Wahiba Sands
(Sharqiya Sands)
- No permanent settlements
- Average annual temperature: 30°C
- Area size: 12.500 km²
Beautiful & barren
The desert landscape of the Wahiba Sands is renowned within Oman for its remoteness and is home to some of the most spectacular dunes in the entire country. The sun-dyed amber hues of the sands have an almost mystical charm; both beautiful and barren, one immediately becomes captivated by the stillness and emptiness of this arid land, enhanced only further by its relationship to historical figures such as Lawrence of Arabia and Wilfred Thesiger.
Whilst in the Wahiba Sands we sleep in authentic handmade Bedouin tents, carefully selected and situated to suit both the environment and the views. (Although, occasionally this will change depending on the season and weather conditions.) Have an open air shower, relax in luxury tents and feast on gourmet food after a day’s camel riding or driving across the sand.
We normally camp around 40 kilometres into the Wahiba so as to evoke a true sense of solitude and stillness, completely removed from the distraction of cars, pollution and electric light. All of our tours are private and can range from one night in the desert to an eight-night 1,000km expedition from Muscat to Salalah via boats, camels, cars and quad bikes.
As well as desert based activities such as dune driving, sand-boarding and camel riding, the journey from Muscat takes guests on a spectacular drive over the Eastern Hajar Mountains and includes visits to 2,500 BC tombs; traditional villages; old forts and watchtowers; date plantations; wadis and canyons. We recommend guests spend two nights here to really get a sense of local life and culture in the desert or, for a memorable contrast, combine it with a stay in the mountains.
No man can live this life and emerge unchanged. He will carry, however faint, the imprint of the desert, the brand which marks the nomad; and he will have within him the yearning to return, weak or insistent according to his nature. For this cruel land can cast a spell which no temperate clime can match.
Wilfred Thesiger,
Travel Author
Your first day’s experience
Leaving Muscat after breakfast we make our way to the coastal road that runs between Muscat and Sur. After short stops at the Bimah Sinkhole and White Beach, we turn away from the sea and head up the northern face of the eastern Hajar Mountains. Following a steep gravel track that, in a short time, takes us to the peak of the impressive Selmah Plateau over 2,000 m above sea level. Views to the north are of the Arabian Sea and, to the south in the hazy distance, the Wahiba Desert.
This track passes ancient villages that were, until a couple of years ago, only accessible on foot or by donkey. This long, west facing ridge is spectacularly lined with numerous beehive tombs built by the Umm Naa people around 2500BC. Here we will stop for a delicious and freshly prepared picnic lunch.
By mid afternoon we leave the mountains behind us and head through Ismaiyyah. Passing the 18th Century fort at Mudayrib, we leave the tarmac road behind to enter the desert and drive the final stretch on sandy tracks before reaching our camp, set-up with the russet red dunes.
The Wahiba Sands is a stunning desert of parallel valleys of sand dunes stretching north to south. Bedouin live, mostly on a seasonal basis, in the dunes tending to their camels.
Our camp will be nestled deep within the desert, away from other tourists and light pollution from streets and villages at the desert’s edge. The skies are crystal clear and covered with stars.
Take a look at what else is possible during your trip to the desert.
Whilst we are happy to organise two-night trips from Muscat to the desert, for those wishing to get a deeper insight into the beauty of Oman we recommend including both the desert and the Hajar Mountains as well as some parts of the coast if time permits. Here are some sample itineraries:
Begin your journey now
Not your usual camping experience
Our exclusive temporary settlements are reminiscent of a traditional, luxurious Arabian campsite. Each is created in Hud Hud’s unparalleled style, designed to meld into the natural environment and evoke the timeless ambience of the region.
Luxurious
Great food
Stylish
Environment friendly
Journeys
Other journeys in Northern Oman
At Hud Hud Travels we specialise in creating unforgettable journeys throughout Oman for single travellers, couples, families and groups.
Situated amongst some of Oman’s most dramatic scenery, the Hajar Mountains (translated as ‘Stone Mountains’) provide an excellent base from which to explore this region, experience the rich culture and breathtaking vistas that Oman has to offer.
Experience the quiet beauty of Oman’s Indian Ocean with its array of different blues and beaches like the Maldives.