Oman small group tour
“8 day small group vacation, with no shortage of trimmings, and covering everything from camels to coast, deserts to ancient mountain dwellings.”
Highlights
Muscat | Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque | Natural History Museum | Dhow shipyards at Sur | Quriyat beaches | Green turtles at Ras-al-Jinz| Wadi Bani Khalid | Wahiba Sands | Jabrin Castle | Bahla | Nizwa | Jabel Akhdar mountains | Deserted villages of Al Hamra and Misfah | Jebel Shams ‘Grand Canyon of Oman' |Description of Oman small group tour
Oman is slowly emerging from its hermit shell, revealing a land of friendly people and dramatic landscapes, peppered with forts. Oman is distinctly Arabic and offers many old-world wonders.Swimming in the turquoise waters of Wadi Bani Khalid and then driving across the dramatic red dunes of Wahiba are both adventures to be remembered forever. Embrace the curious traveler within exploring Bedouin desert culture, visiting ancient tribal forts and mountain mud homes, small plantations and fishing villages. And show your considerate side by staying in locally owned hotels, supporting the green turtle sanctuary at Ras Al Jinz, being guided by local experts who advise on cultural sensitivities as head way off the usual tourist trail. All of which can be summed up in two words: Oh. Man.
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.com
Check dates, prices & availability
Date
Price per adult
Basis
Status
09 Feb 2020
£1895
excluding flights
Full
01 Mar 2020
£1895
excluding flights
Departure Guaranteed
05 Apr 2020
£1649
excluding flights
Departure Guaranteed
26 Oct 2020
£1895
excluding flights
Available
16 Nov 2020
£1895
excluding flights
Departure Guaranteed
11 Jan 2021
£1895
excluding flights
Available
08 Feb 2021
£1895
excluding flights
Available
08 Mar 2021
£1895
excluding flights
Available
05 Apr 2021
£1895
excluding flights
Available
Our top tip:
Be culturally aware and dress appropriately. Please don’t photograph anyone without their permission.
Trip type:
Small group, max 12 people.
Solos:
Solo travelers welcome. Surcharge for single room.
Accomm:
Small comfortable hotels, with 1 night camping in desert.
Included:
Accommodation, most meals, transfers , expert local guide.
Vouchers
Accepted
Vacation type
Small group vacations
Small group travel is not large group travel scaled down. It is modelled on independent travel – but with the advantage of a group leader to take care of the itinerary, accommodation and tickets, and dealing with the language. It’s easy to tick off the big sights independently – but finding those one-off experiences, local festivals, traveling markets and secret viewpoints is almost impossible for someone without the insider knowledge gained from years in the field. If you’re heading off on a gap year your, perhaps – but for those with a two-week vacation, a small group tour will save valuable planning time.
The leaders are not guides – they’re not there to shepherd you around. Instead, they’ll let you know which local restaurant serves great value food – without running the risk of travelers’ tummy. They’ll allow you to avoid hour-long queues at train stations and attractions.
We like to think of small group travel as the Goldilocks option. It is independent travel without the fuss, worry and bunk beds – and organised travel without the coaches. And it’s cheaper than a tailor made tour. It’s sits somewhere in the middle – and we think it’s just about right.
What are the main benefits?
Big experiencesHave big, life-enriching experiences that would be impossible to organise without lots of time and insider knowledge.
Simplicity
Make the most of your vacation time by letting someone else do the hard work and boring logistics!
Peace of mind
Small group tours take care of the security aspects – and provide a safety net should anything unexpected happen.
Who is it ideal for?
Travelers who are short of timeIf you don’t have three months to spend exploring, small groups trips let you cover more ground in less time. Your days are not spent queuing for tickets or finding hotels – so you can squeeze more into your vacation.
Solo travelers who’d like company
Likeminded travel companions plus peace of mind for those traveling alone. Single supplements are usually available – providing privacy if you want it.
Less confident travelers
Stray from the tourist trail without worrying about getting lost, and meet local people without dealing with the language barrier.
Mythbuster
“I won’t get any privacy!”Couples and friends have private rooms, and you can choose to eat alone or not. Single supplements give solo travelers their own room.
“There won’t be any free time”
Free mornings or afternoons let you explore on your own, or just relax.
“The accommodation will be basic”
Trips are as high or low end as you like. Though off the beaten track destinations won’t have luxury hotels, this is all part of the adventure.
“I won’t like the other travelers!”
Tour operators try to create groups with a similar demographic – age, families, activity levels... Chances are, you’ll even make new friends.
“Will we be following an umbrella?”
No.
