A graduate from Sultan Qaboos University, College of Science and having majored in Biotechnology, Zainab Al Kiyumi started her career in marketing in a telecommunications company. She had no interest in working in the government sector, and yet ended up working in the Ministry of Environment for five years. Working in a closed environment with very limited tasks and lack of achievements helped her understand that she was different. She realised that she needed to do something more meaningful in life. But she found herself confused as to what that could be. Today she is the founder of Wanderlust Oman, a business that conducts ladies-only adventure trips. Read on to know more about her journey…
What inspired you to first take up travelling?
I had my first interaction with real nature in 2012, when my friend introduced me to a group of ladies on Facebook doing some hiking around Muscat. I joined the first trip that I call now ‘my secret door to wonderland’ in 2012 in Samail. I felt a great connection walking on rocks, climbing mountains, swimming in the super cold pond. When the trip ended, I realised that I was in heaven and that I wanted to do it again.
I explored couple of trails by myself and with my friend and my sister, but that didn’t last for long, as people were getting tired from the harsh environment Oman offers. I started to think that maybe there are other ladies who want to hike but don’t know about it. I could be their guide! And thus the idea of Wanderlust Oman – ladies only adventure trips was born.
Conducting women-only adventure trips is unique and amazing concept! How did it all begin?
My first group trip was with 17 ladies from Oman, Kuwait and UAE. I managed to start this business with no knowledge whatsoever. I had no experience on what it takes to be a leader in an adventure trip. All I had at that time was passion and purpose which I believe helped me progress. I also believe I succeeded because I have the courage to become the person I believe I am meant to be. This first trip tells you clearly that I didn’t face any challenges introducing Wanderlust Oman to our culture. I believe that the community was ready for such an idea but it required someone courageous enough to initiate it and gladly that person was me!
How many countries have you travelled to?
After 1 year, I decided to expand and focus more on my business so I quit my job. I started to do trips abroad. Philippines was the first with 13 ladies from Oman, Kuwait, UAE and KSA. Followed by Bali, China, Lebanon, Turkey, Tanzania, Zanzibar, London and Mexico.
Tell us about a travelling experience you will never forget.
I was the first Omani woman to bungee jump the world’s highest bungee jump – 233m – from the Macao Tower in China.
But the most unforgettable experience was hiking underground the falaj for 7km in Al Rustaq. The falaj is listed among the Worlds Heritage Sites. It was dark, narrow with minimum exposure to oxygen. It was my pleasure to be the first Omani woman to enter and hike that falaj in February 2018.
What are the services Wanderlust Oman offers?
Apart from adventure trips, we have organised other activities too; such as, paintball challenge and go-karting with 30 ladies. We also plan to organise treasure hunt competitions with 50 girls this month.
How do you feel doing what you love has benefitted you?
Traveling and adventuring had been my biggest school. It has changed me in ways I never thought possible.
What are your hopes for the future? Any exciting travel plans on the horizon?
My goal is to collaborate more and to help one another and lead by a healthy vision.
For more information, visit @wanderlust.oman on Instagram
