Oman

Oman is a country of remarkable natural beauty and cultural depth, spanning deserts, mountains, monsoon-green hills, and an unspoiled coastline. Known for its warm hospitality and rich history, it blends ancient traditions with modern life. From remote wadis to historic villages and vibrant souks, Oman offers a deeply rewarding experience for nature lovers and cultural explorers alike.

Dhofar

Dhofar, Oman’s southern region, is defined by dramatic contrasts, from the dunes of the Empty Quarter to lush, green mountains during the khareef monsoon. With frankincense landscapes, freshwater springs, cloud-forest cloaked escarpments and pristine Arabian Sea beaches, it supports exceptional biodiversity, including the critically endangered Arabian leopard. Shaped by a distinct cultural heritage and the influence of the monsoon, Dhofar is one of the most unique regions in Arabia.

Field season and weather

Our field station is open from October to May. During this time, the climate is generally warm and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-20s°C (70s°F) in winter to over 35°C (95°F) in late spring and autumn. Nights can be cool at higher elevations, particularly in winter. Our field station is closed during the khareef from June to September and also over Ramadan (Thu 27 Jan 2028 – Fri 25 Feb 2028). Unlike most of the Arabian Peninsula, which is dominated by arid desert, the Dhofar region in influenced by the annual khareef (monsoon) between mid-June and early September. During this time, moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean blanket the mountains in cool fog, light rain, and drizzle. After the fog clears in September, sunlight once again reaches the mountains which transform into a lush green wilderness, rich in biodiversity.

Getting to Dhofar

Reaching Salalah, the only city in Dhofar, is straightforward thanks to its well-connected links via Muscat. Return flights from the USA, UK, Europe and Australia, to Muscat typically range between US $250‑$550, depending on the season and departure city. From Muscat, a 1.5 hour domestic flight with Oman Air or SalamAir to Salalah costs roughly US $75‑200. If you prefer overland travel, Oman’s national bus service Mwasalat operates twice‑daily coach trips taking about 12–13 hours, with fares around US $20‑28.

Getting to the field station

When you arrive in Salalah you will visit our main office, before travelling by vehicle to the field station. After your flight lands in Salalah, we can fully support your arrival and deployment to the field station, or you may wish to make your own plans to acclimatize and explore Salalah first. The field station relocates annually, cycling eastward through Dhofar’s three main mountain ranges on a three-year rotation.

In 2027, our field station will be located in the lush, subtropical Jabal Qamar range. In 2028, we will move to the expansive grasslands and wadi systems of Jabal Qara. In 2029, our field station will shift to Jabal Samhan, cut by epic wadi systems, cliffs, caves, and hidden oases - many still unexplored.

The field station

The field station will comprise an air conditioned cabin, housing scientific and medical equipment and work spaces, and a WC and shower, alongside a tented camp for sleeping, cooking and relaxing, and a kitchen area. Expect a large central wadi mat with traditional Majlis seating serving as the social hub of camp, for meetings and welcoming guests. A gas fire pit will provide warmth on winter evenings and ambience at night. Volunteers can choose to sleep under the stars or in tented camps. The camp will be carbon neutral and non-polluting, designed to respect and protect both the natural environment and local culture.

The team

The field station is occupied permanently between October and May by specialist field staff who oversee operations at the station and running of the Dhofar Biodiversity Monitoring Program. The field station has a maximum capacity of 15 volunteers (not including visiting researchers) ensuring a small, supportive, and community-oriented environment. This allows for better supervision, more meaningful participation in research activities, and a lower impact on the surrounding ecosystem. It also means spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so early application is recommended.

Length of stay

The minimum stay for volunteers at the field station is two weeks. This allows us to manage logistical requirements efficiently, minimize disruptions to the station team and ongoing research, and ensure that volunteers have enough time to fully engage with field activities, adapt to the environment, and contribute meaningfully to our work.

Daily routine and meals

The camp wakes before sunrise to a breakfast of chapati bread and omelette, and then works until 12:00. Lunch is usually biryani or similar rice-based dishes with meat or vegetables. Vegan and vegetarian alternatives are available. We encourage rest during the hottest part of the day between 13:00 and 15:00, after which work continues until after dark, depending on the day’s activities and conditions. The evening meal is typically bread, hummus, fish, chickpea curry or a similar simple dish, and tea and coffee are on offer throughout the day. Travel to fieldwork locations from the field station is by vehicle or on foot. Volunteers should have a reasonable level of fitness, as some days may include extended hikes. As evening falls, the field station fills with the scent of frankincense, the distant call to prayer, and the soft song of Tristram’s starlings, together shaping a peaceful rhythm to camp life.

