• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to footer

ZigZag On Earth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

  • FRANCE
    • CORSICA
    • NORMANDY
    • PARIS
  • EUROPE
    • ANDALUCIA
    • CANARY ISLANDS
    • GREECE
    • ICELAND
    • ICELAND WINTER
    • PORTUGAL
    • SCOTLAND
    • SLOVENIA
  • REST OF WORLD
    • NEW ZEALAND
    • OMAN
  • EBOOKS
  • TIPS
  • PUZZLES
  • ABOUT

How to Visit the Wahiba Sands Desert in Oman – Video + Photos + Info

Last updated on October 12, 2019 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

Not far from the sea, the sand dunes of Wahiba Sands Oman stretch from North to South over 180km. As in all deserts, spending the night in such an isolated environment is a bliss. Discover its beauty with sunset and sunrise pictures. Below is Guide with many photo to help you plan your visit including access and accommodations.

Wahiba Sands Oman - Wahiba Sands Camp
Content
Video - One Night in the Wahiba desert
About the Omani Deserts
PLANNING TIPS - Wahiba Sands Oman
Accommodations - Wahiba Sands Camps vs Wild Camping
Driving in Wahiba Sands Oman
Wahiba Sands Pictures - Sunset over the sand dunes
Wahiba Sands Pictures - Sunrise
Sand Details
The half face

Navigate back to the complete Oman Travel Guide

Share0
Share +10
Tweet0
Pin0

This article contains affiliate Links (info on the Disclosure page). If you purchase using my link, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.


Video - One Night in the Wahiba desert

Before with discuss how to visit the Wahiba sands desert, let's start with a short video of my drive into Wahiba Sands and the night I spend wild camping in the desert. You will see why it became one of my top places to visit Oman.


About the Omani Deserts

Most of Oman is covered by desert or semi-desert environnement. The largest desert is actually the Empty quarter that expands on a large portion of the Arab peninsula. However you need to get a lot more South and West to reach it.

In this article, I focus on the wonderful Wahiba Sands, also known as the Sharqiya Sands. 

  • It is the most well-known by the tourist because it is easily accessible from the capital Muscat
  • The desert covers 180km North to South and 80km East to West
  • Apart from the touristic camps, there are no permanent settlements, only bedouin temporary camps
  • Have a look at Google Earth and you will see how longitudinal the dunes are from North to South
  • The Dunes of Wahiba Sands can reach 100 meter in height
  • Bradt guide also recommends to go 7km further east from Bidiyah Castle to Al Huwayah to see an oasis encircled by sand dunes.
Wahiba sands map view google earth

Wahiba sands - Map data: Google, TerraMetrics


PLANNING TIPS - Wahiba Sands Oman

Wahiba Sands Map and location

The desert of Wahiba sands is located South of Sur, and South East of Muscat. The travel times below are to Al-Wasil, before entering the desert:

  • Muscat to Wahiba Sands - 2h drive
  • Sur to Wahiba Sands - 1h40 drive
  • Nizwa to Wahiba Sands - 2h20 
  • Easiest entrances are at Bidiyah Castle (24km gravel road and then sand tracks) and Al Wasil (mix of gravel path and sand tracks)

On the Map, you can see with the orange dots the location of the desert and some of the 4WD tracks to enter.

Wahiba Sands Map Oman

Location - Wahiba Sands Map

Wahiba Sands is included in my eBook:

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

small Oman eBook Cover
  • 8 exclusive easy-to-plan maps
  • 90+ amazing locations
  • Tips to plan & make the most of your time
  • 100+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE

How to get to Wahiba Sands - Self Drive

  • OPTION 1 - you rent a 4WD and are comfortable with driving on the sand, so you can get to the campsites in the wadis between the longitudinal dunes. 
  • OPTION 2 - drive to the towns at the foot of the desert and get the accommodations to send a 4WD to take you to the campsite
  • It you are doing a self-drive day trip from Muscat, is often combined with Wadi Bani Khalid

