Wahiba Sands Oman Holidays
Wahiba Sands
Holidays
Oman's most accessible and spectacular desert — a vast sea of golden dunes stretching to the horizon, with Bedouin camps, camel trekking, dune bashing and the most atmospheric desert experience in Arabia
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Flight Time
7.5h to Muscat + 2.5h drive
Best Time
October to April
Country
Oman
Suppliers
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Wahiba Sands Holiday Guide
Wahiba Sands is the finest and most accessible desert experience in Oman — the golden dunes, Bedouin camps, camel trekking at sunrise and the nearby emerald oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid make it an essential part of any Oman itinerary. 2.5 hours from Muscat.
October to April only. Book the Desert Nights Camp in advance.
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Popular Areas in Wahiba Sands
Average Temperatures
Jan
22°C
Feb
24°C
Mar
28°C
Apr
34°C
May
39°C
Jun
42°C
Jul
41°C
Aug
40°C
Sep
38°C
Oct
33°C
Nov
27°C
Dec
23°C
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Call 01282 960 460Top 8 Things To Do in Wahiba Sands
The golden dunes, Bedouin camps, camel trekking at sunrise and the emerald oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid that make Wahiba Sands the finest desert experience in Arabia.
The Dunes
Wahiba Sands has the most spectacular and accessible dunes in Oman — vast seas of golden and rust-red sand stretching to the horizon in every direction, with dunes rising up to 100 metres and an extraordinary variety of colours and textures that change dramatically with the light throughout the day. The dunes are at their most beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the low light creates extraordinary shadows and the colours shift from gold to deep orange to crimson. The scale and beauty of the landscape is extraordinary.
Desert Nights Camp
The Desert Nights Camp is the finest desert camp in Oman — a beautiful collection of luxury tented suites set among the dunes, with private terraces, en-suite bathrooms, a swimming pool, an excellent restaurant and a genuine desert atmosphere. The camp is the best choice for luxury travellers visiting Wahiba Sands and is consistently rated among the finest desert camps in the world. The stargazing from the camp is extraordinary — the desert sky is one of the darkest in Arabia.
1000 Nights Camp
The 1000 Nights Camp is the most atmospheric and traditional desert camp in Wahiba Sands — a collection of Bedouin-style tents set among the dunes, with traditional Omani hospitality, camel rides, dune bashing, sandboarding and excellent Omani food. The camp is more affordable than the Desert Nights Camp and is popular with families and travellers who want a more authentic Bedouin experience. The sunset camel ride from the camp is one of the finest experiences in Oman.
Dune Bashing & Sandboarding
Dune bashing (driving 4WD vehicles up and down the steep dune faces at speed) and sandboarding (surfing down the dunes on a board) are the most popular activities in Wahiba Sands — both are offered by all the desert camps and are excellent fun for adults and children. The dune bashing is best done in the late afternoon when the sand is cooler and the light is beautiful. A 4WD vehicle is essential for driving in the desert — do not attempt to drive in the dunes without an experienced guide.
Wadi Bani Khalid
Wadi Bani Khalid is the most beautiful wadi in Oman — an emerald-green oasis of crystal-clear pools and waterfalls set in a dramatic limestone gorge, 30km from the edge of Wahiba Sands. The wadi is the most popular natural swimming destination in Oman and is an essential complement to a desert visit. The contrast between the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands and the emerald pools of Wadi Bani Khalid is extraordinary. The wadi is best visited in the morning before the day-trippers arrive.
Bedouin Culture
Wahiba Sands is home to the Wahiba Bedouin tribe — one of the most traditional and culturally rich Bedouin communities in Arabia. The desert camps offer excellent opportunities to experience Bedouin culture — traditional Omani coffee and dates, camel rides, falconry demonstrations, traditional music and storytelling around the campfire. The Bedouin guides at the desert camps are extraordinarily knowledgeable about the desert and its wildlife (Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, desert foxes).
Nizwa & the Interior
Wahiba Sands is an excellent base for exploring the Omani interior — Nizwa (the ancient capital of Oman, with a magnificent fort and the finest traditional souq in the country) is 1.5 hours from the desert. The Hajar Mountains (with the extraordinary Jebel Akhdar plateau and its rose gardens and terraced farms) are 2 hours away. A 3-night stay in the Wahiba Sands area allows visits to the desert, Wadi Bani Khalid, Nizwa and the Hajar Mountains.
Practical Tips
Wahiba Sands is 2.5 hours from Muscat by car — a 4WD vehicle is essential for driving in the desert. The desert camps offer transfers from Muscat. October to April is the best time to visit — the summer heat (May to September) is extreme and the desert is very uncomfortable. Book the Desert Nights Camp well in advance for the peak season (December to March). The stargazing is best on moonless nights — check the lunar calendar before booking.
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