Monday 25 / November / 2024
Are desert safaris designed only for the adventurously inclined? Is it worth the money and time to spend two days and nights in the wilderness of sand dunes?
These and many other questions filled my mind as I packed my bags for my first desert crossing trip two years ago. But my worries faded into thin air over the two days that followed. Traversing through Sharqiyah Sands from Badiyah to Ras Al Ruways in a 4X4, I realised that everyone should try a desert safari at least once in his or her lifetime as it is hands-down the best way to experience the beauty of sun, stars, and sands.
Little wonder, then, that I was in the seventh heaven recently when I got an opportunity to travel through those pristine sands once again with the Guide Oman team, pioneers in the field of professionally organised desert safaris in Oman. This trip our caravan took a different route, driving from Al Kamil to Al Khuwaymah. Along the way, I learned some powerful lessons for navigating life in the desert and on the tarmac.
Lesson #1: Keep egos aside
When I stepped into the driver’s seat and fastened the seat belt, I was confident of driving through the dunes with ease. I thought my previous safari experience would come handy this time. But my overconfidence let me down as I faltered at the first hurdle. Eager to showcase my driving skills, I revved up the engine only to find the tyres of my rented vehicle (Nissan Patrol) were digging deep into the sand. Mohsin, a member of Guide Oman’s rescue and recovery team, landed at the scene immediately and asked me to follow his instructions. “Accelerate gently while rotating the wheel right and left quickly.” I struggled in the beginning, but on my fourth attempt, I succeeded. Similar incidents followed over the next two days—the vehicle veered off track, I skidded into small ditches, got stuck in the sand—but the rescue team had different solutions for every situation. Some of the volunteers were younger than me, but I put my ego aside and followed their words of wisdom, which ultimatly lead me out of every difficult situation.
Lesson #2: Don’t challenge gravity
Sand dunes differ in nature, shape, and size. Small mounds can be scaled with gentle vehicle acceleration, but one has to change tactics when climbing bigger dunes. After making many mistakes, I learnt the biggest lesson of dune climbing: Gravity will always win. So you need to follow the gravity of the car; do not turn against the direction the vehicle wants to travel. When sand accumulates around the tyres, do not rev up and try to climb. You will fail, always. Allow the vehicle to slowly slide until you reach the position where you began the climb. Then, give it another try.
Lesson # 3: Don’t allow fear to Overtake reflexes
When I saw bigger dunes, I felt completely intimidated. Even as I climbed, I felt nervous and doubted my ability to reach the top. Fear gripped my movement and it affected my reflexes. I couldn’t rev up at the right time. I slid off the track many times, forcing me to start the climb all over again. As time passed, my confidence grew and I was able to climb the dunes. Don’t feel bogged down by the enormity of challenges. Face them bravely and conquer them.
Lesson #4: Focus on your path
After climbing a few big dunes, my confidence level grew and I thought I could do the remaining stretches quite easily. I lost focus and forgot to keep an eye on the track created by the team leader. I failed in the very next attempt as my car slid off the track. It took me more than 15 minutes to return to the starting point. Losing focus can make your journey more difficult, both in life and desert.
Lesson # 5: Observe, observe, observe
Before we set out on the safari, Rebecca Maytson, the Manager of Guide Oman, gave an important tip to all the drivers. “Watch the cars similar to yours and note how they react on dunes. Note the speed and angle needed to conquer the dune.” The suggestion came in quite handy at times as I learned from the experience of others.
Lesson # 6: Respect others
Desert crossers always move in a convoy. So it is important to wait for your turn. I always ensured that the car in front of me crossed the dune before making my attempt and I maintained a distance of 20 to 30 metres even during driving to avoid sudden breaking and collisions.
Lesson # 7: Nature is a good healer
The extreme weather conditions in the desert didn’t affect me at all. I am still wondering how the hotter days and chillier nights didn’t leave any scars on me. It buttresses my belief in the healing powers of the desert. I’m not alone in my belief, founder of Guide Oman, Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali, experienced a huge relief from fungal attack on his knee after it was exposed to the desert sand some time ago. He also told me that some people use hot sand from desert to treat back pain.
Lesson # 8: Preserve nature
The trip also revealed the desert’s fragile eco system and the need to protect it. Guide Oman is active in desert cleanup and protection, but everyone should respect the desert like their homes and should not leave trash, which is harmful to desert creatures, like lizards, foxes, scorpions and snakes.
Ahmad Al Harthy
Oman’s ace race car driver on his desert crossing trips
“I love to cross the desert with Guide Oman, the most professional desert safari organiser in Oman. It is an exciting group. So whenever I want to visit the desert, I join the Guide Oman team, like I did this time (January 28 to 30).
One needs different style and skill to drive in the desert. It also involves a lot of confidence. I had tried extreme crossing (drive through difficult terrain) on my debut. It was a tough drive. If you are a beginner, you should choose the easy path first, build up your confidence before opting for the extreme route. Frankly, I learnt from my mistakes. You have to first understand your vehicle. It is not just about power, it is about technique also.
Desert safari is the best way to promote Oman tourism. I had brought plenty of my friends from other countries to the desert and all of them enjoyed it very much. Desert crossing is a good advertisement for Oman tourism.”
THE GUIDE OMAN
Launched in 2008, Guide Oman is a premier destination management company in Oman. The experienced team has a wealth of knowledge about the culture, heritage, and landscape of the Sultanate, and shares a passion for the outdoors. Guide Oman organises desert expeditions, mountain crossings, corporate functions, and team building events.
Website: theguideoman.com
Contact: Rebecca +968 9803 8820, or
Abdul Rahman +968 9228 5813
email: [email protected]
