Comfort
Accommodation on the first night is in a 3*** hotel in Muscat.
Your second night is in a luxurious fixed camp in the desert, with proper beds and bathrooms.
During the trail there are 4 nights camping in double or twin tents at a permanent camp. Foam mattresses and bedding is provided, a sleeping bag is not necessary but you may want to bring a liner.
Meals
Breakfast: bread, eggs, fruit, cereal and hot drinks.
Picnic lunch.
Dinners are at local restaurants in the cities. When camping, the local team will prepare traditional meals and mineral water is included.
Alcohol is not allowed on this trail.
Climate
Oman has two types of climate.
In the northern and eastern parts, you can expect a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and warm winters. In the South and West, the climate is tropical and the monsoon usually strikes between June and September. The centre of the country is dominated by an arid climate with hot days and nights.
The best time of the year to visit Oman is between October and March, with cooler temperatures (between 20°C and 30°C).
Guide and local team
Local team of Bedouins.
Tips
It is customary to tip the local team as a gesture of thanks and we would recommend c. £40/50 for the week, but you should give what you feel is right.
Packing list
Please keep in mind the local cultures and customs: keep your shoulders covered and no shorts above the knee.
Head
- Helmets are mandatory and you must bring your own.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana to protect your face and neck from the sun, sand, and dust.
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and dust
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Casual clothes for the evening
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening
- Bathing suit
Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots or hiking shoes with half chaps as long chaps/long boots can get very hot.
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding
Nightwear
- Thermals are a good option for sleeping in, or a t-shirt and shorts for warmer nights
- A woolly hat when camping (desert nights can be cold)
- Sleeping bag liner
Our Recommendations
- Please don't take a hard sided suitcase. Your luggage should be soft sided and you should pack it into two bags if it weighs more than 15kg so it's easier for the team to transport between camps
- Take a second, smaller bag to pack things you may need during the day such as a book or suncream then you can easily access it during the long lunch break
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
Other useful items
- Towel. Camping towels will pack lighter and dry more easily
- Sarong (for going to/from the shower tent)
- Water bottle (1.5 litre or two x 1 litre)
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch for moving around camp at night
- Toilet paper and small plastic bags for taking rubbish away
In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag.
- Small penknife
In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat
Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Rehydration sachets (dioralyte or similar)
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Ear plugs, particularly if you are a light sleeper
- Micropur or similar water purification tablets
- Mosquito spray