22 Apr 2023
Saif was super organized and reached out to me a few days prior to the tour I booked in order to confirm a time and date that works for me. I have asthma and, while I LOVE hiking, it has been a little challenging for me ever since I caught Covid in 2021. My lungs have never quite been the same, but Saif was extremely patient and accommodating and we were able to get a 10 KM done in Jebel Shams, all the way to the hidden lake and back!
I ended up being alone on this tour because the timing of my stay in Oman coincided with Ramadan when few tourists were in town. Being a woman travelling solo, I’m always cautious but I have to say that I felt safe and comfortable the whole time. Saif offered to take some photos and videos of me and even took some candids which turned out AMAZING (attached to this review).
We started off by stopping to see and take photos at the Grand Canyon of Oman and it was a stunning view! We then saw baby goats, some locals, intact ruins from an old hidden village that we got to stop and explore and then we made it to the hidden lake and back during our hike. Saif was very encouraging and I felt like he was equally as proud of me as I was for completing my first big hike in a few years. It was cold and dark by the time we got back so we went to get tea at a beautiful lodge before heading back for the long drive home. I have to admit that I’m selectively social, and Saif was super respectful by engaging in conversation when prompted and listening to music when I just wanted to chill during the 4 hour drive. Overall, I’m so happy I did this tour and am really glad I got a guide who made me feel safe and comfortable and was encouraging during the challenging parts of the hike. The views were absolutely stunning, the silence in the Jebel was SO calming and Saif always communicated clearly so I knew what to expect. I’d absolutely recommend; I ended up booking another group tour with Saif to Jebel Akhdar the next day too!