Homeschool Trip To Oman

Bucket list locations should be safe, exotic and beautiful. And this one definitely is!

We’re taking a group of families to Oman, one of the friendliest places on Earth, with a culture that treats visitors like family. It is one of the safest countries in the world for travellers, especially for women travelling alone.

We’ll enjoy some of the best snorkelling on the planet and see ancient forts, endless sand dunes, massive canyons and markets that have existed for centuries. It’s the perfect setting for parents to relax and kids to get a new perspective on the world and make lots of friends.

We take the fear and stress out of travel, so you can concentrate on making amazing memories with your kids.

  • This trip will run from 23 November - 2 December 2024.

    Whale sharks come to Oman to give birth at this time of year, so it’s the perfect time of year to visit Oman and swim with them.

  • You’ll travel around Oman with a group of families and a co-ordinator, who will make sure everything runs smoothly and all of the kids have lots of opportunities to bond and make friends.

    The co-ordinator will also let you know what tours and sights are available in each area and will suggest activities for the group to do together.

    The ticket price includes accommodation for 9 nights, transport between the various locations and access to a private Facebook group just for people who are going on the trip. The Facebook group is a place to get to know each other a little bit before we go, share photos while we’re there and stay in touch when we get back.

    Flights are not included, because everyone is coming from a different location and has different preferences. Economy flights from Australia are available for around $600 per person each way, or less if you don’t mind stopovers. Please email us if you would like a quote for an all-inclusive price that includes flights.

  • Our trips are designed specifically for families.

    We want kids to have the time of their lives and we want adults to have the kind of relaxing holiday that just isn’t possible if you need to entertain the kids yourself the whole time.

    You’ll travel with other families and a trip co-ordinator, who will suggest activities along the way, make sure everything runs smoothly and help the kids get to know each other.

    We also set up a private group chat for people who are going on the trip, so that everyone can get to know each other before it starts and share photos along the way.

  • If you have kids in your life and you’re keen to make amazing memories and show them the world - this is for you.

    Kids have more fun when they travel together and parents get to relax instead of entertaining them.

    Most of the people who join our trips are homeschoolers, but families with school kids are very welcome too.

    Our trips are not the usual group tours. Everything is built around giving kids an opportunity to make friends, have amazing educational experiences and travel at their own pace.

    You’ll have all the support you need and your kids will have friends to keep them engaged, so you won’t need to worry about entertaining them and can have a more relaxing, less stressful travel experience.

    The day-to-day experience of our trips is also very different. We set up a private group chat to talk about options and get to know each other before we go. It’s also a great place to suggest activities while we’re on the trip and it’s perfect for a quick shout out to the group if you’re heading out to the market and want some company. If you want to spend time alone, that’s totally fine too.

  • As with all of our trips, you’re welcome to join in as much or as little as you like. It’s totally up to you.

    Everything is very flexible. We understand that some people love to be constantly on the go and surrounded by friends, and others need time to themselves and rest days to recharge.

    We just want everyone to have an amazing holiday, feel comfortable and have a memorable experience safe in the knowledge that they’re not alone if they need support.

  • Our trips are built around creating social connections and opportunities for growth, so kids with goals around social engagement and skill development may be able to claim some of the cost.

    Please contact us at info@boldgorilla.com.au to discuss NDIS funding in more detail.

How much does it cost?

The price for this trip is $1600 for adults and $1400 for kids.

Here’s what we have planned:

Days 1 & 2: Muscat

We’ll meet you at the airport on day one and take you to the first hotel.

Muscat is an ancient city on the Spice Route that overlooks the Gulf of Oman and is surrounded by mountains and desert. There are bustling traditional markets, ornate mosques, museums, forts and glittering gold shops.

Muscat is just a short drive to the Daymaniyat Islands, which have some of the most beautiful beaches and best snorkeling in the world. There are lots of day tours you can take out to the islands and you’re almost guaranteed to see dolphins, turtles and whale sharks!

Days 3 & 4: Sur

On day three we’ll drive down to Sur - one of the oldest ports and maritime cities in the world. It’s traditional industries include weaving and the construction of traditional wooden sailing ships, so there are lots of unique things to see.

On the way we’ll stop at the Bimmah Sinkhole, a beautiful limestone rockpool with crystal clear turquoise water. There are tiny fish that will nibble at your toes!

On day four you can visit one of Oman’s most special places - Wadi Ash Shab. The wadi is just 40 minutes from Sur and is known for its narrow canyons and unbelievably clear blue water pools and a cave with a hidden waterfall.

Day 5: Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

On day five we’ll drive about an hour to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve.

This very special place is one of the most important nesting areas for endangered green turtles in the Indian Ocean. Four other turtle species also call this area home, including the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle.

We’ll spend the night at the reserve, staying in luxury air-conditioned eco-tents. Included in the price are free evening and dawn guided walks, during which you might see hatchling turtles making their way to the water, turtles digging holes to lay eggs or turtles making their way back to the ocean.

Day 6: Wahiba Sands

On day six we’ll drive a couple of hours across to Wahiba Sands - a massive desert in the heart of Oman, known for its sand dunes and unique landscape.

The area has been home to the nomadic Bedouin people for thousands of years. The Bedouin have a rich cultural history and are famous for their amazing food, hospitality and generosity to visitors.

We’ll be staying in an upscale Bedouin camp, which has a traditional look and feel but includes modern conveniences like air conditioning and private bathrooms. You can also try quad biking and camel riding!

Days 7 - 9: Nizwa, Birket Al Mouz & Muscat

We’ll leave the desert behind on day seven and drive a couple of hours to Nizwa, which was the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries.

We’ll see the amazing Nizwa Fort, which was built in 1668AD, the famous Nizwa Souq market, and the stunning Birkat Al Mouz mud-brick fortress and ruins.

In the afternoon we’ll drive back to Muscat, where we will spend the last two nights of the trip. There are lots of day trips and tours you can do from Muscat, or you can just relax on a beach, hang out with your new friends or wander around the city, admiring all the beautiful buildings.

Day 10: Time to say goodbye

The trip officially ends on the morning of day 10, so we’ll say goodbye to all our new friends, exchange email addresses and promise to share lots of photos on the private chat.

If you’re keen to spend more time on the Daymaniyat Islands, there is an option to do an overnight tour. The tour includes lots more snorkelling and you’ll spend the night camping on the beach on a deserted island. All camping equipment is included, along with a guide who will prepare a BBQ dinner and breakfast. The cost is $350 per person.

FAQs

  • Oman is quite a liberal country, but it is important to respect the local customs.

    The general rule is to cover your shoulders and wear knee-length pants or skirts.

    Bikinis and swimsuits are fine for hotel pools.

    A head scarf, long sleeves, long pants or skirts that cover the ankle are required if you visit a mosque.

  • Prices in Oman are a little bit cheaper than Australia.

    A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around $8 and a 3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around $20.

    A Coke costs $1.50, a bottle of water costs 50c and a loaf of bread costs $1.50.

  • Tipping is not expected in Oman, although many restaurants do add a service charge.

  • English is widely spoken in Oman. Street signs are mostly in English as well as Arabic and most shop signs are in both languages.

  • Alcohol is available in Oman, but only at hotels, private clubs and restaurants and it is quite expensive.

    Non-Muslim visitors to Oman are permitted to bring in two litres of alcohol per person.

  • There are lots of Western restaurants in Oman and American fast food is available in the major cities.

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