In Oman, desert, mountains and sea lie close together. That means that in one week you experience three very different landscapes with your family: dunes where you sleep under the stars, a cave that runs deep into the mountain and a coast with fishing boats.
At Element X we bring that together in the Oman Basecamp Adventure: eight days and seven nights, for one family or several families together. In this article you read how the week runs, where you sleep, when you leave and what to know about age, safety and the weather.
How the week runs
Through the sand
By 4x4 or on the back of a camel you head deep into the dunes. During the day you climb the sand with the children, and in the evening a desert camp with comfort is waiting. Anyone who wants to sleeps outside under the stars. After dark we go looking for scorpions with a lamp, and we bake our own bread in the hot desert sand.
Underground
From the edge of the desert you walk five to six hours through the mountains to a cave. At the entrance the camp is ready and we test the rope together. The next day we go into the cave over ladders and on the rope, all the way to the crystal chamber. Younger and older children each go as far as suits them.
You sleep one night at the back of the cave, far from daylight. The highlight of the week is a 25 metre rappel down a steep rock face.
At sea
After the cave the coast awaits. The last evening is all about comfort by the sea, and the next morning you head out early on a fishing boat to fish together. A calm end to a week full of sand, rock and rope.
Where do you sleep?
There is no fixed base camp. You sleep in a desert camp between the dunes, in a camp at the cave entrance, one night at the back of the cave itself, and the last night with comfort by the sea. The evenings are always adventurous, but we take care of the camp, the food and a good place to sleep.
When do you leave?
We plan three departures in the school holidays of 2027, each eight days and seven nights:
- 6 February to 13 February 2027, in the spring half term
- 3 April to 10 April 2027, in the Easter holidays
- 30 October to 6 November 2027, in the autumn half term
Other dates are possible too. We build it entirely around your family.
What is the weather like in Oman?
In February the days are pleasantly warm and the nights in the desert can be cool. In April and November the days are warmer.
Is it safe for children?
Safety is our highest priority. Our X Guides hold a Wilderness First Responder certificate, and we work with two satellite systems, an evacuation plan and local support in Oman. Before we go into the cave we test the rope together, and every child only goes as far as suits them.
What is included?
- Experienced X Guides
- All overnight stays: desert camp, camp at the cave, a night in the cave and the last night with comfort by the sea
- All meals during the expedition
- Local transport by 4x4 or by camel
- All activities
- Ropes and caving equipment
- Camp equipment and sleeping setup
- All local tips
Not included are the flights to Muscat, transport to and from the airport in Belgium, personal clothing and insurance. We arrange the flights together with you.
What does Oman with kids cost?
The price depends on the number of participants and your wishes. After a first conversation you receive a proposal shaped around your family, with all activities included.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can children come to Oman?
We look at that together in a conversation. In the cave younger and older children each go as far as suits them, and in the desert too we choose what suits your family.
How do we get to Oman?
You fly to Muscat. From there all transport is arranged, by 4x4 and in the desert also by camel. We arrange the flights together with you.
Can we go together with friends' families?
Yes. The Oman Basecamp Adventure can be for one family or for several families together, from 4 to 14 people.
Find out more
All details, dates and the button to ask for more information are on the page of the Oman Basecamp Adventure. What an expedition with the family involves is explained in on expedition with your family. All expeditions for families are in the overview of the Basecamp Adventures.
