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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Accordingly you should allow approx. £25 for gratuities for local staff.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Omani Riyal.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Sterling and US$ are widely accepted. It is worth taking some money in cash. You can get local currency from exchange offices at home.
Where to Exchange: Banks or 'Forex' offices in main towns/cities.
ATM Availability: ATMs are widely available in major towns/cities.
Credit Card Acceptance: In hotels and some larger shops/restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Travellers Cheques can be cashed in Oman, but banks and exchange offices do tend to charge a high exchange rate.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currency-express.com/explore/
| UK | Oman | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £0.70 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £0.60 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £3.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £4.50 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £10.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Seeb International Airport (Muscat) or at any Oman border post at a cost of 20 Rials or approximately $55 though this could change at any time and without warning so we therefore advise you to check with the nearest embassy before travelling.
All nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topNothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Malaria, Tetanus, Infectious Hepatitis, Typhoid and Polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against Malaria.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topThe annual rainfall in most parts of Oman does not usually exceed 125mm, although in the north (the Jebel Akhdar mountain area), it can exceed 20-25mm per month in the December to February period. The coastal areas have a hot and humid season from May to September (up to 38 degrees C), although temperatures remain high throughout the year. Inland the humidity is lower, and nights are cooler especially in winter when there can be frost in the desert. There is much sunshine throughout the year.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of luggage and a daypack. Total allowance: 20kgs/44lbs. Remember – you are expected to carry your own luggage, so don't overload yourself. Dust proof bags will be needed for luggage whilst travelling through the desert.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topYou will need lightweight clothing for sunny days, with a sun-hat and neck protection. You will also need some warmer clothing for the evenings. Nights out camping in the desert and along the Arabian coast can be cold in winter, so please bring a warm jacket or fleece. Bare shoulders and legs cause offence outside main cities and hotels. Therefore women should cover up when visiting villages. At our wild camping spots shorts are fine.
Back to topWomen are advised not to wear shorts or dresses that are too revealing as this can attract unwelcome attention in the streets of Muslim towns – loose fitting trousers or slacks are ideal. Women should also cover their head and shoulders when entering a mosque and men should wear long trousers.
Back to topComfortable walking shoes or boots, trainers (that you don’t mind getting wet) and sandals.
Back to topA personal water bottle is useful and a small torch essential for the nights whilst camping. Camping equipment is provided but you will need to bring a 2-3 season (temperature –5°C to 0°C) sleeping bag.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topDuring the camping nights, participants should be prepared to muck in, whether it be helping dig one of the vehicles out of the sand occasionally, or helping set up camp and washing up meals.
Back to topRAMADAN 2013 - 9th July to 8th August
Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period.
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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