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Middle East Topics specific to the Middle East countries, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman and the Emirates
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 23 Dec 2013
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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
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  #2  
Old 23 Dec 2013
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: granada,spain
Posts: 349
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
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  #3  
Old 3 Mar 2014
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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
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  #4  
Old 4 Mar 2014
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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.
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  #5  
Old 4 Mar 2014
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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
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