"Northern Explorer"

This trip brings together the dramatic coastline and the picturesque interior of Oman. Using different transport over a variety of terrains, it shows off the truly beautiful nature of this country.

Day One
We pick you up from your hotel in Muscat and transfer you to the Bander Rhowda Marina. Here we will depart on our boat to explore the dramatic coastline. We will see the sites of Muscat from the sea and hopefully see dolphins. We head for Bander Khyran which is full of secluded bays and sandy beaches, where our tents will be erected and we will have a chance to relax on the beach and snorkel before sundown.

Day Two
Heading out of Qantab, a village near our camp, we head south along the coast to the fishing town of Quriyyat where we are able to stroll along its promenade and visit its historic fort. Continuing along the coast, we will visit the Bimah sinkhole, one of the wonders of Oman and the twin wadi’s of Tiwi and Shab. The afternoon is taken up exploring the wadi’s, clambering over big boulders and swimming in their deep pools. We arrive late afternoon to White Beach at Fins for the night.

Day Three
Leaving the camp after breakfast and a quick swim, we arrive in Sur mid-morning. Here we have the opportunity to wander around this famous boat-building town. Home to the Arabian dhow, Sur is rich in tradition and it is possible to see the traditional boat building methods still being used today. Leaving the port we head towards Ras al Jinz where we will be staying the night. In the evening we will be escorted by a reserve ranger to view the Green Back turtles laying their eggs on the beach.

Day Four
Today we leave the coast and head to the Sharqiya Sands region, home to the Wahiba Sands desert and Wadi Bani Khalid. We visit the old domed mosque at Jalan Bani Bu Ali near the town of Al Kamil. Proceeding alongside the desert we head into the hills and onto Wadi Bani Khalid. This wadi is one of Oman’s finest and gives us a great opportunity to explore the depths of the wadi. We have an opportunity to just relax by the crystal waters, or swim through the different pools and clamber over the boulders into the heart of the wadi itself. Midafternoon we head into the sands. Driving through the sands we pass camels and Bedouin settlements on our way to our designated camping site some 25 kilometres in the sands. This
evening we enjoy a magnificent sunset over the desert before dinner.

Day Five
Early risers get a chance to see the sunrise before breakfast. We head out of the desert and head north towards the Hajar mountain range. En route we visit the old settlement at Mizfa, near Ibra. We continue to the foot of the mountains, where we are able to wander around the deserted village of Birkat Al Mawz. We head through Nizwa and onto the highest peak in Oman, Jebal Shams. The views are quite spectacular from the summit, some 3000m above sea level. We enjoy a late afternoon stroll around the rim of the canyon before settling down in the Jebal Shams Camp.

Day Six
Today we enjoy a picturesque walk to the abandoned village of As Sab on the top of the mountain. This walk is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Oman. On returning to the camp we have an early lunch and then have a short drive to our next walking location at Misfah al Breen. The walk takes us through the canyon and circumnavigates the massif, passing through two mountain hamlets before returning back to the date palm groves. Tonight we relax in the comfort of a 4* hotel in Nizwa.

The trekking is not compulsory and other activities are available
in these locations.

Day Seven
After breakfast we begin our off-road drive through the Hajar mountain range. This drive is one of the best off-road drives in
Oman and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views across the range and through the wadis below. We reach Nakhal on the far side of the range for lunch, and stroll around its beautiful fort before heading back to Muscat for late afternoon where tour arrangements end.

To contact this tour operator please use the contact form next to the map on the right.

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Price/Person: 1899 DOL
Number of participants 12
Duration: 7 Days

Area: Oman
Accomodation is included in this tour: Our Explorer Trips accommodate our guests in either 3 star superior hotels or in our own comfortable dome tents. The tents are comfortably furnished with bedrolls, and we provide you with sleeping bags and pillows. There are shared (one between three tents) toilets and shower tents, as well as handbasins. A towel is provided for each guest. Additional camp facilities include camp seating outside each tent as well as tables and chairs for dining.

The Guide is able to understand this language also    
   english

Special Hints: This trip brings together the dramatic coastline and the picturesque interior of Oman. Using different transport over a variety of terrains, it shows off the truly beautiful nature of this country.

edited at 07.10.08 | 09:51 AM
last update 07.10.08 | 09:54 AM

Guide details

Will Plummer

Web: To contact this tour operator please use the contact form above.
Phone Number: ---
Vita
Alanaka Tours is one of the leading inbound operators to Oman. We provide professional services combined with the real essence of Oman which comes from our local multilingual guides. We trust that you will appreciate our personal service and attention to detail from the moment you call us, until the moment you get back to your home, and hope that you don’t mind a bit of our enthusiasm for Oman rubbing off on you. We look forward to hearing from you, and remember we are here to make the planning and booking of your holiday to Oman as relaxing and easy as sitting out on one of its unspoilt beaches. The company is whole managed by the owner with over ten years in the travel industry. Our expertise is luxury products in the Middle East predominantly Oman and we are proud to offer all ground services required for clients trips whatever your requirements. We have our own niche products including luxury camping which is offered on both a scheduled departure and tailor made basis. There is also a lower budget option our Explorer Trips which still offer a great way to see the country in the company of others. We also offer self drive trips, hotel bookings, day and overnight tours as well as our own sea adventures in the Sultanate. Like most tour operators around the world consumer protection is a priority. Alanaka Tours is a company registered in Oman. For all bookings we offer a trust account based on the UK Package Travel Regulations of 1992. Your money will be held in trust until such time as all aspects of your trip as detailed on your final invoice are completed. There are no laws in Oman that oblige us to do this. Whatever your requirements we can take care of them so please do not hesitate to get in touch.

edited at 28.05.07 | 08:47 AM
last update 07.10.08 | 09:48 AM

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