Day 2: Arrive Muscat
Arrive into Muscat approx. 11:30am. Meet and greet at airport and then a 90 minute drive to the village of Birqat Ak Mauz (pool of the bananas), which guards the only entry up to the Saiq Plateau, a large, flat area at 6-7,000 feet on the Jebel Akhdar mountain. Here pomegranates, roses and apricots grow.
When we arrive on the plateau, we shall get ourselves organized and set up our high altitude camp at 7,500 feet. Students will be briefed on the local area and Oman in general, and taught how to use GPS and radios during a mini navigation course. Kit will be issued this evening. The group will be asked to help with the dinner preparations. Following this will be a briefing for the next day, before the students retreat to their tents for our a night under canvas.
Day 3: Mountain trekking
Wake early (approx. 6am). After breakfast and energisers, the students will help break up camp and clean the site.
At approx. 8am, we begin our journey through the mountain, following old donkey trails that used to connect the villages before roads arrived. The scenery is amazing! The guides will break periodically to explain more about the local geography and culture. 400 year old Juniper Trees provide shade from the sun – while serving as ideal outdoor classrooms!
We will trek for approx. 4 hours until noon, then lunch and rest during the midday heat, before continuing in the afternoon for a further two to three hours.
In the evening, set up camp and reflect on the experiences of the past day and the plans for tomorrow.
Each day’s trek length will be set by the guides as they ascertain the strength of the group. For a guideline: it is possible to trek as little as 5 miles and as much as 20 miles on these mountain trekking days.
Day 4: Mountain trekking
Our journey continues down steep-sided wadis, enjoying spectacular views and maybe spotting the odd vulture and wolf trap along the way.
This evening there will be an opportunity to visit a local Jebali family to learn more about life in the mountains. We pitch our tents outside the home.
Day 5: Transfer to Desert
An early morning departure from our mountain home, as we pack up and clean the camping area, then drive south to the Wahiba Sands for the start of our desert expedition.
This evening we sleep under the amazing star canopy on the roof of the new Outward Bound Oman Desert Centre.
This wonderful desert learning centre has been built for learning outside the classroom and for scientific research.
Day 6: Desert trekking
Energisers and breakfast followed by desert briefing. For the desert trek the group will be joined by 2 camels and a Bedouin handler, as we set off through the desert in the footsteps of the famous explorer Wilfred Thesiger, stopping to rest and enjoy a picnic lunch during the midday heat.
Late afternoon, pitch camp. In the evening, enjoy dinner and a fireside discussion about the Bedouin lifestyle and traditions.
Day 8: Return Muscat
An early morning departure from our desert home to drive back to the capital city of Muscat, stopping at Wadi Bani Khalid, a famous scenic spot, en route. In Muscat, there will be time to visit the souq for some souvenir shopping.
After a farewell shawarma meal at the souq and the presentation of award certificates, we say goodbye to the Omani team and transfer to the airport to catch the late night flight to London via Bahrain, departing at 23:25.
Gane & Marshall
Unforgettable journeys,
tailor-made for you.
Oman Deserts and Mountains
Our Oman Desert and Mountain trekking programmes offer students an exciting introduction to Arabia. Exploring by foot and by camel, students will have the opportunity to learn more about this ancient country’s rich Arab past and unique Bedouin culture, as well as its stunning geography, as they trek the wide expanse of the Wahiba Sands and the dramatic Al Hajar mountain range.
Outline Itinerary
Private Expeditions
Price based on a group size of 15 (students and teachers), travelling during peak season (Oct-Mar). For a quotation tailored to your school, please contact Jeremy@ganeandmarshall.com.
Pricing
7 days from £1645pp
Pricing
7 days from £1645pp
