Immersion in the Rub' al Khali dunes
In summary
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Sports
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Duration14 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationMiddle East / Oman
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions3542 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
Arabic
In a few words
With the aim of discovering the treasures of the Sultanate in depth, following in the footsteps of Sinbad the Sailor, we offer this itinerary that is both comprehensive, as it takes in all the major sites, and intimate, as it allows time to explore on foot all the most beautiful locations, including the Sultanate's deserts . From Muscat, the Sultanate's capital, we set off for an immersion in the Western Hajar Mountains, whose geological formations defy the imagination: magnificent villages are nestled in the heart of breathtaking oases , and we hike from one to another, between plateaus, canyons, and high-altitude trails. Passing through the wadis and canyons of Arabia with their emerald pools, we arrive at the immense dunes of Rub' al Khali. After returning to the coast, we discover a surprising desert on the edge of the Indian Ocean, the "Sugar Dunes": an astonishing natural phenomenon, these sand dunes shimmer with shades of white and beige! We will enjoy hiking and camping in this unique setting on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Finally, we return to Muscat along the coast, passing through the town of Sur, then following the Arabian Sea, exploring Wadi Shaab and Wadi Tiwi along the way.
The highlights
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The contrasting landscape between the wadis, mountains and desert dunes
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3 days of total immersion in the Saharan landscape of the immense Rub' al Khali desert
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Beautiful hikes in the most beautiful locations
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Autre
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 40 m
- Average daily descent: 40 m
Management
Program
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Flight to Muscat.
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight to Muscat. Depending on your arrival time (some flights are more nighttime than daytime), you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, or you will depart directly for your tour. Meals are not included in the city.Day 1 -
The Great Mosque - Nakhal Palm Grove - Wadi Bani Kharus
- Transportation 03h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we set off to visit the Sultan Kaboos Grand Mosque: the main mosque of the Sultanate of Oman, inaugurated in 2002 and built using both modern techniques and traditional craftsmanship. We then drive to the small oasis of "Nakhl" – a paradise palm grove in the local language – and it truly lives up to its name. We continue on to the Wadi Bani Kharus valley where we'll enjoy a lovely hike in Al-Alya. Here we discover beautiful, lush terraces. We continue our journey, crossing a mountain pass and then descending to a palm grove accessible only on foot called Ad Dar. We spend a pleasant time there, meeting locals who come every day to tend their rose and banana crops. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.Day 2 -
Bilad Seet village - Misfat Al-Abreyeen palm grove
- Transportation 02h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A morning stroll through the charming village of Bilad Seet, nestled at the foot of the cliffs on the northern slopes of Jebel Akhdar. The village is accessed via a beautiful mountain gorge. We'll visit the village and its palm grove. Afterwards, we ascend to the Sharaf Pass, where we'll enjoy a lovely panoramic view of the entire mountain range and its cultivated terraces. From there, we'll travel by road to Misfat Al-Abreyeen. This village is accessible only on foot. Its freshwater spring feeds the beautiful palm grove in the heart of the mountains through an ancient irrigation system. Our accommodation will be in a traditional Omani house in this magnificent setting.Day 3 -
Al Hamra fortified city - Jebel Shams (mountain of the sun) - The Grand Canyon.
