A few questions (1 Viewer)

[pete wragg]

A few questions for anyone who's been recently. I've not been since 2019, going back March/April this year.

Masirah Ferry, I read somewhere that you need a special document from car hire company to get on ferry. Is this correct? Do you need to pre-book,or can you just turn up at ferry terminal?

Barr al Hickman, is there any affordable accommodation in this area?

Empty quarter, is there any affordable accommodation between Thumrait and Muscat? Is Muntassar Oasis accessible in a normal car?

International Driving Licence, I've never had one when I've been before, but I've seen conflicting advice on tinterweb


Thanks in advance

 

[foresttwitcher]

I was there late December and can address a couple of your questions:

Between Thumrait & Muscat you can stay at Qitbit Motel / Guesthouse - basic and you can't book online but you should be OK just turning up. Cheap, good food at the small, very basic South Asian cafe for lorry drivers. It is a good stopping point across the desert and it is well worth the walk to the small oasis (I had Greater Hoopoe-Lark, Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark & Asian Desert Warbler).

I had a soft 4WD but as long as it hasn't rained recently and you go slowly the graded tracks to Muntassar Oasis should be OK for a normal car.

I had an International Driving Permit that I gave to the hire company guy at the desk and he handed it back after a cursory glance. They are easy enough to get (although no longer from a Post Office) at a shop with a PayPoint till with your UK licence and another form of ID and costs £5.

Have a good trip.

 

[blackone]

Barr al Hickman, is there any affordable accommodation in this area?

We've been there last November/December

There are two cheap hotels at Mahout

Mahout Hotel Apartments

maps.app.goo.gl

Wadi Al Sail Hotel Mahout ÙÙد٠Ùاد٠اÙسÙÙ ÙØÙت · Mahout

maps.app.goo.gl

Not possible to book online / in advance - at least not for us. We booked it on spot.

International Driving Licence, I've never had one when I've been before, but I've seen conflicting advice on tinterweb

We rented a car from Europcar. My swiss driving licence was accepted without any questions. No need for an international driving licence. We got checked by the police/army once (on the road to Mudayy) and they didn't ask for an international driving licence either.