The Grand Canyon of Oman

After leaving Muscat your first stop is the village of Birkat Al Mauz with its many gardens and palm trees. Continue further into the interior of Oman and visit the small town of Al Hamra with its old mud houses. From Al Hamra, it is only a short drive uphill to the mountain village of Misfat al Abriyyin, where the Falaj (traditional irrigation channels) wind their way through the village. Then proceed up Jebel Shams Oman’s highest point at 3009m is truly an amazing sight at all times of the day. Enjoy the spectacular view from the “Grand Canyon”.

      Drive up Jebel Akhdar (meaning green mountain) and explore the area with its small villages and terrace fields. Here the temperature is 15 degrees or more cooler than at the mountain’s base, therefore due to the milder and cooler climate many fruits such as apricots, peaches, grapes and pomegranates are cultivated here. The area is also famous for the production of rose water. Jebel Akhdar’s climate is ideally suited to the fragrant pink roses from which rose water is made. Return to Muscat.

• We reserve the complete right to reschedule an itinerary or route, adjust pricing, or even cancel a tour whenever, at our sole discretion, mainly if we deem it is vital for your safety or convenience. 

• Unused inclusion in a tour package is non-refundable. 

• Any guest failing to reach on time at the designated pick-up point will be considered a no-show. No reimbursement or alternative transfer will be arranged in such circumstances.

• Should a tour booking be cancelled or altered for reasons of bad weather, vehicle issue or traffic problems, we will make all sincere efforts to arrange alternative service with similar options, however, based on its availability.  

• The arrangement of seating will depend on its availability and will be done by our driver or tour guides.

• Pick-up and drop-off timings listed on the website are approximate, and they will be adjusted as per your location as well as traffic conditions.  

• Coupon Codes can be redeemed only through online booking process.

• We reserve the right to charge 100% No Show charges if guests do not turn up on time for the pick-up.

• In any case the guest does not show up on time and our vehicle departs from the pickup location, then we will not arrange for alternative transfer & no refund is provided for the missed tour.

• Seating arrangement is done as per the availability & it is decided by the Driver or Tour Guide except in case of private transfers.

• Transfer from/To Hotel/Residence
• The Grand Canyon by Jebel Shams (If option selected)
• Birkat Al Mauz Village
• Al Hamra Town
• Misfat al Abriyyin Village
  
• The Green Mountain Grand Canyon by Jebel Akhdar (If option selected)

• A transfer option is available for this tour activity on is private basis.
  
• The Pick up will be arranged from your Muscat Hotel / Residence as per your booking selection only and not from the Airport.
  
• Pick-up from Areas other than Muscat Hotels / Residence will be done on request with an additional surcharge.
• On specific days and weekends, some of the locations might remain close for visits. In such cases, we do not hold any responsibility and no compensations will be adjusted.

• Pick up from Hotel/Residence
• Leads to Oman’s Grand Canyon
•  Visit the antiquated towns of Al Hamra and Birkat Al Mauz
• Experience the unrivaled natural beauty of Jebel Akhdar or the Green Mountains.
• Drop off from Hotel/Residence

• Seating arrangement for all transfers are as per the availability & our tour manager allows it.
• The pick up/drop off timing can be modified as per the trip schedule. This also may change depending on traffic conditions and your location.
• Some of the mentioned inclusions may remain closed on weekends or specific days as per the government norms for which we do not hold the responsibility.
• The actual transfer timing may vary up to 30/60 minutes to the time listed on the website.
• Summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed for the winter months.
• We recommend carrying sunglasses, hats and sun protection cream.
• Private Transport can be organized on request for all tours.
• Leaving off your personal belongings like Media equipment, wallets or any other valuable items in our vehicles or tour sites is solely at your responsibility. Our drivers and tour guides will not be responsible for it.
• No strollers allowed inside the vehicles without prior information so please inform us at the time of making the reservation.
• An adult must accompany children from 3 to 12 years in the water in any of the water activities
• On Islamic occasions and National holidays, the tour will not serve alcohol, and there will be no live entertainment.
• Please read carefully and understand the contents of the Tour Brochure/itinerary, the 'Terms and Conditions,' Price Grid and such other documents as may be applicable, as all these will form part of your contract with us once you affect the booking.
• Photography of Omani residence especially ladies, military institutions, government buildings, and installations, is strictly prohibited.
• Littering is a punishable offense and offenders may face penalties in the form of fines.
• Smoking inside public areas is not allowed.
• Some tours require your original passport, and we have mentioned this information in the critical notes so please ensure that you read the critical information, we will not be responsible if you miss any tour where your passport or ID is mandatory.
• We reserve the rights to charge 100% No show charges if the guest is not turning up on time for the pickup.
• No refund for partly utilized services.
• Due to any uncontrollable circumstances, i.e. (traffic conditions, vehicle breakdowns, delay by other guests, weather circumstances), if the tour gets delayed or canceled, we will provide alternate options if possible.
• If in any case the guest does not show up on time and our vehicle departs from the pickup location then we will not arrange for alternative transfer & no refund is provided for the missed tour.

