23 Dec An Epic 4×4 Rooftent Journey Through Oman
Nathalie and Gerco share the first few days of their exciting iDrive4x4 rooftent adventure in Oman! They drive a 4×4 with rooftent through some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes on the planet.
Oman start of our 4×4 Rooftent Adventure
Our 4×4 rooftent camping adventure in Oman began at the airport. Here we were greeted by an employee of iDrive4x4 who brought us to our rental 4×4 with a rooftent. After an inventory of the vehicle, we headed to a large supermarket in As Seeb. We stocked up on supplies for a few days of wild camping. As the heat of the day began to set in, we decided to have lunch in the cool garage of the supermarket before setting off on our journey.
4×4 Journey through Oman Snake Canyon
We drove our 4×4 on Route 17, a popular wadi route through the Snake Canyon. The route took us through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. It has steep and rough roads winding through narrow canyons and towering cliffs. As we navigated the challenging terrain, we were grateful for our well working Toyota Landcruiser 4×4. It was able to handle the rough roads with ease.
Around 5 PM, we arrived at our first wild camping spot at Sharaf Al Alamayn. We set up camp, lit the briquettes, and filled the water tank in preparation for a cozy night in the rooftent. As the sun set over the mountains, we cooked a delicious BBQ dinner of sausages, steak, and jacket potatoes on the briquettes. We washed it all down with coffee brewed in the percolator.
The Oman town of Misfat Al Abriyyin
The next morning, we woke up early to witness the sunrise over the mountains. We sat in the sun and enjoyed a warm breakfast of oatmeal and yogurt with fresh fruit. Gerco really enjoyed the views over the mountains. This is the life! After packing up camp, we set off for Misfat Al Abriyyin, an old town nestled in the mountains.
We walked through the narrow streets of the town and were struck by the charming architecture and the sense of history. We stopped for a cup of coffee at a local cafe and chatted with the friendly owner about life in Oman. While walking through a plantation we saw a clever irrigation system. The system waters the crops, including banana plants.
The Jabal Shams plateau
After our visit to Misfat Al Abriyyin, we headed towards our next destination: the Jabal Shams plateau. As we made our way through the winding mountain roads, we stopped to cook a tasty snack. We cooked at the gas burner in the middle of a beautiful wadi. As the afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon, we arrived at the Jabal Shams plateau. Here we were treated to a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. We set up camp, popped up the rooftent and enjoyed a hearty dinner of macaroni before turning in for the night. Again we were excited for the 4×4 adventures that await us in the morning.
The Balcony Walk
The following day, we woke up early and set off for the Balcony Walk. This is a challenging hike that promised stunning views of the surrounding landscape. As we made our way up the steep trail, we were rewarded with a hidden gem: a beautiful lake where we could cool off with a refreshing swim. After our swim, we made our way back down the trail, feeling cool and fresh from the cool water.
Nizwa Fort
With the Balcony Walk behind us, we set our sights on the desert. We made our way to Wadi Tanuf, where we set up camp and built a cozy fire to cook our dinner. As the stars twinkled overhead, we settled in for a peaceful night’s sleep in our roof tent, surrounded by the desert.
The following morning, we made our way to the bustling city of Nizwa. We stopped at a café on the square for a cup of coffee and watched as men played games, grilled meat, and chatted with friends. People were super friendly, and we felt welcomed and accepted as we explored the city.
We also visited the Nizwa Fort, a stunning structure that offered a glimpse into the rich history of Oman. As we walked through the corridors and admired the architecture, we were at awe at the stories and traditions that were preserved within its walls.
Wahiba Sands
After our visit to Nizwa, we headed to the Wahiba Sands, a breathtaking desert landscape with towering sand dunes. As we drove through the endless expanse of sand of Oman, we felt the sense of freedom and adventure wash over us. We set up camp and spent the evening exploring the dunes, watching the sunset, and cooking a delicious meal over a cozy fire.
As the sun set on our 4×4 adventure, we reflected on all the amazing sights and experiences we had encountered in Oman. From the Snake Canyon to the Jabal Shams plateau, the Balcony Walk to the Wahiba Sands, Oman had offered us endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. We left feeling grateful for the chance to explore this beautiful and unique country. And we know that we would carry the memories of our journey with us for a lifetime.
Do you want to read Nathalie and Gerco their whole Oman 4×4 with Rooftent travel diary? Check out their Polarsteps website!
Are you interested in a similar adventure? Get an online quote for your travels to Oman by sending us a message or looking at our Oman page!
