Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands
4.5
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- petra3 contributionsMust seeWe came to Al Wasil And followed road towards arabian Oryx desert camp in our 2wd. We were able to get to first dunes, we parked, packed fór camping And Went to dunes walking. It is enough to do short walk and we were fully surrounded by dunes. We had lot of fun there And we stayed overnight there. We ecperienced half And Hour rain:-).Visited December 2022Travelled with friendsWritten 30 December 2022
- Oliver HCologne, Germany23 contributionsBest Private Desert Guide & all time GentlemanThank you Salam Hamed Mohammad Al Wahibi called "Salim" for treating us to an unforgettable desert adventure! We were lucky to have you as our guide, with your centuries of knowledge and experience of the Omani Bedouin culture. Salam, you made us laugh with your sense of humour and your warm and friendly nature and our children felt perfectly safe during the entire journey. You read the desert like a newspaper, skillfully navigating the sand dunes with your 4-wheel drive, and taking us to wonderful places and perfect camp sites. We were mesmerized by the sand storm and sandfishes, and we were amazed to watch the camels at night. We had the privilege of joining your wonderful Bedouin family, singing and dancing around the camp fire and feasting on a delicious goat BBQ. It was an experience that we won't forget and we thank you for making it so special. If you're looking for a unique and unparalleled adventure in Wahiba Sands, Oman, then take this chance! Give Salam Al Wahibi a call or Whats App Message on +96899033116 or +96892551459 and you will have great times in Wahiba Sands and area.Visited December 2022Written 23 January 2023
- Joan R5 contributionsDune bashing with Taresh in Wahiba SandsWhat a great time! Spending the night in the desert is always a unique experience. The Omani desert is no different. In Wahiba Sands, most of the camps offer dune bashing right before sunset so you can watch the sunset on top of the dunes. It was breathtaking! Taresh was our chauffeur and he gave us a wild ride! So much fun! Taresh is not afraid to drive up and down the dunes! Not to be missed!Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 April 2023
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4.5
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Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark3,866 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
An afternoon, night, and morning in the desert are a MUST-DO when visiting Oman. You will be amazed by the soft beauty of the endless sand landscapes in the gentle glow of the sunlight - and you will be (pleasantly) shocked by the perfect silence. Not... a... sound!
The swaying camels on the horizon... The simple flavors of the food... Comfortable beds in a Bedouin tent illuminated by a solar-powered lamp... A shower under the open sky... Sunrise on top of a giant dune early in the morning...
Desert Retreat Camp has it all. We were picked up in a 4x4 at the company's office just outside the desert area, but you can also skip the transportation and follow the big car if you have your own 4WD.
Additionally, we opted for 1 hour of 'sand bashing' in a 4x4, which was a unique, fun, and somewhat expensive experience (but how often are you in the desert?).
The only small 'snake in paradise' was a hefty scorpion visiting the dining tent. Such a creature is not life-threatening, but a sting is reportedly quite painful.
The staff claimed that there are usually never scorpions in the camp - but apparently, one should never say never. Therefore: Walk around the camp with sandals and only take off your shoes when you are about to climb the giant dune in the 'backyard' (surprisingly tough).
The swaying camels on the horizon... The simple flavors of the food... Comfortable beds in a Bedouin tent illuminated by a solar-powered lamp... A shower under the open sky... Sunrise on top of a giant dune early in the morning...
Desert Retreat Camp has it all. We were picked up in a 4x4 at the company's office just outside the desert area, but you can also skip the transportation and follow the big car if you have your own 4WD.
Additionally, we opted for 1 hour of 'sand bashing' in a 4x4, which was a unique, fun, and somewhat expensive experience (but how often are you in the desert?).
The only small 'snake in paradise' was a hefty scorpion visiting the dining tent. Such a creature is not life-threatening, but a sting is reportedly quite painful.
The staff claimed that there are usually never scorpions in the camp - but apparently, one should never say never. Therefore: Walk around the camp with sandals and only take off your shoes when you are about to climb the giant dune in the 'backyard' (surprisingly tough).
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bertrand R
11 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Ce désert est absolument magnifique !
Pour vivre une expérience complète du désert, nous sommes passés par Mohammed, un guide local originaire de ce même désert dans lequel il a toujours grandi et qu’il connaît comme sa poche (Whatsapp : +968 9220 2274).
Mohammed nous a accompagné pendant 3 jours et a tout organisé : une première nuit dans un camp absolument génial (confortable, authentique, et l’un des seuls au sommet d’une dune), une traversée avec son 4X4 tout confort de plusieurs heures de tout le désert, un arrêt ensuite aux « Sugar dunes » (dunes de sable blanc magnifiques), une nuit ensuite à « Bar Al Hickman » (endroit surnommé « les Maldives d’Oman »), un endroit isolé absolument paradisiaque où l’eau turquoise s’associe au calme de ce bout du monde désertique, puis un retour en traversant à nouveau le désert par une route différente de la première.
