Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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With its jagged peaks, dazzling mosques,
mystical ruins, and lively souks laden with
incense and fragrant oils, it’s easy to fall
under the spell of Oman. We’ve designed a
captivating expedition that immerses you in
this enchanting realm, from opulent sultan’s
palaces and historic Islamic
forts to the towering Hajar
Mountains, where mudbrick
villages are nestled amid
emerald palm forests and
ancient irrigation channels
spiral magically through the
arid landscape. You’ll mingle
with village traders at a spirited
goat auction, stay at a remote
desert camp for unforgettable visits to
Bedouin camps and optional camel rides, ply
the Arabian coast aboard a traditional dhow,
watch tiny sea turtles hatch by moonlight, and
savor a rich cuisine of succulent kebabs,
saffron-infused rice, and cardamom coffee
served with sweet dates—this is a true
adventure into the heart of a mesmerizing land!
Days 1-5 Muscat / Western Hajar Mountains
After exploring Muscat, head to the rugged
Western Hajar, where traditional cliff-hugging
villages sit amid gardens and date palm forests.
Here we meet a traditional beekeeper, explore
historic forts, see vast Wadi Nakhr, Oman’s
“Grand Canyon,” and hike to isolated villages.
Days 6-8 Wahiba Sands / Desert-to-Sea
Crossing At Wahiba Sands, we’ll experience the
life of a nomad—in WT style!—with camel rides
amid the golden sand dunes, visits to Bedouin
tribes, and an unforgettable evening under the
stars, with the hypnotic sounds of Bedouin
musicians transporting you back in time. A 4WD
expedition carries us across the desert to the
edge of the Arabian Sea, where we visit a turtle
reserve and enjoy a cruise aboard a classic dhow,
the vessels that once carried frankincense as far
as India and Africa.
Days 9-12 Salalah and the Frankincense Trail
Along Oman’s Frankincense Trail, we’ll
join an archaeologist in Salalah for in-depth
discoveries of the nearby mythical ruins of
Al Baleed, explore Nabi Ayub, storied resting
place of the prophet Job, and visit the blowholes
at Mugshail Beach, known to spout sea water
as high as 100 feet during high tide. Depart on
Day 12 via Muscat.
Our magnificent journey brings you into Oman’s varied landscapes, from rugged deserts to beautiful coastlines, and introduces you to its rich cultural heritage.
WALTER BIBIKOW
JUAN CARLOS MUÑOZ
FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR AFRICA TRIPS, VISIT 80
“I was thrilled
to have the
opportunity to
visit such a
hidden gem of
a country.”
Vivian L.
Georgetown TX
REN MATTES
ALDO PAVAN
JUAN CARLOS MUÑOZ
HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit colorful fishing harbors and ancient
trading ports, meet a local archaeologist
• Encounter Bedouin tribes, explore golden
dunes by camel and 4WD vehicle
• Roam the narrow alleys of Oman’s
traditional markets, enjoy a private dhow
cruise
• Explore the cliff-hugging villages, lushly
terraced gardens, and historic forts of
the Hajar Mountains
DETAILS
• 12-day trip begins and ends in Muscat
• 9 nights hotels, 1 night deluxe desert
camp, 1 night comfortable ecolodge
• All meals included
DATES
Jan 23-Feb 3, 2017
Oct 30-Nov 10
TRIP COST
$7495 (11-15 members)
$7995 (6-10 members)
Single supplement: $1650
Internal airfare: $240 (subject to change)
TRIP LEVEL 1 2+ 3 4 5 6 7
Cultural adventures with walking tours,
light hiking, rugged off-road travel, and
optional swimming and camel riding