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Depart in the morning for Sinaw Souq the main meeting place for the Bedouin. Here camels, goats and calves are auctioned and bartered. Bedouin women in traditional dress, complete with shiny metallic face-mask trade side by side with the men. In some of the silver shops you can still find traditional Bedouin jewellery.
To Ibra - gateway to the Sharqiya Region. Watchtowers on the surrounding hills pay silent tribute to its past strategic importance and the remains of grand fortified houses and forts abound. Not far away is Al Mudayrib where fine old buildings with beautifully carved doors, painted ceilings and arches show the influence of contact with Africa.
Visit Wadi Bani Khaled, one of the largest wadis in Oman nestled deep in the mountains. Water cascades down the gorge forming cool blue-green pools, fed by underground streams flowing from within the surrounding limestone hills.
The route continues through the villages of Al Kamil and Al Wafi to Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan & Ali. These two villages are named after two tribes who were fiercely competitive in the past. The main feature is the Jami Hamoda Mosque built in the 11th century A.H. It has 52 domes supported by a network of pillars and a main entrance with studded wooden doors.
To the coastal village of Asylan and the scenic rocky coastline to Ras Al Junaiz near Ras Al Hadd. Ras Al Junaiz is a marvellous bay with golden sand, 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.
The Al Naseem camp is situated here where you will have a typical Omani dinner and stay overnight.
After dinner, time will be spent on the beach watching turtles making nests and laying their eggs.
At sunrise is an opportunity to photograph and watch turtles laying eggs and hatchlings emerging from the nests and heading for the sea; followed by breakfast in the camp.
Then into Sur, an ancient port and seafaring town which once played a major part in the trade between Oman, East Africa and India. A walk through its labyrinth of streets reveals many fine old houses with carved doors and arabesque windows. See splendid fishing Dhows in the harbour and a traditional Dhow building yard,.
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 13th 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.
Along the coast and through the coastal village of Tiwi to 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.
Along the coastline passing Fins and Bimah with many tiny coves tucked beneath the cliffs and stretches of white sandy beaches lapped by an incredible turquoise sea.
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.
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. 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.
You are returned to Muscat late in the afternoon where the tour ends.
| Tour (excluding accommodation in Muscat): | |
|---|---|
| Minimum of 2 passengers | £299 |
| Minimum of 4 passengers | £195 |
| More than 4 passengers | Call us for a quote |
Al Naseem, the permanent camp, is located only 4 minutes drive from Ras Al Junaiz nature reserve. The fenced-in and guarded camp offers comfortable sleeping facilities in spacious A-framed cabins enclosed with palm fronds to ward off nature's elements. Each cabin is fitted out with two single beds and electric lighting. The campsite has fixed amenities including showers, hand basins and flush toilets. The Arabian style entertainment area, covered with palm fronds is an introduction to true Omani hospitality where you can dine in comfort and lounge on oriental carpets and cushions. The campfire area with tables, chairs, oriental carpets and cushions is a delight.
home > activities > turtle-watching > 2 day tour with turtle watching and camping