OMA1 - Northern Circuit 2015

No!hern R"te
A 15 day Safa# taking in $ highlights of $ no!h
of Oman from Muscat to Muscat
Independence
Freedom
D%covery
Exploration
Adventure
OMAN 1 - NORTHERN ROUTE 2015
A SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1
The Al Bustan Palace, Muscat
On arrival in Muscat you will be met by our representative on the ground,
assisted through immigration before you collect your luggage. It is your
responsibility to obtain the correct visa for your holiday.
You will then be transferred to the Al Bustan Palace Hotel. This worldrenowned hotel is quite breathtaking. The vast size of the main foyer is
absolutely incredible. For a big hotel, the service is excellent and the very
friendly staff are all a joy. The rooms and suites are beautifully and very
luxuriously decorated - the very best rooms are the Arabian rooms. Each
room and suite has a balcony and sitting area and are roomy and light and
have every extra you could wish for. Four excellent restaurants offer a
huge variety of food all of which are excellent and the Al Maha Piano Bar
offers quality live jazz and blues. The enormous gardens have five pools
and private access to a stunning long white beach. All non-motorised
watersports are on offer from the excellent watersports centre and there
are plenty of day trips into the north of Oman and out to sea available.
This is a really lovely hotel and rightly has a worldwide reputation for
excellence.
Later today your Land Cruiser will be delivered to you and you will be
fully briefed on the vehicle and all your equipment. You will be pointed in
the right direction for shops to collect any fresh items to go in your fridge
(Lulu Shopping Centre and Carrefour are the best places). Shops tend to
be open in the morning from 09h00 through until 13h00 and from 16h00
to around 19h00. Fridays and Saturdays are the weekend in Oman, and
many things are closed on Fridays.
You stay here on a bed and breakfast basis.
DRESS CODE
Oman is a conservative Muslim country and it is essential that you respect the following
basic dress code: Except on the beach or by the pool, ladies must cover their shoulders
and knees. In towns and villages they should also cover their arms and legs.
Men should also wear long sleeves and cover their knees.
Apart from the beach, please respect this dress code in all public places including the
hotel foyer and in restaurants.
Interestingly, it can make you feel very uncomfortable if you do not follow this code.
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Day 2
The Al Bustan Palace, Muscat
Today you may choose to visit many of the local attractions in the area
which includes Mutrah Corniche, the old Mutrah Souk and Fort, the
Natural History Museum and the Sultan’s Mosque. Remain based here at
the Al Bustan for a second night.
Day 3
Wadi Dayqah Rough Camp
Today you can head south east toward Qurayyat and aim for Wadi Dayqh
and Wadi As Suwayh. This spot has progressively become more popular,
especially with the more adventurous expatriate population however is
well worth a visit. You can spend the afternoon in the pools and enjoy the
area before you find somewhere suitable to set up camp. Here you will
be rough camping. Average drive time 3.5 hours.
Day 4
Tiwi Rough Camp
This morning you will head further south east toward Sur. This road is
new and quite surprising as it veers through the remarkable mountain
ranges. There are many special little attractions in the way of villages,
natural and historical sites which you can leisurely visit before you find a
nice spot on the coast to set up camp. Here you will be rough camping.
Average drive time 2 hours.
Day 5
Ras al Jinz Scientific & Visitor Centre, Ras al Jinz
This morning you will drive to Sur, which is a gorgeous fishing village on
the coast. This is a great spot to investigate the traditionally hand-made
dhows (fishing boats) and wonder down the buzzing corniche. There are
many delicious local restaurants where you can have lunch this afternoon.
You will then continue on to the Ras al Jinz Scientific Centre which is
quite simple, but very clean and is located at the heart of the Raz al Jinz
Sea Turtle and Nature Reserve, established in 1996. The total protected
area is 120 kilometres, with 45 kilometres of coastline extending for 1
kilometre into the sea. The Centre has an extensive research library and
research facility for marine biology and archaeology. The Sambuk
restaurant offers delicious fresh cuisine and theme nights are common.
Included in your accommodation fee is a guided visit to see the turtles
laying their eggs each night. This is truly a superb, once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity and is absolutely awe-inspiring. You stay here on a bed and
breakfast basis including a guided turtle watching experience.
Average drive time 1 hour to Sur and a 1 hour drive to the Centre.
Day 6
Nomadic Desert Camp, Wahiba Sands
This morning you will head to Al Wasil where you will find a small scruffy
office for Nomadic Desert Camp. You will meet your guide here at 15h00
which will give you an opportunity to fill your tank to the brim before you
head into the desert.
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Some of the camps in Wahiba Sands are very commercial and quite
soulless. We were lucky to meet Rashid Al Mughairy and his family, who
owns and runs one of the smallest and certainly one of the most genuine
camps. A camel ride could come next before being shown the small and
very simple, but none the less comfortable palm leaf constructed (basasti)
room. The showers and loos are a short walk away and are shared with
the rest of the guests. Candles and oil lights are used as there is no
electricity.
