Safari Drive in Oman Oman is our newest destination and is totally different from all the other countries we go to. Here we combine the excitement and freedom of a self drive journey with the thrill of heading into Wahiba Sands for a few days camel trekking or desert driving. We believe that a journey into the remoter areas is a must – they are absolutely spectacular and the scenery is out of this world. However, we also know that it is very important to be safe and here, more than anywhere, you will need a capable guide – only the mad would travel into the desert alone! In the Empty Quarter, our Safari Drive guide is a Bedouin and he loves this area with the pride of someone who has spent his life here. He knows every dune and, more importantly, every oasis. Heading off into the sands with him is simple and intrepid travelling at its best. There are no facilities of any kind – just lots of sand, the odd passing Bedu and his caravan of camels, you and your vehicle, ear-ringing tranquillity and breathtaking scenery. Sitting under the night sky talking to the Bedu about their life, your life and the world is a memorable and intriguing experience. O M A N O M A N O M A N 67

Oman journeys with Safari Drive Below is a great itinerary we did for a couple, who wanted to spend about three weeks exploring Oman, mixing self drive with desert bound cameltrekking. Remember, we create individual, tailor-made itineraries so please don’t feel you have to stick to the following; Day 1 Arrive in Muscat and stay at a fabulous five star hotel Days 2-4 Fly down to Salalah where you will be met by one of our team. Vehicle handover & full briefing. Spend three days exploring the coastline east and west of Salalah. Take a boat trip out to see the turtle beaches and the dolphins that swim along this coast. Here you stay in a comfortable, Omani resort hotel, which serves as an ideal base Days 5-7 Stock up with food & water then drive north to Thumrayt to meet up with your Bedouin guide and head to the Empty Quarter. It is a great drive. Here you camp under canvas or sleep out in the open Day 8 Drop off your guide at Thumrayt before going north. You break your journey at the Arabian oryx sanctuary (permit required) Day 9 Driving up the coast, you head for Hijj to meet your guide who will lead you to Qahid, where you stay overnight in tents Days 10-12 Camel trek through Wahiba Sands to Hawiyah. You spend the next three nights in the desert with Bedouins, riding on camels (maximum 5 hours a day) and camping in tents or in the open (highly recommended). A sensational experience. You will be well looked after by the Bedu who guide you expertly through the desert and provide simple yet delicious traditional Bedouin food Day 13 Arrive at Hawiyah nomadic desert camp, where you stay in a palm leaf thatch hut Days 14-15 Drive to Al Jebel al Akhdar at the heart of the Al Hajar Mountains where you stay in a hotel. Explore this spectacular area for two days - the Great Wadis are beautiful Days 16-18 Return to Muscat for a completely relaxing three days in a superb hotel on the beach. Head off through the narrow streets of beautiful old Muscat. Fly home the next day 68