Wahiba Desert Ride Ash Sharqiyah Oman Language: The official language of Oman is Arabic and English is widely spoken. Hotel staff often are able to speak German and French as well! Local Time: GMT +4 Customs: A predominantly Muslim country, visitors should respect religious sensitivity, particularly in the matter of dress and public conduct. Women, in particular, should wear loose fitting clothes that cover most of the body. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during the holy month of Ramadan should be avoided, as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Homosexuality is illegal in the country. Alcohol is available only at licensed hotels and restaurants and penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol are drastic. The legal blood alcohol level in the country is close to zero. Electricity: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz - Plugs with rectangular, 3-pin flat blades are used. Communications: The international dialing code for Oman is +968, and the outgoing international code 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for US and Canada / 0044 for the UK). City/area codes are not necessary. Currency: The currency of Oman is the Omani Rial (OMR) and it is divided into 1,000 Baisa. Notes come in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 rials, and 500, 250, 200 and 100 Baiza. Foreign currency and travelers cheques can be exchanged at banks, exchange bureaux, hotels and at the airport. Gratuities: A service charge is usually added to your bill, however a "little extra" is very appreciated, as the service charge usually never makes it to the attendant! For Oman visa information see the relative section of the airport website: http://www.omanairports.com/visaonarivals.asp Banned items from Oman: * Weapons, arms and ammunitions.     * Fireworks.     * Drugs stuff and tolls which are banned by the international conference of Opium and Drugs.     * Leaves, flowers, seeds and stems of cannabis.     * Raw or prepared opium.     * Pornographic publication and material Travelers on medication which come under banned "Narcotics Drugs" need to have a medical prescription from their doctor, which has been certified by the Ministry of Health in their respective countries and further attested by their Omani Embassy or consulate, before bringing the same into the country. Oman Tourism Websites: http://www.omantourism.gov.om/wps/portal/mot http://www.destinationoman.com/ Camping Ride with vehicle support Meeting: Muscat International Airport Airport: Muscat International Airport Transfer: Muscat International Airport Riders: Min 4 riders Max 12 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Airport group transfers included at set times (according to arrival and departute times of all riders). If you wish a private airport transfers, we can arrange one for an extra fee.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Arrival at Seeb international airport and transfer to your hotel located nearby Mutrah Souk and Old Muscat City. Afternoon city tour of Mutrah Souk, one of the most popular souks in the Middle East. Take a walk in its labyrinths with a myriad of merchandise, from imported fabrics to exotic Oriental spices, perfumes and richly handcrafted Artifacts. A visit to this frenetic, pulsating hub of Muscat’s old quarter makes for a delightful experience. Then, transfer to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said the ruler of Oman. The palace is an architectural marvel for both its design and its location between the twin Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali.
Meals included: none
Overnight at Hotel in Mutrah

Day 2 (Sunday): Wadi Beni Khalid
After breakfast we will drive to Wadi Beni Khalid (3.5 hours from Muscat). It is the best-known wadi of the Sharqiyah region. Its stream maintains a constant flow of water throughout the year. Large pools of water and boulders are scattered along the course of the wadi. As a geographical area, Wadi Beni Khalid covers a large swathe of lowland and mountains. Late afternoon transfer to Bidiya. Meeting with our horse team and briefing for next few days.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at desert camp near Bidiya

Day 3 (Monday): Start of Desert Ride
Today you will meet your riding companion, and go on your first ride to discover sand dunes and desert.
Lovely evening under the stars, firecamps and bedouins stories will make this ride unforgettable!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping at desert camp near Bidiya

Day 4 (Tuesday): Oryx Valley Ride
After a nice breakfast we will start our ride across the Oryx valley, passing through little Bedouin villages. We will find palm trees in each village (with water system called falaj), green grass for the animals,... The perfect place for our lunch break. This afternoon, we ride in a nice valley, with a lot of acacias trees, providing shade for animals and Bedouins.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Al Sarmadi Camp

Day 5 (Wednesday): Abdallah Valley Ride
We will be riding in a large valley, until we reach Abdallah Valley, with nice eucalyptus trees.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Al Sarmadi Camp

Day 6 (Thursday): Beit Al Ajuz Ride
The destination for today is Beit Al Ajuz, the old lady house. On today's route, sand is sometime very deep for our horses. We will likely meet camels’ cattle and goats on the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Thousand Nights Camp

Day 7 (Friday): Last Riding Day
Long ride until we reach al Awaouia village. Then, it is time to leave Wahiba Desert and transfer to Muscat.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight at Hotel in Muscat

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
After an amazing tour, it’s time for departure. We will drop you off at Muscat International Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast


Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome on this ride. Please, inquire for rates and non-riding activities.

                                                    Muscat area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	78	80	85	94	103	103	100	97	96	94	86	80
Average Low Temperature (°F)	62	64	68	76	84	86	86	83	80	76	69	64
Average High Temperature (°C)	25	26	30	35	40	40	38	36	36	35	30	27
Average Low Temperature (°C)	17	18	20	24	29	30	30	28	27	25	21	18
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	1	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Oman's climate is typical of the Arabian Gulf with hot shoulder seasons (Sept-Nov Average high 30-36°C & Mar-May Average high 29-39°C), even hotter summers (June-Aug Average high 36-40°C) and mild winters (Dec-Feb Average high 25-27°C). It should be noted that the heat is dry most of the time, making it more bearable.

