Guide Oman is Oman’s number one desert expedition company, allowing you to self drive and experience the thrill of the sand dunes, with the luxury of a full support crew around you.
If you want to feel the heat of the air on your skin, or the cool silkiness of the sand beneath your feet and appreciate the true beauty of the desert, follow us.
A full support crew join us to allow you to enjoy the experience stress free – Medics to Mechanics to Chefs and Support crew to take care of your needs. Driver education and support crew will allow even beginners to complete the trips with enriched accomplishments of becoming a desert driver.
A desert safari is a great weekend escape from the regular routine, and is a great opportunity to meet, network and socialize with a wide range of nationalities including the Omanis. As a tourist you can enjoy a unique and authentic Omani experience, far from the beaten tourist trail.
Desert is unpredictable, be prepared for the unthinkable
Desert driving can be frustrating, a good sense of humor is essential
The desert is also someone’s home. Be a good guest and respect them and their environment
The desert is a beautiful environment; please take your rubbish with you
4×4 vehicle and spare fuel cans (atleast ONE depending on vehicle)
Please refuel before you reach registration
Recovery Equipment – Tyre deflator, rope, spade, jack and compressor.
Your camping equipment: it can get cool at night so minimum of a blanket is advised for your comfort, and what you need for a comfortable night relaxing under the stars.
A lot of us sleep without tents, how you sleep in the desert is at your preference.
Change of clothing; it can get hot and sticky
Toiletries, washing water and bug repellent. Sometimes they attack the smelly people
Sun screen, sunglasses and something to cover your head from the heat of the sun, AND something warm to wear at night.
If you need special food, please bring it.
Please note, there is a huge variety of food provided. You won’t go hungry!
Camera and/or Video Camera, to prove to that you were there! Spare batteries!
Specific medications and travel sickness medication if required.
Further suggestions include:
Camp chairs and table, sunshade, torches, insect repellant, cool boxes and snacks
The desert can be an unforgiving place, please ensure personal safety is always upheld. We are happy to say that during all these years of crossing we never had any major accident, because of the rules we expect each participant to follow.
Safety ALWAYS comes before fun, please remember that.
If you do get stuck driving, do not panic, or feel embarrassed! Remember even the professionals get stuck, so please don’t hesitate to ask for help or guidance…
Drive with lights on at all times
Always offer to help someone in need
Although we have recovery gear with us, it will be nice to bring yours if you have it
Seat belts, at all times. Yes, this includes passengers in the front and the back
Avoid walking around plant life barefoot, some creepy crawlies have a nasty bite
Avoid plant life when setting up your tent
If you are not healthy, have back injuries or heart issues, do not participate – a doctor/first aider is not always enough
We carry satellite communication phones, just encase they are needed
Always be sensible and patient
Deflating your tyresincreases your traction. Let your tyres down to between 15psi (depending on the type of car, and the terrain tackled).
Drive in 4WD mode, High Range when venturing off the Bedouin road. Only use 4WD LOW RANGE when you are stuck
Follow the gravity of the car, Gravity will always win! Do not turn against the direction the vehicle wants to travel. As a driver you are there to guide the car in the direction you want.
Gentle is the name of the game. Heavy braking and acceleration will only dig your tires deep into the sand.
Maintain a safe distance between cars, and always ensure the path is clear. Keep 20 to 30 meters between cars when driving
Parking and stopping… Always stop on firm spot. Stop your car on a slope so that gravity will help you move
Watch cars similar to yours noting how they react on dunes. Note the speed and angle needed to conquer the dune
Finally, talk to the crew, there are many experienced drivers who are there to assist and guide you. Most of all relax and enjoy the experience
Cameras with zoom don’t particularly like dust and sand… be careful.
If the sand is too hot, socks are the next best thing to running barefoot.
Bright colours contrast fantastically with the desert for amazing photos
Dehydration can lead to a miserable time. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Please drink plenty of water… as eat some fresh fruit
Chocolates are a good energy booster
It is important to remember that the desert is a precious eco system. Here are a few small things to keep in mind while you are in the desert;
Stay on the established path; do not unnecessarily create new tracks
Plant life is scarce in the desert, please try to protect it
ALWAYS ensure the path is clear before you attempt to cross the dunes
Rubbish – none of us want to see a dirty desert or see the desert destroyed by our participation
Some vehicles hold sub tanks, if yours does not, you will need a Fuel Can
MUST have good quality tyres, and at least one good quality spare
MUST be in a good state of repair and regularly maintained and checked
Advised to not have bumper extensions – front and back (tend catch the sand, and are the most common damages. You can remove bumpers for the event