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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Oman
Intro to Oman
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 Northern AfricaMiddle East
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Sinbad and the Arabian Nights
Sultannate
Oman
The Sultanate of Oman is an area that has remained the most secret and mysterious of the Arab peninsula, creating an incredible allure. Following the traces of such renowned travelers as Marco Polo or Ahmed Ibn Battuta, we are drawn by the fascination of an unknown region and our love of desert horses. It is impossible to describe this great country in a just few sentences. Quite unlike the culture found in the West and the Middle East, the Sultanate of Oman will always attract enthusiasts by its geographical diversity and the wide empty spaces, which have been populated since the dawning of time. Imagine the wealth brought home by these tribes of sailors who knew how to sail the oceans from East Africa to the southern tip of Asia (the explorer Magellan's ship was captained by a sailor from Oman!). Remember that the mountain tribes originated in Yemen ("Felix Arabia"), and are now wedged between that desert of deserts - "Rub Al Khali" - and the vertiginous peaks of Jebel Akhdar that rise to more than 3000 meters.
It is rare to see a country where tradition can be reconciled so closely with the modern world and the advantages it brings.
In this country, the home of Sinbad the Sailor, our ride advances through the fascinating scenery of varied terrain. From the mysterious mountains of the "Hajar" in the East, through the dunes stretching before us to infinity, and the forest of the steppe country of the "Wahibas Sands" and to arrive at the Indian Ocean where the pull felt by the travelers far can be understood. And all this adventure perfumed with the exotic drifts of "frankincense" from the resin of the incense bearing trees.
This is a trip for the population of riders who take pride in this ultimate conquest and respect the noble creature which has allowed all of us to travel to the beyond and to see elsewhere, far over there, and still further yet - the horse.
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
Eight nights accommodations - 5 nights camping in private tents, 3 nights in 3, 4 and 5 star hotels, all meals except on Day 9
| A | 2013 | 9 day trip, AP | 9d / 8n | €3950 | $5135 |
| Single supplement | €210 | $275 |
| B | 2013 | 9 day trip, AP - Deluxe | 9d / 8n | €4800 | $6240 |
| Single supplement | €210 | $275 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Transfer from the airport in Muscar included on Day 1
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Tour Dates for 2013
Check here for details and availability
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| A |
2013
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09/28
- 10/06
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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10/12
- 10/20
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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10/26
- 11/03
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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11/19
- 11/27
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP - Deluxe
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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11/23
- 12/01
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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12/21
- 12/29
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP
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4
/8
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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12/28
- 01/05
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9d / 8n
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9 day trip, AP
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4
/8
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Lunch and dinner on Day 9.
Day 1 Arrival in Muscat.
Transfer from the airport to a comfortable beach hotel where you have time
to relax and unwind by the pool. After lunch, horses and riders meet for a
beautiful beach ride - enjoy the white beaches and turquoise, crystal clear
water! Dinner and overnight stay in a good 3 star hotel.
Day 2 Transfer to
Al Rustaq (approx. 1 hour) which is famous for its two mighty forts: Al
Rustaq Fort and Al Hazm Fort. Another attraction is Al Ayn al Kasfah, one of
the largest hot springs in the country. After a tour, the horses wait for
you at the entrance to Wadi Awf Beni. The ride takes you through the
spectacular wadis with steep narrow canyons, colourful cliffs and stunning
rock formations. The ride offers constantly exciting and every changing
views of the mountains and down into the canyon. Sure-footed horses guide
you through the difficult terrain and through picturesque mountain villages.
Overnight in the village of Balat Sayt on the Birkat Sharaf al plateau in a
tented camp. (Distance travelled ~ 30 km)
Day 3 After a hearty breakfast you
start the morning ride (about 16 km, or 3 hours) through pretty villages and
past the famous Omani irrigation systems. We keep riding higher up with the
horses over the mountain Jebel Hadjar, up to 2000 meters, from where you
enjoy a fantastic view. Around noon you will be taken to Nizwa, where you
can spend a relaxing afternoon. Nizwa is the main city of the interior and
was once the state capital. The oasis town lies on the southern edge of the
Hajar Mountains, the highest range in Oman. The extensive gardens and palm
groves of the oasis city are from the old fortress, dominated by the largest
tower of Oman (40 meters wide and 20 meters tall). A 500-year old falaj
water channels lead into the oasis. Nizwa is an ancient trading center with
a large souq, where you can admire traditional silver jewelery and
handicrafts. Also worth visiting is the grand mosque with its blue and gold
dome. Dinner and overnight at the 4-star hotel Golden Tulip Nizwa.
