About the expedition
Oman isn’t a destination for ordinary tourists. It’s an expedition for those who want a taste of the real Middle East — no glass skyscrapers, but the silence of the desert, the scent of frankincense at the Nizwa market and turquoise water hidden between the rocks of a wadi.
We travel in 4x4 vehicles in a small convoy. The first days are spent by the ocean and in the wadis; then we learn to drive on sand in the Wahiba Sands and spend the night in a desert camp. The second half is all about the mountains: Jebel Shams, terraced villages and gravel tracks through the canyons.
The pace is relaxed — here the journey matters as much as the destination. There’s time for a swim in a wadi, cardamom coffee with the Bedouin and evenings around a shared table.
Mostly tarmac and good gravel, 4–6 hours of driving a day. Suitable for beginners and intermediates.
Route journal
The programme may change depending on the weather, road conditions and the pace of the group — on the road, common sense and a good atmosphere come first.
Maskat
Highlight An evening stroll through the Mutrah souk and dinner by the bay
Airport pick-up, vehicle handover and a short organisational meeting. In the evening, your first cardamom coffee and the scent of frankincense in the souk.
Maskat → Bimmah Sinkhole → Wadi Shab → Ras al Jinz
Highlight A swim in the turquoise water of Wadi Shab
Along the coast road to the Bimmah Sinkhole, then a hike up Wadi Shab to a hidden cave filled with water. At night, on the beach at Ras al Jinz, we watch turtles laying their eggs.
Ras al Jinz → Wahiba Sands
Highlight Sand-driving training and sunset on the crest of a dune
We let the air out of the tyres and head into the sands. A short training session, then our first drives in convoy. An evening by the campfire in a desert camp.
Wahiba Sands
Highlight Visiting a Bedouin family
Deeper into the dunes, away from the tracks. A stop with the Bedouin for coffee and dates, an afternoon rest and a night under the stars.
Wahiba Sands → Wadi Bani Khalid → Nizwa
Highlight A swim in natural pools among the palms
From the desert to the green oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid, then on towards the Hajar Mountains and Nizwa.
Nizwa
Highlight The Friday goat market and a souk full of halwa
A day of culture: Nizwa Fort, the traditional market, silversmiths’ workshops and a relaxed afternoon.
Nizwa → Jebel Shams
Highlight The Balcony Walk along the canyon rim
A gravel road up to an altitude of approx. 2000 m. A hike along the path above the cliffs of Wadi Ghul — the “Grand Canyon of Arabia”.
Jebel Shams → Misfat al Abriyeen → Wadi Bani Awf → Rustaq
Highlight The most beautiful gravel drive of the expedition
The terraced village of Misfat al Abriyeen, then a steep gravel road through the Bani Awf canyon and Snake Canyon to Rustaq.
Rustaq → Nakhal → Maskat
Highlight Farewell dinner by the ocean
Nakhal Fort and the hot springs, an afternoon on the beach and a closing dinner together.
Maskat
Highlight You leave with sand in your boots and a hundred stories
Return of the vehicles and transfer to the airport.
Dates, options and prices
13 – 22 February 2027
Confirmed date| Option | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| A seat in a 4x4 vehicle | You travel with the tour leader or as part of a crew; you can take turns at the wheel. | €2,190 / person |
November 2027
PlannedExact dates are being prepared. Leave an enquiry — we’ll get in touch once the date is confirmed.
Practical
Hotels and guesthouses with breakfast (B&B), 1 night in a desert camp, 1 night in the mountains. Twin rooms.
4x4 vehicles with full insurance and fuel. Driven by the tour leader or by participants with a driving licence — your choice of option.
6–14 participants, looked after by a MotoGadabout leader.
November – March. Full preparation guide: FAQ and preparation.
Gallery
Photos and films from our expeditions — from the cameras, phones, action cams and drones of the MotoGadabout crew.
Your hosts
Frequently asked questions
No. Before heading onto the dunes we run a short training session: tyre pressures and techniques for climbing and descending. You can also travel as a passenger.
From November to March daytime temperatures are usually 24–30°C; nights in the desert and the mountains can be chilly (as low as 5–10°C on Jebel Shams). Bring a fleece.
Yes. One person can submit the booking for the whole group and settle the payment for the trip. Participants’ details can be added later in the central MotoGadabout account.
Usually not — we help you choose a flight so that everyone meets on location at roughly the same time. Full details are always in the “What’s included / not included” section.
Most participants come on their own or in pairs. We’ll help you find a room-mate, and if you’d prefer a single room, just ask about the supplement.
