Maps & GPS routes
OMAN
Oman GPS Routes and maps
Jebel Akhdar Crossing
Very nice drive across the Jebel Akhdar on a well trail from Rustaq to Al Hamra (Oman).
This is a splendid route, but you need to allow enough time to enjoy the scenery: allow at least 4 hours to cover the 70km of track.
Before leaving Rustaq, make sure you have enough water, food and fuel for the next 4 hours. At first, the route follows the wadi at the bottom of the valley, then quickly climbs to the summit (at 2000m). The last section is really steep and on a hillside, so if you're afraid of heights, think carefully before setting off, as there's no alternative.
On the other side, a tarmac road awaits you, so there's nothing to worry about.
Time required : about 4 hour (70km) one way
To upload the GPS Waypoint in KLM format click here
To upload the GPS Waypoint in GPX format click here
Akhdar crossing.pdf
Wahiba Desert Crossing
Crossing the Wahiba (160km) is a magnificent experience, but it requires good preparation. Your vehicle should be equipped with recovery sand boards, a compressor and a good supply of fuel and water.
This is the ideal place to discover the desert for the first time. The trail is well marked and there are not many difficult stretches. At the end of the route, be sure to stay on course, as a multitude of tracks could cause you to lose a lot of time. Allow 5 to 6 hours for a crossing, but I'd advise you to set off from Al Mintirib at around 3pm to enjoy the beautiful colours at sunset, bivouac in the dunes and finish your journey the next day.
When you find the first dune, before you will be stuck in the sand, deflate your tyres.
Beware, most of the time you won't have a GSM signal in the Wahiba Desert.
Time required : about 6 hours (160 km)
To upload the GPS Waypoint in KLM format click here
To upload the GPS Waypoint in GPX format click here
wahiba crossing.pdf
Wahiba Desert (east side)
Wahiba east (160km) is a magnificent experience, but it requires good preparation. Your vehicle should be equipped with recovery sand board, a compressor and a good supply of fuel and water.
This route takes you from Al Mintrab to Jalan Bani Bhassan by trail. It can be done in one day. The start is very easy, with a rolling, well-marked track. However, halfway along the route, the difficulties increase, with difficult climbs and dunes to cross. Before rejoining the main track to the south of the route, the trail disappears and you have to cross a string of dunes. A good knowledge of dune-crossing and a well-equipped vehicle are therefore essential.
When you find the first dune, before you will be stuck in the sand, deflate your tyres. drives & tips page.
Beware, most of the time you won't have a GSM signal in the Wahiba Desert.
Time required : about 5 hours with stops (70 km)
To upload the GPS Waypoint in KLM format click here
To upload the GPS Waypoint in GPX format click here
Wahiba east side.pdf