Gravel Heroes
OMAN MOTORCYCLE EXPEDITION: INTO THE EMPTY QUARTER | 30.10-7.11.2027
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The booking fee is 25%.
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DURATION:
RIDING DAYS:
TOUR TYPE:
ROAD SURFACES:
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
GROUP SIZE:
MOTORCYCLE:
Participants can join the expedition as:
- A motorcycle rider on a Yamaha WR450F: €3 990
- A driver of a Toyota 4×4 with automatic transmission: €4 290
- A passenger in a Toyota 4×4: €2 690
The Yamaha WR450F is a lightweight enduro motorcycle suited to the deep sand, dune crossings and open desert terrain of the Rub’ al Khali. Riders must have off-road experience and be confident riding in sand.
Motorcycle riders and 4×4 participants follow the same supported desert itinerary. Pillion riding is not available on this tour.
TOUR DESCRIPTION:
SALALAH, UBAR AND SIX DAYS IN THE EMPTY QUARTER
This is an eight-day supported Oman motorcycle expedition from Salalah into the Rub’ al Khali, with six riding days across dunes, dry basins and remote desert tracks. The route is approximately 95% off-road and is designed for lightweight Yamaha WR450F enduro motorcycles. A limited number of participants can also join in a Toyota 4×4, either as a driver or passenger.
After leaving Salalah, we travel inland to Ubar before entering one of the world’s largest continuous sand deserts. From there, the expedition becomes a sequence of long riding days and desert camps, reaching deep into the Empty Quarter before returning to Salalah.
FROM DHOFAR TO UBAR
The expedition begins in Salalah, on Oman’s southern coast. From here, a private transfer takes us inland to Ubar, a historic settlement associated with the ancient frankincense routes. The motorcycles and 4×4 vehicles are prepared in Ubar. Once outside the settlement, paved roads quickly give way to gravel, sand and an increasingly open landscape.
SIX DAYS IN THE RUB’ AL KHALI
The route crosses a constantly changing mixture of firm desert tracks, dry pans, soft sand and dune systems. Some sections allow a flowing pace; others require careful line choice, controlled momentum and teamwork. We ride progressively deeper into the Rub’ al Khali, camping each night away from permanent settlements. The precise route may change according to sand conditions, weather and the judgement of the local desert team.
This is not a collection of short rides based around a hotel. It is a continuous desert expedition in which every riding day moves the group farther across the Empty Quarter before the final return towards Ubar and Salalah.
WHO IS THIS EXPEDITION FOR?
This tour is intended for riders with recent off-road experience who are comfortable standing on the footpegs, controlling a motorcycle in soft sand and riding for several consecutive days. You do not need competition experience, but this is not a suitable introduction to off-road riding. The difficulty level is 8/10, and participants must arrive with the fitness, technique and confidence required for sustained desert terrain.
Non-riding participants can follow the same expedition in a Toyota 4×4, subject to the selected booking option.
DESERT CAMPS, SUPPORT AND LOGISTICS
The tour includes two hotel nights in Salalah and five nights of supported wild camping in the desert. The local team transports the main luggage, water, food, camping equipment and essential supplies. Tents are prepared at camp, and hot meals are served after the riding day. Fuel and routine motorcycle support are also included. This structure allows the group to travel well beyond the usual desert camps and established tourist routes while retaining experienced local support throughout the expedition.
TOUR DETAILS
HIGHLIGHTS:
- From Salalah to the Empty Quarter
Begin on Oman’s southern coast before travelling inland towards Ubar and the deserts of the Rub’ al Khali. - The Historic Site of Ubar
Visit a settlement associated with the ancient frankincense routes before preparing the motorcycles and 4×4 vehicles for the desert. - Six Days of Desert Riding
Ride approximately 975 km over six consecutive stages, with around 95% of the route away from paved roads. - The Rub’ al Khali
Cross one of the world’s largest continuous sand deserts, riding through dune systems, dry basins, sand corridors and open desert tracks. - Towards the Saudi Arabian Border
Travel deep into southern Oman, following a route that reaches towards the remote borderlands between Oman and Saudi Arabia. - Five Nights of Wild Camping
Spend five nights at supported desert camps, far from permanent settlements and established tourist camps. - Yamaha WR450F or Toyota 4×4
Complete the same desert itinerary as a motorcycle rider, 4×4 driver or 4×4 passenger. - Experienced Desert Support
Travel with a local desert team, MotoBirds tour leader and support vehicles carrying luggage, water, fuel, food and camping equipment.
WEATHER:
THE SUN DOESN’T DO HALF DAYS
October is hot and generally dry. In Salalah, daytime temperatures are usually around 28–34°C, with warmer and more humid conditions near the coast. Inside the Rub’ al Khali, afternoon temperatures can reach approximately 35–40°C. Desert nights are considerably cooler, with temperatures typically falling to around 18–25°C after sunset.
Riders should be prepared for intense sunshine, dry air, dust and occasional strong winds. Wind can change the condition and shape of the dunes and may affect the route selected by the local desert team.
MOTORCYCLE GEAR:
ENDURO GEAR IS YOUR BEST CHOICE
Enduro gear is the best choice for this expedition. It provides the ventilation, freedom of movement and impact protection required for riding in heat, soft sand and dunes. Heavy road-touring equipment is not recommended. Choose gear that you have already used and know fits comfortably for several consecutive riding days. Bring your own riding gear.
LUGGAGE:
TRAVEL LIGHT. RIDE FREE.
The support vehicle carries your main luggage throughout the desert expedition. Please limit yourself to one soft, dustproof and waterproof travel bag weighing no more than 20 kg. Hard suitcases are not suitable for this tour.
On the motorcycle, carry only what you may need during the riding day: water, sun protection, goggles or a spare lens, documents and personal essentials. We recommend a small hydration backpack of no more than 16 litres, fitted with a water bladder of at least 2 litres.
Your sleeping bag and other camping equipment can travel in the support vehicle. Space is limited, and keeping luggage simple makes loading, camp organisation and daily departures considerably easier.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION:
BEYOND THE LAST PAVED ROAD
Once the group leaves Ubar, we travel through areas without permanent settlements, shops or reliable mobile-phone coverage. Internet access will be unavailable during most of the desert stages. Participants must be comfortable spending several consecutive days away from normal tourist infrastructure. Heat, strong sunshine, wind and dust are part of riding in the Rub’ al Khali. Water is carried by the support team, but every rider must use a hydration backpack and drink regularly throughout the day.
Basic travel insurance is included in the tour package. However, because the route crosses remote desert terrain far from specialist medical care, we strongly recommend additional medical evacuation, rescue and repatriation coverage, such as Global Rescue or an equivalent policy.
A passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Oman is required. Visa requirements depend on nationality and may change. Each participant must check the current requirements and, where necessary, apply through the official Royal Oman Police eVisa portal before travelling. Motorcycle riders must hold a valid licence covering the motorcycle category used on the tour. Bring personal medication, high-factor sunscreen, lip protection, sunglasses, a sun hat, a head torch, a power bank and basic toiletries suitable for wild camping. You will also need a sleeping bag with a comfort rating of approximately 15°C.
There are no opportunities to purchase personal supplies once we enter the Empty Quarter. Anything you may need during the desert section must be brought from Salalah.
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE:
800 m
metres above sea levelDAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL IN SALALAH
Arrival at Salalah International Airport. Group transfer to the hotel, time to settle in and meet the MotoBirds team and the other participants. In the evening, we hold a detailed expedition briefing covering the route, riding conditions, safety procedures and desert logistics. Accommodation in Salalah.
DAY 2 – APPROX. 150 KM – SALALAH – UBAR – RUB’ AL KHALI
A private transfer takes us approximately 60 km inland from Salalah to Ubar, a historic settlement associated with the ancient frankincense routes. Here, the motorcycles and Toyota 4×4 vehicles are prepared and allocated. After the technical briefing, we begin the first riding stage. The landscape opens gradually as gravel tracks and firm desert ground give way to sand. By the end of the day, we are inside the Rub’ al Khali and reach our first supported wild camp.
Overnight at a desert camp.
DAY 3 – APPROX. 160 KM – DUNE SYSTEMS OF THE EMPTY QUARTER
The first complete day in the Rub’ al Khali introduces the terrain that will define the expedition: open sand, dune systems, dry basins and long desert corridors. Conditions vary throughout the day. Firmer sections allow a flowing pace, while softer sand demands controlled momentum, careful line choice and teamwork. The local desert team adjusts the route to the condition of the dunes and guides the group towards the next remote camp.
