Rates and Fares:
Once the client(s) have booked, the prices of the 4x4 tours and camel treks are guaranteed. Occasionally, however, and through unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of Oman Tours, prices sometimes fluctuate. Usually Oman Tours will absorb this fluctuation, but should a large change occur, i.e. increased hotel rates, currency fluctuation, etc.; Oman Tours reserves the right to adjust prices accordingly.
Deposit and Payment Policy for 4x4 Tours or Camel Treks:
USING OUR WEBSITE, Oman Tours will require from all clients that a non-refundable deposit of $525.00 USD ($675.00 USD for "Custom Tours or Treks") per 4x4 tour or camel trek, be made within 5 working days of booking with Oman Tours by either PAYPAL, WESTERN UNION, or by "bank wire/transfer." Otherwise, the booking for the 4x4 tour or camel trek made via our website, will automatically be CANCELED.
PayPal:
A PayPal payment for the "non-refundable" deposit can be made via our website upon booking and is the least expensive way to send a deposit.
Bank Transfer:
Clients should contact Oman Tours by e-mail for the applicable information that they will need to make a "bank wire/transfer."
Western Union:
Client(s) should send the funds by Western Union to:
Jeffrey Teachout
Sur, Oman
Once the funds have been sent by Western Union, the client(s) MUST email the TRANSACTION NUMBER (MTCN) to the Oman Tours email address in order for Oman Tours to receive the funds. Without the transaction number, Oman Tours cannot receive the funds and the booking will be CANCELED. The client(s) are responsible for any and all fees charged by Western Union.
Final Payment for 4x4 Tours and Camel Treks:
Final Payment is due 30 days BEFORE the 4x4 tour or camel trek begins by BANK WIRE/TRANSFER. Once Oman Tours has received the final payment, we will then confirm the tour by sending the client their CONFIRMING INVOICE by email. If the client is booking within 30 days of arrival in Oman, then FULL payment will be required within 10 days of booking the tour.
ALL FUNDS, whether they are from the USA or from outside the USA are to be in U.S. DOLLARS.
Late Booking Fees for 4x4 Tours or Camel Treks:
If booking within 30 days of travel, an additional fee of $75.00 USD per person will be applied. Without 30 days prior notice in which to work, we cannot guarantee the standard of hotels that you may desire as most hotels require at least 30 days notice for groups of 4 or more .
Changes after Confirmation for ALL tours:
A "change fee" of $50.00 USD per person will apply to any changes made by the traveler(s) after confirmation has been sent.
Cancellations and Refunds for 4x4 Tours or Camel Treks:
Should the client wish to cancel before arriving in Oman for any reason, then the client understands and agrees that the deposit of $525.00 USD is NON-REFUNDABLE. However, if the clients wish, they may reschedule the 4x4 tour or camel trek to a later time, and the previously paid deposit may be transferred to the later booking, but no "monetary" refund will be made by Oman Tours for the deposit.
No refund will apply to any unused services including but not limited to, accommodations, touring, meals and/or transportation once the 4x4 tour or camel trek has begun.
During the SUMMER months of June, July and August:
During the summer months, Oman Tours will NOT offer camel treks. Only 4x4 Tours will be offered, however, this WILL include an " overnight " camel trek during the 4x4 tour.
The mountains get hot, dry summers and cool winters and parts of the Hajar Mountains are under snow in January and February. The remainder of the country has a continental climate, getting hotter and drier in summer to the south, but moderated by the sea to the east.
In the inland desert is very dry and hot averaging 102°F. - 104°F. (39°C - 40°C) in July and August) summers give way to warm sunny days and cold (sometimes frosty) nights in winter. (The temperature has been recorded in the past near Nizwa in July and August as reaching as high as 55°C, although, this is relatively rare.
At the end of October the weather will begin to cool off and through the month of May the temperatures will average as low as 62°F (17°C.) to as high as 86° - 95°F (30° - 35°C).
Land Arrangements:
As the tour operator, Oman Tours reserves the right to make any change necessary due to unforeseen circumstances. In all cases, Oman Tours will do its best to maintain the content of the 4x4 tour or camel trek.
4x4 Transport for Groups of Six (6) or Fewer for Camel Treks:
Oman Tours reserves the right to determine the type of vehicle used in transport when meeting clients and transporting them between Muscat and the final destination of Sur, Oman during a camel trek. While we make every effort to supply 4x4 transports, if due to any unforeseen circumstances, the mode of transport may change to a suitable, again, to be determined by Oman Tours, private car or any suitable taxi service if a 4x4 is not available at the time of transport. The cost of transportation from Muscat is included in the price of all tours or treks.
