Wahiba Sands: a sea of golden dunes

Officially called the Sharqiya Sands, and still known to most travellers as Wahiba Sands after the Bani Wahiba tribe, this desert covers about 12,500 km². It stretches roughly 180 km from north to south and 80 km from east to west. In the north, the dunes rise up to 100 metres and change colour from gold to deep orange as the sun moves across the sky.

For many visitors, a night in the desert is the highlight of their trip to Oman: the silence, a sky full of stars and Bedouin hospitality around the campfire.

Top things to see and do

• Dune bashing: Ride over the dunes in a 4×4 with an experienced desert driver.
• Sunset from the dunes: Climb a high dune and watch the desert glow.
• Overnight desert camp: Choose from simple Bedouin-style camps to comfortable glamping tents, with dinner under the stars.
• Camel rides: A short, gentle ride is a classic desert experience.
• Bedouin hospitality: Share Omani coffee (kahwa) and dates with a local family and learn about desert life.
• Stargazing: With almost no light pollution, the night sky is spectacular.

Best time to visit

The best season is October to April. Days are warm and nights can be cool, so bring a light jacket. Summer is extremely hot and best avoided for overnight stays.

Getting there

The edge of the desert near Bidiyah and Al Wasil is about 2.5 to 3 hours by car from Muscat. The final part of the journey is on soft sand and needs a 4×4 with an experienced driver. Many visitors combine the desert with Wadi Bani Khalid, which is on the way.

Travel tips

• Never drive into the dunes alone or in a normal car. Always go with a guide.
• Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
• Wear light, loose clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
• A scarf is useful to protect your face from wind and sand.

Experience the desert with Gotour

Our desert tours include 4×4 transport from Muscat, an experienced driver-guide and a night in a carefully selected camp. Need camping gear for your own trip? Check our equipment rentals. See our tours or contact us.

Photos: Diego Delso and albinfo (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons.