In December 2019, five Omani friends set forth on an ambitious road trip—an adventure that would carry them from Muscat to Dar es Salaam, traversing nine countries and navigating through deserts, mountains, savannahs, and bustling cities along the stunning East African coastline. What started as a shared aspiration between Nassor Al Salmi, Khalid Al Barwani, and their companions rapidly transformed into a deeply personal odyssey, connecting them to unfamiliar lands while reinforcing their own roots.
Equipped with two vehicles—a Toyota Tundra and a Jeep—and after months of meticulous planning, the group departed from Muscat. They journeyed through the UAE before entering Saudi Arabia, eventually boarding a ferry from the port of Jeddah that whisked them across the Red Sea to Port Sudan. Here, the warm hospitality they encountered set a welcoming tone for the rest of their travels across the continent. "Once people discovered we were from Oman, they embraced us wholeheartedly," one traveller reminisced. "A friend of Nassor's even slaughtered a lamb for us and hosted an unforgettable barbecue."
Their Omani heritage served as a bridge wherever they ventured. Locals across East Africa expressed admiration for Oman’s peaceful reputation and the late Sultan Qaboos. Many had family members working in the Gulf, leading to flowing conversations that deepened their sense of shared heritage and identity.
As they continued their journey into Ethiopia, the group ventured into highlands and valleys adorned with churches and mosques. They were enveloped by a spiritual familiarity and a rich cultural tapestry. Over meals of injera, they received a warm welcome reminiscent of their earlier experiences in Sudan. "We felt a connection that transcended borders and beliefs," one member reflected.
In Kenya, the landscape transformed into breathtaking vistas. During a brief reunion with another cohort of Omani travellers who had flown in for safari adventures, stories exchanged ranged from border crossings to close encounters with lions and elephants in the Masai Mara. "It felt like stepping into a living documentary," said one safari-goer.
Uganda provided its own surprises. In Jinja, they discovered a quaint restaurant run by someone of Yemeni-Omani descent. What began as a simple lunch evolved into hours of engaging conversation. "He told us, ‘You’re not just visitors—you’re part of this land, too,’" remembered Nassor. In Kampala, they took a break at the historic Speke Hotel, enjoying family time while servicing their vehicles.
As New Year’s Eve approached, they reached Rwanda, where they celebrated with relatives and friends. "My mother had been apprehensive about the trip," one traveller shared. "But when she saw us safe and full of stories, she cried—and laughed—at the same time." Their arrival felt like a homecoming, even when far from home.
The road led them onward to Tanzania, marking the concluding chapter of their epic journey. As they arrived in Dar es Salaam, the city's coastal vibrance greeted them with a blend of excitement and nostalgia. But the adventure was not yet over; they took a ferry to Zanzibar, where azure waters and narrow lanes spoke of Omani heritage intertwined with Swahili culture. "Zanzibar felt surreal," said Khalid. "It was beautiful, familiar, and profoundly touching."
Returning to the mainland, the Dreamteam continued their exploration of Tanzania’s vast landscapes, moving from quiet villages to expansive national parks. Along the way, they met descendants of Omani traders and settlers, listening to stories that bridged generations and geography. "Encountering people who shared our roots, despite centuries of separation, reminded us that culture knows no borders," one traveller reflected.
Their adventure culminated in an unforgettable safari—au breathtaking landscapes where acacia trees silhouetted against golden skies and herds of elephants roamed freely, offering a befitting farewell to a continent that had gifted them both adventure and belonging.
The entire road trip spanned over four weeks and traversed nine countries: Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Although they faced challenges such as long drives, occasional fuel shortages, and minor mechanical troubles, the memories crafted along the way far outweighed any obstacles.
"This trip transformed our perspective on the world," Nassor stated. "Yes, we crossed countries—but more significantly, we entered the lives of others, and they entered ours."
Now, the group dreams of further adventures—perhaps venturing down to South Africa, journeying along the Silk Road to China, or traversing the heart of Europe. For the time being, however, the path from Muscat to Dar es Salaam, along with the bonds forged across Africa, remains their most defining escapade.
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