Oman Empty Quarter Expedition
A pioneer route crossing the full length of the Empty Quarter from Muscat to Salalah — 11 days through the last great desert that is completely safe to travel.
About This Route
This route is the result of our detailed survey and exploration of the Empty Quarter since 2016. It is a pioneer route crossing the full length of the Empty Quarter from Muscat to Salalah — most probably the last stunningly beautiful desert that is completely safe to travel to. The itinerary skips the Muscat city tour and avoids the crowded Friday market in Nizwa, spending 7 nights camping in the Empty Quarter sands. Any personal plans in Muscat or Salalah before or after the trip can be easily arranged.
What to Expect
The Empty Quarter's heat levels remain a challenge to any traveller, which is why we plan our trips only in January and February. We urge you to follow every precaution for travelling in this hot desert, no matter your level of experience. This trip involves extensive time in the desert, including seven nights of camping, so you will need to adjust to life without standard toilet facilities. The trip begins in Muscat and ends in Salalah — we recommend booking your flights accordingly. If your departure is from Muscat, we will drive you back. We recommend hiking or trekking shoes, trekking poles, and clothing suitable for hot weather. Meals follow Bedouin recipes and limited resources, so we may not be able to accommodate all dietary requirements.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Muscat
We'll meet and greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Transfer and hotel (twin room) included.
Hajar Mountains, Izki & Nizwa
Head towards the Hajar Mountains and on to Izki — Oman's oldest city — to explore ancient mud structures. Continue to Birkat Al Mawz for a walk around Harat As Sibani and lunch, then on to Nizwa to overnight in a convenient hotel. B/L/D included.
Hamra Ad Duru & First Camp
Drive towards Hamra Ad Duru. On a previous expedition in 2023 we were invited to breakfast by a local Omani family — desert hospitality may well happen again. Continue to Fahud, where oil was first discovered in Oman, to fuel the vehicles for the 600 km desert crossing towards Muqshin. First camp in the Empty Quarter among small, beautiful dunes at Wadi Aswad. B/L/D included.
Umm Al Samim & Star Dune Camp
Pass through Umm Al Samim — the quicksand area that intrigued Thesiger for its formidable reputation among the Bedouins. Salt swamps formed here as drainage water from the Hajar Mountains collected; a dam now prevents this, but if the area is wet we will wait or reroute. After crossing, enter the area of magnificent orange dunes — hard quartz grains oxidised to a distinctive colour. Camp overnight at a majestic star dune located during a previous satellite survey. B/L/D included.
As Sahma White Dunes
Head south towards As Sahma Sands, navigating through stunningly white baby dunes. Third camp overnight in the white dunes close to the main road. B/L/D included.
Muqshin Wadi Camp
Refuel and refresh water supplies at a fuel station, then head towards Muqshin Wadi — described by British explorer Bertram Thomas in 1932 as 'the prince of wadis in all Southeast Arabia.' Fourth camp in the wadi overnight. B/L/D included.
Mega Dune Country
Continue into the mega dune country for long walks and dune-climbing. Fifth camp in a spectacular location in the golden Empty Quarter. B/L/D included.
Exploration & New Routes
Explore the area and attempt to cross the dunes to find a new route away from the graded track. The graded track is in poor condition, so we explore open desert for new paths — discovering new areas of this fascinating part of the world. B/L/D included.
Wadi Dawkah & Salalah
Continue to the land of frankincense at Wadi Dawkah — the source of ancient Oman's prosperity. Then on to Salalah, stopping for lunch at a restaurant before checking into the hotel. B/L included.
Departure from Salalah
Transfer to Salalah Airport. If your departure is from Muscat, we will arrange the drive back.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Minimum 3 four-wheel drive vehicles
- Transfer from airport upon arrival
- 1 night in twin room (4-star hotel) in Muscat
- 1 night in twin room in Salalah
- Full board on all 7 camping days
Not Included
- International flights
- Flight from Salalah to Muscat (if required)
- Lunch and dinner on day 1
- Transfer to airport upon departure
Ready to Book Your Next Adventure?
Contact us to reserve your place on this pioneer crossing of the Empty Quarter.