Desert Discovery - Five Days Programme

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Day 01: Muscat. (Day 02 - Day 03 - Day 04 - Day 05)

Arrive Muscat. Meet and transfer to a five/four star hotel.

Muscat city tour. The walled city of Muscat lies in a small bay, guarded by the spectacular twin forts of Mirani & Jalali. His Majesty Sultan Qaboos's Palace -

Al Alam - is an admirable sight. The tour of the National and Natural History Museums is an introduction to Oman's history, fauna and flora. Muttrah, part of the capital area, is the lively, busy trading port of the area.
Its main attraction, Souq Al Dhalam - "Market of Shades" - is a labyrinth of alleyways covered by a palm roof and lit by lanterns, leading to the delights of antiques, gold, old silver, traditional handicrafts, jewellery and the rich scent of frankincense.

The Al Alam Palace guarded by the Mirani & Jalali forts.

Lunch at a typical Middle Eastern Restaurant is optional. Return to hotel and overnight.

Day 02: Muscat - Quriyat - Dibab - Wadi Shab - Qalhat - Sur - Ras Al Hadd - Ras Al Junaiz. (Day 03 - Day 04 - Day 05)

After Breakfast depart. Inland for a while and then head for Quriyat, which lies on the east coast at the end of a sandy plain overlooked by the Eastern Hajar Mountains. Like other ports it suffered under Portuguese supremacy during the 16^th century. An island with a watchtower just offshore can be reached on foot during low tide. Along the beach is an inlet lined with dense mangrove forest - home to marine and bird life.

Near Dibab is a huge sinkhole known as Bait Al Afreet - "house of the demon" - with its clear green water. Concrete steps lead down the sides making swimming possible.

Along the coastline passing Bimah and Fins with many tiny coves tucked beneath the cliffs and stretches of white sandy beaches lapped by an incredible turquoise sea.

Wadi Shab, which means, "gorge between the cliffs". The wadi is entered via a small ferry and it has cool pools of water all year round. Further into the enchanting wadi is a deep pool ideal for swimming. The ravine is lush with trees, grasses and date palms. A single beach dotted with fishing boats at the mouth of the wadi completes the picturesque view.

Picnic lunch will be served en-route.

The route proceeds and passes through the village of Tiwi continuing along the coast to Qalhat - one of the oldest towns and seaports of Oman. Built by the Persians, it was a major and prosperous city during the 13^th century and the main port of trade with the Interior, famous for its exports to and imports of spices from India. Stop at the enigmatic Bibi Mariam Tomb standing high on the cliff top.

Sur, an ancient port and seafaring town which once played a major part in the trade between Oman, East Africa and India. It started its trading activities with the African coast as early as the 6^th century. A walk through its labyrinth of streets reveals many fine old houses with carved doors and arabesque windows. The fishing dhows in the harbour make a splendid sight. Separated from Sur by the bay is the village of Al Ayja, well fortified by watchtowers and forts. On the sheltered lagoon is the traditional Dhow Building Yard - today, craftsmen still build dhows following traditional designs without the aid of drawings.


	Ras Al Hadd, located at the point where Oman's coastline turns south. At this strategic point, overlooking the town, sea and lagoons (once a haven for pirates), a fort was built. The lagoons and the surrounding mudflats support a large range of indigenous and migratory bird life.
	Turtles nest on the beach at Ras Al Junaiz.

Ras Al Junaiz is a marvellous bay with golden sand and honey-coloured cliffs, and beaches famous for their turtle nesting sites. These are some of the world's few remaining undisturbed concentrations of green turtles and of the largest nesting populations in the Indian Ocean.

Our permanent camp Al Naseem is situated here.

A typical Omani dinner will be served. After dinner, under supervision, time will be spent on the beach watching turtles making nests and laying their eggs.

Overnight in Al Naseem Camp.

Day 03: Ras Al Junaiz - Wadi Bani Khaled - Wahibah Sands Desert. (Day 04 - Day 05)

At sunrise an opportunity to photograph and watch turtles laying eggs and hatchlings emerging from the nests and heading for the sea.

Breakfast in the camp.

Departure for Wadi Bani Khaled, one of the largest wadis in Oman. Nestled deep in the mountains, it is a true oasis. Water cascades down the gorge forming cool blue-green pools, fed by underground streams flowing from within the surrounding limestone hills. Perennial flowing streams of spring water carried in aflaj (man-made channels) cling precariously to the rugged terrain and supports villages in the area.

This is an ideal spot for a Picnic lunch.

Into the Wahibah Sands - a desert with rolling dunes and shifting sands - magnificent with changing colours. This is the traditional home of the Bedouin, hardy, spirited people who know how to survive in these harsh desert conditions.

This is where our permanent camp Al Areesh is situated.

	A visit to a Bedouin family, which will give you an intimate insight into their traditional lifestyle. An optional camel ride with a Bedouin guide is a thrilling experience. At sunset an exciting dune drive - and the opportunity to watch the sun set from the top of a dune.	Bedouin ladies in traditional dress (one with a burqa covering her face).

	Dinner is typically Omani.

Relax and enjoy the tranquility of the desert - clear skies, glittering stars and moving sands.

Overnight in Al Areesh camp.

Day 04: Wahibah Sands - Nizwa - Bahla - Jabrin - Misfah Al Abreen - Muscat.(Day 05)

Breakfast in the camp.

Nizwa, a major centre in the Interior Region. Nizwa clusters around its historical buildings, traditional Souq and the imposing circular-towered fort built during the mid 17^th century by Imam Sultan bin Saif Al Yar'ubi. The town is a lush palm oasis stretching foe 8km along two wadis. Water canals run through all parts of Nizwa area. The most important one is Falaj Daris, formed by two streams, which irrigates a large part of the town. At the Souq, built in traditional style, you will find exquisite silver jewellery, intricately hand-made "Khanjars" (daggers), copper, weaving and other handicrafts. You visit the Nizwa Fort, The Souq and Falaj Daris.

Buffet lunch will be at the Falaj Daris Hotel.

To Bahla - a delightful town - having retained its traditional characteristics, and surrounded by a 12km long protective wall, much of which still stands. You visit the famous Pottery Centre and Bahla Fort, one of the oldest in Oman, built in the late 17^th century (UNESCO Heritage Site) on much earlier Persian foundations.

Jabrin Fort, designed as a residence, was built in the late 17^th century. It displays the highest achievement in Omani ceiling painting and beautifully executed woodcarvings.

You visit the picturesque mountain village of Misfah Al Abreen perched against steep cliffs halfway up the mountain.

		A beautiful sunset in Muscat with the tower of a mosque etched against the sky.
	Return to Muscat and overnight at hotel.

	Day 05: Muscat.

	Breakfast at hotel.

	Day at leisure.