Overview
We are the only UK tour operator able to offer you the opportunity to retrace some of Thesiger's steps in the largest sandy desert in the world. Our guests travel down to Salalah and join ex-army officer Mussalam who, taking great pride in his knowledge of the Rub al Kali, welcomes you as his personal guests for anything from 1 to 5 nights amidst a landscape of gigantic red sand dunes, salt flats and oases. Experience first hand the bedouin way of life in one of the most beautifully imposing environments on earth.
Your adventure starts here
We will arrange for Mussalam or one of his family to collect you in person from the airport or your hotel in Salalah in a top of the range 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser. It is fully equipped with everything required for such an adventure - tents, food & water, cooking equipment, sleeping bags, a satellite phone and GPS. Mussalam is a British trained ex-army officer whose experience in the desert gives him the best possible knowledge with which to look after you. During your journey Mussalam will chat with you, sharing his philosophy of life.
The drive from Salalah
You will leave Salalah and drive up through the Jabal al Qara. The lush, rolling hills of autumn are transformed into drier terrains by December but are always awe inspiring. As you pass through the mountains you will be approximately 1,500 feet above sea level and only 2 hours away from towering sand dunes. You will make a brief stop at The Lost City of Ubar where most 'tourists' end their journey, believing that they have seen the Empty Quarter! However, your adventure is just about to start!
First impressions of The Empty Quarter
Time stands still in the Rub al Khali, the largest sandy desert in the world at around 250,000 sq miles. It extends over the countries of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, UAE and the Sultanate of Oman. You are sure to experience a dramatic and ever-changing palette of shades and hues of red, orange, yellow, gold, brown, silver blue, depending on the time of day. Marvel at all this, knowing there is not another person within hundreds of kilometres.
Setting up camp
Just before sunset you will start looking for the ideal site to set up camp. Mussalam's choice will depend on many factors, but there is no need to worry; you are in the safest of hands! You may wish to search for some kindling to start a camp fire as the sun fades over a nearby dune. By your return, Mussalam may well have prepared one of his simple but delicious meals. A great way to prepare for a night under the open skies, gazing up at the abundance of galaxies - no light pollution here!
Deeper into The Empty Quarter
The following day you can be even more adventurous by journeying deeper into the vastness of the Empty Quarter. Perhaps a precious oasis will cool you at midday. Or you may wish to search for geodes which are over 50 million years old. The scenery becomes even more varied, and you can spend the whole day appreciating the peacefulness of this secret corner of the earth. You may even catch sight of a mirage which may turn out to be a Bedu camel train heading for the Yemeni border.
