Summer may have its outdoor charm in countries that have a pronounced winter season, but it’s the winter that earns all the outdoor perks in this part of the world – be it a casual trek, a swim in the sea, an adventurous desert safari, a game fishing trip or a mountain biking session.
In 2005, author Richard Louv coined the phrase Nature-Deficit Disorder in his book ‘Last Child in the Woods’, to describe the all too normal condition of spending too much time indoor. He pegged the deficiency to a disorder, but clarified that Nature-Deficit Disorder is not meant to be a medical diagnosis, rather, a description of the human costs of alienation from the natural world.
The ‘disorder’ aspect of the deficiency may not have found consensus with experts in the field of mental health, but there is certainly no disputing the importance of the great outdoors, which has intrinsic health values, including sharper faculty for attention and a general feel good factor.
The feel good factor is the big decider here, as winter opens the treasure box of outdoor activities that are tagged under fun. For the great outdoor has a way of rekindling the seemingly elusive feel good factor. Fresh air in a natural setting is known to induce relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety; consistent outdoor recreation is also said to boost self-esteem. Whether the trigger for the outdoors is physical fitness or mental wellbeing, a tryst with Oman’s seemingly boundless outdoor options is inevitable during the pleasant winter climes.
In the following pages we present a panoramic perspective of tried and tested outdoor activities that are best pursued during the coming months. Go on; explore Oman’s outdoors with us…
Desert Safari
The shimmering golden sands of Oman’s visually compelling desertscape is best experienced during the cool winter months, when the weather joins hands with nature to beckon even fastidious folks to check out the treasures of the desert.
An inspiring communion with nature is guaranteed, even if one is simply pitching tent in the open plains or lodging at one of the camps in the Sharqiya Sands. But if adventure is the spur, a desert safari could be just what the weather calls for.
As Rebecca Mayston, Manager of The Guide Oman notes, it is their self-drive Desert Safari that gives participants a unique opportunity to enjoy the true adventure of being in the dunes. She attributes the adventure factor to the thrill of learning desert driving with the comfort of an experienced crew.
Listing desert safari as a perfect outdoor activity this season, she says, “During summer, the temperatures are too hot, which is why we run our events from September to April. Winter has cool crisp evenings and lovely daytime temperatures, allowing people to enjoy the dunes.”
She advises those with adventure in their veins to go on a self-drive desert safari, for that ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. The other option, as she notes, is to go on a private tour to a camp.
Guide Oman’s Desert Safari provides all the essentials of the trip, (including the option to rent a suitable 4×4) with a highly skilled support crew of medics, mechanics, marshals and catering, as well as the essential training in requisite desert skills at the destination. While there is no denying that Sharqiya Sands can also be experienced by undertaking a private trip, to be able to self-drive is a unique, must-try experience. However, it is important to follow certain guidelines, maintains Rebecca. “If you are not joining a formal trip, you should ensure that you are with people who have the skills and necessary equipment for safety and recovery. Never go alone,” is her firm advice.
Also, pointing out the importance of maintaining the pristine environment of the desert, she adds. “Always tidy up after yourself; take all the garbage, leave only foot prints. Help us keep Sharqiyah as beautiful as it is today.”