Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Not on the itinerary (seeing the Royal Opera House) by night. The grand mosque, only our group inside before 9am, I walked in not expecting much looked up, and had a wow moment. The turtle nesting, a starry night by the ocean seeing turtles through the 5 stages, unreal. Very lucky to have seen this at the end of the season. I loved the 4x4 driving to the Canyon and the drive through the date plantations. The last two days, I thought were the best, raw nature at your fingertips. The souk in Nizwa was very chilled, a relaxed experience. The cattle market was an eye opener. The Desert was a bit disappointing, after Wadi Rum, Sossusvlei it didn't do much for me. The hotel was good, yet I thought there would be more to do. A special week where we enjoyed everything in peace. The six of us, and few other tourists in sight for the majority of the week, because of the fear of travelling to the Middle East and the heat. The Omanis are very welcoming and I felt safe.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Brilliant. Ahmed provided fantastic insight, culture, and personal stories detailing the lifestyle of the Omanis on the trip. Fascinating. Ask questions to find out more. The drivers were great.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Wear linen. You'll be covered up most of the trip. The only people I saw on the trip not appropriately dressed were Brits in strappy dresses! There are signs everywhere about the dress code and respecting the culture, yet this group couldn't manage to put clothes on. Bring a UV umbrella and electric fan if you are not very good with heat. It was 43 degrees for us in September! A lot of travelling, not much walking on the trip if you are into your fitness. Don't forget your refillable water bottle.

Most Inspirational Moment

The harbour Dhow cruise and the Dolphin Pod we saw. The Cattle market and the witnessing of Omani traditional life. Nizwa forts and Mountains. Walking in the Wadis

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmed was helpful and his bus talks and guiding expanded our knowledge. It was Ramadan and managing that and tourist guiding must have been challenging. The driver was exceptional of the tour bus and the 4 Wd drivers also filled one with confidence despite the challenging terrain.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Add on a trip to Salalah for 3 days to visit the Frankincense trail. Add an extra day in Muscat for additional museums

Most Inspirational Moment

My favourite part of the week was that we got to experience a different terrain/area every day. City, waterside, desert and mountains - there was literally always something new and amazing to see! The standout moments in particular for me were: - swimming in the wadi (I'll never forget that!) - watching the turtle lay eggs on the beach at night - watching the sunset in the desert - seeing the star filled sky from the beach and desert at night - standing on the edge of the canyon The views from lunch at Misfah Old House were also a delight.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Qais was a brilliant guide. So knowledgable, patient and friendly. I would recommend him as a guide to anyone travelling to Oman.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This isn't a relaxing holiday due to all of the travelling and scheduled sight seeing, but it also isn't majorly active either. There's adventure in the places you visit, but there isn't much in the way of physical activity (e.g. some walking and swimming but usually optional and nothing more exerting than that). This is a non-drinking country so alcohol is limited (you can only purchase in some hotels). This wasn't a problem for me and Exodus had made everyone aware before arriving, but some of the group were surprised/complained each day that alcohol wasn't an option with meals, etc. (which was quite disrespectful!) So it's worth bearing that in mind if alcohol consumption is something that would impact your trip significantly.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were quite a few. I really enjoyed the desert camp and would have loved a second night there. Travelling in the 4x4s was pretty exciting, viewing Oman's grand canyon which was spectacular, having lunch in an ancient village high in the mountains. Nizwa with its fort, Souq and animal auction was interesting. Highlights in Muscat were the Grand Mosque and the sunset cruise in a traditional dhow.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Qais was very enthusiastic and was happy to talk about the Omani culture. He worked really hard to make the trip an enjoyable one.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A very busy week with 1 night in each location, only 2 nights in Nizwa. We only saw one turtle at Ras Al Jinz in December which wasn't the main nesting season. There was a lot of waiting until our group went to the beach. It was very dark so watch your step! Make sure you pack some loose fitting, long sleeved clothes.

Most Inspirational Moment

2 or 3. The Muscat Grand Mosque for architecture, wahabi Sands and the Grand Canyon of Arabia for scenery.. seeing a turtle laying eggs and a couple of babies running for the sea was magic too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmed was efficient and personable. Gave goof insights to life and history of Oman.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Prepare for some longish drives and maybe slight difficulty with avegetarian diet, but these are not insurmountable.

Most Inspirational Moment

The desert and mountains were breathtaking.

Most Inspirational Moment

Too many to name The sunset in the dessert as well as the stargazing that night. The Wadis The Grand Canyon The Grand Mosque The food

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmed was just brilliant. He was a fabulous tour guide who made the trip what it was - just amazing. He looked after everyone and shared a huge amount of knowledge about the place and the culture. He was very inspiring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is the most amazing trip - its full on- but in a good way - you feel like you have been away for weeks

Most Inspirational Moment

This has to be watching a beautiful green turtle laying and burying her eggs on the beach. It was just magical and something that I will never forget. The desert camp was wonderful too.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Zubair was great, really well organised and good fun. Seamless hotel changes and clear instructions to us all to allow easy departures each day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you like a drink then I’d hugely recommend that you take duty free with you. There are no shops selling alcohol in Oman. Some hotels have bars but they are very expensive. Remember to take t shirts with sleeves and long trousers.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many highlights - watching a turtle nest and lay its eggs, watching the sunset over the sand dunes, the hustle and bustle of the morning cattle auction at Nizwa, Muscat's Grand Mosque with it's incredible dome and chandelier, sampling countless dates and drinking Omani coffee. The camp in Wahiba Sands was also very luxurious considering its location.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader (Qais) was very experienced and had a great sense of humour - the Omani people in general were incredibly welcoming everywhere we went.