Wahiba Desert Ride

Introduction
Ash Sharqiyah Oman
Explore the stunning Wahiba Desert from the back of a beautiful Arabian or Anglo-Arab horse.

During this ride, you will cross the Wahiba desert, riding through an ever-changing landscape of sand dunes, wadis and Bedouin villages. One of the highlights of the ride will be getting to know more about the local culture and the Bedouin way of life: music, food... You might also encounter some Oryx.

Each night is spent at a different comfortable camp in the desert (all camping equipment is provided).

Accomodation


Accommodations
This is a wilderness ride, so nights will be a mixture of hotels and camping.

Description
Accommodations are mostly in comfortable desert camps.  

Accommodation Itinerary for Standard Option (8 days) - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Muscat
Night 2 & 3: Desert Camp near Al Wasel
Night 4: Guesthouse on a Farm
Night 5: Desert Camp 
Night 6: Camp in Eastern Sands
Night 7: Hotel in Muscat

Hotel in Muscat
This newly renovated hotel offers 152 modern bedrooms. Each room features a TV, a phone, a safe, free internet access and private facilities with hair dryer.

Desert Camps
You will be accommodated in comfortable tents with made up beds and modern facilities (sometimes shared, sometimes private).

Guesthouse on a Farm
You will sleep in a small guesthouse with just a few bedrooms (in case of big riding group, accommodation will be at a different location). There is a pool and a garden where you can relax in the evening.

Room Occupancy
If you attend as a single rider willing to share but we are unable to find another rider to share, the single supplement fee applies.



Meals
All meals are included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast in the last day. 

The majority of meals are served at your accommodations.

During the desert ride our cook will provide delicious Omani dinners.
Majbos also named Kabsa, is a dish that consists of rice mixed with saffron cooked with spicy red or white meat. Majboos translates as "to be engaged" in Oman and is almost always served at special occasions like weddings and engagements!
Mashuai is another delicious dish consisting of roasted king fish and savory lemon rice.
A popular street food in Oman is Mishkak, which is grilled pieces of marinated meat (usually chicken, mutton or beef on long wooden sticks) served hot with tamarind chutney.
Halwa is a sticky, sweet gelatinous snack, made from brown sugar, honey, eggs and various spices. It has a lot of flavors, such as rose water, nuts, chocolate, etc. Some halwas are also made from the Omani dates. Halwas are often accompanied with Kahwa (a very strong bitter coffee that is often served in tiny cups) as a sign of hospitality. Kahwa is made from freshly roasted ground coffee and flavored with some cardamom!

Alcoholic drinks are not included in the package but you can bring some during the tour.


Dietary Restrictions
We can accommodate vegetarians and some other special diets with prior notice.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding 
You must be able to walk, trot, canter and galop in open spaces. The riding time depends on the level of the group, the horses, the terrain and the weather. Arabian horses are enduring but not very supportive. Thus, we ask riders over 85 kg to tell us before booking, in order to validate with the guide, the availability of a suitable horse.

Itinerary



Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

It is possible to add an extra day to this program and ride on the beach near Muscat (please inquire for rates). If you decide to stay an extra day, you can ask your hotel in Muscat to arrange a cruise for you to see the Damaniyats islands (paid locally as weather dependant).

Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival
Arrival at Seeb international airport and transfer to your hotel located nearby Mutrah Souk and Old Muscat City.
Afternoon city tour of Mutrah Souk, one of the most popular souks in the Middle East. Take a walk in its labyrinths with a myriad of merchandise, from imported fabrics to exotic Oriental spices, perfumes and richly handcrafted Artifacts. A visit to this frenetic, pulsating hub of Muscat’s old quarter makes for a delightful experience. Then, transfer to the magnificent Al Alam Palace, the official residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said the ruler of Oman. The palace is an architectural marvel for both its design and its location between the twin Portuguese forts Mirani and Jalali.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Muscat

Day 2 (Sunday): Wadi Beni Khalid
After breakfast we will drive to Wadi Beni Khalid (3.5 hours from Muscat). It is the most famous wadi of the Sharqiyah region. Its stream maintains a constant flow of water throughout the year. Large pools of water and boulders are scattered along the course of the wadi. As a geographical area, Wadi Beni Khalid covers a large swath of lowland and mountains. You will have the option to swim in the natural pools (ladies should wear leggings as normal swimwear are not accepted).
Then, late afternoon transfer to Bidiya. Meeting with our horse team at the desert stable and test ride before sunset.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Desert Camp

Day 3 (Monday): Start of Desert Ride
We will meet our horses in the morning, near Bidiyah, and ride towards Sama Valley. The ground is nice and ideal to get used to our horses.  
We aim to arrive at our camp in time for lunch, riding approximately 23 kilometers. Our horses and team are never far away. It is always possible to enjoy bedouin nights with our horse team after a nice shower and dinner at your camp.
Lovely evenings under the stars, firecamps and bedouin stories will make this ride unforgettable!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Desert Camp

Day 4 (Tuesday): Oryx Valley Ride
After a nice Omani breakfast we will start our ride across the Oryx valley, crossing the red sand dunes and passing villages. We will find palm trees in each village (with a water system called falaj) and green grass for the animals,... The perfect place for our lunch break.
This afternoon, we ride in a nice valley, with a lot of acacias trees, providing shade for animals and Bedouins.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Desert

Day 5 (Wednesday): Wadi Obeid Ride
We will be riding in a large valley, until we reach our camp on top of sand dunes.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Desert Camp

Day 6 (Thursday): Tiwi Rashid Ride
The destination for today is Tiwi Rashid valley. On today's route, we will see camels. The sandy ground is sometime very deep for our horses.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Desert Camp

Day 7 (Friday): Desert Villages
This morning, you ride to Al Rakka village where you will say goodbye to the horses. You are then transferred to a seaside hotel near Muscat for your last overnight.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Muscat

Day 8 (Saturday): Departure
After an amazing tour, it’s time for departure. We will drop you off at Muscat International Airport.
Meals included: Breakfast


Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome on this ride. Please, inquire for rates and non-riding activities.

Rates and Dates for Wahiba Desert Ride

Dates Note:
Best months for this trip are October to May

Other Info
Meeting: Muscat International Airport
Airport: Muscat International Airport
Transfer: Muscat International Airport

Climate:
                                                    Muscat area