Mohammed nous considère comme des invités à qui il fait découvrir son désert et non comme des clients numérotés sur le dos desquels il se ferait du profit. Cela se ressent avec toutes les attentions qu’il a eu à notre égard, pour notre confort et notre plaisir (des arrêts photos multiples, des petites surprises, des explications et anecdotes, des discussions sympathiques diverses…). Il conduit également très bien et vous fera découvrir le désert sous tous ses angles en toute sécurité !!
C’était vraiment une très belle et complète expérience que je recommande vivement !!! 3 jours de pure merveille, avec un guide exceptionnel et des rencontres très riches !
Vous n’avez qu’à retrouver Mohammed (whatsapp : +968 9220 2274) à l’entrée du désert et il se charge de tout pendant 3 jours, à un tarif extrêmement raisonnable !
Bref un désert majestueux par sa nature qu’une visite complète par Mohammed viendra perfectionner !
Pour vivre une expérience complète du désert, nous sommes passés par Mohammed, un guide local originaire de ce même désert dans lequel il a toujours grandi et qu’il connaît comme sa poche (Whatsapp : +968 9220 2274).
Mohammed nous a accompagné pendant 3 jours et a tout organisé : une première nuit dans un camp absolument génial (confortable, authentique, et l’un des seuls au sommet d’une dune), une traversée avec son 4X4 tout confort de plusieurs heures de tout le désert, un arrêt ensuite aux « Sugar dunes » (dunes de sable blanc magnifiques), une nuit ensuite à « Bar Al Hickman » (endroit surnommé « les Maldives d’Oman »), un endroit isolé absolument paradisiaque où l’eau turquoise s’associe au calme de ce bout du monde désertique, puis un retour en traversant à nouveau le désert par une route différente de la première.
Mohammed nous considère comme des invités à qui il fait découvrir son désert et non comme des clients numérotés sur le dos desquels il se ferait du profit. Cela se ressent avec toutes les attentions qu’il a eu à notre égard, pour notre confort et notre plaisir (des arrêts photos multiples, des petites surprises, des explications et anecdotes, des discussions sympathiques diverses…). Il conduit également très bien et vous fera découvrir le désert sous tous ses angles en toute sécurité !!
C’était vraiment une très belle et complète expérience que je recommande vivement !!! 3 jours de pure merveille, avec un guide exceptionnel et des rencontres très riches !
Vous n’avez qu’à retrouver Mohammed (whatsapp : +968 9220 2274) à l’entrée du désert et il se charge de tout pendant 3 jours, à un tarif extrêmement raisonnable !
Bref un désert majestueux par sa nature qu’une visite complète par Mohammed viendra perfectionner !
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve-1sw
Kaufbeuren, Germany1,025 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Wir hatten die Desert Tour für den Sonnenuntergang gebucht und es war atemberaubend. Natürlich geht es mit den Jeeps in die Wüste und man fährt die Dünen hoch und runter. Wenn aber die Sonne untergeht, sollte man sich eine Düne oben nehmen und einfach den Moment genießen.
Kann es nur empfehlen
Kann es nur empfehlen
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cinzia B
Felino, Italy381 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Magico!
Dormi in una tenda, sulle stuoie e un piccolo materasso ti separa dalla sabbia..sei a tu per tu con la natura..
Il deserto, luogo per me, incantevole..luogo di meditazione, di silenzio, di pace, di calma e di riflessione..
Coi suoi colori caldi..
Col suo calore, e il suo freddo..nel far del giorno..
Luogo di contrasti..
Wahiba sands è una zona desertica che si estende a sud di Sur, le sue dune che arrivano ai 100 MT di altezza..i dromedari che vagano liberi..e i topolini, piccoli abitanti che ti corrono velocemente dinnanzi.
È un tour quello di 2 GG e una notte, da fare assolutamente.
Le sistemazioni vanno dalle più spartane, quelle a mio avviso più vere,
a quelle più lussuose.
In ogni modo vogliate viverla... Ne vale la pena..
Dormi in una tenda, sulle stuoie e un piccolo materasso ti separa dalla sabbia..sei a tu per tu con la natura..
Il deserto, luogo per me, incantevole..luogo di meditazione, di silenzio, di pace, di calma e di riflessione..
Coi suoi colori caldi..
Col suo calore, e il suo freddo..nel far del giorno..
Luogo di contrasti..
