A bit of Desert Life

Oman hotels of the Aitken Spence Group spread out in strategic locations offer a choice of city, historic sites and desert experiences to its guests. These Oman hotels are considered some of the top hotels in Oman as they offer a selection of contemporary accommodation, services and facilities to suit business and leisure clients.

Eighty two percent of Oman’s land area is covered by large swathes of desert. Bedouins still live in some parts of the desert farming camels and goats and many visitors to the country look forward to experiencing the traditional lifestyles and hospitality of these people whose ancestry goes back hundreds of years. Wahiba Sands is where About 3,000 Bedouin families are found living on the edge of the desert.

Camel Safaris are the closest experience that visitors to Oman can have of actual desert living. These safaris can be tailor made to suit individual and group requirements without detracting from experiencing authentic Bedouin culture and the desert itself. As a safari can take two or three days packing light is an important condition. Mastering sitting atop a camel without falling off and making it move forward is the next hurdle. Advice for comfortable travel atop a camel includes wearing long pants, as the swaying motion of the camel is likely to make clothing ride up. Socks need to be worn to stop itchiness from coming into contact with the camel’s coat. Wearing sunscreen is a must as travelers will be totally exposed to the sun. Due to the swaying motion of the camel’s gait, rides longer than 25 minutes are liable to give body aches therefore suitable analgesics need to be packed. Getting a leg across the camel to achieve a sitting position may need some practice. It is important to sit and hold the reins confidently to show the camel who is the boss. Get on and off a camel when it is in a sitting position. Two people can sit atop a camel. Camel Safaris usually comprise of a convoy of several camels.

At the Bedouin campsite the accommodation is basic, a selection of tents and wooden huts scattered on the sand. All accommodation is decorated with Bedouin carpets, a Bedouin chest and the usual bedroom furniture. There is generally no air conditioning as electricity is available only for a limited time. A camel ride can be taken to the top of dunes nearby to see the sunset which is always spectacular. After dark guest retire to a Majlis tent to drink coffee or tea, eat dates and have dinner which is a .traditional Omani meal eaten at low tables sitting on cushions spread out on carpets. After dinner going out to look at the star filled sky is an incredible experience. The best times for camel safaris has been identified as between November and March as it can be unbearably hot at other times.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+