- Transportation 01h30
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Descent to Al Hamra, an ancient fortified city dating back to the 17th century, and a visit to Bait Ak Safah, a traditional Omani house in the valley. This living history museum showcases Omani traditions presented by locals in a restored mud-brick house. In the afternoon, transfer to Jebel Shams, the highest peak not only in the Sultanate of Oman but also in the entire Arabian Peninsula, reaching an altitude of 3,009 meters. Hike through the Grand Canyon, starting from the village of Al Khitaym. We walk along a trail high above the canyon. Panoramic views abound, and at the end of the trail, we discover a surprising cave village, a relic of another era.Day 4 -
Birkat Al Mawz - Jebel Akhdar (green mountain) - Sayq Plateau
- Transportation 02h30
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we set off to visit Birakt Al Mawz (literally "the banana lake," though there are no banana trees left!). We have a splendid view of the date palms, with a fortified village built in tiers on the hillside. Some of its ochre-colored earth houses have been restored and decorated with beautiful carved wooden doors. A falaj runs through the village, supplying water to the surrounding palm groves. Falajs are underground water supply systems used for crop irrigation; this system has existed in the region for 4,500 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, we explore Jebel Akhdar (the Green Mountain), hiking and discovering mountain villages surrounded by fields of roses, in bloom in March, amidst gardens, falajs, and pomegranate trees. We set up camp on the Sayq plateau.Day 5 -
Village of Wadi Bani Habib - Nizwa
- Transportation 02h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We are still on the Sayq plateau, visiting the small, abandoned village of Wadi Bani Habib, also built on a hillside in the middle of a canyon (wadi). It is surrounded by lush vegetation. We descend from the plateau to the city of Nizwa, the former capital of the Sultanate until it was replaced by Muscat. It was once a center of Islamic learning, still known to its former inhabitants as Jama'a Nizwa. In the afternoon, we visit the city fort, built in the 17th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif al-Arabi, who expelled the Portuguese from Omani territory in 1650. We enjoy a panoramic view of the palm grove and the entire city.Day 6 -
Nizwa Livestock Market - Rub' al Khali Desert
- Transportation 06h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we visited the souks and livestock market of Nizwa, a weekly market held every Friday. It's a wonderful introduction to Omani culture. In the afternoon, we drove south towards the desert. We arrived at the edge of the vast Rub' al Khali desert, the "Empty Quarter," one of the largest deserts in the world, where we set up camp in the heart of the sands.Day 7 -
Hiking in the Rub' al Khali desert
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We venture deeper into the Empty Quarter and find ourselves amidst a breathtaking landscape. We are following in the footsteps of Wilfred Thesiger, one of the great explorers of the 20th century. The pyramidal dunes are magnificent. The surrounding immensity is no less so. The changing light dances on the curves of the dunes, and the sunrises and sunsets offer us moments of profound emotion. We are walking the path of the caravans that traveled the Incense Route more than 2,000 years ago. We return to the campsite with an intense feeling of freedom.Day 8 -
Rub Al Khali - Limestone massif of Jebel Kobra
- Transportation 05h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave the Rub' al Khali dunes and head towards Jebel Kobra, a chalky limestone massif where salt was once extracted from a former mining gallery. We plan to stop and see a salt dome. We continue our journey, exploring the maze of gorges that carve through Jebel Kobra. We set up camp amidst a landscape of striking limestone rock formations.Day 9 -
Mahout Hills - White Desert (Sugar Dunes)
- Transportation 04h
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early morning transfer to the Mahout region where we discover the ochre, red, and white sand hills – a truly unique landscape. We hike through rocks and dunes to reach a sublime spot where white dunes blend seamlessly with ochre ones. As sunset approaches, we set up camp in this magnificent setting. Overnight camping.Day 10 -
Hiking in the White Desert - Khaluf
- Transportation 01h30
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a final hike in the dunes bathed in beautiful morning light, we reach the Indian Ocean, where we set up camp. We hike along the beach, enjoying magnificent views.Day 11 -
Khaluf - City of Sur
- Transportation 04h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer to the city of Sur, a jewel among Omani cities. The city of Sur dates back to antiquity. Its Arabic name is the same as that of Tyre, the Phoenician city in Lebanon. Located on the Gulf of Oman, Sur has a rich maritime history (fishing, dhow building, maritime trade, etc.). We visit the dhow shipyard and stroll through its old port. These traditional wooden boats, called dhows, were once used for pearl diving in the Arabian Gulf and for transporting goods and slaves between the Horn of Africa and Asia. Today, the city is revitalizing itself thanks to the tuna fishing industry.Day 12 -
Sur - Wadi Shab - Muscat
- Transportation 02h30
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Departure from Sur and drive to Wadi Shab, which offers a pleasant walk and superb panoramas with the steep wadi walls reflected in turquoise pools and canyons with ochre cliffs. After a picnic lunch, we drive to Muscat, strolling along the Muttrah Corniche and exploring its colorful souk. Evening transfer to the airport for your flight. Dinner and evening at leisure.Day 13 -
Arrival in France
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Return flight to France.Day 14
Note
Accommodation
- 2 or 3 star category hotels, simple, clean and well located.