Meet a group leader
As well as taking care of all the day-to-day practicalities, your group leader is the one who will turn your trip into an adventure. Leaders are extraordinary characters – the kind of person who has spent 14 Christmas days on the slopes of Mount Everest, runs marathons wearing tiger suits to raise funds for their conservation and thinks nothing of leading an overland trip in Sudan or Afghanistan. Fearless and inspiring, group leaders are as important as the destination itself.
Meet a local guide
No matter how experienced your group leader, they can never make up for the knowledge gained from a lifetime in the destination. That’s why many of our trips work with local guides around the world – who invite you into their homeland with pleasure. As well as doing crazy things like climbing Kilimanjaro 100 times, they also donate their time to local projects supported by travelers – such as rebuilding Sri Lankan villages following the 2004 tsunami.
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your vacation will help support conservation and local people.
By keeping our tours involved with the communities we visit, the people who benefit from our tours in Oman are the local people; drivers, hoteliers, and restaurateurs, local guides - even the Bedouin from whom you can buy fresh fruit while traveling. We do not use big international hotels which drain economic and natural resources. The money that is spent on entrance fees directly contributes to the ongoing maintenance of the desert castles we visit. Our journey through Oman includes a stop to see a local turtle preservation and protection scheme. With your help, the local people are beginning to appreciate the importance of conservation. The project shows the community a direct association with the income they receive from tourism and the preservation of the turtle sites. We only employ local staff and unlike many operators we believe that to send a foreign Tour Leader along to accompany your trip is an unnecessary burden on your wallet and our carbon footprint. We believe that locals know best. Our local operators only use locally owned accommodation. This means your money stays in the area to benefit the local community. When possible we use local transport, (i.e. rail or bus) and we always use local restaurants, markets and shops. In doing this your travels are supporting and encouraging the development of local services.
We only work with operators who are as committed as we are to putting something back into the communities we visit. This may include giving a percentage of the profits from each tour to a foundation to help street children or local conservation projects. Furthermore, in order to allow our clients to make an informed decision on where a greater proportion of their money should be spent, we avoid including pre-paid full board meals where possible. Local restaurants and cafes then benefit.
Our groups average only six clients, and many tours operate on a private basis with just two travelers. This has much less impact when traveling through rural areas, reducing our environmental and social affects. Finally, to emphasis our commitment to Responsible Tourism all clients will receive a copy of our Travelers Code of Conduct with their travel documents.
Environment
By keeping our tours involved with the communities we visit, the people who benefit from our tours in Oman are the local people; drivers, hoteliers, and restaurateurs, local guides - even the Bedouin from whom you can buy fresh fruit while traveling. We do not use big international hotels which drain economic and natural resources. The money that is spent on entrance fees directly contributes to the ongoing maintenance of the desert castles we visit. Our journey through Oman includes a stop to see a local turtle preservation and protection scheme. With your help, the local people are beginning to appreciate the importance of conservation. The project shows the community a direct association with the income they receive from tourism and the preservation of the turtle sites. We only employ local staff and unlike many operators we believe that to send a foreign Tour Leader along to accompany your trip is an unnecessary burden on your wallet and our carbon footprint. We believe that locals know best. Our local operators only use locally owned accommodation. This means your money stays in the area to benefit the local community. When possible we use local transport, (i.e. rail or bus) and we always use local restaurants, markets and shops. In doing this your travels are supporting and encouraging the development of local services.
We only work with operators who are as committed as we are to putting something back into the communities we visit. This may include giving a percentage of the profits from each tour to a foundation to help street children or local conservation projects. Furthermore, in order to allow our clients to make an informed decision on where a greater proportion of their money should be spent, we avoid including pre-paid full board meals where possible. Local restaurants and cafes then benefit.
Our groups average only six clients, and many tours operate on a private basis with just two travelers. This has much less impact when traveling through rural areas, reducing our environmental and social affects. Finally, to emphasis our commitment to Responsible Tourism all clients will receive a copy of our Travelers Code of Conduct with their travel documents.
Community
Climate
15 Reviews of Oman small group tour
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2020 by Karen Brown
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The local tour leader was excellent; the people of Oman were amazing as it the landscape.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If travelers have not been to a middle eastern country before, this would be the place I would recommend
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think so - we used local hotels etc..
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2019 by Aruna Paramasivam
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Jebel Shams - seeing the Grand Canyon of Oman certainly did not disappoint. Eating camel curry & all the local Omani cuisine.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Not suitable for anyone with motion sickness or fear of heights. The hotel in the desert does not have air conditioning, so come prepared to spend a lot of time in the pool. The hotel in Muscat is not centrally located, so you will need to spend money on taxis to get around.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a great itinerary. I would have just upgraded the hotels if it was possible.
