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Off the beaten track oman

Wild Wonders of Oman

Oman Self-drive Tour (For small groups of family/friends) 6 Nights Guided Self-Drive Adventure

A six-night Oman self-drive tour through Oman’s wild and incredible landscapes. Experience the thrill of driving your 4×4 past mountain heights, among ancient fossil reefs, sailing across the water to remote islands and traversing sweeping desert dunes.

Your group will be accompanied by Marina, aka The Desert Diva, an expert on the Sultanate who has visited countless times since her first trip in 2007. With her intimate knowledge of Oman’s landscapes, history, and culture, Marina will guide you alongside an experienced Omani guide, ensuring a truely unforgettable adventure.

For those who would like to join but don’t have a 4×4 we offer car hire packages. Alternatively for those with their own 4×4 you are also welcome to bring it or hire a vehicle independently—just make sure it is insured for off-road track driving.

Need flights? We can arrange those too!

Two Nissan Patrols (Y62) driving with the Al Huqf Escarpment behind them, Oman

Wild Wonders of Oman Gallery

Waves lap the shore of one of the beaches on Masairah Island, Oman
A long exposure showing the Milky Way
A ghost crab caught in the reflected light of the setting sun
A young camel with its mother in the desert
Three Egyptian Vultures flying over the rocky hills of Masairah Island, Oman
A close-up of a fossilised seashell from the ancient seabed
Water droplets cling to a desert plant after the morning mist lifts
The sun setting behind several dhow boats on a beach
Two camels eating desert vegetation with a tall sand dune behind them
Desert drivers park up their cars and setup camp for the night as the sun sets behind them

Tour Itinerary

Begin your adventure by revving up your 4×4 hire car and joining Marina and a knowledgeable local guide. Together, venture far beyond the usual routes, immersing yourself in Oman’s spectacular natural wonders on our Wild Wonders of Oman tour.

Day/Night 1

A path through an oasis with date palms either side
Overnight At Nizwa

Arrive in the historic city of Nizwa, known for its striking fort and bustling souq.
For those arriving by 2:30 PM, there is an optional tour to Nizwa and Birkat Al Mouz, a charming village with lush date plantations and ancient falaj irrigation channels.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the 4* Golden Tulip Hotel.

Day/Night 2

Several fossilised clam shells lying on the desert sand
Nizwa to Al Huqf

Drive towards Al Huqf, transitioning from tarmac to approximately 60 kilometres of off-road terrain.
Al Huqf is a fascinating geological area, home to fossil reefs and dramatic rock formations that reveal over 700 million years of Earth’s history.
Set up camp under the pristine dark skies—perfect for stargazing.
Enjoy a campfire and a barbecue in this ancient landscape.

Day/Night 3

A small fishing boat and gull
Al Huqf to Masairah

After an early morning off-road drive of around 25 kilometres, head to Shannah Port to catch the ferry to Masirah Island, a peaceful and remote paradise.
Upon arrival, drive to a sheltered campsite on the island’s western coast, where the calm waters make it ideal for swimming.
Enjoy a sunset by the sea, a campfire dinner, and a night under the stars.

Day/Night 4

Two dhows above the tide on a beach in Masairah, Oman
Explore Masairah

Spend the day discovering Masirah Island’s hidden tracks and coastal scenery.
Watch local fishermen unload their catch and see if we can spot dolphins playing in the waves.
The island is home to camels, donkeys, and Egyptian vultures, offering fantastic wildlife spotting.
In the evening, stay at the Orjan Hotel by the harbour and have dinner at the famous Yemeni Fish Restaurant.

Day/Night 5

A camel in the desert with some camels farms in the distance
Sharqiyah Sands

Start the morning with breakfast at a roadside café, watching Masirah come to life for the day.
Take the ferry back to the mainland and, depending on the tides, drive along the beach at Ras Ruways before heading into the desert.
Camp overnight among the dunes, enjoying the peace and beauty of Oman’s vast wilderness.

Day/Night 6

Cars driving through a wet wadi
Return to Muscat

Continuing our breathtaking desert drive, we eventually merge onto the road and begin our journey back to Muscat. Along the way, we’ll traverse the stunning new mountain road and enjoy a scenic wet wadi drive. Our journey concludes at the Crowne Plaza OCEC, and we’ll share a final Omani dinner at Rozna Restaurant, reminiscing about our incredible adventure.

From the mountains to the sea to the desert

Map of Oman showing the route taken on the Wild Wonders of Oman adventure

Our six-night tour offers a tantalizing taste of Oman’s diverse landscapes, with approximately 40% of the drive being off-road. No need to worry if you’re new to off-road driving; Marina, an experienced off-road coach, will guide you through everything you need to know to navigate the terrain successfully.

Throughout the journey, you’ll experience three unique camping environments: a wadi, the desert, and a beach. You’ll drive over vast deserts, through scenic wadis—some with flowing water—and, if the tide is right, along pristine beaches. This adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of Oman’s natural beauty.

Tour Prices – Season 2025/2026

The more adults on the trip, the cheaper the price per person 

10 or more Adults – from £855 per person

8 Adults – from £965per person

6 Adults – from £1175 per person

4 Adults – from £1585 per person

This includes – hotel rooms, camping gear rental, breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus two guides

Child prices – depends on age of child, and sleeping arrangements in hotels (extra bed/extra room etc) – please ask us for a quote.

Car Hire Package

Nissan Y62 or similar, including petrol

From £828 per car

(we recommend maximum 3 adults per car, which is the sweet point between comfort and cost, but they have 5 seats)

You may also elect to take your own 4×4, or can hire a 4×4 externally

 

Flights

Please ask us for a quote, or you may wish to organise your own.

This itinerary can be tailored to your needs to ensure a personalized and unique travel experience

Consider these customizable options to enhance your experience:

  • Have us book flights and hotels at the start and end of your stay
  • Extend the tour to include even more incredible terrain
  • Retain your hire car for some extra days for some independent exploration
  • Rent a 4×4 independently and join us for the 6 days
  • Bring your own 4×4
    A rock formation that looks like a lion's head

    Ready to Explore?

    Adventure awaits! Plan your escape with Arabian Cities and Sands and uncover the hidden wonders of the Arabian Peninsula. Whether it’s ancient cities, pristine beaches, or epic desert drives, our carefully curated holidays deliver authentic experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Don’t wait—contact us today and start planning your unforgettable journey!