The smiley chef will provide a home cooked dinner - usually curry, rice
and yogurt - which is served before you sit under the stars and relax while
you drink the delicious local coffee and you could share a shisha (hubble
bubble water pipe). Some nights you may even finish up doing a Bedouin
dance with your hosts but whatever happens, laughter and friendliness
abound. You stay here on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. Please
do not expect or ask for any alcohol as it is not served. Please
provide your own towel (towels are supplied in the vehicles). Average
drive time 3 hours.
A 2 day camel trek with an overnight in the desert is also possible for an additional
fee. Please ask for more information.
Day 7
Nomadic Desert Camp, Wahiba Sands
Remain based here for a second night.
Day 8
Jabel Shams Resort, Jabal Shams
Today you should make your way to the Jabal Shams area. A stunning part
of Oman with great views and opportunity for walks.
Accommodation here is varied. You could stay in en-suite Sunset Chalets
overlooking the spectacular sights below, en-suite Private Chalets which
are inset but still have excellent views with private balconies and finally
there are traditional Bedouin tents which share the public ablutions.
Camping here is possible, however there are no showers. There is a lovely
restaurant in the corner which serves simple but tasty local dishes.
Beware of the many goats wondering around! You stay here in a Sunset
Chalet on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
Day 9
Jabal Shams Resort Campsite, Jabal Shams
Today you can spend the day exploring and take part in one of the many
walks that have been outlined by the Ministry of Tourism in this area. You
could decide to visit Al Hoota Cave (tours start on the hour - RO5 per
person) or you could drive up toward Hat to take in some spectacular
mountain views.
You will then return to Jabal Shams Resort. The campsite here is very
basic and although there are shared toilets, there are no showers yet - they
OMAN 1 - NORTHERN ROUTE 2015
are due to be built soon! There is a lovely restaurant in the corner which
serves simple but tasty local dishes. Beware of the many goats wondering
around! The views here are spectacular. Here you will be camping in a
pre-booked and paid for campsite, on a half board basis.
AL HOOTA CAVES
The Al Hoota Cave is found at the base of Jebal Shames, in the Tanuf Valley near
Nizwa. It is more than 5km long and one of the largest cave systems in the world. It
was first opened to the public in 2006 and their exhibition centre has grown
significantly since then. The museum itself is well designed and offers a wealth of
information about the local geology and the formation of the cave. Tours start on the
hour and offer you the chance to see some spectacular stalactite and stalagmite
formations in the vast nooks below. There used to be a train which lead you down into
the depths of the cave, however this has been ‘under reconstruction’ for a few years now
and is not due to be reopened any time soon. This means that you are forced to talk the
0.7km to the entrance of the cave and a further 150 metres to where the tour begins,
however once there, it is quite a sight. The cave is open 09h00-13h00 & 14h00 18h00 Sat-Thu and 09h00-12h00 Fri - closed on Mondays and costs RO 5.500 per
person.
Day 10
Al Jabal Akhdar Rough Camp, Jabal Akhdar Mountains
This morning you set off for the amazing area of Jabal Al Akhdar. The
long climb up the mountain leaves you in a quite extraordinary area of
villages and cultivation. This is a wonderful area to go for a hike. You
must drive far into the mountains to find a suitable place to set up camp
and enjoy the sunset. Here you will be rough camping. Average drive time
3.5 hours.
Day 11
Falaj Daris Hotel, Nizwa
Today you can investigate Nizwa, which has a brilliant souk and an
impressive fort which is well worth visiting. This evening you will be
staying at the Falaj Daris Hotel, just three kilometres from the centre of
the town. Recently renovated and refurbished, this is a charming place to
stay while visiting Nizwa.
There are two pools to cool off in, and a fully equipped modern gym and
steam room are also available to guests. Live Arabic music can be enjoyed
in the Al Sahara Lounge, or you could choose to enjoy a refreshing drink
in the Castle Bar by the swimming pool which benefits from a lovely view.
If you fancy trying some local cuisine, we recommend that you visit
Nizwa and suss out a local restaurant which are all very reasonably priced
and offer a variety of delicious Omani dishes. You stay here on a bed
and breakfast basis. Average drive time 1 hour.
OMAN 1 - NORTHERN ROUTE 2015
MORE INFORMATION ON NIZWA
Located some 160 kilometres from Muscat, Nizwa is one of Oman’s most
outstanding cities. Located in the interior of Oman positioned alongside two wadis, in
the shadow of the fantastic Jabal Akhdar mountain range, Nizwa has remarkable
Islamic architecture and is famous for its historic fortress. The fort was built by Imam
Sultan bin Saif Al Ya’ribi in the 17th century and offers great views of the dates
oasis behind and mountains surrounding it. Over 40 different varieties of dates are
grown in the Nizwa area, and the khalas and khunaizi are the most prized. The city
has several other fortresses, including Tanuf and Al Raaida. Both offer spectacular
views of Jabal Akhdar.