Reviewed on 06 Dec 2018 by Rob Pearson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Many memorable episodes! Watching the Green turtles on the beach at Ras Al Jinz. The hustle and bustle of Nizwa market. Rugged 4-wheel drive down from
the mountains to snake canyon. Hearing the chorus of call-to-midday-prayers echo around the mountains above Muttrah... and the many sunrises and
sunsets!
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you have free time in Muscat - do the Muttrah Geotrek (C38), a short and easy walk /minor wadi scramble if you want to get away from the cruise tourists
on the Corniche (path starts behind the mosque near Riyam Park car park). Number 4 bus leaves from near the Al Falaj hotel down to Muttrah & Old Muscat
for 0.2 OmaniRial (40 pence) each way (every 20-30 mins). A fleece / layers for Jebel Shams - as temperatures drop up there at night!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Really difficult to quantify local benefit other than use of local tour company. Oman has undergone major transformations over the past few decades and
appears only just on the brink of embracing climate change mitigation strategies, still having a deep dependency on 4WD cars and plastic bottled water. We brought filter bottles to minimize our use of plastic bottles (unlimited supply from the guides car AND provided gratis at meals). Oman has good desalinated tap water which once filtered is palatable.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Exceeded expectations. The guide said and drivers were excellent. Food and water arranged / supplied was excellent and plentiful. The accommodation was
excellent throughout.
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for the feedback and tips. We are delighted that you enjoyed the tour.
Reviewed on 01 Dec 2018 by David Williams
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Watching turtles at Ras El Jinz
Standing on a dune in the Empty Quarter
Driving Wadi Bani Awf
Date tasting in Nizwa souk
The Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
(this trip was tailor made so it is unlikely anyone would book exactly the same vacation)
If you want a drink, buy your duty frees at the airport
Do eat in small local restaurants. they are cheap, the quality of the food is much higher than I expected, and there are no hygiene problems
When eating in these restaurants you will find that one dish is ample for two people.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We tried to spend money with local concern
Environmental Impact: Long haul flights, two internal flights, and several hundred miles driving; not good I am afraid. The removal of a little plastic waste from the desert was a tiny contribution by comparison.
Conservation: I don't think we did the turtles on Ras al Jinz beach much good, but concentrating tourists here leaves another 150 miles of beach untrampled. I hope some of the money we paid goes into turtle conservation, but I don't know.
With increasing wealth most of Oman's people have moved into newly built homes. The traditional mudbrick houses deteriorated very quickly when abandoned. One beneficial effect of tourism is that in several places people have restored the mud brick buildings and opened them to visitors
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fascinating. Fabulous desert landscapes, friendly people, restored historic buildings, beautiful modern mosques, good food. What's not to like?
(Actually I would have liked a cold beer on a hot afternoon - but you know you are making that sacrifice when booking for a country like Oman)
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for the feedback. We are delighted that you enjoyed the vacation. Your visits to the turtle sanctuary and the mud brick houses are certainly having a benefit on the conservation of the local wildlife and the preservation of unique historical homes. Once again, thanks for the great feedback.
Reviewed on 17 Mar 2018 by Oliver Grumitt
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Just about everything was memorable. But traveling through and swimming in the wadis and canyons would be the top highlight.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you would like to try something different from a normal vacation then this is perfect. Remember to always do what the guide. Asks you to do and you will have no problems.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I hope so! There was a lot of litter like plastic bottles scattered around and also in the water at the wadis. I did my bit by removing some rubbish lying and floating around and putting it where it should belong, in a bin.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A one hundred percent success, things went very smoothly. I hope I will do many more vacations with the company.
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your kind comments. We are delighted that you enjoyed Oman so much and we look forward to having you travel with us again.
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2018 by Frances Hastings
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of Oman was amazing and a wonderful country to visit ...but I especially loved being in the mountains at Wadi Bani Awf, with stunning scenery and incredible views.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Have really warm clothes if you sleep at 8 thousand feet at Jebel Shams, in the morning it was 4 degrees and I had to sleep in gloves! You can’t have bare shoulders out in public. Need to up for adventures.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We had lunch with a Bedouin family which I hope helped them and us. A small group of 11 made less of an impact on the environment ...but no recycling of all those water bottles that everybody used. We must have used hundreds. I used my own bottles and refilled, the tap water is OK. Conservation at the turtles.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
100%.
