Wahiba Sands

The Wahiba Sand is a large desert in eastern Oman, known for its quintessential desert experience and golden towering dunes. The region was named for the Bani Wahiba tribe. The Wahiba Sands are approx. 240 kilometers from Muscat, driving time of about 2 to 3 hours. A short camel trek is a popular activity, often available for an extra charge. The vast rolling dunes provided a stunning backdrop for adventure. The camel ride and watching the sunset was really mesmerizing. I was amazed with the beauty of the desert, it was so relaxing and peaceful. Photo perfect place. Best time to visit from November-April. Traditional Oamni coffee and stargazing are highly recommended !!!

Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands, is a vast desert region covering approximately 12,500 square kilometers, located about 230 km south of Muscat. It is famous for its striking golden-red sand dunes, some of which rise to heights of up to 200 meters. Wahiba Sands offers a wide range of experiences and activities, from encounters with traditional Bedouin to dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, quad biking, and even hot-air balloon rides. Choosing to stay overnight at one of the desert camps allows visitors to admire the exceptionally clear night skies, making stargazing a memorable highlight of the experience.

I always wanted to explore this area and meet the Wahhabis, and I always had high expectations. But the reality was even better. Local kids were curious to talk to us, even though they didn’t speak English, and another local brought us Luqaimat (a sweet treat) made by his wife. It felt like we’d been good neighbors for a very long time. Endless sand dunes and very few signs of civilization took me back to Wilfred Thesiger’s book Arabian Sands, and his phrase, “We who went into the desert were a vanishing breed.” Life was slow and simple.

Beautiful sand dunes. A must if you visit Oman. An experience that will make you richer, also the sunset from here is magical.

Free roaming camels, endless sand dunes, no modern architecture or buildings for miles on end. A great escape, do spend the night. The place is loveliest around sunset and sunrise as it does get unbearingly hot in the afternoons

Gorgeous part of the country and the world! Easily accessed, expansive, loads to explore, great to spend the night so you can enjoy a peaceful sunset, a sky full of stars, and sunrise. Spectacular.

Amazing place. Well worth the visit. If you are oman you at least need to spend a few hours in the desert. Would highly recommend.

One of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen! Beautiful place and worth a visit! Staying in the desert felt surreal!!