Navigate the Rhythms of Nomadic Existence

On this 5-day, multi-camp journey, travel overland from the urban buzz of Muscat, through the remote expanses of the desert heartlands, and along the sparkling coastline of the Gulf of Oman, to discover how life has survived – and thrived – in such remote isolation. Uncover the multifaceted character of modern Omani desert life, in the company of experts in Bedouin culture.

Details

4-Night, 5-Day Journey
From GBP 4,435 per person
When to Go: October - April

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Lobby interior of Mandarin Oriental, Muscat.

Day 1

Arrive at Mandarin Oriental, Muscat

Arrive via private transfer to Mandarin Oriental, Muscat.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, visiting the on-site spa – the largest in Muscat – or exploring the surrounding area. The Royal Opera House, the Mutrah Souq and the National Museum of Oman are a short drive away.
Visit the Club Lounge for sunset drinks served from 5-7pm before indulging in a five-course Silk Road inspired Omani tasting menu.

Day 2

Enter the Desert Dunes

Wake up early to drive from Muscat towards Bidiyah, entering the Sharqiya Sands. This mesmerising 10,000 square kilometre dune landscape has been home to nomadic Bedouin tribes for generations.
Meet your local Bedouin hosts, your guides to navigating the sands.
Driving deep into the desert, explore the dunes on an exhilarating 4x4 off-road driving and dune bashing experience, before arriving at a private desert camp on Oman’s eastern coast.
Discover the nomadic culture of your Bedouin hosts and learn the skills required to cook a traditional camp meal.

A fisherman's boat on the water in Oman.

Day 3

Connect with Nomadic Traditions

Start the morning on board a fisherman’s boat, learning the ropes of life at sea in the Gulf of Oman and trying your luck catching some of the marine region’s rich aquatic bounty.
Depart the coast and venture back into the heart of the desert, to a second private camp in the Sharqiya Sands.
Try locally-sourced camel meat and traditional Omani spices, in a dinner prepared over campfire.

Day 4

Adventure Through a Remote Wadi

As the sun rises, board a private hot air balloon and take in the spectacular beauty of the desert landscape.
Continue to the remote Wadi Hawir, where few travellers have visited. Hike, swim and abseil across red rocks, pristine water basins and majestic waterfalls.
Return to Mandarin Oriental, Muscat, rejuvenating yourself after your desert adventure with a 90 minute 'Essence of Muscat' spa treatment.

Day 5

Departure

Meet your private driver and depart from Mandarin Oriental, Muscat to the airport.
The Luminaire can organise an additional experience, journeying to the ancient city of Nizwa, Oman’s cultural capital, and home to silversmith industry and crafters of the traditional, ceremonial daggers carried by Omani men: Khanjars.

Inclusions

From GBP 4,730 per person for five days, based on two people sharing.

2 nights at Mandarin Oriental, Muscat, in a Deluxe Mountain View Room including breakfast.
1 night Canvas Club in a Deluxe Tent with dinner and breakfast.
1 night private mobile camp with dinner and breakfast.
Private transfers in a Land Cruiser for the duration of your overland adventure.
Local expert guides.
Private guided wadi exploration.
4x4 off-road and dune bashing experiences.
All meals as mentioned.
Signature treatment for each at guest The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Muscat.

When to Travel

The best time to travel is between October and April.

Exclusions

Flights.
Private transfers.
Excursions, meals and drinks other than those mentioned.
Tips and gratuities.

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Learn About The Luminaire

Mandarin Oriental has partnered with luxury travel company The Luminaire to create transformational experiences for a growing number of our hotels around the world. Combining behind-the-scenes access with our world-renowned service, each journey sparks curiosity - offering fun, excitement, and a deeper understanding of the world.

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