Reviewed on 07 Nov 2017 by Martin Bigg
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Watching the turtles at Ras el Jinz after dark and before dawn - both adult female turtles laying and baby turtles hatching and scurrying to the sea. Such a privilege to be part of this.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go prepared for the heat and drink lots of water. And don't walk barefoot on sun-baked sand!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Benefited local people - a resounding yes, as we stayed (mostly) in local hotels, had lunch in small local restaurants, visited local businesses, and used local guides. Reduced environmental impacts - definitely not, through (1) plentiful supply (and most grateful for them!) of plastic bottles of drinking water, with no apparent means of recycling, and (2) through lots of driving - but, in a land where car is king, who's to notice?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent!
Reviewed on 19 Mar 2017 by Sheryl Padjen
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The entire trip was excellent and memorable. The most memorable was seeing the green turtles at night laying eggs. It was incredible! Wahiba Sands was also spectacular.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go and enjoy! Our guide, Said, was exceptional and our driver, Amin, was also very good. If it were possible to request a particular guide, Said would be the one to request.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The hotel where we stayed to view the turtles definitely benefited conservation as it benefited the turtles. There would have been no other reason to stay at this hotel, and the guides there do a good job of ensuring that the turtles are not disturbed and are viewed appropriately.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent!
Read the operator's response here:
Thank you. We are delighted that you enjoyed the trip and Oman.
Reviewed on 28 Nov 2017 by Bennett Hinkley
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The drive from Nizwa to Muscat, through the mountains. Astounding.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you get motion sickness, bring some tablets for the mountains. Bring some socks and foot cream; it's really dry and you're feet are liable to crack.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not particularly, unless the hotel at the turtle reserve uses its profits to support the turtle conservation efforts of the area.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good.
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2017 by Fiona McFarlane
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Traveling into the desert
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Do not expect much by way of variety of food especially if you are veggie or have special dietary needs. Food was fine but repetitive and a bit basic mainly.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I would hope that it benefited local people, although given that the cost was 'all in' that rather depended on the arrangements with each venue of which we
were not a party. Perhaps you should provide information on how the arrangements work?.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very highly. The guide was excellent, arrangements were very smooth
Reviewed on 04 Jan 2017 by Victoria Johnson
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
There were several: turtles on the beach in Ras al Jinz, sunset in the desert,
villages in Jebel Akhdar, Misfat and Al Hamra
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
No special advice. The tour isn't strenuous.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not especially
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, although the tour could be improved by an additional day.
Reviewed on 29 Nov 2017 by Maria Trivyza
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Salalah!
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go for the Salalah extension...
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
If I did not do the extension, I would rate it GOOD! We had some problems with accommodation and long hours of mountain driving which did not add much to the trip.
Reviewed on 19 Dec 2016 by Ana Pissarro
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Spending the night in 1000night camp in Wahiba Sands! What a magical place..
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I am not sure if it reduced environmental impact but it made us all aware of the impact humans have in Nature. Unfortunately, there is a lot of rubbish all over Wahiba Sands left by local people (or so we were said). It is extremelly important for Travel Agencies to pressure Omani governmental agencies to work on a solution for this probelm.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great! Loved it!
Read the operator's response here:
All of us here are delighted to learn that Ana enjoyed her tour of Oman so much; Wahiba Sands is indeed a very special place. Part of our stated philosophy is that" We want to visit an area as friends, not intruders, and to ensure that what we see will also be there for others to enjoy for many years to come." This is an important consideration when we choose our local partners, and we expect them to be vigilant in minimising the impact our clients make as they travel through a country. It is difficult when local people seem not to show the same care for their surroundings, but our local partners try to lead by example, and take every opportunity to make their voices heard on these matters.
Reviewed on 03 Jan 2016 by Yann Bacon
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Crossing the mountains and the desert, and having a clear night sky in the desert. Omani are really hospitable.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Night at Ras al Jinz reserve was not very comfortable, as many people were shouting when waiting for their 5am tour, disrespectful of people sleeping. Maybe another choice of hotel would be useful (or another waiting place for people on the tour).
Muscat deserves more than a 1/2 day tour. Don't miss the desert and the mountains, don't miss the sunset cruise also. If you can stay longer in the mountain to go for a 2-3 hours walk in the grand canyon, do it.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Hope so. It's sad however to see such beautiful places littered with plastic bags and bottles.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very very nice, loved it! Also the guide had a big part in making this vacation memorable. It's very quiet, the roads are really good, all this makes traveling in Oman very easy and refreshing.
Reviewed on 11 Feb 2015 by Dennis Shulha
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The desert most of all and the rest was memorable
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
No
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was wonderful. The people were warm and gracious. Our guide did a great job and was a superb quick driver. A few things that your company should consider. We made 2 requests for information about the host company and a telephone number and name of the contact person in Oman. We did not receive anything. Fortunately it turned out well. Secondly, the hotel that was provided during the visit to the turtles is a 1 star hotel and it gets only one star because of the staff.
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