Oman Explorer Muscat Oman This package is a great choice for less experienced riders or those travelling with non-riding companions. You start with a visit of Muscat's most famous sights including Al Alam Palace and the Sultan Qaboos Mosque. You will then drive to the Sharqiya region to explore Wahiba Sands and one of Oman's most picturesque wadis: Wadi Bani Khalid. Then, you set off to the mountains to marvel at the beautiful Nizwa. You will also enjoy a beautiful beach ride on stunning endurance horses. Camping Ride with vehicle support Suitable for riders over 210 lbs 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, e can arrange one for an extra fee.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Upon arrival at the airport arrival lounge you will be met by our friendly & efficient chauffer who will drive you to your hotel.
The tour begins with a visit of the beautiful Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Middle East. Later drive to old town to visit the Bait Al Zubair Museum, a private collection exhibiting the wealth of Oman’s history.
We will also stop for photo opportunities at the residence of his Majesty Sultan Qaboos and the Al Alam Palace, which is flanked by the 16th century Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Muscat

Day 2 (Sunday): Wadi Bani Khalid & Wahiba desert
After breakfast, we drive to the Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the most picturesque wadis in Oman where water flows all year round. We will stop here to have lunch before we continue driving to Wahiba sands, with its golden sand dunes. Meet a Bedouin family and do some dune bashing (going up and down the dunes with our 4×4 vehicle). Our evening in the desert will be a memorable one: BBQ, music, dancing etc...
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight camping in Wahiba desert

Day 3 (Monday): Nizwa & Jebel Shams
This morning, we drive to Nizwa, (approximately 2 hours from Wahiba desert) a historic town and Oman’s cultural capital. You visit the powerful Fort with its massive Circular Cannon Tower, and the traditional Souq. The Souq is a lively place and an ideal location to purchase handicrafts and souvenirs. Our visit is followed by a free lunch break (lunch is not included in the package).
Later, we drive to Al Hamra to see one of the oldest villages of this region. The traditional mud houses date back from 400 years are still occupied. Continue your journey to the top of Jebel Shams, “Sun Mountain”, Oman’s highest peak at 3009 meters. The cooler temperatures will surprise you as you reach the top to get a spectacular view of the “Grand Canyon”. After an impressive cultural day, we head back to Muscat.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Muscat

Day 4 (Tuesday): Daymaniyat Island
Departure from either Marina Bandar Rawdha or Al Mouj Muscat marina (your choice).
If you depart from Marina Bandar Rawdha it will take approx. 1.5 hours to get to the islands however, the advantage is you will get to see some of Oman’s coastline which can only be seen from the ocean (cemetery bay, Al Alam Palace, the engraving on the rocks and many more). You might even be lucky to see dolphin on your way as they tend to be around Marina Bandar Rawhda.
If you depart from Al Mouj Muscat marina, the trip is a lot shorter 45 mins however it is not as scenic.
Once you arrive on the island our team will help you with best place to snorkel. The island is famous for its coral reef rich in pelagic sea life, turtles are often spotted and whale sharks can also be seen during the right season ().
Departure Times:
From Marina Bandar Rawdha the ferry departs at 9 am and the return ferry picks up guests for 3pm.
From Al Mouj Muscat marina the ferry departs at 9 am and the return ferry picks up guests for 1pm.
Once back from the island, you will visit old Muttrah Souq and have a dinner in a local restaurant. We should be back at the hotel around 9:30 pm.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Muscat

Day 5 (Wednesday): Barka Ride
We start the day by visiting Barka stables where the local team will be waiting for you. Lunch on site and meeting with your horses, which are endurance trained all year. Departure of the horse-riding adventure on the immense beaches of Barka, where you will be trotting and cantering this afternoon. Arrival back to the stables at sunset and dinner with locals.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Muscat

Day 6 (Thusrday): Nakhal Fort
Nakhal Fort is a large fortification in the Al Batinah Region of Oman. It is named after the Wilayah of Nakhal. The small oasis Nakhal located at the foot of Al Hajar Mountains. Amidst beautiful palm groves, it is one of the most spectacular stone castles in the world and an impressive masterpiece of Arabic architecture. Nakhal fort was built to protect the trade routes between Nizwa and the coast.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Muscat

Day 7 (Friday): 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.

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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 - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Muscat
Night 2: Camp in Wahiba Desert
Night 3-6: Hotel in Muscat

Hotel in Muscat
This modern hotel offers about 130 rooms, all equipped with free Wi-Fi access, a TV, mini fridge, coffee and tea making facilities, a safe, a phone and a private bathroom with hairdryer.
The hotel amenities include a gym and a rooftop terrace.

Camp in Wahiba Desert
You are accommodated in bedouin tents (2 people per tent). All your camping equipment is included. We carry a portable shower and washroom tent.


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 breakfasts and dinners are included in your package. Lunches are not included except for lunch on Day 5.

The majority of meals are served at your accommodations.

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 includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English sythetic 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 230 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.