Oman Full Moon Trek

This is the ultimate Borneo challenge - crossing one of the most rugged islands on earth from East to West

The Full Moon desert expedition will be a unique opportunity to trek with the local Bedu, experience the traditional Omani way of life and enjoy the grandure of the desert environment. The expedition meets in Muscat, where we have time to explore one of the oldest cities in the Middle East, before setting off to Sharqiyah Sands where the desert trek starts.

Our expedition will be led by a member of the Al Wahibi tribe; one of the true families of the desert. We will travel in the traditional Bedu way, trekking through the desert on camels, travelling by moonlight and setting up wild desert camps under the stars. With the help and
guidance of the tribe there will be plenty of opportunity to learn how to look after and tend camels; seek out nature and wildlife such as desert fox, scorpions, goats and birds of prey and learn how the Bedu use the stars to guide them.

At the end of the desert trek we will head for the stunning coastline between Al Ashkarah and Ras al Haddon. Here we will have the opportunity to see turtles laying their eggs at a local turtle reserve and swim in the beautiful pools of Wadi Shab

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Itinerary / Highlights

- Unique moonlight expedition, huge starry night skies and torrid desert scenery.
- Insight into Bedu travel, tribesman, culture and camels.
- Beautiful Oman beaches, wild beach camping and the chance to see turtles laying their eggs.

Day 1 Muscat
On arrival at Muscat International airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. You will have time to relax at your leisure before
meeting the group for an expedition briefing before exploring Muscat city. Described as “Arabia's jewel”, this city is a perfect blend of the old and the new. Muscat is surprising green being in a desert country. The roads are lined with well-manicured lawns and trees.

The city has retained its old-world character with its many forts, castles, mosques and towers doting the landscape. Highlights of this afternoon include visiting the Merani and Jelali Forts which are on the hills either side of the Sultan's Qaboos Palace. We also have the opportunity to walk along the Corniche, with its promenade and fascinating old Muttrah souk. We finish with a meal back at the hotel.

Lunch, dinner, overnight hotel

Day 2 Sharqiyah Sands
After an early breakfast we set off by 4WD to Sharqiyah Sands (Wahiba Sands). Following lunch in a local restaurant, we have a short drive - off road - to meet Amour, from the Al Wahibi tribe, one of the true families of the desert, and our local camel leader for the next few days. Here we are introduced to our camels and learn about them as we saddle up with luggage and provisions for the
journey.

We take the opportunity for a rest before our moonlight trek. Around 7pm, as the moon starts to rise, we begin our trek. At about 11 pm we stop, prepare food and make camp under the stars.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, wild desert camping

Day 3-5 Desert Trekking
The Sharqiyah Sands are dunes 200 km long and 100 km wide running south to the Arabian Sea. The dunes reach 100-150 metres high in shades of colour from orange to hues of amber. You get a real appreciation of the scale and beauty of these dunes whilst trekking by camel. Sometimes we will pass a Bedouin camp in this isolated desert. A surprisingly wide array of flora and fauna call the sands home, and our guide will always be on hand to spot and identify any of the birds of prey, insects or foxes we encounter along the way. Our days trekking start at around 9am when we rise for breakfast and break up our camp. We then set off for approximately 4 hours walk aiming to finish around 2pm. After tending to the camels, we put up shade and take lunch before resting through the afternoon heat. Once the sun has set and the moon rises we set off for a 4 hour trek.

Day 6 Bani Bu Ali wadi
We will see trees as we come over the last of the dunes to the Bani Bu Ali wadi where our transport will be waiting. Where the sands meet the ocean, outcrops of aolianite (sand compressed into rock) can be found displaying unusual and attractive abstract shapes. Here the beaches mellow into soft shades of yellows and whites. Tonight we will camp on the beach by the Arabian Sea.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, wild beach camp

Day 7 Turtles and Beach
We wake up to the sound of the sea and spend the morning relaxing and enjoying the beach. Later in the afternoon we will drive up the coast and overnight at a hotel near the turtle reserve. The green turtles visit all year round to lay during the night and they leave just before the rising of the sun. In the early morning you can see baby turtles scrambling to reach the sea. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hotel

Day 8 Wadi Shab
After a good breakfast we head to the fishing port of Sur. This placid sea coast town has striking traditional dwellings and the labyrinth
of streets reveals many fine old houses with carved doors and arabesque windows. From the corniche, the dhows in the harbour can be seen against the scenic backdrop of the Gulf of Oman. From here we head onto Wadi Shab, where a gentle stroll up this beautiful wadi brings us to the swimming pools. Here we can relax, swim and explore the hidden caves.
After lunch we walk back to the cars before our journey back to Muscat.
Breakfast, lunch, Hotel

Day 9 Muscat
A morning to spend however you wish: at the pool or beach, or last minute haggling in the souks. This is also your last opportunity to visit Muscat's Grand Mosque before transferring to the airport for the homeward journey.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Based on twin occupancy we use a variety of 3-4* accommodation. Single occupancy is available at some locations at an extra cost.
Whilst on the trek we will be wild camping under the stars, with no tents therefore a bivvy bag is recommended to keep out any damp.