Kosupa Travel

Hello, this is Yam! I recently went on a reporting trip to the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, and one of the countries I visited was Oman. Located at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Oman may not be as well-known in Japan as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Qatar, but I’ve been secretly intrigued by it, knowing that it’s a country rich in history and traditions, unparalleled in the Arab world.

So, in this Oman travel special, I’ll introduce Oman’s new attraction, the balloon tour, along with my personal experience!

What kind of place is Oman?

For those who might not have a clear image of what Oman is like, let me briefly explain. Oman is located at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula and has flourished as a key maritime hub since ancient times. Among Arab countries, which are often associated with deserts, Oman stands out for its developed sea-related tourist attractions and industries. Moreover, the Salalah region in the south experiences rainfall, attracting tourists from neighboring Arab countries for “rain tours,” showcasing its unique climate.

Additionally, Oman’s landscape ordinances prohibit the construction of high-rise buildings like those seen in Dubai or Doha. This, combined with historical castle ruins, buildings, and old streetscapes centered around the ancient city of Nizwa and the current capital Muscat, makes it an ideal country to experience the traditional Arab atmosphere.

Oman’s Balloon Tour

The balloon tour in Oman is actually a very recent addition, having started only in spring 2023. As a result, there’s very little information or reviews online, which might make some people anxious about whether it really flies. That’s why I decided to be one of the first in the world to write an experience report by boarding the balloon myself!

By the way, the operator of Oman’s balloon tour is a service called Royal Balloon Oman, which also operates balloon flights in Turkey and Rwanda. Knowing that it’s a service that came from Turkey, which is well-known for balloon rides, provides some reassurance.

royalballoonoman.com

The balloon tour flight time is about 50 minutes, taking off and landing in the vast Wahiba Sands (also known as Sharqiya Sands) desert in eastern Oman. The departure location is decided the day before, and the landing spot is known only to the wind. With so many uncertain elements, you can enjoy a relaxed hour of flight.

Incidentally, Royal Balloon has also recently started flights in Akagera National Park in Rwanda. Viewing Africa’s savanna and animals from above must be truly exceptional.

For an experience report on Rwanda’s Akagera National Park, check here!

www.kosupatravel.com

Make reservations in advance by email

To book a balloon tour with Royal Balloon Oman, use the contact form on their homepage or send a reservation request by email. Book early, as tours may not be available depending on weather conditions and the season.

The departure point is usually a campsite like the Arabian Oryx Camp, so you’ll need to either stay at the departure site or a nearby campsite on the day, or self-camp nearby and travel to the site early in the morning. In any case, the meeting time is around 5 AM, so it’s recommended to make plans in advance and communicate closely about your accommodation and meeting method (you may be able to get picked up depending on the location).

When making a reservation, provide your preferred date, time, and number of people, and send a copy of your passport. Tour fees can be paid on-site by cash or credit card.

How was it?

In this first part of our introduction to Oman’s balloon tour, I’ve explained the general overview and reservation process. In the next “middle” part, I’ll introduce the detailed flow of the tour day based on my actual experience, so stay tuned!

Read the middle part here!

www.kosupatravel.com