Satellite camps

Satellite camps allow field teams to reach remote parts of the mountains to conduct targeted fieldwork activities. Satellite camps deploy for periods of 1-3 nights and all food and equipment is transported by vehicle, on foot or by camel. Satellite camps typically consist of small teams to minimize environmental disturbance and operate efficiently.

Research

Deployed at the beginning of the field season and serviced throughout (October–May), camera traps will monitor Dhofar’s unique assemblage of medium- and large-bodied mammals. These umbrella species are key indicators of ecosystem health, and long-term data will reveal patterns in abundance of individually identifiable species like leopards, overall species richness and occupancy, and how these vary seasonally and long-term.

Using permanent point-centred quarter transects, the vegetation sampling protocol provides repeatable, low-bias data on woody plant species composition, frequency, density, and structure. Quadrats will also be used to assess herbaceous vegetation. The cloud forest in Dhofar plays an essential hydrological role by capturing moisture from the khareef fog, recharging soil and groundwater supplies. It is threatened by overstocking of camels and cattle, making long-term monitoring essential.

Mostela boxes are compact boxes fitted with short-focal-length camera traps, designed to record small mammals, reptiles, and other species as they pass through. Baited or unbaited, these boxes provide valuable data on species richness, diversity, and occupancy.

Bioacoustic monitoring uses audio recorders to capture the calls of birds, bats, and other vocal species. AI tools process recordings to identify species presence across time and space. While abundance estimates are currently limited, the vast dataset offers powerful insights into change in species composition.

Other ecological field methodologies conducted from the field station may include: track, scat and sign transect surveys for large mammals, malaise trapping for flying invertebrates; invertebrate light trap; point counts and transect walks for birds; raptor surveys; bird mist netting and ringing; reptile encounter surveys; butterfly and dragonfly transect surveys; and soil sampling. Social science methodologies, including participatory mapping, questionnaires and interviews, may be carried out with local communities, often with livestock-owning households.

The Dhofar Biodiversity Monitoring Program is designed as a long-term initiative, with protocols that can be expanded and refined as new technologies and partnerships emerge. Over time, the program will build one of the most comprehensive biodiversity datasets for southern Arabia, supporting conservation planning, land-use management, and ecological restoration. By embedding global best practice and fostering local participation, the DBMP will not only protect Dhofar’s unique ecosystems but also connect Oman to the international biodiversity monitoring and conservation science community.

Outreach and engagement

Our research program strives for tangible benefits for local communities by combining scientific research with active outreach and engagement. Training workshops, school visits, and public talks share knowledge on Dhofar’s unique biodiversity and promote awareness of conservation issues in accessible ways. In doing so, the program inspires young Omanis to pursue careers in science and conservation while strengthening links between researchers and society.

Excursions

On Fridays, no fieldwork takes place as Arab staff and researchers attend prayers at the mosque. Non-Arab volunteers are welcome to use this day to relax at the field station or join field leaders on optional day trips to nearby cultural sites, coastal areas, or to explore the surrounding landscapes. All volunteers are also given the opportunity to visit the legendary Empty Quarter Desert (Rub’ al Khali), the largest sand desert on earth, where they can climb vast sand dunes, camp under the stars, and search for geodes and ancient arrowheads - an unforgettable experience and a true highlight of any visit to Oman.

Health and safety

The mountain environment is remote and adventurous but measures are in place to ensure volunteers are well-supported and risks are minimised. All volunteers receive health and safety information ahead of their visit, as well as a comprehensive safety briefing on arrival, covering topics such as heat exposure, hydration, wildlife awareness, and emergency procedures. The camp is equipped with first aid supplies, satellite communication, and clear protocols for responding to injuries or incidents. Volunteers must have valid travel insurance and should be in good physical health.

Vaccinations

A tetanus vaccination is essential, while Dengue, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccinations are optional. There is no risk of yellow fever in Oman, however, there is a certificate requirement if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.