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Wahiba Sands

This vast northwestern region of Oman is also referred to as The Sharqiya Sands or Ramlat al-Wahiba by locals, and covers 4,800 square miles of mostly uninhabited desert space. The area is famed for its stunning golden dunes - just as spectacular as the Sahara's, albeit on a smaller scale.

One of the main attractions here is the presence of the centuries-old Bedu people, who specialized in raising camels for organized races across the region (held annually from October to April.) The less conservative Bedouin lifestyle here also allows women to have a more active role in society, and they are instantly recognizable with their brightly-colored costumes, detailed masks and flowing robes. The dunes can only really be explored in 4x4s, and don't expect any hotels for miles; bed down under the stars instead for a night to remember in the Omani desert.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Camel Racing

Most of the Bedouins found here are based around the settlement of Al Hulwah, an oasis not too far away from the desert border. The tribes train camels year-round to be raced at selected events held across the desert between mid-October and April.

Camping

Permanent accommodation options in this vast desert region of Oman are few and far between; the preferred way of spending the night is to pitch up a tent under the stars. Although it’s hot all year round here during the day, temperatures can get chilly at night, meaning you’ll need that insulated sleeping bag for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Off-Roading

Although there is a road intersecting the dunes, the best way to cover the desert is by taking to the sand in a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle. It’s both a fun and - at times - exhilarating experience as the car negotiates the steep ups and downs of the dunes. Head out in your own rented vehicle or take one of the tours that depart from several camps dotted around the region.

Sand Boarding

A fun way of tackling the dunes here is to take to the sand on boards, surfing the hilly terrain as if it were waves. Day trippers often bring their own modified snowboards or use makeshift sliders to shoot down the dunes.

Oman Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Wahiba Sands Itineraries

All Itineraries
Classic Oman

Classic Oman

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $11,100
See Itinerary
Beautiful Oman: Jewel of the Middle East

Beautiful Oman: Jewel of the Middle East

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,300
See Itinerary
City to Desert to Island: An Omani Adventure

City to Desert to Island: An Omani Adventure

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Enquire for price.
See Itinerary
Sea, Sand & Sail in Amazing Oman

Sea, Sand & Sail in Amazing Oman

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,800
See Itinerary
The Highs and Lows of Awe-Inspiring Al Hajar

The Highs and Lows of Awe-Inspiring Al Hajar

Duration
4 days / 3 nights
Price Per Person
Extension: Optional add-on to your itinerary.
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Desert Nights Camp
Preferred Hotel

Desert Nights Camp

Wahiba Sands, Oman

Rising like a surreal mirage out of the colorful Wahiba Sands, Desert Nights Camp is an exclusive five-star hotel in Oman. The fragrance of frankincense and myrrh greet guests upon arrival for a journey into an alluring Arabian world. Offering luxurious comfort in the form of Bedouin-style tents under a blanket of Arabian stars, the camp is an exceptional destination with exclusive air. Red sand dunes create a romantic backdrop for these intimate air-conditioned tents, complete with Omani-style decor and furnishings. An extravagant bathroom is the highlight of the room, featuring world-class amenities and golden tiles for a lavish and airy feel. All rooms open out to encompass panoramic scenes over the silken desert sands, offering serene and picturesque views.

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Magic Camps - Wahiba Sands
Preferred Hotel

Magic Camps - Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands, Oman

Magic Camps Wahiba Sands is an intimate and remote luxury camp that echoes the Arabian folktales of One Thousand and One Nights. The spacious canvas bedroom tents come with earthy interiors including cotton sheets, natural wooden furniture and artisan design pieces. Nearby is your private bathroom tent, which is comprised of a portable toilet, an earthenware basin, a shower, fluffy towels and eco-friendly amenities. Elsewhere in the camp's desert oasis you'll find the cozy majlis seating area, dining tent, campfire and sunset lounge - the best place to watch the sky turn the same colors as the sand. Meals are prepared by an experienced chef, with dishes of both local and Lebanese origin, such as spiced lamb and marinated fish sourced from the Gulf of Oman.
See Hotel

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