Sleeping Bags for Camel Treks:
As of September 1, 2006, groups of seven (7) or more are required to bring their own sleeping bags. For groups of six (6) or fewer, Oman Tours will supply the sleeping bag.
Transport for groups of six (6) or more for either city/country tours or camel treks:
Oman Tours reserves the right to determine the type of transport used for groups of six (6) or more. The type of transport will range from multiple 4x4s, to a mini-bus, to a tour coach depending on the size of the group.
Itineraries:
Oman Tours reserves the right to cancel or make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in its judgment, conditions warrant, without consultation of participants. Participants have no right to any refund or other considerations in the event of any itinerary changes. Oman Tours reserves the right to cancel any tour before departure, in which case the client in no way is required to pay the balance still owed, but the deposit which has already been paid will not be refunded by Oman Tours.
Special Meal Requirements:
For meals on a 4x4 tour or camel trek, there is not a lot of red meat and when meat is available, a separate dish for vegetarians can be prepared. Please let us know whether you are a vegetarian. Keep in mind that "vegetarian" means "no meat" and not a "vegan" menu.
Prices for camel treks include:
All food and drinking water while on the camel trek; all camping equipment (EXCLUDING sleeping bag for groups of six (6) or more. As of September 1, 2006, groups of six (6) or more are required to bring their own sleeping bags. For groups of six (6) or fewer, Oman Tours will supply the sleeping bag.). Also included in our camel treks are: all camels for you and your baggage; your camel driver(s)/guide(s)/cook(s); the cost of your hotel room for 2 nights before and after the camel trek at the regular hotel rate per room, per night in 3 or 4-star hotel accommodations (double occupancy); breakfast is included with the room.
Prices for 4x4 tours include:
Vehicle rental; all fuel; all transfer fees; 3 or 4-star hotel accommodations; breakfast; and your driver.
Not included in cost of 4x4 tours or camel treks:
Airline costs or any transportation costs not provided by Oman Tours; your lunch unless provided by Oman Tours; any additional guide service or any entrance fees; incidentals such as soft drinks, beer or wine with meals unless provided by Oman Tours as part of a "package," personal purchases or tips.
Responsibility and Liability:
Oman Tours may act as agent for services provided by other operators and cannot be held liable for any services provided or listed by any other tour operator. Whereas Oman Tours and any subsequent tour providers operate the land tours offered and all parties are subject to all Oman laws, we are not liable for any act, omission, delay, injury, loss, damage or nonperformance occurring in connection with any tour offered by any tour operator other than Oman Tours.
Client Responsibility:
Client has read the above terms and conditions and agrees to each of them. Client hereby warrants that they fully understand each of them. Specifically client understands that should he/she cancel the trip for any reason, the client's only recourse is to reschedule their tour or camel trek as outlined in the Cancellations and Refunds section.
Passport and Documentation:
Your passport must be valid for at least six months following your entry date to your travel destination. For more specific visa requirements, please contact your nearest relevant consulate for current information.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance, include personal injury insurance, is not included in your tour price. It is the passenger's responsibility to verify whether his/her local health insurance carrier provides coverage while traveling outside of their home country. Please contact your insurance carrier for details. Oman Tours strongly advises that you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover all aspects of your tour, including the loss of baggage and personal items, personal injury and death. A waiver must be signed absolving Oman Tours of any liability if insurance is declined by your insurer.
Entire Agreement Severability:
This is the entire agreement of the parties and it may be amended only by written agreement signed by both Oman Tours and the client and is subject to the laws of Oman. If any part of this agreement is held unenforceable by an Oman court of law, the rest of this agreement will nevertheless remain in force and effect.
Acceptance and Acknowledgement by Client:
The client, by booking with Oman Tours and submitting their $525.00 USD NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT ($675.00 for custom itineraries) via PayPal, Western Union or "bank wire/transfer," acknowledges and accepts the Terms and Conditions as described above by Oman Tours.
Health Considerations:
There are no special fitness requirements for trekking; the main recommendation is a sense of adventure! There is no age limit providing that you are in reasonable physical shape and you are aware of the rigors of a trekking expedition in a foreign country and have proper traveler's insurance. Please make a point of telling us (quietly if you wish) if you have any medical condition/allergies or are on any medication that you think we should be aware of. We are out there for a great time and we want you to feel comfortable in your environment.