DAY 4 – APPROX. 150 KM – DEEPER INTO THE RUB’ AL KHALI
We continue farther from permanent settlements, following a route towards the remote borderlands between Oman and Saudi Arabia. The dunes become larger and the riding more demanding.
DAY 5 – APPROX. 150 KM – SAND CORRIDORS AND DRY BASINS
Another full desert stage takes us through a changing mixture of dune corridors, open plains, compact tracks and softer sand. There is no single fixed line through this landscape. Wind and shifting sand can alter the terrain from one day to the next, and the precise route is selected according to current conditions. The objective is steady progress through the Empty Quarter rather than speed.
DAY 6 – APPROX. 230 KM – THE LONGEST DESERT STAGE
At approximately 230 km, this is the longest planned stage of the expedition. An early departure gives us time to cover a broad range of terrain and reach one of the most remote camps on the route. The distance, heat and repeated sand sections make this a physically demanding day.
DAY 7 – APPROX. 135 KM – FINAL DESERT STAGE – UBAR – SALALAH
The final riding stage leads back across the western edge of the Rub’ al Khali towards Ubar. Although this is a shorter day, the route still includes sand and dune sections before we leave the open desert. In Ubar, we return the motorcycles and vehicles and complete the technical handover. A private transfer then takes the group back to Salalah. In the evening, we meet for a farewell dinner.
DAY 8 – DEPARTURE FROM SALALAH
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a group transfer to Salalah International Airport and departure.
The itinerary and daily distances are indicative. The precise route may be adjusted because of sand and track conditions, weather, visibility, safety considerations, official restrictions or other circumstances beyond MotoBirds’ control.
WHAT OUR RIDERS SAY
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Google rating score: 5.0 of 5,based on 47 reviews
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
MOTORCYCLE
4X4 OPTION
GUIDE
SUPPORT VEHICLE
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
ACCOMMODATION & MEALS
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TRANSFERS
PERMITS
INSURANCE
- Basic travel insurance.
- Tourist Guarantee Fund fee.
- Tourist Support Fund fee.
IMPORTANT: For an additional fee, there is an option to independently extend the insurance within the Signal Iduna Safe Travels and/or Global Rescue partner offer. The price of the tour includes basic travel insurance.
WELCOME PACK
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
To keep the tour price clear and transparent, the following services, deposits and personal expenses are paid separately:
- International flights to and from Salalah. Flights should not be purchased until MotoBirds has confirmed that the minimum group size has been reached.
- Oman visa or entry-authorisation fees, if required for your nationality.
- Passport, driving licence and other personal documentation costs.
- Additional accommodation and transfers outside the official tour dates and scheduled group arrangements.
- Individual airport transfers outside the scheduled group transfers, available for approximately €50 per transfer.
- Single-room supplement in Salalah: €200 for the two hotel nights, subject to availability.
- Meals other than breakfasts in Salalah, except for the farewell dinner included on Day 7.
- Drinks and personal refreshments ordered in Salalah.
- Personal enduro riding gear, hydration backpack and sleeping bag.
- Additional medical evacuation, rescue or repatriation coverage beyond the basic travel insurance included in the tour package.
- Medical expenses not covered by the included travel insurance or the participant’s additional insurance.
- Motorcycle or 4×4 repairs, spare parts, tyres, consumables, towing or specialist recovery required following an accident, misuse, negligence or damage caused by a participant.
- Refundable vehicle security deposit, payable in cash on site: €500 per Yamaha WR450F and €1,000 per self-drive Toyota 4×4.
- Personal expenses and tips.
- Any service not expressly listed under “What’s included”.
MOTORCYCLE SECURITY DEPOSIT:
A refundable security deposit must be paid in cash on site:
- Motorcycle rider: €500 per Yamaha WR450F
- 4×4 driver: €1,000 per self-drive Toyota 4×4
The deposit is returned after the expedition, provided the vehicle is returned without damage beyond normal wear and tear. The cost of damage, missing equipment or repairs resulting from an accident, misuse or negligence may be deducted from the deposit.
No vehicle security deposit applies to a 4×4 passenger. For the “Motorbike rider + car passenger” option, only the €500 motorcycle deposit applies. If more than one authorised participant drives the same 4×4, one €1,000 security deposit applies per vehicle.
