Adventure travel in Oman: On two or four wheels

Whether it is sun-kissed desert dunes at sunrise, verdant wadi oases at high noon or cycling into the sunset, Oman is a delight to explore on two or four wheels.

Desert Dunes

Best explored in a 4WD vehicle, the dunes of Wahiba Sands cover a whopping 12,400km2. They soar up to 200m high, and are tinged a variety of rainbow hues from orange to deep amber. For bolder visitors, the 650,000km2 Empty Quarter is one of the largest deserts in the world. Most guided tours through Oman’s deserts include a stop at a Bedouin campsite where guests can share a meal with locals and sample authentic desert life. Alternatively, luxurious desert camps offer high-end spots to bed down in the dunes, including:

·   Hud Hud Travels (www.hudhudtravels.com), seasonal camps set up in Wahiba Sands and in the mountains near Tanuf. Hud Hud offer the possibility to mix their magical settings with challenging expeditions or specifically tailored events, such as a dinner for 100 guests on a deserted white sand beach

· Desert Nights (www.omanhotels.com/desertnightscamp), which offers their own permanent, luxurious take on traditional Bedouin tents, each one complete with their own private beanbag-splashed terrace. Desert Nights also arranges excursions into the dunes by quad bike and 4WD.

·   And 1000 Nights Camp (www.1000nightscamp.com), set among the Cineraria trees in Wahiba Sands. Camel safaris, treks into the desert and a traditional Omani meal under the stars may be organised by 1000 Nights’ accommodating staff.

It is also worth bearing in minds that visitors are allowed to camp almost anywhere in Oman, from the desert to mountaintops to secluded beaches. However, it is best to seek local advice before you set up camp. 

Self-Drive Holidays

With next to no traffic and petrol cheaper than mineral water, Oman is a country ideal for driving. Explore the hills around Nizwa, hop aboard a ferry to the fjords of Musandam or Masirah Island, or head south to Salalah’s lush coconut groves. Oman Off-Road Explorer is a superb and detailed guidebook to the country’s roads. It can be found on www.askexplorer.com.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om