We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
All walks are subject to change due to external circumstances.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Oman |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.70 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.60 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£3.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£4.50 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£10.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
|
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Seeb International Airport (Muscat) or at any Oman border post at a cost of 20 Rials or approximately $55 though this could change at any time and without warning so we therefore advise you to check with the nearest embassy before travelling.
Please note: Visitors arriving with evidence of a visit to Israel (such as an entry stamp to Israel or an entry stamp into a neighbouring country at a point that indicates a visit to Israel would have to have been made) will be refused entry to Oman, even if the bearer holds a valid Omani visa.
All nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Malaria, Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against Malaria.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Walking Grades and Fitness
NB Vertigo sufferers should note that some of the trails we take are quite narrow with a steep or sheer drop. Other options may sometimes be available but not necessarily of the same distance or level of strenuousness.
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Climate
The annual rainfall in most parts of Oman does not usually exceed 125mm, although in the north (the Jebel Akhdar mountain area), it can exceed 20-25mm per month in the December to February period. The coastal areas have a hot and humid season from May to September (up to 38 degrees C), although temperatures remain high throughout the year. Inland the humidity is lower, and nights are cooler in winter when there can be frost in the desert. There is perpetual sunshine throughout the year.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of luggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 20kgs/44lbs. Remember – you are expected to carry your own luggage, so don't overload yourself. Dust proof bags will be needed for luggage whilst travelling through the desert.
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Pack essentially for ‘All Tours’ plus ‘Hot Conditions’. You will need lightweight clothing for sunny days, with a sun-hat and neck protection. You will also need some warmer clothing for the evenings, especially between November and March and for the camp at Sharaf Al Alamayn. Nights out camping in the desert and along the Arabian coast can be cold from October to March, so please bring a warm jacket or fleece, gloves, hat and a wind/waterproof jacket.
Women should cover up outside the main cities and hotels to show respect for Moslem sensibilities and to avoid unwelcome attention – long trousers are ideal. Bare shoulders and legs can cause offence in most parts of Oman and men should also bear this in mind regarding the wearing of shorts around the cities. Your tour leader will advise you as to appropriate dress.
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Footwear
Comfortable walking boots are essential, trainers and sandals. Bear in mind that you will need something that you do not mind getting wet.
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Equipment
Binoculars, headtorch/torch, water bottle, insect repellent, high factor suncream (at least factor 20), good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection. You will also need a 3-4season sleeping bag (from Oct - Feb a 4-season). In April a light sleeping bag or liner will be sufficient). Swimming costume. You may also like to bring your own mask and snorkel with you and anyone wishing to Snorkel fromt eh beach or Dhow. Please note: sleeping mats are provided.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
Welcome to the land of Sinbad, an enigmatic realm of ancient traders, dramatic coastlines and traditional villages. This spectacular journey takes you deep into its remote interior, trekking across landscapes and through remote communities that have remained unchanged for generations. Camping on plateaus overlooking ancient ocean beds and captivating villages we enjoy the rare tranquillity of a region for so long cut off from the outside world. Starting in the Omani capital of Muscat,we visit the opulent grandeur of its Grand Mosque, before taking a tour of one of the Gulf’s most beautiful cities. We will have an opportunity to learn more about the heritage and history that has shaped this diverse country and take a chance to explore its bustling souks and relax aboard a traditional dhow. Leaving Muscat we head for the captivating oasis of Birkat Al Mauz, taking in the fascinating setting of its traditional architecture and ancient falaj systems, before heading for the green mountains of the Jebel Akhdar. Here we begin our trek, traversing a landscape of mountain villages and terraced fields, as we cross the Sayq Plateau and head for the lush landscapes around Jebel Shams. Camping beneath a desert sky we have ample opportunities to enjoy the serene ambience of this unique setting, reflecting on days spent amidst some of Oman’s most captivating landscapes. We will visit isolated communities like Misfah and Balad Sayt, take in the rich heritage of Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital, with its bustling souk and imposing fort. Then we head for the coast and the golden sands and turquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, where two nights at Al Sawadi Beach Resort affords some time to relax and enjoy a range of land and water based activities, before we say farewell to this most enigmatic of lands.
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Please note:
RAMADAN 2010 11th August – 9th September
Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period.
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Water-based activities: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including whitewater) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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Country info
Area: 212,500 sq km.
Population: 2.8 million.
Language: Arabic, English, Farsi, Baluchi, Urdu.
Religion: Badi Muslim (75%), Sunni Muslim, Shiite Muslim, Hindu.
Local Time: GMT +4.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220/240v, 50Hz.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Bartholomew produce a series of maps for the area, alternatively the National Survey Authority of Oman produce a map of the country available in Oman.
Recommended Books: Wilfred Thesiger: Arabian Sands, Peter Mansfield: The Arabs, Philip Ward: Travels in Oman, Jonathan Raban: Arabia through the Looking Glass, Tim Severin: The Sinbad Voyage, Alistair Mackenzie: Oman Trekking.
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