As seen on
Oman Hiking Adventure
Oman
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Intermediate
Type:
Activity
Transfers
Duration:
8 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Wild camp off the beaten track in the Wahiba Sands desert
- Hike above Oman's largest canyon from Jebel Shams (mountains of the sun)
- Meet local Omanis and learn about their way of life
- Hike and swim through stunning wadis
Add on Adventures
This itinerary has options for you to extend & customise your experience before &/or after your holiday. See Itinerary for details.
Explore the vast landscapes of Oman in this guided hiking adventure
What makes Oman so appealing is it's stark contrasts of remorseless deserts, unbelievably lush wadis ('valley' or 'ravine' in Arabic) with palm trees shading deep turquoise pools and rivulets; souring sun-bleached mountain trails, a glorious briny ocean and most importantly a gentle, friendly and hospitable culture that never seems to be in a rush.
This hiking tour takes you into many of the hidden corners of Oman - giving you a completely natural perspective of this varied landscape as you explore some of its most iconic regions on foot. You will find yourself in places you never expected; and with many of the nights spent camping with a dedicated team of local guides and assistants - each day can be as wild as you like with myriad hiking point-to-point extensions possible, away from the tourist trail.
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.
Adventure Optional Addons
Salalah Bespoke Add On Trip
A sleepy, sun-kissed prelude or adventure add-on to your adventure in Oman with us.
The unique lush green tropical climate makes Salalah a magical spot in Oman, and the jewel of the Arabian Sea.
Add on Adventures
This itinerary has options for you to extend & customise your experience before &/or after your holiday. See below for details.
Day 1: Arrival in Muscat
Transfer
Boutique Hotel
Once you arrive into Muscat airport, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your wonderfully located hotel (about 20 minutes away). Your adventure begins with a free day in Oman’s capital city, the port of Muscat; a classic mix of modern living amongst historical architecture, and surrounded by mountains and desert.
Accommodation: Al Nassem
Day 2: Muscat - Wadi bani Khalid - Wahiba Sands
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
This morning meet with your tour leader and start your journey.
Your visit will start with the visit with the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a glorious piece of modern Islamic architecture and its breathtakingly beautiful main prayer hall.
Transfer to Wadi bani Khaled, where you will enjoy a swim in the crystal blue natural waterhole. The upper part of the Wadi bani Khalad, one of the most beautiful in Oman, offers an easy access with a short 20 minutes’ walk to its natural pools and is much loved by the locals who come to spend their weekend. It not only offers a refreshing stop during the hot summer months, but it is also a chance to be amongst the locals. So, put on your best (and most covering!) t-shirt & swimming outfit and enjoy this unique experience!
Arrive in the afternoon to Wahiba desert, enjoy a walk through a landscape of never-ending silky sand dunes and appreciate the sunset (walk for 1 to 2h). Overnight in camp.
Accommodation: Sama Al Wasil Camp
Day 3: Wahiba Sands - Ibra - Birkat Al Mawz - Jebel Akdhar
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
2 star hotel
For those who wish, early morning (re) discover the desert by rising early and watching the sun rising through the sand dunes.
After breakfast, hike through the sand dunes and ridges before hitting the road again (walk for +/- 3h) towards Jabal Akhdar.
Stop at Ibra, where you will enjoy strolling in the old part of the city and discover the character of its old houses. Ibra is a town located in the Ash Sharqiyah region of Oman. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The town is characterized by traditional Omani architecture, including mud-brick houses and historic forts. Ibra has a well-preserved souq, where locals and visitors alike can explore traditional markets and experience the authentic Omani way of life. The town also features landmarks such as the Al-Harthy House Museum, which provides insights into the region's history.
Depending on the progress of the day, have a stop at Birkat al mawz, a very charming village nestled between mountain and plain and a great place to explore if you want to see the simpler old Omani life. Its active irrigation system (falaj) which dates back centuries are listed by UNESCO. A walk through the palm gardens of this refreshing oasis and a stroll through the village are a must!
You will reach Jabal Akhdar mid/late afternoon. Jebel Akhdar, also known as the Green Mountain, is a mountain range in the Al Hajar Mountains of Oman, located in the northeastern part of the country. The region is known for its stunning landscapes, deep canyons, and picturesque villages. Visitors to Jebel Akhdar can enjoy hiking trails, explore traditional villages, and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Accommodation: Green View Hotel
Day 4: Jebel Akdhar
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
2 star hotel
After breakfast we will take full day hike: Rose hike & wadi bani habib
An easy and idyllic walk along the rose path is a great way to get started. Enjoy the view from the mountain height as you go through mountain villages. Your hike will begin in the village of Al Aqur and end in Sayq where you will double back using this ancient path made to link all the villages together (walk for 1h30 to 2h).
The Rose Hike allows you to witness the breathtaking sight of terraced gardens covered in pink and white blossoms against the backdrop of the rugged mountains. The roses are traditionally used to produce rose water and various rose-based products, contributing to the region's economic and cultural significance.
The trek offers not only a scenic experience but also an opportunity to learn about the traditional cultivation methods and the cultural heritage associated with rose farming in Jebel Akhdar. It's a unique and immersive way to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of Oman's mountainous landscapes.
The Wadi Bani Habib hike is a gentle loop through the wadi (vally) and abandoned village of Habib. Here you will see the lush wadi, walnut orchards, and ancient village wrapped around the bottom of the valley.