Wahiba sands è una zona desertica che si estende a sud di Sur, le sue dune che arrivano ai 100 MT di altezza..i dromedari che vagano liberi..e i topolini, piccoli abitanti che ti corrono velocemente dinnanzi.
È un tour quello di 2 GG e una notte, da fare assolutamente.
Le sistemazioni vanno dalle più spartane, quelle a mio avviso più vere,
a quelle più lussuose.
In ogni modo vogliate viverla... Ne vale la pena..
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brun066
Florence, Italy12,232 contributions
Jan 2023
Most of Oman, due to the hot climate and low rainfall, has a sub-desert appearance, if its surface has not been modified by man (for example through the addition of water). But the desert comes closest to the mental image we have of it (moreover inexact, because most deserts are stony instead) when it's made up of sand. Then the sterility of the soil appears more perfectly, which gives space to vegetation only in isolated corners; and precisely for this reason (that is, because it is more "deserted") it seems to me that it exerts the greatest charm.
After the immense Rub' al Khali, the "empty quarter", which extends for 250,000 sq kms and which only partially falls within the borders of Oman, the largest sandy desert of Oman is this one, and it's also very (too ?) frequented by travellers.
We have visited it in its northern sector, in and out of Bidiyah Oasis, heading almost exactly south to the Safari Desert Camp. It's a journey of perhaps 25 kms in the middle of nowhere, mostly along a very shallow but sheltered valley, which allows some stunted grass to grow in the "winter" season. All around, to the east and west, absolutely barren dunes, more or less high, predominate.
Although I have some desert experience (among other things, I went hiking with the Bedouin tribes for 12 consecutive days through the Sinai peninsula), the Wahiba (or Sharqiya) Sands were a rather unusual experience for me, precisely because they are made of sand, and therefore arouse a feeling of "absolute" that seems made to strike the human soul. I strongly recommend them.
After the immense Rub' al Khali, the "empty quarter", which extends for 250,000 sq kms and which only partially falls within the borders of Oman, the largest sandy desert of Oman is this one, and it's also very (too ?) frequented by travellers.
We have visited it in its northern sector, in and out of Bidiyah Oasis, heading almost exactly south to the Safari Desert Camp. It's a journey of perhaps 25 kms in the middle of nowhere, mostly along a very shallow but sheltered valley, which allows some stunted grass to grow in the "winter" season. All around, to the east and west, absolutely barren dunes, more or less high, predominate.
Although I have some desert experience (among other things, I went hiking with the Bedouin tribes for 12 consecutive days through the Sinai peninsula), the Wahiba (or Sharqiya) Sands were a rather unusual experience for me, precisely because they are made of sand, and therefore arouse a feeling of "absolute" that seems made to strike the human soul. I strongly recommend them.
Written 30 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joan R
5 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
What a great time! Spending the night in the desert is always a unique experience. The Omani desert is no different. In Wahiba Sands, most of the camps offer dune bashing right before sunset so you can watch the sunset on top of the dunes. It was breathtaking! Taresh was our chauffeur and he gave us a wild ride! So much fun! Taresh is not afraid to drive up and down the dunes! Not to be missed!
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michael m
Vienna, Austria478 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Ich habe in Rashid Dessert Private Camp übernachtet. Nur 4 Zelte und ausgezeichnetes Essen. Die Ausflüge mit dem Auto in die Wüste waren beeindruckend.
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pawel_hbg
Sopot, Poland9,999 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
All desserts have some magic and mystery. If you spend your holiday in Oman try to spend one night in the camp in the dessert. Unforgettable experience.
Written 8 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laurence guill... L
Armentieres, France391 contributions
Apr 2022
Du sable ocre à perte de vue, des dunes qui changent, vous voilà dans le désert des Wahibas.
Nous vous conseillons de rester au moins une nuit dans le désert pour profiter des dunes et des activités (quad, dromadaires, partir à la rencontre des béduins...). Attention, le choix du camps peut faire la différence sur votre séjour. Pour notre part, nous aurions préféré un camps un peu plus intimiste.
Les camps sont accessibles en 4x4 mais pensez à dégonfler les pneus. Vous pouvez également partir à l'assaut des dunes mais il faut avoir un très gros 4x4. A pied c'est pas mal aussi même si ce n'est pas simple.
Nous avons passé un super moment dans ces dunes, le désert est magnifique.
Nous vous conseillons de rester au moins une nuit dans le désert pour profiter des dunes et des activités (quad, dromadaires, partir à la rencontre des béduins...). Attention, le choix du camps peut faire la différence sur votre séjour. Pour notre part, nous aurions préféré un camps un peu plus intimiste.