Days 4 to 7 You are
driven to the "gate of the desert," according to Al Mintrib. Here you meet
the horses that were brought here yesterday. With an experienced guide you
start your ride through the Wahiba desert and the adventure begins. This
vast desert stretches out over 10,000 square miles, a true masterpiece of
nature with over 150 different species of plants, 1,600 insects and 200
species of mammals. This is the perfect place to learn about the life of the
Bedouins who have inhabited the desert for centuries. Camels and goats are
the "cattle of the Bedouins." Oman breeds some of the best camels in the
Middle East. During the ride you will meet some nomadic families and learn
about the hospitality and lifestyle of the proud inhabitants of the desert.
You might even encounter a real camel caravan - transporting you back to a
bygone era. The magic of the desert has a lot to offer: endless expanse that
offers ample room for gallops but also provides time for reflection,and
romantic desert nights around the campfire under a starry sky. During four
days, you cross the desert and adapt to their rhythm. You ride through a sea
of sand dunes, with ever changing interplays of color. Enjoy the freedom on
sandy tracks with extended trots and canters. The ride through the desert
Wahiba is very demanding and requires a brisk pace. For instance, you may
even ride in the late evening or at night, with the unique feeling of the
fresh wind on the skin and a brisk, motivated Arabian horse under you!
Crossing the desert is an adventure that is incomparable, because the desert
is unpredictable - the temperatures can vary greatly from very cold desert
nights, to very hot temperatures during the day. You ride every day between
40 - 45 kms at a brisk pace, about 5 - 7 hours daily, as adapted to the
climatic conditions. The crossing of this desert on great horses is a unique
experience for every rider. In the desert is, there is always something to
see: animal tracks, plants, the Bedouin camps. Your eyes will get used to
the specificity of the desert and your heart as well. After the long day
rides, you will find the team each in a comfortable tent camp with a freshly
prepared meals and campfire romanticism (please note that traditionally in
Oman no alcohol is served). After four days crossing the desert we reach the
Arabian Sea.
Day 8 Transfer to Sur, the
cradle of the Omani dhow-building art. These wooden boats sailed over the
centuries all the world's oceans. With a packed lunch we have the
opportunity to visit the Marine Museum and then return to Muscat. Dinner and
overnight stay in a 5 star luxury hotel, Shangri-La - here you will feel
like a part of 1001 Nights.
Day 9 Relax and use
the last day for recreation by the sea. After the long ride through the
desert we learn to appreciate the convenience of the 5 star hotel even more.
Relax by the pool under the palms as long as you like (lunch / dinner at the
hotel today is not included). There is also the opportunity for snorkeling
and diving. Check out depends on the flight in the afternoon or evening.
Meeting:
Muscar
Airport:
Muscar
Transfer:
Muscar
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Tack:
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English and Endurance saddles
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Horses:
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Purebred Arabian horses from the stables of the Sultan
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Pace:
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Moderate to fast, trots, canters and gallops.
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate+
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Our horses on this ride come direct from the Sultan's stables and they are purebred Arabian horses with good temperaments.
This ride is not suitable for novice riders! You should have at least 5 years of riding experience at all paces (and not just in the arena). You must have a good independent seat and be control of your horse using a light hand.
With the exception of Dhofar region, which has a light monsoon climate and receives cool winds from the Indian Ocean, the climate of Oman is extremely hot and dry most of the year. Summer begins in mid-April and lasts until October. The highest temperatures are registered in the interior, where readings of more than 50° C in the shade are common. On the Al Batinah plain, summer temperatures seldom exceed 46° C, but, because of the low elevation, the humidity may be as high as 90 percent. The mean summer temperature in Muscat is 33° C, but the gharbi (literally, western), a strong wind that blows from the Rub al Khali, can raise temperatures from the towns on the Gulf of Oman by 6° C to 10° C. Winter temperatures are mild and pleasant, ranging between 15° C and 23° C.
Precipitation on the coasts and on the interior plains ranges from twenty to 100 millimeters a year and falls during mid- and late winter. Rainfall in the mountains, particularly over Al Jabal al Akhdar, is much higher and may reach 700 millimeters. Because the plateau of Al Jabal al Akhdar is porous limestone, rainfall seeps quickly through it, and the vegetation, which might be expected to be more lush, is meager. However, a huge reservoir under the plateau provides springs for low-lying areas. In addition, an enormous wadi channels water to these valleys, making the area agriculturally productive in years of good rainfall. Dhofar, benefiting from a southwest monsoon between June and September, receives heavier rainfall and has constantly running streams, which make the region Oman's most fertile area.
