When To Visit: Africa: When To Visit
Africa is on nearly every adventure traveler’s radar, promising myriad memorable experiences, whether it be hiking Mount Kilimanjaro or tracking lions in the Serengeti.
Limestone cliffs shimmering in the distance. White-robed figures in the desert, leading camels on leather ropes. It’s not a mirage—it’s Oman. Experience a traditional Middle Eastern steam bath. Discover al Jebel Akhdar, the Green Mountain. Visit a souq and be invited to a family home for a shay. Hike, trek and camel-ride across unforgettable landscapes. In a sprawling desert, Oman is the oasis. Come be refreshed with Backroads.
THIS ITINERARY: 7 days, 6 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
Start/End Muscat
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Meet your Trip Leaders in white-walled Muscat, a city between the mountains and the sea | Hike beneath palm trees through strange, beautiful desert landscapes | Discover a turquoise oasis hidden within a narrow gorge | Enjoy a lunch of local delicacies on the doorstep of the Arabian Sea | Witness an unforgettable desert sunset on a late-afternoon stroll | Hop astride a camel for a traditional Omani experience in the sand | Enjoy a restful evening at our luxurious Bedouin-style desert camp, complete with fresh dates and traditional Arabic coffee service.
Luxury Bedouin-style desert encampment with air conditioning and tea service beneath the mountains and steps away from the desert dunes.
Explore a centuries-old Omani village perched high in the Jebel Shams mountains | Discover the surprising bounty of this desert community: palms, papayas, mangos and more | Enjoy a traditional lunch and henna drawing, a symbol of good luck in the Arab world for over 5,000 years | Walk the terraced farms of al Hamra, following ancient irrigation systems | Unwind at our mountaintop resort with a cup of tea and a stunning canyon view or a visit to the hammam, a traditional Middle Eastern steam bath | Stroll a rocky cliffside with views of terraced roses and pomegranates | Be invited into a local’s home for a traditional Omani lunch | Stop and smell the roses at a rose-water factory, producer of one of the country’s most famous exports.
On the doorstep of the iconic Green Mountain, enjoy sumptuous lodging, stargazing and a luxurious Middle Eastern spa. (pool, spa)
Discover an abandoned Omani village surrounded by thickets of overgrown walnut trees | Explore the crumbling houses and cracked-stone staircases of Wabi Bani Habib | Drink in spectacular vistas of Jabal Akhdar, the Green Mountain | Take a dip with a view at our hotel’s stunning mountaintop pool or relax with the odors of frankincense and juniper berry at the spa | Practice yoga and feel the breeze from the mountains or relax and sleep in | Hike the stunning trails that crisscross these rugged mountains, passing abandoned stone houses embedded in towering cliffsides | Enjoy traditional Omani music from a live musician | Relax at the hotel or explore a spectacular nearby canyon with ropes and harnesses.
Traditional Omani stone architecture combined with mountain views and modern luxury and amenities. (pool, spa)
Explore the stone-walled alleyways of Nizwa, one of the oldest cities in Oman | Discover the turbulent history of this ancient city that has withstood attacks and raids for centuries | Stroll the vibrant souq, or market, where everything from silver jewelry to coffee pots and fresh fish are on display | Sample locally grown dates, a specialty of the region | Luxuriate at our amazing hotel on the edge of the Gulf of Oman | Take a dip in one of three swimming pools or enjoy a personalized treatment at the hotel’s sumptuous spa | People-watch in the streets of Muscat as we make our way to the city’s Grand Mosque | Enjoy a final spread of shay and local fruits before saying goodbye or extending your stay in Oman.
A stunning property on the Gulf of Oman with spacious villa-style accommodations, selected as one of the best hotels in the Middle East by Condé Nast. (pool, spa)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
Note: The terrain on this trip is primarily sandy or rocky trails with some steeper climbs. Please use extra caution when negotiating loose gravel. Our routes traverse a diverse mix of environments, from mountain trails to barren deserts to deep canyons. On some days we hike in areas where there are creeks, oases and rock pools. Sturdy shoes are recommended throughout the week. There is little shade on our trails, so come prepared for full sun exposure with a wide-brim hat and full-coverage SPF+ clothing.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
In order to bring you the full splendor of this region, we spend more time shuttling on this trip than on many other Backroads trips.
Africa is on nearly every adventure traveler’s radar, promising myriad memorable experiences, whether it be hiking Mount Kilimanjaro or tracking lions in the Serengeti.
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