Nizwa souk attracts visitors year round, and is famous for the exquisite copper and
silver jewellery that they sell among other craft items. Khunjars (the daggers worn at the
waist of Omanis in traditional uniform) are sold here in their ornate silver or golddecorated sheaths and some are truly ancient. Witnessing the local fruit and vegetable
trade is great fun, and the local Omani bedouin still sell their goats, camels and other
livestock in the square. Local restaurants vary in quality, but the most expensive ones
do offer an excellent opportunity to try some delicious local cuisine!
Day 12
Al Sawadi Beach Resort, near Barka
Early this morning you will take a remarkably stunning and challenging
drive toward Rustaq via Hat and Wadi Bani Auf. Although the road is only
70 kilometres long, you do drive a steep climb up to the top and taking
your time is the most pleasant way to experience this beautiful area. You
can visit the pretty village of Bilad Sayt before you drive to investigate
Rustaq and visit the fort.
After this you can drive to Nakhal to see the lovely fort there and once
you have exhausted this area, you will drive toward Barka to the Al Sawadi
Beach Resort. This large but lovely resort is set on its own beautifully
tranquil beach and is located roughly 18 kilometres north-west along the
coast from Barka. The pretty en-suite rooms are spacious and you could
decide to investigate the variety of delicious restaurants or alternatively
request a bbq pack where you can cook in the garden outside your room.
Ideal for relaxing, this resort has facilities to suit most everyone. You
could decide to take a stroll up the beach to take in the great sea views,
participate in one of the many water activities available, enjoy a spa
experience or simply relax by the swimming pool and jacuzzi.
Boat excursions to the outstanding Sawadi Isles or Damanayat Islands are
available, where you could go diving or snorkelling to witness some
magnificent underwater flora and fauna. Here you stay in a sea view
room on a half board basis. Average drive time 2.5 hours carefully down the
mountain and a 1.5 hour drive once on tarmac to Al Sawadi.
Day 13
Al Sawadi Beach Resort, near Barka
Remain based here for a second night to make the most of the activities
at the resort.
OMAN 1 - NORTHERN ROUTE 2015
Day 14
Lana Villas, Muscat
Today you will drive back to Muscat where you can do some last minute
shopping and sight-seeing before you stay at Lana Villas this evening.
Located right on the beach in Ghubrah, a residential area of Muscat, this
lovely intimate guesthouse has 10 en-suite rooms, all simple but very
comfortable. Run by a very friendly German couple, it is ideally located to
enable you to venture into Muscat to explore the city in more detail.
Oliver has lived in Oman for a long time and knows all the best spots to
visit! You will hand back your vehicle this afternoon and have a debrief
on your journey. Here you stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Average
drive time 1.5 hours back to Muscat.
Day 15
Depart
Today you will be transferred to Seeb International Airport to catch your
flight home.
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QUOTE
PLEASE NOTE: this will be re-quoted to reflect exchange rates and other variable
The cost per person is from £2,877.00 based on two people sharing a 4x4 vehicle
The cost per person is from £2,387.00 based on four people sharing a 4x4 vehicle
COST INCLUDES:
Fully equipped Land Cruiser
Full camp kitchen, roof tent and ground tents, beds and bedding etc as per equipment list
Detailed daily itinerary, maps and detailed trip manual
Reservations service
Full in country backup
One spare wheel
First aid kit
Basic tool kit, tow rope etc.
Cool box and water containers
Fully comprehensive insurance (with options to reduce your excess, see overleaf).
COST EXCLUDES:
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International Flights
Personal satellite telephone calls @ £2 per minute
Visas (if required)
Extra fuel and food
Personal travel insurance
Camping fees where not included
All meals not included in the itinerary
A full equipment and food list is available in our brochure or on the website www.safaridrive.com on the
“What is Safari Drive”? pages
Subject to availability
E&OA
OMAN 1 - NORTHERN ROUTE 2015
Vehicle & Equipment Damage Deposit
When you take a Safari Drive vehicle on holiday you will also be required to put down a refundable Vehicle
and Equipment Damage Deposit of £3000 (or your chosen level of excess). £3000 represents our standard
excess amount & is your maximum liability in the event of anything happening to the vehicle and/or its
equipment while it is in your possession (including damage to tyres, windscreen, windows and lights).
It is possible to limit your liability by choosing from the excess options below:
Option 1 - I agree to pay £13 per vehicle day (non-refundable), reducing my excess to £1500
Option 2 - I agree to pay £26 per vehicle day (non-refundable), reducing my excess to £350
Option 3 - I agree to pay the standard excess of£3000
We will add your non-refundable ‘vehicle days’ payment to your invoice at the time of your balance payment
(8 weeks prior to departure).
We will take your chosen level of excess from your credit card approximately ten days prior to your
departure and subject to the Safari Drive vehicle being returned to us at the end of your trip in the
condition in which it was given to you, you will be refunded in full. If damage has been caused to the
vehicle you will be required to pay for this damage, the maximum extent of your liability will be the excess
amount.
NOTE: If you roll a vehicle or it is declared an insurance write off you will be liable for the full standard
excess amount of £3000 no matter which excess option you have chosen.
OMAN 1 - NORTHERN ROUTE 2015