Free Camping along Oman's CoastRas Al Khabba, Oman

Enjoy a special camping experience with your own rooftop tent. Pack your things into a spacious Toyota Prado with your tent already stored on the roof and drive wherever you want, whether it be along the coast, up into the rugged mountains or through the desert. Once you've found the perfect spot (in Oman you can free camp anywhere), unfold your tent in a matter of minutes, light a nice fire and watch the sunset. And the best feature is waiting for you; the big, comfy mattress in your spacious tent will ensure you sleep like a baby, waking up to the sound of the waves, the birds or the muezzin's call from the nearby mosque.

Enjoy a leisurely drive from Muscat, stopping at a wadi (valley) or two, and see the shipyard in Sur, where they've been building Omani dhows (traditional boats) for centuries. In the evening, take a guided tour to witness green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. Of the hundreds of hatchlings, only a handful survive to return to this beach to lay their eggs, so each journey is precious.

Ras Al Khabba stands out as another must-see highlight on your camping adventure. The point marks the edge of a cliff right above the water where the Gulf of Oman meets the Indian Ocean, about about an hour’s drive from Sur and only a couple of kilometres past the Ras Al Jiz Turtle Reserve. Set up your tent for a night under the stars, waking up in the morning to the waves breaking 100 metres below you.

get there

Fly to Muscat, where the car can be delivered to the airport or your hotel.

amenities

• 4WD Toyota Prado (300 kilometres per day included) including a spade, car jack, tool box, warning triangle, towing rope, first aid kit, spare tire, hand brush and final cleaning.

• Rooftop tent and equipment including two sleeping bags, two pillows, fitted bed sheet, electric cool box, camping mat, table, two chairs, two gas cylinders, cooker, cooking grate, water canister, flash light and enough cutlery and cooking equipment for two.

price guide

From US$222 per day, per car with a rooftop tent, with 300 kilometres included. Self-drive packages include GPS, road-book (with GPS coordinates of the best spots to camp and to see) and an Omani mobile. If you want something more luxurious, book a car with a guide and full-board catering.

difficulty

Some experience in off-road driving will definitely be an advantage, and you’ll need to be into camping. There are some lovely hotels along the coast should you decide to add a touch of luxury to your experience.

contact

Elite Travel & Tourism
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info@elitetourism.com
+968 2449 9797

need to know

This tip was provided by Oman Tourism, but we’re sharing it with you because we think it’s great.