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Undiscovered Oman: People & landscapes
Oman
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
8 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Wild camp off the beaten track in the 'Sugar Dunes' and Wahiba Sands
- View Oman's largest canyon from Jebel Shams (mountains of the sun)
- Meet local bedouin and learn about their way of life
- Sail around and swim in the protected Daymaniyat Islands
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 tour
After exploring several adventure itineraries with groups in Oman, we have settled upon this one - because essentially it is a bit wilder than most, and that is what our clients come to us for. This Oman tour offers a unique cultural experience: From real desert adventures and cultural experiences to snorkelling through protected coral reefs, this trip will create memories that will last a lifetime.
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 across the wild red sands of the Wahiba, to walking through the perfect white sands of the 'sugar dunes' to snorkelling in the turquoise ocean of the protected Daymaniyat Islands to the green freshwater pools of the wadis; this is Oman.
(Available as a small group tour or private adventure)
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.
An added bonus of this adventure holiday is that you get to experience the other-worldly and remote Daymaniyat Islands, surrounded by coral reefs. Protected as a nature reserve since 1996, the islands provide an important nesting site for green turtles and a wide range of migratory birds including the increasingly rare sooty falcon. You will have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal waters amidst the many species of multi-coloured fish, or alternatively, you can just enjoy the boat ride, far from home on the salty sea.
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: Journey begins in Muscat
Flights
Transfer
Dinner
3 star hotel
Following your arrival into Muscat airport, you will be met and transferred to your wonderfully located hotel.
*Please note there is a group transfer included in the cost of your adventure - see Essential Information for more details, including transfer times.
Your adventure begins with a 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 the breathtaking marble clad Grand Mosque with its 50m dome and famous Persian carpet. 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: Wadi Shaab & Sur
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
We are headed for Wadi Shaab this morning (2hr drive) with its lush vegetation and enticingly cool fresh water to enjoy a swim. After a relaxing few hours we will drive on to the coastal town of Sur (1hr 20), to explore the Dhow boat yard where they still produce the traditional wooden vessels, as they have for centuries - there is plenty to see and it is a photographer's paradise!
We then drive to Al Ashkarah to stay in a simple but lovely spot by the ocean before heading off into the desert tomorrow, with the option for some camel riding along the coast.
Overnight: Al Ashkarah beach resort
Day 3: Wild camping in the 'sugar dunes' at Khaluf
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
A lesser known wild spot in Oman; the sugar dunes of Al Khaluf, also known as the white 'Omani Sugar' or 'White Desert'. An incredible white desert juxtaposed against crystal clear blue waters and near the tiny fishing village of Al Khaluf. You will be able to enjoy a hike and a swim in the warm waters of the Arabian sea. This is very much 'off the beaten track' and is not included in many other journeys in Oman - which of course makes this experience even more special.
We will fix our camp on the edge of the white dunes of the sugar dunes.
Day 4: Explore the sugar dunes then the Wahiba Sands
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Camping
Getting up to see the sunrise over the picture-perfect, untouched sand dunes, stretching as far as the eye can see, brings home the real magic of the desert. This morning after breakfast we can take a short walk around the white dunes before being transferred to the contrasting bright orange sand dunes of the Wahiba Sands. Again in the Wahiba, we are away from the permanent tourist camps, which allows you to really understand the desert as it always has been.
It is not uncommon to see nomadic Bedouins in the region - maybe we can be lucky and meet a Bedouin family!
Day 5: Nizwa
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Boutique Hotel
After a leisurely breakfast amidst the serenity of our desert surroundings we then transfer Nizwa, stopping off at the beautiful Birkat Al Mouz if we have time, which is a great place to explore if you want to see the simpler old Omani life. This village is famous for its ancient mud-brick fortress with stunning, colourful doors.
Enjoy an evening exploring the town of Nizwa with its souq and impressive historic fort, and lots of delicious places to eat.
Overnight: Antique Inn or similar
Day 6: Jebel Shams and Misfat Al Abryeen
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Guest house
We drive up the steep winding roads to Jebel Shams (Mountains of the Sun) this morning (2hr drive). We enjoy some downtime relaxing in the cooler temperatures before a radial walk along the famous ‘balcony walk’ for magnificent views of the Grand Canyon of Arabia. The distance we cover is flexible but if we head to the abandoned village of Sap Bani Kamese, it will be a total of around 9km.
Upon our return, we drive to the stunning and traditional mountain village of Misfat Al Abryeen (1hr 35m). Set overlooking date plantations, and the ever-changing colours of the surrounding mountains, it is the perfect place to enjoy a coffee and dates with the locals, plus to grab a book, find a serene spot and relax. It’s all about unwinding in a mind-numbingly beautiful destination today, and we stay the night here, in Misfah Old House.
Overnight: Misfah Old House
Day 7: Al Hamra, Snake Canyon & Muscat
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
3 star hotel
Our destination, to be reached by this evening, is a return to the capital, but today is far more than a day of travel. Driving to Wadi Bani Auf (2hrs 15m), aka Snake Canyon, takes us via Al Hamra, along one of the most famous off-road journeys in the country, known for its spectacular views. We are not going to do any Wadi Bashing but will pause to wander and dip a toe / do some wading if we fancy it.
Just an hour's drive takes us from Wadi Bani Auf to another charming and picturesque village, Bilad Sait where we can take a walk and enjoy lunch. Nestled at the base of the Hajar Mountain range, it is like something out of a fairy tale; typical of Arabian settlements in days gone by... We will meet the inhabitants for coffee and dates as well as a visit to a local home.
In the late afternoon, we encounter more of the stunning scenery as we head back to Muscat (2.5hr drive).
Overnight: Al Nassem Hotel or similar
Day 8: Daymaniyat Islands
Boat/Ferry
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
3 star hotel
The archipelago of 9 protected Daymaniyat islands lie around 18km off the coast of Muscat. Lying totally within a Nature Reserve, they are home to an incredible abundance of marine and bird life. The crystal clear waters have ensured the areas popularity with divers and snorkelers, appreciating some of the most beautiful corals and fish that are to be found in the Middle East.
We take a boat over to one of the islands to explore, have a relaxed lunch and enjoy the marine life with some snorkelling.
After a wonderful day, we return to Muscat for a final group dinner.
Overnight: Al Nassem Hotel or similar
Day 9: Fly out of Muscat
Transfer
Breakfast
We transfer you to the airport for flights out of Muscat, returning home restored by the serenity and beauty of the Omani way of life.
*Please note there is a group transfer included in the cost of your adventure - see Essential Info for more details, including transfer times.
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
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 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
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 - 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
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