Oman/ Yemen July/August
 

Hi,

I am going to be in Kenya in June, and want to drive home to UK.

I would like to go via Oman and Yemen and would like to understand what it will be like traveling in peak summer.

If any one as any other options for crossing the deserts please advise

Thanks
M

Hot hot hot
 

I lived in Oman from 1996 to 2001 and in July and August it goes without saying that it is hot - regularly low 40s and occasionally high 40s. Obviously nearer the coast is a little cooler.
In our company, there was an edict that manual labour could be stopped on days when it used to go above 45C
Of course people live there, so moving around at that time isn't impossible. All the Expat families shoot off out of the country but I stayed through one or 2 summers and survived, although I guess I was acclimatised.

Only 2 things to consider really - your vehicle has to be in A1 tip top, 100% perfect condition before you set off - anything less is plain daft. I am all for daft, reckless arsing about (usually) but not in the midst of an Arabian Summer.

And water. Literally you will need to carry around 50 litres per person on the vehicle in many different containers - some will spill, split, get left on a rock after a stop, will be drunk and some has to stay in reserve.

But it is not an impossible task

Oh, I forgot one thing I learned - conservation of energy. Only daft Europeans race around. It took me a year or two of living in Oman to realise that one had to move like the locals. Walk slowly, one step at a time, move objects in small lightweight numbers and so on. Do everything gently and slowly and conserve your natural energies

Have fun

We passed Ramlat-as Sabatayn Desert of Yemen between Ma'rib and Hadramaut in May 10 with a 4x4 in one day. Also stayed in Berber's tent.

It was the hottest day I've ever seen. Don't remember such a day I drank so much water. Guess it was over 45 C.

July will be top hi HOT. Personally I would avoid. If you are used to it, may be you can succee. If you will be driving a 4x4 your chance is higher. With motobike not that easy. You have to carry much fuel and water.

Good luck

Sami