THE EXPEDITION
HOW DOES THE EXPEDITION LOOK LIKE?
The journey kicks off with a trip to Muscat, paving the way for an epic drive to the breathtaking Alila Jabal Akhdar in the Jabal Akhdar Mountains, towering over 2,000 meters above sea level—our launching pad for The Oman Expedition.
After immersing ourselves in two days of adrenaline-pumping adventure amidst Oman's rugged mountain terrain, we venture to the exclusive Canvas Club North Camp nestled in the Sharqiya Desert, our strategic base camp for the upcoming desert crossing.
Embarking on a heart-pounding 1,500km journey across the Rub al Khali, navigating vast sand dunes, we then unwind and relive our awe-inspiring exploits at Alila Hinu Bay. Tucked away on the secluded beaches of Salalah in southern Oman, it's the perfect setting to savor the memories of an unforgettable desert odyssey.
DAY 1
WELCOME TO THE SULTANATE
Upon arriving in Muscat, the legendary The Chedi Muscat awaits you with its Arabianesque charm and an expansive 8-hectare palm-lined garden overlooking the sea. It is the ideal place to mentally prepare for the exciting days of the upcoming expedition. In the afternoon, the team gathers in the Chedi Club Lounge for an initial introduction, followed by dinner at The Beach Restaurant. (Extending your stay at The Chedi is recommend, as Muscat and its surroundings have much to offer.)
DAY 2-4
JABAL AKHDAR MOUNTAINS
Our tour begins with a drive to the Jabal Akhdar Mountains, with peaks reaching up to 3,000 meters. The Alila Jabal Akhdar Hotel, spectacularly perched at 2,000 meters overlooking the mountain canyon, serves as our base for initial adventures. Teamwork is required on the Via Ferrata, a breathtaking high-altitude climbing route. We explore the mountain region and mud villages through a hike before an Omani astrologer enlightens us about the night sky and the Arabian mythology behind it, preparing us for what lies ahead in the desert.
DAY 4
Wadi Hawer and Our Start at
Canvas Club North Camp
From the mountains, we head towards the Sharqiyah Desert, the "little sister" of the Rub al Khali, the largest sand desert that we will cross from the fourth day onward. But before that, we make a detour to the Wadi Hawer Oasis. A spectacular trek over several natural water pools, waterfalls, and deep canyons allows us to explore the Wadi. We then drive to our Canvas Club Camp over the dunes of the Sharqiyah Desert to the exclusive Canvas Club Private Camp. Before starting the crossing the next day, there is training for driving on sand and initial dune bashing.
DAY 5-8
Crossing the Rub al Khali Desert
After breakfast, we embark on a longer journey to Fahud, where we refuel the vehicles. The desert crossing begins, lasting four days through the diverse dune landscapes of the North and South sections of the "Empty Quarter," the Rub al Khali, the largest sand desert on Earth.
The sand dunes reveal their various shades, from a golden glow at sunrise and sunset to a deeper, reddish hue in the afternoon. The gentle arches and sharp crests of the dunes are shaped into a surreal and seemingly endless backdrop solely by the winds.
We set up our camp at the most beautiful locations, far from civilization and light pollution, with camels as our only companions.
DAY 8
Canvas Club South Camp
On the last day, we reach the Canvas Club South Camp by evening, situated directly at one of the highest dunes in the entire region. We spend the last night, as did the first, in comfortable tents, reflecting on the experiences of the past days together.
DAY 9-11
Oman's Beautiful Green South
The destination of the expedition is the green south of Salalah, which we reach in the afternoon. Located on the azure blue shores of Oman's southwest coast, Alila Hinu Bay serves as a serene retreat. Enjoy the pristine private beach and water world with activities such as whale and dolphin watching or diving, allowing the impressions of the past week to sink in before embarking on the journey back.
EXPEDITION DATES
07.02.2024 - 17.02.2024
12 Participants
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16.03.2024 - 26.03.2024
12 Participants
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27.10.2024 - 06.11.2024
12 Participants
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26.11.2024 - 06.12.2024
12 Participants
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25.12.2024 - 04.01.2025
12 Participants
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26.01.2025 - 05.02.2025
12 Participants
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TAILOR MADE YOUR OWN EXPEDITION
Do none of the dates suit you, or do you prefer a private adventure?
We'll tailor your own Oman expedition. Whether solo, as a couple, or in a team with others, we'll customize your one-in-a-lifetime adventure to fit.
What our explorers say:
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‘During the drive the sense is stimulated by the smell of patrol, the smell of sweat from the hard working in the car and in the sand. In the evening, there is a beautiful sunset, a nice smell of roasted beef and the sound of a wood fire.'
Roeland
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‘Being part of a Bedouin trek, travelling for an extended period through harsh country, the chance to live with the desert. If you understand the desert and how people live and survive then you will understand the more about the modern Arab culture'
Sean
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'It is a 1001 night fairy-tale, with a magical star show.'
Roderick
