Oman small group holiday

Planet

Travel is an opportunity to experience different cultures, meet new people, taste weird and wonderful foods and – for many – to get close to wildlife you may have only seen in books or David Attenborough documentaries. We actively discourage the participation of travellers in any activities that exploit wild or domestic/working animals. Lately there’s been a rise in animal-related incidents around the world, and it doesn’t sit well with us.

This trip visits the Ras Al Jinz nature reserve, which was established in 1996 to better protect the sea turtles and their natural environment. The protected area stretches over 120 square kilometres with a 45-kilometre coastline, extending for one kilometre into territorial waters. The governing body allows us to visit the turtle nesting in a controlled and protected environment that allows us to be curious whilst maintaining the delicate balance of this nesting ground.

We build, restore and equip using carefully sourced local materials and in a style that tells the cultural or geological story of the landscape. This trip stays in the first hotel built in the Sultanate of Oman. Whilst there is much new and developing infrastructure within Oman we find that the charm and ambiance of this local hotel is much more sustainable and authentic than those fast developing global chains. This trip also spends a night in the desert in a Bedouin Camp. By choosing local camps like this rather than hotels we are supporting local Bedouin Tribes and using accommodation facilities that blend with the environment rather than oppose it.

People

We work to maximise the benefits generated by tourism for local economies and communities. Understanding local life is an important part of travel and on this trip, we source local activities which we believe are sustainable to the economy in that they allow the flow of income from visitors to be distributed to a greater audience rather than remaining concentrated with tourism providers. This could be as simple as a local market visit in Nizwa to a surprise visit to a local home.

We employ predominantly local staff and leaders within our operational teams. We also design and operate our trips to feature local suppliers or suppliers who directly benefit the local community and economy. We offer local people good working conditions, a fair wage, and empower them through training opportunities. All of our tour leaders go through an initial training program, which includes a module on responsible travel. This trip is operated by local Omanis who take pride in their culture and country. They observe traditional dress standards and local customs, and are not afraid to share their stories – you may even find yourself meeting the entire family!