CLIMATE

• Oman has a hot climate and very little rainfall. Temperatures can reach up to 50 C during summer (May-Sept).
  
• The best time to visit the country is from Mid-September to April.
  

 Important notes:

• Despite the generally warm and sunny weather, guests should respect the local culture and dress modestly in public.
• Both men and women should at least cover their shoulders and knees. Bikinis, swimsuits, tank tops, shorts etc. should only be worn at the pool or (private!) beach of the hotel.
• In the rare occasion of rain, wadis can be flooded very quickly and turn into raging rivers within minutes. It can be life-threatening to enter or cross a flooding wadi!
  
• Please note that for safety reasons we might have to cancel trips to/through wadis ( e.g. Wadi Bani Awf, Wadi Bani Khaled, Wadi Shab etc.) if it rains or rain is forecasted. Arabian Explorers cannot be held responsible for any missed sightseeing/tours due to unforeseen weather conditions and claims for refunds will not be entertained.
  

 CURRENCY

The currency is the Omani Rial (OMR) divided into 1000 Baiza. Exchange rates (as per 28APR2019):

• 1 Omani Rial = 2.2032 EURO                            1 EURO =         0.429 Omani Rial
  
• 1 Omani Rial = 2.6022 USD                              1 USD =           0.3843 Omani Rial
  
• 1 Omani Rial = 2.65 CHF                                  1 CHF =            0.3768 Omani Rial
  
• 1 Omani Rial = 2.0148 GBP                              1 GBP =            0.7591 Omani Rial

The easiest way to change money is at the many currency exchange offices located in Muscat and the bigger towns and villages outside Muscat. Money can also be changed at banks, hotels and in souqs. Please be aware that exchange rates can be negative in hotels and at the airport. Major credit cards such as American Express, Visa and Diners Club are accepted in most of the bigger hotels, some restaurants and some shops. Banks are open from 8h00 to 14h00 Sunday to Thursday. The Euro is widely accepted in the Muttrah Souq in Muscat. ATMs are available all over Muscat and in most of the bigger towns across the country.

HEALTH / MEDICAL CARE

The standard of hygiene and health care is generally good in Oman. Government hospitals /health centers and many private clinics/hospitals can be found in Muscat and all bigger towns outside Muscat. Tourists are only treated in Government hospitals in case of emergency/accident. In all other cases tourists have to use private clinics and pay for the services. It is strongly recommended to buy travel insurance so any expenses for medical treatment can be claimed later. Although a wide range of medications is available in Oman, tourists should bring a basic first aid kit that includes any medication that is to be taken regularly. No special vaccinations are mandatory, yet it is generally recommended for travelers to be up to date with standard vaccinations such as Tetanus etc. and consult their physician well in advance of the trip. There is no risk of Malaria, except in some very remote areas of Musandam Province. Prophylaxis is not recommended.

LANGUAGE

The official language is Arabic. English is widely understood and spoken (especially in Muscat).

OPENING HOURS OF SIGHTSEEING PLACES

Souks:                         Open 10h30-13h approx. & 16-19h approx. (except Friday morning)

Nizwa cattle market:    every Friday around 06h30-10am (only from around October till April)

Border crossing (by road) Oman – Emirates or vv:

The border crossing from the Emirates to Oman or vv is simple but it might take time (up to 2h sometimes).

 For FIT going from Dubai to Muscat or vv, we recommend to fly as it is cheaper and faster

1. Transfers are done without guide except if required. Clients would fly or having a land transfer without guide except if mentioned otherwise. For groups we recommend to have the guide with them at an extra cost.
   
2. Land transfer from Khasab to Muscat or vv is feasible but very long (around 600km/way – the journey will take up to 10-12 hours incl. 2 x border crossing formalities).
   

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Taxi Services:

• Airport taxis and taxis stationed at some major shopping malls have fixed rates to selected hotels and areas in Muscat, ranging from about 6 to 15 OMR.
  
• Normal taxis (orange and white colour) can be just flagged down from the side of the road. They do not have meters so the fare has to be negotiated before starting the trip.
  

Bus:

• Public buses from Oman National Transport Company are available in Muscat (although schedules and stops are not very useful for tourists) and also for some long distance routes (e.g. to Salalah or Dubai). www.ontcoman.com