at the designated time and location at the start of your trip.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Hotel Arrival
On arrival at the hotel, you should head to reception where they can show you to your room.
The group will be arriving at different times. You will be meeting together for a welcome briefing and heading to a local restaurant for lunch before your City Tour begins.
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. We put time and effort into building our relationship with them to ensure you have a a great trip.
We choose hotels based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel), and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Some hotels will be basic, and in modern buildings and or in towns. Wherever we can, we will choose smaller more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, this may not be available. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things which is exciting and memorable, and reflects the countries we are visiting. This is adventure travel and on occasion the advertised services at a hotel (eg wifi, or hot showers!) may not be functional on our arrival. This tends to occur in the smaller, more remote hotels. Very rarely a hotel lets us down and we are required to find alternative suitable accommodation that might not be our first choice.
This trip involves hotel and guesthouse accommodation. Where hotels and refuges are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be an experienced and knowledgeable local, English speaking, Omani guide. This ensures you access to information on the country and culture of Oman, as well as directly supporting local trade and tourism.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I fit enough?
This itinerary is a Grade 3; an Entry Level adventure.
Some days involve short walks of up to 3 hours, but the distances are optional. Depending on which departure you are on, it could involve walking in the heat, over some uneven terrain but at a leisurely pace / the natural pace of the group. However, to get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be a regular walker and in good physical health.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
General information on Oman
For information on Oman, such as climate, weather, language, social norms, food & drink etc, please have a read of our Country specific information.
Reviews
Ken
Everything worked and worked well. Airport transfers smooth, convenient and worry-free. Accommodation was varied, often very nice indeed and far better than I expected as you drive off into this starkly beautiful country. Food is abundant and good - far too much of it for most of us. Sahid (our outstanding leader/driver) backed off some of the big meals at our request as the trip progressed and gave the group some options where he could. He made sure we had plenty of water and often stopped for Omani tea/coffee, cold drinks at times. Lots of great elements to the trip, all enjoyable. Though there is a fair amount of driving during the tour, it never seemed burdensome - the country is just too damned beautiful to enjoy in its rugged starkness. Every day was a highlight for me, no specific favourite.
Oman deserves all the superlatives it gets -magnificent scenery, safe, friendly environment, welcoming and engaging people. YellowWood delivers a winner on this trip! Kudos to all.
SK
5* Arabian Land and Sea Adventure…
Yellowwood Adventures organised a top-quality experience packed tour — long scenic drives, calm and comfortable accommodations, important city/village stays in Muscat, Nizwa, Misfah and Salahlah, cultural visits, good food and nature excursions. All amounted to the Oman encounter we wished for.
The Arabian night in the desert (even though it was curtailed by an unusual storm) and snorkelling around the Dimaniyat Island with green turtles became highlights.
This Oman itinerary offered a safe and historically rich Islamic cultural experience.
The local guides were professional, patient and knowledgeable. Much appreciated!
Thanks to you all for a very special time.
Undiscovered Oman: People & landscapes Feb 2024
Fran
Trip to Oman with YellowWood
Our recent trip to Oman with Yellow Wood was all we expected. Our guide was professional and had to make some last minute adaptations to schedule due to the weather, but none the less was keen that it didn't affect our expectations or enjoyment.
The itinerary was varied and appropriate. Thank you, YellowWood
Undiscovered Oman: People & landscapes Jan 2024
FWB
Oman Adventure
A truly interesting trip to Oman in part of the world we had never considered visiting before we saw the YellowWood trip information.
A fascinating country which hasn't been spoiled by oil money like some other Gulf states and still retains a lot of history and beauty of it's mountains, coast and deserts. Our head guide was superb and managed superbly in highly stressful situations such as having to suddenly abandon a night's desert camping due to a rainstorm and find alternative shelter for 10 people. The rainstorms that hit Oman made alterations to our itinerary inevitable but we still ended up visiting some fantastic locations, although this entailed some lengthy drives which were a bit mind and bum numbing!
Oman is well worth a trip with YellowWood!
Undiscovered Oman: People & landscapes Feb 2024
KO
Just got back from an amazing adventure in Oman. It was a well organized trip, have seen a lot of beautiful things, nature was beautiful. We had the best guide ever, Daniel! He is such a nice guy. Every day felt as another day in paradise. We made memories for life and the group of 5 women felt like family.
Undiscovered Oman: People & landscapes Dec 2024
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Passport & insurance documents
- Credit / Debit card for ATM use
- Prescription medication & antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Insect repellent
- Washbag & microfiber towel
- 'On the go' Toilet kit: toilet roll, biodegradable wet wipe
- Warm sleeping bag for two nights camping
Items for Walking / Sightseeing
- Small daypack (about 20L) for sightseeing
- Waterproof Jacket
- Walking shoes or boots (already broken in)
- Torch with spare batteries
- Sunglasses & high factor suncream
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- Waterproof stuff sacks to keep daypack contents dry
- Refillable water bottle
- Waterproof phone case
Clothing
- Socks / underwear
- Suitable clothes / pjs for sleeping in at night
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops.
- Trousers / shorts / skirts / head scarf - NB dress modestly for religious buildings
- Sandals / trainers
- Warm jacket / fleece - it can be cooler at altitude and in the evenings
- Warm hat & gloves
- Water shoes or old trainers you don't mind getting wet for Wadi swimming
- Modest swimsuit and t-shirt for swimming
Optional
- Buff or light scarf useful for sun protection and covering shoulders / neck for church visits
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Phone & charging cables / plug
- 2 prong adaptor - the associated plug type for Oman is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Oman operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.
- Money belt or grab bag for essentials
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
CLICK HERE to schedule a call online with YellowWood Founder Sam McManus.
Or call us directly 24/7 on: