Oman. A land where camels always know where they’re going, quad bikes rip through the sand, and locals can enjoy a picnic with a level of comfort that would put most of our living rooms to shame. A few years ago, we ventured into this mysterious land to explore it off-road – and trust me, without a specially modified Nissan Land Cruiser, we might still be stuck in the dunes. Omani Adventure on 4Wheels:
Mountains Where All of Oman Picnics
The Omani mountains are stunning, dramatic, and… picnic-friendly. Why admire majestic rock formations from afar when you can roll out a blanket right underneath them? The locals have it all figured out. Families arrive, set up their gas stoves, grill skewers, and cheerfully clink their teapots.
We tried to join in, of course. Within 15 minutes, we had lost our matches, discovered our stove was broken, and ended up dining on a can of tuna. The locals smiled at us warmly, clearly amused by our clumsy attempts. For them, a smile seems to be a more effective way of communicating than saying something like, “What kind of disaster equipment did you bring here?”
Nakhal Fort: Where History Comes Alive
Nakhal Fort is one of those fortresses that prove Omanis didn’t mess around with defense. Perched on a rock with views of palm groves, it’s as formidable today as it must have been centuries ago.
We toured it with a guide who enthusiastically showed us everything, from the armory to the kitchen.
“This is where they baked bread,” he explained. We nodded approvingly, while quietly wondering how anyone managed to cook anything in that heat.
In the courtyard, they displayed an old catapult. Unfortunately, trying it out wasn’t allowed – probably for the best since our aim might have accidentally taken out a family picnicking in the mountains.
Nomads and Their Camels: A Life Without Hurry
The desert isn’t just about endless sand; it’s also home to nomads who live as though the modern world doesn’t exist. Their camels are beloved family members, transportation, and a source of milk all rolled into one. Watching the nomads, you feel like time slows down. Everything happens deliberately, with no rush.
When we stopped by one nomadic family, they offered us fresh camel milk. We bravely took a sip and immediately understood why Omanis prefer tea. Our attempts to keep a straight face failed miserably, but the nomads just smiled. Life here is simple, and everything that comes their way is handled with grace and humor.
The Desert, Quad Bikes, and Unlimited Gasoline
Omani deserts are playgrounds where grown men turn into kids. Quad biking is to Omanis what cycling is to us: an absolute must. We hesitantly ventured into the sand dunes, but after watching the locals charge full speed ahead, we let the adrenaline take over. The result? Getting stuck in the sand, of course.
“Gasoline? No problem,” one of our guides said casually as he refilled the tank like he was pouring water. For Omanis, fuel is indeed “no big deal” – with their prices, conversations about eco-friendliness aren’t exactly a priority, but hey, it’s their world.
Land Cruiser and Water? No Problem
Our adventure wouldn’t have been possible without a specially modified Nissan Land Cruiser designed to handle both water and rugged terrain. This beast of a machine is the true king of the roads here. Or wait – the king is the Sultan. But right after him comes the Land Cruiser. We admired it even during breaks, marveling at its ability to go where no ordinary mortal would dare.
Omani Adventure on 4Wheels is serious adventure. Oman is a land where nature follows its own rhythm. Mountains, deserts, picnics, fortresses, and endless smiles – all of it makes this place unforgettable. So if you ever get the chance to ride a quad bike or get stuck in the sand here, don’t hesitate. Oman will teach you that life isn’t about rushing but savoring every moment with calm and a smile.
P.S.: And don’t forget the tea. It tastes great everywhere and anywhere.