In addition, Oman's varied geography means that temperatures vary depending on where you are in the country. When visiting the Hajar Mountains, south of Muscat, always make sure to bring a sweater, even during the summer months! You should also remember that desert nights get cooler no matter the season.

Oman remains usually quite dry throughout the year with the exception of the southwest (close to the border with Yemen) which benefits from the 'Khareef' (rainy season) monsoon during the summer months. Thanks to the 'Khareef', this region benefits from a cooler summer and green vegetation covers the landscape.

All luggage is transported for you by vehicle.

Clothing
- Riding equipment such as riding pants, helmet, boots, and half leg chaps
- Long sleeved shirts to protect against the sun
- Fleece/warm pullover for camp
- Broad rimmed hat
- Swimsuit
- Sandals for camp
- Light riding trousers

Equipment
- Sleeping bag (optional)
- Flash light with spare batteries
- Personal medications
- Sunglasses
- Small towel
- Soap and shampoo
- Sunblock
- Bum bags to protect items from sand
- Hat and light scarf
- Towels (for camp)
- Toilet paper (or just tissues) and a lighter
- Solar batteries for camp as there is no electricity

Nice to have extras
- Seat saver to put on the saddle
- Lightweight camera with spare batteries
- Riding gloves
- Face cloth

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Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride, so nights will be a mixture of hotels and camping.

Description
Accommodations vary 

Accommodation Itinerary for Standard Option - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel Mutrah or Al Fajal Hotel in Muscat
Night 2 & 3: Desert Camp near Bidiya
Night 4 & 5: Al Sarmadi Camp
Night 6: Thousand Nights Camp
Night 7: Al Fajal Hotel

Hotel Mutrah in Muscat
This small hotel benefits from a great location, close to the Mutrah Souk and Sultan Qaboos Harbour. Each of the 43 rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, air conditioning and ensuite bathroom. Guests can enjoy a game of darts or pool. It is also possible to do some workout at the fitness centre. Laundry and ironing services are also available.

Desert Camp near Bidiya 
You will be accommodated in a canvas tent with air conditioning and a private (attached) bathroom.

Al Sarmadi Camp
You are accommodated in spacious tents equipped with a double bed and a private bathroom.

Thousand Nights Camp
This beautiful camp in the middle of the desert offers traditional rooms and tents accommodations, for an authentic Bedouin experience. Each accommodation is equipped with a comfortable bed and private facilities.
There is also a small outdoor pool where guest can cool down.

Al Falaj Hotel in Muscat
This newly renovated hotel offers 152 modern bedrooms. Each room features a TV, a phone, a safe, free internet access and private facilities with hair dryer.


Accommodation Itinerary for Luxury Option - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Shangri La Resort in Muscat
Night 2 & 3: Desert Camp near Bidiya
Night 4 & 5: Al Sarmadi Camp
Night 6: Thousand Nights Camp
Night 7: Shangri La Resort in Muscat

Al Husn Shangri La Resort in Muscat
This beautiful hotel is located by the sea (private beach) and offers many amenities including swimming pools, a spa and health club (extra fee) and watersport activities (not included). It has a little over 100 rooms, each with a balcony or terrace. The rooms feature an Omani décor, private facilities, free Wi-Fi access and a coffee machine.

Desert Camp near Bidiya 
You will be accommodated in a canvas tent with air conditioning and a private (attached) bathroom.

Al Sarmadi Camp
You are accommodated in spacious tents equipped with a double bed and a private bathroom.

Thousand Nights Camp
This beautiful camp in the middle of the desert offers traditional rooms and tents accommodations, for an authentic Bedouin experience. Each accommodation is equipped with a comfortable bed and private facilities.
There is also a small outdoor pool where guest can cool down.

Room Occupancy
If you attend as a single rider willing to share but we are unable to find another rider to share, the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
All meals are included except for meals on Day 1 and dinner on Day 7. 

The majority of meals are served at your accommodations.

During the desert ride our cook will provide delicious Omani dinners.
Majbos also named Kabsa, is a dish that consists of rice mixed with saffron cooked with spicy red or white meat. Majboos translates as "to be engaged" in Oman and is almost always served at special occasions like weddings and engagements!
Mashuai is another delicious dish consisting of roasted king fish and savory lemon rice.
A popular street food in Oman is Mishkak, which is grilled pieces of marinated meat (usually chicken, mutton or beef on long wooden sticks) served hot with tamarind chutney.
Halwa is a sticky, sweet gelatinous snack, made from brown sugar, honey, eggs and various spices. It has a lot of flavors, such as rose water, nuts, chocolate, etc. Some halwas are also made from the Omani dates. Halwas are often accompanied with Kahwa (a very strong bitter coffee that is often served in tiny cups) as a sign of hospitality. Kahwa is made from freshly roasted ground coffee and flavored with some cardamom!

Alcoholic drinks are not included in the package but you can bring some during the tour.


Dietary Restrictions
We can accommodate vegetarians and some other special diets with prior notice.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English synthetic wintec type or endurance saddle with saddle bags
Horses:		Arabians & Anglo-Arabs
Pace:		Approx. 4-5 hours in the saddle per riding day - Paces varies depending on the terrain | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 5 out of 5)    Intermediate to Advanced
Age:		Min 18	Max 75
Weight:		Max 190 lbs
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 12 riders

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.