Driving conditions DEEP SAND & EXCELLENT TARMAC Campsite facilities NONE – FREE CAMPING Lodges & hotels GOOD TO EXCELLENT Route finding EASY TO VERY CHALLENGING Oman is a great destination for anyone who has never self driven abroad before. It is extremely safe and has an excellent road system. Hotels are easy to find and fuel is readily obtainable and unbelievably cheap. Off road driving in the Empty Quarter and Wahiba Sands is enormous fun (and the deep sand is challenging!) but it is imperative to be accompanied by a local guide since navigation is almost impossible, even with a GPS. Oman is a lovely destination for families; its hotels are family-friendly. Food can be bought in towns but the food shops are, strangely, not immediately obvious. In fact, this is illustrative of much of Oman’s character. On first inspection, it is a very closed society and contrasts hugely with the more open and direct approach you find in the African countries we go to. However, you soon come to realise that the Omani people are bursting with friendliness. They are wonderfully hospitable, interested and interesting people. SELF DRIVE CONDITIONS – OMAN S A F A R I D R I V E O M A N O M A N O M A N 64

Oman overview & wildlife notes Geography: Oman comprises a narrow coastal plain backed by hill ranges and an interior desert plateau. The Al Hajar mountains include Al Jebel al Akhdar (the Green Mountain) which is about 10,000 feet above sea level. In the south is the neartropical Salalah plain. Key attractions: The beautiful walled old town of Muscat is characterised by ancient houses and narrow streets and is dominated by two well preserved 16th century Portuguese forts, al Jalali and Mirani. It also has three original ornately carved wooden gates, acres of lush gardens and all against the setting of the Gulf of Oman. ‘New’ Muscat is clean and pretty with fabulous hotels on the sea. Wahiba Sands lie in the eastern region of Oman stretching for about 110 miles north to south, with high dunes (some reaching 300 feet), extensive woodland and unspoiled coastline. The mud flats and lagoons around Barr Al Hikman are home to a large migrant bird population in winter and the Sands are home to 200 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Al Jebel al Akhdar lies at the heart of the Al Hajar mountains of northern Oman and is characterised by soaring peaks, rugged canyons, terraced fruit orchards and rose gardens fed by fresh water springs. It offers some truly spectacular views, exhilarating walks and secluded and tranquil camping. The Empty Quarter, or Rub al Khali, is a sandy wilderness that spreads across four Arab nations. It is home to the resilient Bedu who have found a means to survive its harsh and unyielding environment. The majestic beauty of Rub al Khali is captivating. Population: 3 million people. When to go: The best months are October to May as it is simply too hot at other times. 65