… this list is only a guideline for
you
- Travel documents and Voucher
- Flight tickets
- Passport
- Visa (check with your consulate)
RIDING
GEAR
- Comfortable riding pants
- Riding boots, preferably half
boots or any other strong light shoes suitable for riding
- Half chaps or full chaps
- Saddle seat saver
- Riding helmet (recommended for
all trips) or hat (sun)
- Riding gloves
- Cotton shirts with long sleeves
(protection against the sun!)
- Head gear (you can buy the typical
cotton scarf in Oman)
PERSONAL
CLOTHING
- Jacket or sweater for cool
evenings
- Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
- Long sleeve shirts
- Sweatshirt
- Fleece pullover
- Light cotton pants
- Windbreaker
- Rain coat
- Shorts
- Underwear and socks
- Jogging suit / pyjama
- Bag for dirty clothes
- Sandals or slippers for tent
- Soft shoes or sandals
for after riding
- Swimsuit
- Sleeping bag (suitable and warm
enough for the cool desert nights). Tents and foam mattresses are
provided.
ADDITIONAL
THINGS TO BRING
- Personal Toiletries
- Towels
- Insect protection
- Personal medications
- Eye drops (contact lenses are not
convenient in the desert)
- Sore cream (for the emergency)
- Sewing kit
- Handkerchiefs
- Camera and enough extra films and
batteries
- Sun glasses with strap
- Sun tan lotion and lip balm
- Flash light
- Pocket knife
- Twine and clothes-pegs
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Small bag to buckle on (for small
items needed during the ride)
- Saddle/Spur straps (to tie sweater
or parka onto the saddle)
- Small plastic bags for rocks/sea
shells
- Note pad, pen
- Water bottle (1L) available
locally
- Sleeping bag suitable
and warm enough for the cool desert nights
- Sleeping bag liners
- Small pillow if you
wish.
For Photographers
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Lodging
The ride has 3 nights in hotels (ranging from 3 to 5 stars). 5 nights are
camping in private tents and if weather demands it, there will be a
large Bedouin mess tent for meals and evening entertainment.
During the riding days we stay at picturesque campsites that also offer
top quality amenities and safety. Generally speaking the weather is
pleasant most of the time for sleeping under the stars. We do supply
single & double dome tents that are fast and easy to erect. We
also supply sleeping cots and sleeping bags - that can be used in the tents or
outside.
There is a simple shower tent to wash up in the evenings - keep in mind that water is very valuable in the desert. Water will be heated up over the fire. 
Water
You will be supplied water for drinking at any time in the dessert. For
the rides you will get a plastic bottle which you can fill up every day
with water at the camp. At lunch and dinner mineral water and
alcohol-free drinks are included.
Transportation
All our transportation is by cars, taxis, minivans and busses,
depending on the number of participants. For private transportation ,
excursions or limo service please contact us.
Food
All of the meals on the tour are prepared by our cook & staff. It
is local food and it is always fresh, balanced and plentiful. Local and
continental breakfast. Lunches are usually light, consisting of
salads, sandwiches, and other local dishes. Main meals for dinner,
mainly rice, chicken, vegetables, lamb and other delicious local
dishes. Fruit is available after most meals. Mineral water, juices,
coffee & tea at all times. All dietary requests will be met to the
best of our ability. There are no tables & chairs, so basically we
eat on a carpet on the floor with mats around, the traditional Bedouin
way. Alcoholic drinks are supplied on request and an extra cost. Please
notify us upon arrival in Oman, so that we can arrange it.
Assistance & Staff
All baggage, camping equipment, water, food and horse supplies are
transported by 4X4 back up vehicles. Generally we have one to three
vehicles on the tour depending on the number of participants. All staff
including cook are local Jordanians and Bedouins.
Guides
All our guides are talented, caring & fun. They are certified
(French & BHS certificates), very well experienced with horses
& guiding, and have a great knowledge of Jordan and its deserts.
They all speak English and French. They are all first aid and CPR
trained and carry with them a first aid kit at all times.
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Tack:
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English and Endurance saddles
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Horses:
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Purebred Arabian horses from the stables of the Sultan
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Pace:
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Moderate to fast, trots, canters and gallops.
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
Gallop |
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Level:
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(3.5
to
4
out of 5) Strong Intermediate+
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
8 riders
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Our horses on this ride come direct from the Sultan's stables and they are purebred Arabian horses with good temperaments.
This ride is not suitable for novice riders! You should have at least 5 years of riding experience at all paces (and not just in the arena). You must have a good independent seat and be control of your horse using a light hand.
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Sinbad and the Arabian Nights
Tour Code:
PG-JOOTD
9 days /
8 nights
~$5,135.00
Dates :
October to February
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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