We spent a night in the Wahiba Sands of Oman, on the outskirts of Bidiyah where we experienced sandboarding, dune bashing, standing jeep rides over the dunes, and camp life among camels.
Traditionally, the Bedouins roamed the Wahiba Sands (also known as Sharqiya Sands) in search of water, shade, and pasture for their camels and goats. Their lives were shaped by the harsh climate and the ever-shifting dunes. If you want to experience a slice of this ancient culture while enjoying modern comforts, Sandglass Camp on Airbnb is a good choice. For up to ₹1,275 off your first Airbnb booking, reach out to us directly for the referral link.
How to Reach the Wahiba Sands from Muscat
Public transport options are very limited, so a car is essential. We rented a non-4×4 car in Muscat, drove to the parking area in Bidiyah at the edge of the desert and left our car there overnight. From here, we boarded our host Said’s 4×4 and enjoyed a roller-coaster dune bashing ride across the sands to the campsite.
Staying at a Desert Camp in Bidiyah
The campsite was a vast flat area at the base of the dunes. The guest tents lined the path that lead to the far end of the campsite where an open tent was setup for dining. Opposite the dining tent was an area for a campfire. To the far right were two common toilets with water tanks over them. Each tent was big enough to hold 3 beds.
We reached there around 3.30 pm and were welcomed with tea, dates, snacks and conversation.
Things to Do in the Wahiba Sands
Sandboarding in the Wahiba Sands
Later, we drove up to the dunes to try sandboarding. From above, the steep slope of the dune looked intimidating but riding it on the board was surprisingly easy. Knees bent, balance steady and off we went. The hardest part? Climbing back up to the top!
Camels at the Desert Camp
We then rode a short distance to the camel sheds, where we were surprised to see a calf born just a week ago but already more than five feet tall!
From here, we were hoping to ride a camel to the sunset point, but our host suggested a more fun alternative.
Standing Jeep Rides over the Dunes
Their cars had sturdy platforms on both sides, wide enough to stand on. Standing there, we took off on a wild dune-bashing ride. Wind in our hair and adrenaline pumping through our bodies, we felt completely free.
We stopped atop the dunes and admired the sunset over the crimson sand.
Campfire and Stargazing in the Wahiba Sands
We returned to the campsite where we warmed ourselves by the campfire. For dinner we were served a buffet with BBQ camel meat, grilled fish, shawarma, hummus, bread, salad and more. Later, under a clear desert sky, we spent time stargazing, identifying Saturn, Jupiter, and the Pisces and Taurus constellations using the SkyView Lite app
Tips for Desert Camping in Wahiba Sands
- 4×4 not required: A 4×4 is not necessary as our camp and most others provide transport from and to the nearest town.
- Limited electricity: Sandglass camp had charging points for phones but we were told that electricity arrived there recently, so other camps may not have this facility.
- Clothing: In the desert, it gets really chilly at night, so carry warm clothes. Sand has a way of getting into everything, so carrying an extra pair of clothes is useful. Carry a scarf to cover your head and face when it gets windy.
- Footwear: Shoes and sandals with straps works best. Flip flops fill up with sand quickly and make it hard to walk on the dunes.
- Cash: Most camps only accept cash, so carry enough.
What We Found Useful in the Desert
للصحراء حكمة لا تُقال، بل تُعاش
The desert holds a wisdom that is not spoken, but lived.
Good write up