Walk along the wadi along a dry river; climb a few large stone steps to the right to reach the lower part of the 1st village; particularly scenic, the latter is literally hung on the walls of the mountain! The walk continues by descending into the wadi; where you will see a mosque that has been preserved, and a second abandoned village, also perched, and from which the view of the first hamlet is worth the detour.
Back to your hotel on the Jabal Akhdar.
Accommodation: Green View Hotel
Day 5: Nizwa & Jabreen
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Boutique Hotel
This day will be dedicated to the cultural discovery of the region. On the way to Nizwa, discover the fort of Jabreen and Bahla town. Jabreen castle is one of the best-preserved forts! It stands proud as a fine example of Islamic architecture with beautiful wooden inscriptions and elaborately painted ceilings.
Continue to Bahla the first ever Omani town to be declared as a UNESCO world heritage site.
You will then reach Nizwa where you will stay overnight. Once the capital of Oman, the city of Nizwahas kept its authenticity. It is home to a beautiful traditional souk, fort and unique cattle market held early morning on Fridays. Visit the Nizwa fort and souk.
(Birkat al Mawz will be visited if not done on day 3)
Accommodation: Al Diyar
Day 6: Jabal Shams
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
Time to hike and explore the Jabal Shams and Grand Canyon.
Start with the unmissable: the Balcony walk, an essential stop for any trip in Oman. The path is going to offer impressive views with the mountain on one side and a steep drop on the other where Oman’s Grand Canyon lies.
Oman’s highest mountain, Jebel Shams (Mountain of the Sun; 3009m), is best known for its balcony walk with views into the spectacularly deep Wadi Ghul lying alongside it. The straight-sided Wadi Ghul is known locally as the 'Grand Canyon of Arabia', and is one of Oman's major highlights.
You’ll walk along the rim of Al Nakhr and reach the abandoned village of Al Sab after approximately 4km (hike for around 3h to 4h). Before reaching your accommodation for the night, you will have a last stop at Misfah. Located 1000 meters above sea level the unique village of Misfat Al Abriyeen is a must if you find yourself in the area.
Surrounded by mountains, lush agriculture terraces, palm tree oasis, this traditional village built on solid rock foundations is an attractive destination and makes for a great visit.
Take a walk in the narrow streets of this picturesque ancient village for an enchanting stroll through its charming Yemeni style mud-brick houses. Short transfer and overnight in Al Hamra.
Accommodation: Bait al Jabal guesthouse
Day 7: Jabal Shams – Wadi bani awf
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
Appreciate an enchanting stroll through the charming semi abandoned Yemeni style mud-brick houses of Al Hamra.
You will also have the chance to enter a traditional house rehabilitated as a museum of traditions. It is here that the inhabitants of the village come and share their knowledge around a cup of coffee. On the way to wadi bani awf, you’ll pass through the Al Sharaf Pass, a mountain ridge. The trip is enriched by a short hike along the ridge with lots of pretty views of the surrounding depths and villages.
You will then have an off-road ride on a gravel road to reach the Wadi Bani Awf a vast area home to many traditional villages and the famous Snake canyon. Take some time to discover the area, as well as the Snake Canyon. Narrow and winding, Wadi Bimmah or Snake Canyon reveals spectacular landscapes and villages.
With its towering cliffs and plantation settlements huddled along the wadi banks, mature native trees and striking rock features, this snaking wadi offers a fascinating glimpse of rural life in Oman's hidden interior, beyond the populous plain. A major artery through the mountains, it usually flows year-round with spring water. It looks particularly gorgeous when mountain rain causes the falaj (irrigation channel), which parallels the entire lower reach of the wadi, to cascade over its walls. This is an unmissable place to hike.
Overnight in Wadi Bani Awf.
Accommodation: Guest house
Day 8: Wadi bani awf – Muscat
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Boutique Hotel
Morning transfer to Wakan. In your 4x4 you reach the village of Wakan perched on top of a cliff, from there a lovely walk along its irrigation network awaits you: passing by small paths through mountain villages and offering a panoramic view of the Wadi Mistal and the surrounding mountains (walk for +/- 2h).
Then time to head back to Muscat. Head to the corniche and soak up the atmosphere of a traditional Arab market, the Mutrah souk. This unique place offers not only an insight into local life but also there are many shops selling all the wonderful things you would expect. From incense and floral water to Khanjars (traditional curved knife) you are sure to find many wonderful things to gift or keep as souvenirs.
Accommodation: Al Nassem
Day 9: Departure
Transfer
Breakfast
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Leaving the stunning landscapes of Oman will be difficult but you will have incredible memories to take with you!
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
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
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
Adventure Optional Addons
Salalah Bespoke Add On Trip
A sleepy, sun-kissed prelude or adventure add-on to your adventure in Oman with us.
The unique lush green tropical climate makes Salalah a magical spot in Oman, and the jewel of the Arabian Sea.
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 in the morning of day 2.
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. The list below gives information on our first choice of accommodation for this adventure. 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.
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.
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 & usual contents - natural soaps for Wadi swims & microfiber towel
- 'On the go' Toilet kit
Items for Walking / Sightseeing
- Small daypack (about 20L) for sightseeing
- Waterproof & windproof 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
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
- 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 - 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
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: