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The Oman Self Drive Tours travel agency
“Flawless professionalism” - pilpoil, Tripadvisor / “Faultless planning, excellent briefing on arrival” - jane r, Tripadvisor
Who, more than an experienced guide, is best placed to create your road trip ?
Paul, a Frenchman living in the Sultanate of Oman, first worked there as a trekking guide and tour guide. Armed with his in-depth knowledge of the country, he set up his own tour operator - Oman Self Drive Tours - with Said, an Omani from Nakhl, a small city at the foot of the Hajar Mountains.
In charge of all the operational tasks of the company, Paul takes care of all his clients from start to finish - a true guarantee of quality.
Learn more about our agency and our ethical tourism principles.
Who, more than an experienced guide, is best placed to create your road trip ?
Paul, a Frenchman living in the Sultanate of Oman, first worked there as a trekking guide and tour guide. Armed with his in-depth knowledge of the country, he set up his own tour operator - Oman Self Drive Tours - with Said, an Omani from Nakhl, a small city at the foot of the Hajar Mountains.
In charge of all the operational tasks of the company, Paul takes care of all his clients from start to finish - a true guarantee of quality.
Learn more about our agency and our ethical tourism principles.
Head for adventure with our self-drive tours à la carte !
“Truly magical places off the beaten track, that we never would have found on our own” - jane r, Tripadvisor
The freedom to travel at your own pace, with your family or friends, along with the peace of mind of an organized tour ! It is just that simple !
Learn more about the Oman Self Drive Tours concept.
Our itineraries are tailored to your wishes : cultural visits, road trips, seaside holiday, more challenging circuits (hiking, canyoning, diving). It's up to you !
This does not prevent us from sticking to our vision of travelling : all our programmes offer strolls and short walks and give you the chance, at least part of the time, to go off the beaten track.
Learn more about the activities we offer.
The freedom to travel at your own pace, with your family or friends, along with the peace of mind of an organized tour ! It is just that simple !
Learn more about the Oman Self Drive Tours concept.
Our itineraries are tailored to your wishes : cultural visits, road trips, seaside holiday, more challenging circuits (hiking, canyoning, diving). It's up to you !
This does not prevent us from sticking to our vision of travelling : all our programmes offer strolls and short walks and give you the chance, at least part of the time, to go off the beaten track.
Learn more about the activities we offer.
The Sultanate of Oman : a fascinating country, the place to go for road trips
A very safe country, an excellent road network with little traffic, a hospitable population: what more could you ask for when travelling without a guide ?
It is simple : wild and varied landscapes, a unique culture, the opportunity to enjoy a real adventure away from crowds !
Learn more about the reasons why you should travel to Oman and how easily you can travel there.
It is simple : wild and varied landscapes, a unique culture, the opportunity to enjoy a real adventure away from crowds !
Learn more about the reasons why you should travel to Oman and how easily you can travel there.
Our tours in Oman - 2022-2023 (updating in progress)
“A great experience” - MartinWakeling, Tripadvisor / “Such a fab holiday” - jane r, Tripadvisor
Here are a few itinerary examples. Do not forget that all our road trips are tailor made : at your request, we can adapt a tour to your particular requirements or specifically design a tour for you.
Please also note that the tour programmes you can download thanks to the links below, although they are already very precise, are not what you will use during your road trip. The roadbooks we provide our travellers with include much more details about the driven routes and the offered activities.
See a roadbook extract.
Here are a few itinerary examples. Do not forget that all our road trips are tailor made : at your request, we can adapt a tour to your particular requirements or specifically design a tour for you.
Please also note that the tour programmes you can download thanks to the links below, although they are already very precise, are not what you will use during your road trip. The roadbooks we provide our travellers with include much more details about the driven routes and the offered activities.
See a roadbook extract.
- 1 week
- 2 weeks
- Hiking / canyon
- 4x4+
- Camping
1-week tours
Jebels, desert and wadis
Discovery 4x4+ self-drive tour
7 days - Hotels 2*/guesthouses
Programme and prices of the tour "Jebels, desert and wadis"
- Western Hajar mountains, Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Gulf of Oman)
- 4x4+: The spectacular crossing of the Western Hajar by vertiginous dirt roads (Wadi bani Awf)
- 2 or 3 nights in charming rustic guesthouses
- 1 night at the heart of the Wahiba Sands
- Mix of classics (Misfat, Nizwa, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and off-the-beaten-path sites
Nizwa and the Sharqiyah
Discovery 4x4 self-drive tour
8 days - Hotels 3*/private camp
Programme and prices of the tour "Nizwa and the Sharqiyah"
- Western Hajar mountains (south), Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Indian Ocean & Gulf of Oman)
- 2 nights in Nizwa
- Private camp at the heart of the Wahiba Sands (or luxury camp)
- Swimming: 4 nights at the beachside / 3 days in the wadis
- Classics (Jabrin, Misfat, Nizwa, turtles, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and some off-the-beaten-path sites
Marvels of the Sultanate
Discovery 4x4 self-drive tour
7 days - Hotels 3*/4*
Programme and prices of the tour "Marvels of the Sultanate"
- Western Hajar mountains (south and west), Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Indian Ocean & Gulf of Oman)
- The 3*/4* hotels the best located along the itinerary
- Luxury camp in the Wahiba Sands
- Driving up the Jebel Shams to discover the Grand Canyon from the top
- Swimming: 2 or 3 nights at the beachside / 3 days in the wadis
- Classics (Jabrin, Misfat, Nizwa, turtles, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and off-the-beaten-path sites
Beaches, desert and wadis
Discovery 4x4 self-drive tour
9 days - Hotels 1*/2*/3*/private camp
Programme and prices of the tour "Beaches, desert and wadis"
- 6 days around the Eastern Hajar mountains: many wadis, Wahiba desert, sea (Indian Ocean & Gulf of Oman)
- Boat trip and snorkelling at the Daymaniyat Islands
- 1 night in a charming guesthouse
- Private camp at the heart of the Wahiba Sands
- Many swimming options: 4 nights at the beachside with 2 in the same hotel at the end / 4 days in the wadis
- Mix of classics (turtles, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and off-the-beaten-path sites
Hiking in the Western Hajar
Hiking 4x4+ self-drive tour
7 days - Guesthouses/hotels 2*
Programme and prices of the tour "Hiking in the Western Hajar"
- 7 days in the Western Hajar mountains (Jebel Akhdar, Jebel Shams)
- 4x4+: The spectacular crossing of the Western Hajar by vertiginous dirt roads (Wadi bani Awf)
- 3 nights in charming rustic guesthouses / 4 nights high in the mountains
- Walks every day and 2 day hikes (self-guided)
- Many off-the-beaten-path sites
Secret deserts and wadis
Discovery 4x4 self-drive tour
8 days - Beach & desert camps/hotels 1*
Programme and prices of the tour "Secret deserts and wadis"
- North: Samail Gap, Wahiba desert, wadis
- Centre-east: 4 days off the beaten path: Sugar Dunes (white desert), Masirah Island, Indian Ocean
- 2 nights in a beach camp
- 1 or 2 nights in the Wahiba Sands
- Swimming: 2 nights at the beachside in the same accommodation / 2 days in the wadis
- Many off-the-beaten-path sites
2-week tours
The Hajar Mountains Loop
Discovery 4x4 self-drive tour
14 days - Hotels 3*/guesthouses
Programme and prices of the tour "The Hajar Mountains Loop"
- Western Hajar mountains, Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Indian Ocean & Gulf of Oman)
- Driving around the Jebel Shams along little-known dirt roads then up the massif to discover the Grand Canyon from the top
- 4 nights in charming rustic guesthouses with 1 in the superb village of Wakan / 3 nights high in the mountains
- 2 nights in the Wahiba Sands with 1 at the heart of the desert
- Guided visits of the famous villages of Misfat al Abriyeen and Balad Sayt (Wadi bani Awf)
- Swimming: 4 nights at the beachside with 2 in the same hotel at the end / 3 days in the wadis
- Mix of classics (Jabrin, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar, turtles, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and off-the-beaten-path sites
The Hajar Mountains Loop - Comfort
Discovery 4x4 self-drive tour
14 days - Hotels 3*/4*/private camp
Programme and prices of the tour "The Hajar Mountains Loop Comfort"
- Western Hajar mountains, Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Indian Ocean & Gulf of Oman)
- Driving around the Jebel Shams along little-known dirt roads then up the massif to discover the Grand Canyon from the top
- The 3*/4* hotels the best located along the itinerary / 4 nights high in the mountains
- 2 nights in the Wahiba Sands with 1 in a private camp at the heart of the desert
- Guided visits of the famous villages of Misfat al Abriyeen and Balad Sayt (Wadi bani Awf)
- Swimming: 4 or 5 nights at the beachside with 2 in the same hotel at the end / 3 days in the wadis
- Mix of classics (Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar, turtles, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and off-the-beaten-path sites
Secret mountains
Hiking 4x4+ self-drive tour
12 days - Guesthouses/hotels 2*
Programme and prices of the tour "Secret mountains"
- Western and Eastern Hajar mountains, Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Gulf of Oman)
- 4x4+: The spectacular crossing of the Western Hajar by vertiginous dirt roads (Wadi bani Awf)
- 4x4+: The crossing of the Eastern Hajar down to the sea by little-used dirt roads
- 4 to 6 nights in charming rustic guesthouses with 1 in the superb village of Wakan and 1 at the bottom of the Grand Canyon / 4 nights high in the mountains
- 1 night in a rustic camp managed by Bedouins in the Wahiba Sands
- Many walks and 2 day hikes (1 guided and 1 self-guided)
- Swimming: 2 nights at the beachside / 3 days in the wadis
- Classics (Misfat, Nizwa, turtles, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and many off-the-beaten-path sites
Muscat to the White Desert
Discovery 4x4 self-drive tour
14 days - Guesthouses/hotels 1*/2*/3*
Programme and prices of the tour "Muscat to the White Desert"
- North: Western Hajar mountains (south and west), Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Gulf of Oman)
- Centre-east: 4 days off the beaten path: Sugar Dunes (white desert), Masirah Island, Indian Ocean
- 3 or 4 nights in charming rustic guesthouses and 2 in a beach camp
- 1 or 2 nights in the Wahiba Sands
- Driving up the Jebel Shams to discover the Grand Canyon from the top
- Guided visit of the famous village of Misfat al Abriyeen
- Swimming: 5 nights at the beachside with 2 x 2 in the same accommodation / 3 days in the wadis
- Classics (Nizwa, Jabrin, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and many off-the-beaten-path sites
Hiking and canyon tours
Strolls and short walks are offered in all our programmes.
Tours classified as "hiking" include as well one or several day hikes, of variable length and height difference, guided or self-guided (see details in each programme). Most of these hikes are loop or return hikes and you are free not to walk the whole way.
In some wadis, we also offer guided canyon adventures. Learn more about aquatic hiking and canyoning in Oman.
Tours classified as "hiking" include as well one or several day hikes, of variable length and height difference, guided or self-guided (see details in each programme). Most of these hikes are loop or return hikes and you are free not to walk the whole way.
In some wadis, we also offer guided canyon adventures. Learn more about aquatic hiking and canyoning in Oman.
Hiking in the Western Hajar
Hiking 4x4+ self-drive tour
7 days - Guesthouses/hotels 2*
Programme and prices of the tour "Hiking in the Western Hajar"
- 7 days in the Western Hajar mountains (Jebel Akhdar, Jebel Shams)
- 4x4+: The spectacular crossing of the Western Hajar by vertiginous dirt roads (Wadi bani Awf)
- 3 nights in charming rustic guesthouses / 4 nights high in the mountains
- Walks every day and 2 day hikes (self-guided)
- Many off-the-beaten-path sites
Secret mountains
Hiking 4x4+ self-drive tour
12 days - Guesthouses/hotels 2*
Programme and prices of the tour "Secret mountains"
- Western and Eastern Hajar mountains, Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Gulf of Oman)
- 4x4+: The spectacular crossing of the Western Hajar by vertiginous dirt roads (Wadi bani Awf)
- 4x4+: The crossing of the Eastern Hajar down to the sea by little-used dirt roads
- 4 to 6 nights in charming rustic guesthouses with 1 in the superb village of Wakan and 1 at the bottom of the Grand Canyon / 4 nights high in the mountains
- 1 night in a rustic camp managed by Bedouins in the Wahiba Sands
- Many walks and 2 day hikes (1 guided and 1 self-guided)
- Swimming: 2 nights at the beachside / 3 days in the wadis
- Classics (Misfat, Nizwa, turtles, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and many off-the-beaten-path sites
Mountains and canyons of Oman
Hiking 4x4 self-drive tour
15 days - Guesthouses/hotels 3*/tented camp
Programme of the tour "Mountains and canyons of Oman"
- Western Hajar mountains (south and west), Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Gulf of Oman)
- 2 nights in charming rustic guesthouses, 2 in a homestay and 2 in a private cottage on the seaside / 5 nights high in the mountains
- 2 nights in a comfortable tented camp in the Wahiba Sands
- At least 2 nights in a row in most of the accommodations
- Many walks including the complete ascent of the Jebel Shams in 2 days and 2 day hikes on the Jebel Akhdar (self-guided)
- 2 aquatic hikes in the Eastern Hajar wadis (guided)
- Swimming: 4 nights at the seaside / 4 days in the wadis
- Classics (Misfat, Nizwa, Wadi Tiwi) and many off-the-beaten-path sites
4x4+ tours
All our itineraries include dirt roads without specific difficulty, easily negotiated with the 4x4 vehicles we provide.
Tours classified as "4x4+" include as well mountain dirt roads that require self-confidence in the driving of the vehicle. The driver should not be afraid of heights, as some parts are very steep, narrow and/or along the edge of cliffs. Nevertheless, they are all official roads, regularly maintained by the Omani government services.
Some "4x4+" itineraries can also include sand roads, especially to drive to certain camps in the Wahiba desert. For these usually short routes, a guide is present and can help you in case of problem. Note that in Oman, cars are not insured in sand.
Advices on the use of the vehicle are given at the start of the tour (and we can assist you by phone all along your trip).
Tours classified as "4x4+" include as well mountain dirt roads that require self-confidence in the driving of the vehicle. The driver should not be afraid of heights, as some parts are very steep, narrow and/or along the edge of cliffs. Nevertheless, they are all official roads, regularly maintained by the Omani government services.
Some "4x4+" itineraries can also include sand roads, especially to drive to certain camps in the Wahiba desert. For these usually short routes, a guide is present and can help you in case of problem. Note that in Oman, cars are not insured in sand.
Advices on the use of the vehicle are given at the start of the tour (and we can assist you by phone all along your trip).
Jebels, desert and wadis
Discovery 4x4+ self-drive tour
7 days - Hotels 2*/guesthouses
Programme and prices of the tour "Jebels, desert and wadis"
- Western Hajar mountains, Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Gulf of Oman)
- 4x4+: The spectacular crossing of the Western Hajar by vertiginous dirt roads (Wadi bani Awf)
- 2 or 3 nights in charming rustic guesthouses
- 1 night at the heart of the Wahiba Sands
- Mix of classics (Misfat, Nizwa, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and off-the-beaten-path sites
Secret mountains
Hiking 4x4+ self-drive tour
12 days - Guesthouses/hotels 2*
Programme and prices of the tour "Secret mountains"
- Western and Eastern Hajar mountains, Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Gulf of Oman)
- 4x4+: The spectacular crossing of the Western Hajar by vertiginous dirt roads (Wadi bani Awf)
- 4x4+: The crossing of the Eastern Hajar down to the sea by little-used dirt roads
- 4 to 6 nights in charming rustic guesthouses with 1 in the superb village of Wakan and 1 at the bottom of the Grand Canyon / 4 nights high in the mountains
- 1 night in a rustic camp managed by Bedouins in the Wahiba Sands
- Many walks and 2 day hikes (1 guided and 1 self-guided)
- Swimming: 2 nights at the beachside / 3 days in the wadis
- Classics (Misfat, Nizwa, turtles, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and many off-the-beaten-path sites
The Hajar Mountains Loop - Comfort - 4x4+ variant
Discovery 4x4 self-drive tour
14 days - Hotels 3*/4*/private camp
Programme and prices of the tour "The Hajar Mountains Loop Comfort 4x4+"
- Western Hajar mountains, Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Indian Ocean & Gulf of Oman)
- 4x4+: The spectacular crossing of the Western Hajar by vertiginous dirt roads (Wadi bani Awf)
- Driving up the Jebel Shams to discover the Grand Canyon from the top
- The 3*/4* hotels the best located along the itinerary / 4 nights high in the mountains
- 2 nights in the Wahiba Sands with 1 in a private camp at the heart of the desert
- Guided visit of the famous village of Misfat al Abriyeen
- Swimming: 4 or 5 nights at the beachside with 2 in the same hotel at the end / 3 days in the wadis
- Mix of classics (Jabrin, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar, turtles, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and off-the-beaten-path sites
Muscat to the White Desert - 4x4+ variant
Discovery 4x4+ self-drive tour
14 days - Guesthouses/hotels 1*/2*/3*
Programme and prices of the tour "Muscat to the White Desert 4x4+"
- North: Western Hajar mountains, Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Gulf of Oman)
- Centre-east: 4 days off the beaten path: Sugar Dunes (white desert), Masirah Island, Indian Ocean
- 4x4+: The spectacular crossing of the Western Hajar by vertiginous dirt roads (Wadi bani Awf)
- 3 or 4 nights in charming rustic guesthouses and 2 in a beach camp
- 1 or 2 nights in the Wahiba Sands
- Driving up the Jebel Shams to discover the Grand Canyon from the top
- Guided visit of the famous village of Misfat al Abriyeen
- Swimming: 5 nights at the beachside with 2 x 2 in the same accommodation / 3 days in the wadis
- Classics (Nakhl, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and many off-the-beaten-path sites
Camping tours
This is brand new! We made good use of the covid-19 break and developed a new option: tours combining hotels, guesthouses and wild camping!
The idea is not to replace as many hotels as possible by bivouacs to lower the prices, but rather to select for you campsites that add a real bonus to your experience:
For these nights under a tent, we provide all the necessary equipment, excluding sleeping bags, headlights and other personal effects.
The idea is not to replace as many hotels as possible by bivouacs to lower the prices, but rather to select for you campsites that add a real bonus to your experience:
- Be on superb sites until the evening and from the early morning, admire sunsets and sunrises and enjoy the best lights of the day, take a dip on waking - in the sea or a natural pool.
- Be able to sleep in regions with no accommodations.
- Enjoy more spectacular landscapes than those offered by the hotels of the region.
- Cut long drives.
For these nights under a tent, we provide all the necessary equipment, excluding sleeping bags, headlights and other personal effects.
Beaches, desert and wadis - camping variant
Discovery 4x4 self-drive tour
9 days - Guesthouses/desert camps + wild camping
Programme and prices of the tour "Beaches, desert and wadis camping"
- 7 days around the Eastern Hajar mountains: many wadis, Wahiba desert, sea (Indian Ocean & Gulf of Oman)
- Boat trip and snorkelling at the Daymaniyat Islands
- 2 nights in a charming guesthouse and 1 in a homestay
- 2 nights in the Wahiba Sands with 1 in a private camp at the heart of the desert
- 2 nights of (independent) wild camping in a wadi and by the beach
- Many swimming options: 3 nights at the seaside / 6 days in the wadis
- Mix of classics (turtles, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and off-the-beaten-path sites
The Hajar Mountains Loop - camping variant
Discovery 4x4 self-drive tour
15 days - Guesthouses/hotels 3*/desert camps + wild camping
Programme and prices of the tour "The Hajar Mountains Loop camping"
- Western Hajar mountains, Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Indian Ocean & Gulf of Oman)
- Driving around the Jebel Shams along little-known dirt roads then up the massif to discover the Grand Canyon from the top
- 3 nights in charming rustic guesthouses and 1 in a homestay / 3 nights high in the mountains
- 2 nights in the Wahiba Sands with 1 in a private camp at the heart of the desert
- 3 nights of (independent) wild camping in the mountains and the desert
- Guided visit of the famous village of Balad Sayt (Wadi bani Awf)
- Swimming: 4 nights at the seaside with 2 in the same hotel at the end / 3 days in the wadis
- Mix of classics (Jabrin, Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar, turtles, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and off-the-beaten-path sites
Secret deserts and wadis - camping variant
Discovery 4x4 self-drive tour
8 days - Guesthouses/desert camps + wild camping
Programme and prices of the tour "Secret deserts and wadis camping"
- North: Samail Gap, Wahiba desert, wadis
- Centre-east: 4 days off the beaten path: Sugar Dunes (white desert), Masirah Island, Indian Ocean
- 1 night in a guest farm
- 1 night in a (rustic or comfortable) camp managed by Bedouins in the Wahiba Sands
- 2 nights of (independent) wild camping near the Sugar Dunes and by the beach on Masirah
- Swimming: 1 or 2 nights at the beachside / 2 days in the wadis
- Many off-the-beaten-path sites
Muscat to the White Desert - camping variant
Discovery 4x4 self-drive tour
14 days - Guesthouses/desert camps + wild camping
Programme and prices of the tour "Muscat to the White Desert camping"
- North: Western Hajar mountains (south and west), Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Gulf of Oman)
- Centre-east: 4 days off the beaten path: Sugar Dunes (white desert), Masirah Island, Indian Ocean
- 5 nights in charming rustic guesthouses and 2 in homestays
- 1 night in a (rustic or comfortable) camp managed by Bedouins in the Wahiba Sands
- 3 nights of (independent) wild camping near the Sugar Dunes and by beaches of Masirah and the Gulf of Oman
- Driving up the Jebel Shams to discover the Grand Canyon from the top
- Guided visit of the famous village of Misfat al Abriyeen
- Swimming: 3 or 4 nights at the seaside / 4 days in the wadis
- Classics (Nizwa, Jabrin, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and many off-the-beaten-path sites
Secret mountains - camping variant
Hiking 4x4+ self-drive tour
12 days - Guesthouses + wild camping
Programme and prices of the tour "Secret mountains camping"
- Western and Eastern Hajar mountains, Wahiba desert, wadis, sea (Gulf of Oman)
- 4x4+: The spectacular crossing of the Western Hajar by vertiginous dirt roads (Wadi bani Awf)
- 4x4+: The crossing of the Eastern Hajar down to the sea by little-used dirt roads
- 2 nights in a homestay and 4 to 6 in charming rustic guesthouses with 1 in the superb village of Wakan and 1 at the bottom of the Grand Canyon / 4 nights high in the mountains
- 1 night in a (rustic or comfortable) camp managed by Bedouins in the Wahiba Sands
- 2 nights of (independent) wild camping in the mountains
- Many walks and 2 day hikes (1 guided and 1 self-guided)
- Swimming: 2 nights at the seaside / 3 days in the wadis
- Classics (Misfat, Nizwa, turtles, Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi) and many off-the-beaten-path sites
