Oman

Oman is a country of striking natural beauty, biological, geological and archaeological richness, and deep cultural heritage. Located on the southeastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, it offers a stunning variety of landscapes, from vast desert dunes and rugged mountain ranges to green monsoon-fed hillsides and pristine coastline. Omanis are known for their warmth and hospitality, and visitors are welcomed with genuine interest and kindness. Rich in history, traditional architecture, and vibrant souks, Oman blends ancient customs with modern development. Whether exploring remote wadis, walking through centuries-old villages, or watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean, Oman offers an unforgettable and enriching experience for nature lovers, cultural travelers, and adventurers alike.

Dhofar

Dhofar, the southernmost region of Oman, is a land of striking contrasts and rich natural and cultural heritage. Inland, the star dunes of the Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter dominate, but Dhofar also experiences a unique monsoon season known as the khareef, transforming its coastal mountains into lush, green landscapes between June and September. The region spans dramatic mountain ranges, frankincense-covered hills, freshwater springs, and pristine beaches along the Arabian Sea. Dhofar is home to the Mehri or Jabali people, who maintain a distinct linguistic and cultural identity rooted in centuries of trade, pastoralism, and coastal life. Dhofar boasts a rich biological diversity, with many rare and endemic species, most notably the critically endangered Arabian leopard. Its ecological richness and deep history make Dhofar a vital area for both ecological and cultural preservation.

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. Unlike most of the Arabian Peninsula, which is dominated by arid desert, the Dhofar region benefits from the annual khareef (monsoon) season 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 one-hour 30 minute domestic flight with Oman Air or low‑cost 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. A private taxi across the same distance could cost roughly US $120–160.

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. Towering coastal cliffs rise over a thousand meters above the Indian Ocean, while the majestic Wadi Sayq, a vast, undisturbed canyon wilderness, supports some of the richest biodiversity in Arabia. In 2028, we will move to the expansive grasslands and wadi systems of Jabal Qara. While increasing pressures from rural communities and livestock pose conservation challenges, this region remains a crucial corridor for wildlife movement across Dhofar. Subtropical cloud forests thrive in secluded wadis, offering refuge to a wide range of species. In 2029, our field station will shift to Jabal Samhan, home to the largest remaining wild population of the Arabian leopard. This dramatic landscape features Dhofar’s highest peak and descends into cloud forest along the escarpment above Mirbat. Inland, the range opens into vast gravel plains cut by epic wadi systems, cliffs, caves, and hidden oases - many still unexplored.

The field station

The exact set up of the field station hasn’t been decided, but it will likely comprise an air conditioned building or cabin, housing scientific equipment and work spaces, and a WC and shower, alongside a tented camp for sleeping and cooking. A separate kitchen area will comprise gas-fed stoves and a work surface. Expect a large wadi mat with traditional cushion 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, non-polluting and environmentally and culturally responsible.

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 1200. Lunch is usually biryani or similar rice-based dishes with meat or vegetables. Vegan and vegetarian alternatives are available. We take a break from 1330 to 1600 - feel free to rest, read, or nap during the hottest part of the day. Work resumes at 4:00 pm and 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 are set up for periods of 1-3 nights and all food and equipment is transported by vehicle or no foot or by camel to these remote wilderness spots. 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 livestock, making long-term monitoring critical and 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 explore the surrounding landscapes. All volunteers are also given the opportunity to visit the legendary Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali), 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, radio communication, and clear protocols for responding to injuries or incidents. Volunteers must have valid travel insurance and should be in good physical health, as activities may include hiking in rugged terrain.

Vaccinations

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. A tetanus vaccination is essential, while Dengue, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies vaccinations are optional.