Seven Days Adventure Tours

With this tour package we offer the chance to visit Dubai, explore the desert of the United Arab Emirates and have some unforgettable experiences in the Oman. Travelers will participate in a two day self drive into the Rub Al-Khali, the largest sand desert of the world. Here, they will drive a Toyota Land Cruiser on dunes, as high as 400 meters, and camp one night in the middle of the desert under an incredible star-lit sky. Participants are hereby under the guidance of an experienced lead driver and have the support of a back-up team at all times.

In Dubai a private city tour is planned, as well as a sand-boarding and dune-buggy safari which will take place in a part of the desert just outside of Dubai. Additionally, travelers have the option to take part in a day tour to Hatta. This place in Oman features natural rock pools filled with refreshing spring water which invites to take a dip or to do some canyoning. Another tour into the Oman leads to Musandam where people can take a dhow tour and combine it with deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and swimming.

Tour Description

This unusual seen day package is ideal for adventurous travelers who have fun in exploring extraordinary parts of the world and like to try out some off roading in the desert without missing the comfort and security of a guided tour.
The Terrain

Dubai, the unique metropolis in the Middle East is, with a population of about 1.5 million, the largest city of the United Arab Emirates. Only 10 percent of the population are Arabian nationals, whereas the majority are expatriates who come mainly from the Asian subcontinent and Europe. Between modern high-rise buildings, luxurious hotels and gigantic shopping malls visitors can find some lively parts of the city which offer a variety of small shops, authentic restaurants and lovely side streets which invite to explore the more traditional Dubai.

The Liwa Oasis is situated at the northern outskirts of the Rub Al-Khali, the largest sand desert in the world. The deserts is hardly inhibited, with the exception of some Bedouins who maintain their camel farms. Therefore, one can drive for days on the majestic red and gold dunes without coming across man made structures.

Hatta is a popular destination in Oman used for recreational activities. The natural rock pools offer a refreshing dip into the cool spring water even in summer. The more adventurous traveler can use the two kilometer long pool system for some canyoning.

The Musandam peninsula is characterized by an unspoiled natural scenery with uncountable fjords and mountains that drop dramatically into the sea. This enclave of the Oman is separated from the rest of the sultanate by a 70 km long boarder at the south of the UAE. Local people still live mostly from fishing and lead a very basic life.
Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dubai, transfer to the hotel
Day 2: Briefing, allocation of cars, car museum, desert driving tuition's, start of the expedition from Hameem, arrival at the camp before sunset
Day 3: The mega dune challenge, lunch at Liwa Oasis, return journey to Dubai
Day 4: Private city tour, sand-boarding and dune-buggy safari
Day 5: Hatta pool safari or free day in Dubai
Day 6: Musandam dhow tour with deep-sea fishing and snorkeling
Day 7: Transfer to the airport, departure

Day 1 in Detail

Travelers will be picked up from the airport and transferred to the hotel. Participants can use the afternoon and evening as they like. A contact person from Explorer Tours is available for advice regarding restaurants, sights, restaurants and bars.

Day 2 in Detail

After an early breakfast, travelers will be informed about the course of events and security measures. 4x4s will be allocated to the teams. At least two, maximum four participants share one car.

On the way to Rub Al-Khali the group will have the chance to visit an interesting car museum which exhibits the largest car in the world among many other extraordinary samples.

After the group arrives at the edge of the desert, drivers will participate in desert driving tuition's which are necessary in order to get used to the unusual terrain and its peculiarities. The lead driver will lead the convoy into the desert, starting at Hameem. After a lunch in the dunes the convoy will use the afternoon to find the way to the camp which is set up by the Explorer Tours team. This will be the group’s first night under a star-lit sky, far away from civilization.

Day 2 -The Camp

The group will arrive at the camp in the late afternoon. Here, participants have the chance to walk around the area and explore the local fauna and flora, watch the sunset or just relax on big cushions. In the evening, travelers will be spoiled with an BBQ, campfire and Shisha. Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses and pillows will be provided.

Day 3 in Detail

Drivers will face the mega-dune challenge on day three. The lead driver will find a way to the very top of an especially high dune. Later on each car needs to come down the very steep side. Afterwards, the convoy will head towards the Liwa Oasis. On arrival in Liwa, the group will have one last lunch together, in a typical local restaurant, before it is going back to Dubai.

