The Oman Expedition South Route: Dhofar and the Empty Quarter

Five days in southern Oman, guided, with guests driving in convoy, from the Dhofar coast to the Rub al Khali and back to Salalah.

The South Route is the shortest version of The Oman Expedition. It moves quickly into the south of Oman, which the operator describes as untouched and largely undiscovered, where camels outnumber people. It starts with the Frankincense Route and its panoramic roads in the far west of Dhofar, before heading into the Empty Quarter for the highest sand dunes ever recorded, according to the operator. It can also be combined with the longer round trip, and the operator offers tailor-made versions for solo travellers, couples and teams.

The journey begins at Alila Hinu Bay in Mirbat. Day one heads west with scenic stops at Mughsail and arrives at Fazayah Beach, where the group camps. The second day drives through Wadi Aydam towards Mazuna, and the route continues to Jidelah, home to some of the tallest dunes in the world, for a night under the stars. Days three and four are the Rub al Khali crossing, camping among the dunes. On the last day the group leaves the desert on the Al Hashman side and drives directly back to Salalah, finishing with a stay at the Anantara Al Baleed Resort.

The South Route page does not give a price, dates or group size. The operator’s expedition FAQ describes the usual format: Land Cruisers supplied, drivers rotating, teams of four cars with up to three people each, satellite phone and radios. Contact the operator for the current price and departures.