Sultanate of Oman, recently opened to visitors, surprises with its contrasts. Dunes and mountains give way to quiet beaches, rivers and lush oases.
Our colleague Xavi knows first-hand what it is like to explore the Omani fjords by kayak. As this trip raises a few questions, we will talk to him about the route in more detail.
Xavi, what are the main attractions of a kayak trip in a country like Oman?
The attractions of the trip are so many.
The first of these is the area where the expedition takes place, the Musandam, a remote peninsula on which it is still possible getting lost and disconnected from the world, away from conventional tourism and civilisation in general.
Then there are the remarkable fjord landscapes: great desert cliffs rising from crystal-clear waters. Along the route, we find coves for swimming, snorkelling, eating and camping, and great mountains that we can explore on foot.
Finally, I would highlight its waters, the many corals for snorkelling and the abundant marine life we can find. It's not uncommon to see rays, reef sharks or that a group of dolphins decides to swim beside the kayaks all day.
Between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman we find the Musandam peninsula and its fjords. What are its main features?
The Musandam is a peninsula that is separated from the rest of Oman (connected to Muscat only by air or boat). It is a mountainous desert area from which Oman’s so-called fjords extend.
The Musandam peninsula arises from the collision between Asian and African tectonic plates, and this is why mountains predominate here.
For their part, the fjords are a depression of the earth flooded by water (once in its waters, the maximum depth is about 30m), from which towering desert mountains of rugged terrain rise.
The result is mountains for walking, beautiful beaches and sheltered waters ideal for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.
Most people think of Norway when fjords are mentioned, but Oman has them too. What would you say are the differences?
If we get strict, what's on the peninsula of Musandam (Oman) are not true fjords, as glaciers have never carved them. They are given that name because, geomorphologically, the area is very similar to what we mean by fjords, being a land depression flooded by water.
So, although Norway’s fjords offer a geographical comparison, the landscape is completely different: Oman’s is entirely desert.
How's the kayak tour along this coast?
The calm waters here usually allow gentle paddling. We usually do 3 to 5 hours of paddling daily, with stops along the way to swim and have something to eat.
While paddling, enjoy the scenery and marine wildlife along the way.
Although you need to enjoy physical activity, the kayaking stages are fit for everyone with a reasonable level of fitness, even without previous kayaking experience.
What is the accommodation like on this tour?
During our time in Khasab, we stay in a decent hotel close to the base where we store the kayaks and prepare expedition equipment. The hotel is comfortable and even has a pool for hot days in Khasab.
During the expedition, we camp. We provide comfortable inflatable mats about 5 cm thick and tents that are easy to put up and take down. In fact, also it is possible to choose to sleep outdoors (The stars are spectacular!) All we need to bring is a sleeping bag, with warmth suited to the season, and an inflatable pillow.
And what's the food like during the kayaking?
Despite complex logistics, we manage well. In the kayaks, we carry a full set of cooking equipment, allowing us to prepare good meals along the route. A small cool box lets us eat fresh food for the first few days, then we use tinned supplies. Lunches and dinners usually consist of pasta, rice or pulses with chicken or tuna, vegetables and some dessert fruit. In the mornings, we have cereal, buns, fruit and we also have tea and coffee. If you're a vegetarian, you won't have a problem.
Is the trip suitable for any traveller, or does it require a particular level of fitness?
You need to enjoy nature and physical activity, have average fitness and know how to swim. There is no need to have previous experience in Kayak.
To answer the question, this is not a trip for everyone: it is very active, involving not only kayaking but also add hikes to explore the islands, setting up and dismantling camp, loading kayaks, help prepare meals and so on. You also need to give up some comforts and have a collaborative spirit.
It is a perfect trip for those people who like to move, disconnect from everything and get lost in nature.
What surprises travellers most along the route?
It is hard to single anything out: the whole experience surprises. Landscapes, water, marine wildlife and exceptional local logistics delight travellers throughout.
What should women and men travelling to Oman consider, for example about clothing?
Oman remains a very traditional country, and its social and cultural customs must be respected. For that reason, both women and men you need to wear long trousers and a shirt that covers your shoulders. For women, too bring a scarf to cover your head.
Most of the trip is far from settlements, where we can dress as we please. In Khasab, however, we must follow local dress customs.
During the kayaking, it is advisable to wear a swimsuit or short pants, a long-sleeved Lycra T-shirt and a cap with a visor and a neck protection.
What makes this trip appealing to nature lovers and active travellers?
Active travellers know the satisfaction of overcoming small challenges, and that is what each stage offers. Add a remote, wild and spectacular natural setting, and the trip to Oman by kayak something very special.
The groups’ satisfied faces on arriving in Khasab harbour on the final day speak for themselves.
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