Day 4 in Detail

Back in Dubai, the group can use the day to explore the city. Sights include the famous gold and spice souks, the busy Dubai creak, the Dubai museum, as well as luxurious hotels such as the Burj Al Arab and gigantic shopping centers. In the afternoon, participants can either continue sightseeing on their own or join in for a sand-boarding and dune buggy safari which will take place in the nearby desert.

Day 5 in Detail

Travelers can decide whether they prefer a free day in Dubai and use it for sightseeing, shopping and relaxing at the
beach. Or they join in the Hatta pool safari and take advantage of the opportunity to get to know a small area of the Oman. The pools are part of a wadi which holds water all year round. The water drops down some small water falls and gathers in natural rock basins before it flows down a steep-sided gorge. On arrival at the pools one can either explore the area, take a swim in one of the bigger pools or go for a bit of canyoning.

In the afternoon the group will have lunch at the Hatta Fort Hotel and then take a walk through the Hatta Heritage Village where they can learn about the traditional life of the people in the region.

Day 6 in Detail

A dhow cruise off the shore of the Musandam coast is one of the unforgettable adventures offered in this tour package. Wild dolphins accompany the boat out of the port of Khasabby swimming along and diving under the dhow. Incredible views of the fjords and ancient fishing villages are guaranteed. Participants can use this afternoon for deep-sea fishing as the waters are well known of fish. Those who rather look at living fish can go snorkeling and with some luck swim with sea turtles. Lunch will be served on the dhow.

Day 7 in Detail

Travelers will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport. Departure from Dubai.

The Organizer
Explorer Tours was established in 2008 and already occupies a significant share of the local travel market. Managing director Saif Poovanchery has been a resident of the United Arab Emirates for 20 years and has been exploring the Arabian Peninsular with his 4x4 ever since. With the years he acquired broad knowledge of the desert and how to navigate in hardly accessible terrain, as well as the local flora and fauna.

The company‘s success is based on the extensive experience Mr. Poovanchery gained during 16 years of working in the travel industry. This experience is used in the planning and performance of all activities, especially of those which are unique to the region. High quality, in addition to that, is another important aspect. Team members such as drivers, marshals and mechanics are especially trained to work under the unique conditions of the desert and have plenty of experience. Safety comes first at Explorer Tours. When driving in the desert one has to rely on vehicles and equipment, otherwise the risk of accidents and injuries is high. That is why Explorer Tours‘ mechanics and team members check each vehicle and piece of equipment before each tour start. Also team members have an eye on travelers and make sure that they have sufficient protection from the sun and prevent dehydration. Food is always prepared freshly and emergency kits are always available on tour.

Included in the Price

Transfer from the airport to the hotel and back
Accommodation in a five star hotel in Dubai for three nights (on a twin sharing basis)
Toyota Land Cruiser for five days (two to four travelers share one car)
Fuel and all other expenses for the cars
Entrance fee to the car museum
Desert driving tuitions
Qualified and experienced lead driver for route planning and leading the convoy
Experienced marshals and mechanics for backup
Tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows during the desert expedition
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, soft drinks during the desert expedition
Desert camp with cushions, carpets, campfire and shisha during the desert expedition
Guide and coach for private city tour
Dune buggy safari
Sand-boarding tour
Hatta pool safari
Lunch at Hatta Fort Hotel
Hatta Heritage Village
Dhow cruise in Musandam (including deep-sea fishing and snorkeling), with lunch
Oman visa costs

Not included in the price are air tickets, food and beverages which are consumed in Dubai and alcoholic beverages.
Terms and Conditions

Payment: Full payment is due no later than 14 days in advance by cheque (payable to Explorer Tourism), cash or bank transfer.
Insurance: Explorer Tours have a public liability insurance for all activities. Participants will be responsible for any additional insurance cover.
Breakdown and Recovery: Explorer Tours will provide full recovery in case of a breakdown.
Terms and Conditions: Explorer Tours and its employees shall not be held responsible for any loss or injury during the tour/package.
Booking Procedures: Bookings and confirmation are only valid in written form.

Cancellation Policy: No cancellation charges for a minimum of 14 days notice before the tour/package starts. 50% of the cost for less than 14 days, up to 7 days notice before departure. Full charges for less than 7 days notice or no show.

Dates

2009:
November: 05 – 11
December: 03 – 09

2010:
January: 31 – 06
February: 04 – 10
March: 04 – 10
April: 01 - 07