- Whether camping in the desert or the mountains, our campsites are chosen for their tranquility and, whenever possible, their pleasant views. All our campsites are in spacious dome tents. For your comfort, you'll sleep two to a tent (capacity 3 people) on provided mattresses. Our proven logistics ensure maximum comfort.
- Comfortable, well-equipped campsites with beds, shower and toilet facilities.
- Traditional house with rooms for two or three people with shared shower and toilet.
Price details
The price includes
- The round-trip flight Paris / Muscat
- Local transfers
- Accommodation
- Full board except in Muscat
- The team of drivers
- A French-speaking tour guide
The price does not include
- Visa fees (see "Visa" section)
- The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
- Personal expenses
- Drinks
- Meals in Muscat (approximately 2 meals, €15 per meal)
- Tips for your tour guide and local team (at your discretion).
Options
- Airport-hotel transfer : CHF82.33 / unit
- Return transfer : CHF82.33 / unit
- Double room : CHF82.33 / unit
- Double room : CHF82.33 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Individual and group cooking equipment and group bivouac equipment are provided by us.
Equipment to bring
Essential everyday kit:
- Sunscreen cream for face and lips
- 1.5L bottle
- Packet of tissues
- Hand sanitizing gel or disinfectant wipes
- Mosquito repellent spray for skin and clothing
- A roll of toilet paper
- A lighter
- Comfortable sleeping bag, adapted to your size, rather mummy-shaped (closer to the body and with a hood that closes) with a side zip closure for opening at your convenience.
- It is necessary to adapt your sleeping bag to the temperatures encountered, determined according to your travel dates and the region visited. We advise you to choose a sleeping bag that is comfortable at 10°C below the lowest average temperature encountered (for example, if you are traveling in February in the Nizwa region, you need a sleeping bag that is comfortable at: 15 - 10 = 5°C).
A sleeping bag that's comfortable at -10°C will also be comfortable at 0°C or 10°C; simply open it to allow air to circulate inside. Conversely, if you already have a sleeping bag that's comfortable at 10°C, for example, a fleece sleeping bag liner will make it about 5 degrees warmer. - Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
- Headlamp + spare batteries (always useful)
- Lightweight bath towel
- Knife (don't forget to put it in your checked baggage on the plane)
- Toiletry bag and bath towel
Clothing to bring
- Walking shoes: high or low-cut, as you prefer, but with good soles. Avoid new shoes, as blisters could ruin your trip: if necessary, try to break them in before you leave.
- Lightweight shoes or sandals are recommended for walking through towns and villages, during transfers, or in the evenings at camp. Sandals, which offer good ventilation, are ideal when the weather permits. These shoes should be brought in addition to your hiking boots.
- Shoes or sandals that can go in the water, for wadi crossings, like old sneakers.
- Lightweight socks for daytime and warm (wool or looped) socks for evenings at altitude.
- Trousers in cotton or light material (see "Etiquette" in Oman).
- Swimsuit. If you have a swimsuit with shorts and a rash guard for swimming in the wadis, bring them.
- Shirts or T-shirts with sleeves covering the shoulders.
- Polar
- Gore-Tex type jacket for rain, wind and cold weather.
- Hat or cap, and/or a shemagh: the first two offer the advantage of also protecting your face from the sun, which the shemagh (long veil scarf) does not do: the latter is on the other hand very useful for protecting yourself from the cold, the heat, the sand and the wind.
- Category 3 sunglasses
For nights spent bivouacking at altitude in the heart of winter (from mid-November to mid-March) you will also need:
- Warm jacket: down-type jacket or thick fleece in addition to the Gore-Tex jacket.
- Cap
- Gloves