Les camps sont accessibles en 4x4 mais pensez à dégonfler les pneus. Vous pouvez également partir à l'assaut des dunes mais il faut avoir un très gros 4x4. A pied c'est pas mal aussi même si ce n'est pas simple.
Nous avons passé un super moment dans ces dunes, le désert est magnifique.
Written 7 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vegafi
PARIS257 contributions
Feb 2023
Le désert reste un lieu magique mais que de détritus visibles partout. Nous avions fait celui de Dubaï, il nous avait semblé plus majestueux avec un sable beaucoup plus rouge. Notre guide nous a emmené voir un camp de « bédouins » … intéressant malgré des achats un peu forcés.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aida G
Barcelona, Spain25 contributions
Wahiba Sands in July: is it still worth it to overnight? Any local opinion? 😊
Alessandro S
Milan, Italy5 contributions
Buongiorno Monica,
come si chiama e dove si trova il campo a cui fa riferimento? Bisogna prenotare?
Grazie!!
vivib60
Monza, Italy49 contributions
Ciao sto organizzando un viaggio a Natale in Oman noleggiando un 4x4 In linea di massima l’itinerario sarebbe Muscate Nizwa Wahiba Sand Duqm(riusciamo ad arrivarci senza una guida solo con il navigatore?)Ras Al Jinz Muscate.Abbiamo 9 notti a disposizione.Vorrei sapere se è fattibile senza una guida.Si accettano buoni consigli grazie
Tazzulini
Province of Varese, Italy66 contributions
Ciao,
noi abbiamo orgnizzato il nostro tour a novembre con una guida locale in 4x4.
Le strade sono ottime e perfettamente segnate. Si può viaggiare tranquillamente con la macchina a noleggio senza problemi sia per le strade che per la sicurezza.
Per quanto riguarda il Wahiba Sand avventurarsi da soli senza guida non è molto consigliabile se non si ha già una più che valida attitudine alla guida nel deserto.
Le strade sterrate sono ben individuabili ma ve ne sono molte e sbagliare è molto facile. sinceramente non mi inoltrerei nel Wahiba Sand da solo: cosa diversa e se siete più persone con più 4X4. il rischio di restare insabbiati con l'auto è reale.
Concordo con patriz16, se siete con una sola macchina chiedete al gestore del campo di venire a prendervi.
Ist die Wahiba Sands Tour auch fuer aeltere Menschen geeignet ? Ich stelle mir die Duenenfahrten ziemlich belastend vor.
Mariana D
Mexico City, Mexico18 contributions
Has anyone used Mark tours in Oman? Need feedback since we are about to hire a tour with them.
juergen p
Thailand2,184 contributions
HI Mariana, I was touring and after this self driving with a great tour guide Abdullah Al Hamed - local phone is +968 99887874
I can highly recommend him ! If you mention my name he should do greatest tours with you !
Patrizia C
Italy3 contributions
Vorrei sapere da dove parte l'es cursione sul 4per4,cioè se si può arrivare nella zona con la nostra autonoleggio e poi passare sul furgone dei locali per il te e la giratina o chi lo volesse ilpernotto oppure se bisogna prendere una gita da Muscat ..grazie
MMayada
Beirut, Lebanon1 contribution
hello.i m in oman.and i like to visit wahiba sands.i know i can go by bus to bidiyah .but any of u know if 4x4 are available directly in bidiyah and how much it cost like 2 hours in desert.thank you .
Mcdutchy
Porchfield, UK94 contributions
Hi there,
I think it would be much easier to rent a 4x4 from muscat, its a 600 km roundtrip to the sands and then onto wadi bani khabir, brilliant swimming and very easy to find, would bother with public busses. Also in muscat there are plenty of tourbus operators who can take you on a guided tour, but then you have to fit in with their schedule.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wahiba Sands
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Wahiba Sands:
- Private Safari Wahiba Sands and Wadi Bani Khalid from Muscat (From ₹ 16,672.22)
- Wahiba Sands Desert Safari 4X4 (From ₹ 27,592.53)
- Desert experience - Private Wahiba sands full day tour (From ₹ 16,588.86)
- Wahiba Sands And Wadi Bani Khalid (From ₹ 17,339.11)
- Wahiba Sands Tour with Wadi Bani Khalid tour (price per vehicle) (From ₹ 32,375.79)
- Hotels near Wahiba Sands:
- (0.01 km) Wahiba Bedouin Rustic Camp
- (14.45 km) Starwatching Private Camp
- (9.82 km) Nomadic Desert Camp
- (10.61 km) Desert Nights Camp
- (10.04 km) Arabian Oryx Camp
- Attractions near Wahiba Sands:
- (12.94 km) Alhora
- (8.33 km) Omani guide in the Wahiba sands
- (14.03 km) Oman, Bidiyah