Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Middle East
4x4 tour of Oman 4x4 tour of Oman
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Middle East Topics specific to the Middle East countries, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman and the Emirates
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Dec 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1
4x4 tour of Oman
Hi all,

"Her indoors" wants a trip to Oman next winter. Liz spent 4 months out there as a photographer for Raleigh International in 1999 and loved the Country. We have already had the brochure for Safari Drive who can supply the vehicle and route. We are interested in starting off in Muscat with a visit to Sur and then down to the Empty Quarter where Safari drive supply a Bedouin guide. Being a little tight when it comes to cash and despite the fact that I should splash out as it will be to celebrate my 50th birthday, I'd like to get the best value as possible.

Can anyone recommend Oman based companies for any or all of the following..

The hire of an expedition vehicle and camping kit.
Assistance with route planning, camping preferred for the majority of the trip.
A guide for the more desolate areas such as the Empty Quarter.

As with everything in life one has to shop around and of course forums such as this can give the best feedback on companies.

Many thanks,
Gareth
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: granada,spain
Posts: 352
Hire of Expedition Vehicle
Hi Gareth

I lived in Oman for 6 yrs from 1990 to 1995. The dive centre at Qantab in Muscat used to rent fully rigged vehicles. Try a search for them and I will also try and get details.

IMHO you will not need guides for any area in Oman.There is a mass of info available on the internet and some really good offroad books you can buy.

Although some areas are very remote there are good 4x4 tracks and always local people who will be delighted to help.Having said all that there are serious rules and disciplines to be followed regarding vehicle preps, water, straying to far off track etc but,it sounds as though you are aware of this.

Oman is a fabulous place for camping and overlanding- enjoy
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Mar 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3
Oman trip 2014
Hi Gareth,

I live and work in Oman at the moment. It is still a lovely country but it has changed a lot since 1999! Still lovely people though!

You can easily camp and travel anywhere with the possible exception of the Empty Quarter which is still remote. If you saw the recent BBC programme with Fogal and the other bloke whose name I can't remember, as I'm sure that you realised, they just skirted the Empty Quarter.

4x4 Vehicle hire is easy but not cheap and you can simply buy a tent, and other stuff to camp at the supermarket in Muscat, probably cheaper than hire.

It really depends how long that you intend to come for but a good and easier alternative is to cross the Wahiba sands West to East which will give you a great few days dune driving experience without the complexities of the Empty Quarter.

If you are absolutely set on the Empty Quarter, let me know and depending on when, potentially I would come with you as a second vehicle.

Either way, let me know closer to the time and I should be able to help with all aspects of your trip whatever you choose to do.

Pete
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 4 Mar 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: granada,spain
Posts: 352
4x4 Rental Costs
Hi Pete

Could you advise a rough idea of what it may cost to rent a Cruiser/Patrol for say 4 weeks as this is something I may consider myself

This would be bare hire as I would buy the camping stuff on arrival.

Do you have an idea if the hire companies include full insurance for the car for offroad travel.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 4 Mar 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3
Hire
Tony,

Probably around R.O 25-30 per day (40 to 45 GBP) but you would need to check. Possibly cheaper for a block month period.

I suggest that you e-mail Mark Car Hire ask them your questions. They seem to have decent cars and would probably be able to advise you generally. Others are the usual Hertz, Budget etc. They all hire out Land Cruisers to the tourist and business market here.

A negotiable alternative is ABC rent a car, Mr Joy (abcrent@omantel.net.om), but do check the insurance situation as I have heard bad reports. This is who I hire from if necessary but only saloons to replace cars in for repair or service.

If you ask for PDO spec, it will come with additional spare tyre, roll cage etc but might be diesel.

I don't know about insurance you should check that with the hire companies

If you get no luck let me know and I will ask the next time that I am at the Airport as all the hire desks are there.

Pete
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
South American / Patagonia tour recommendation cjmusante Tours 5 7 Apr 2014 19:24
For sale: powerfull 4x4 Suzuki in Chile sept-okt '13 Wi-to Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 28 Aug 2013 00:53
China Bike Tour & Rental TBR-China Bike Swap or Rent 0 11 Jul 2013 08:09
Spanish Civil War Tour, July 7th - 12th, 2013 Simon_100 Motorcycle Events around the world 10 15 Mar 2013 13:32
TATA military 4x4 truck Bundubasher Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 2 Jun 2012 19:43

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:19.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top