Wahiba Sands Tours from Muscat

  • ​OPTION 3 WAHIBA SAND DAY TOUR - If you don't want to drive, you can join an excursion from Muscat - the 4WD trip will take you in the dunes of Wahiba Sands as well as to the beautiful Wadi Bani Khalid - ​
  • OPTION 4 OVERNIGHT TOUR - even better, you can join a trip that includes a night at one of the desert camps in the desert!!!! ​
  • Options keep changing - check out the current offers on Getyourguide or on Viator
  • If you are staying in Muscat, check out my suggestions for the best days trips
How to get to Wahiba Sands Oman

Exploring Wahiba Sands Oman

  • Wild camping is allowed anywhere (except too close to the camps)
  • It is possible to cross North to South but only if you are an experienced sand dune driver and with enough provision for several days
  • Do not go off road between the hottest months April to October
  • Don't forget to bring plenty of water, flashlight and warm clothes for the night.

Wahiba Sands Weather - best time to visit

  • Summer time - the heat of the Summer (June to August) should be avoided but even from mid April to late September, you will have extremely hot days
  • Winter Time - from October to beginning of April is when it is bearable and can even be enjoyable 🙂 I have found December lovely. Although when the wind picks up it can get cold. You will get 25 to 35°C during the day and 15 to 25°C at night

Accommodations - Wahiba Sands Camps vs Wild Camping

You have 2 options to stay in the desert of Wahiba Sands

Wahiba Sands Desert Camps Oman

You can stay at one of the several desert camps situated in the northern part of the desert. The camps will pick you up at the desert entrance if you need. They offer activities such as sunset viewing, camel rides, quad, dune bashing etc. Their facilities level vary up to some luxury.

The advantage is that you have all the facilities you need. They are located in the flat areas between high dunes and you will find them in different valleys. Some of the best rated on Booking.com include: 

  • the Oman Desert Private Camp
  • The Starwatching private camp
  • The Safari Dunes Camp
  • the Desert Nigh​​ts Camp
  • the Arabian Oryx Camp
Desert Camp in Wahiba Sands campsite - Oman 2

Desert Night Camp

Wahiba Sands Camping (wild camping)

Thanks to my guide I went wild camping in the Wahiba Desert.
We drove past the campsites, as the dunes are smaller there. However they are still big sand dunes. Only experienced 4WD driver should attempt it!!! 

Camping in Wahiba Sands - Oman

The advantage is that you can wander and be on you own! As you will see later, I wandered for sunset and sunrise and it was fantastic!!!!

See where I left the car?

Camping in Wahiba Sands - Oman 2

Driving in the Wahiba Sands desert

Approaching the sand

With my guide we entered the desert via Al Wasil. First we stopped to remove some air from the tires. A local stopped by and gave us a hand. Omanis are so sweet!
In Al Wasil you will find many mechanical shops if you need help.

As you can see, the dunes really start just like that. It is all flat in front of you and then the dunes rise.

Approching the dunes of Wahiba Sands, Oman 2

Driving in between the sand dunes

On the way in we drove on one side along a high sand dunes. This was a sand track allowing us to drive quite fast.

Driving the Wahiba Sands Oman
Driving the Wahiba Sands Oman 2

We drove past 2 permanent touristic camps: the Desert Nights Camp and the Arabian Oryx Camp. We continued furthered until the track disappeared and the dunes started.

My guide chose this place, because the dunes are smaller and it is easier to drive and find a camping spot.
But I did not take pictures when the driving became more difficult...

Driving in the desert of Wahiba Sands Oman

Wahiba Sands Pictures - Sunset over the sand dunes

While my guide was setting up camp, I walked around and admired the dunes changing colors as the sun set. I took hundreds of pictures and it is hard to select only a few.

Dunes at Sunset - Wahiba Sands Oman 1
Dunes at Sunset - Wahiba Sands Oman 2
Dunes at Sunset - Wahiba Sands - Oman 3
Dunes at Sunset - Wahiba Sands - Oman 4
Dunes at Sunset - Wahiba Sands Oman Sunset 5
Dunes at Sunset - Wahiba Sands Oman Sunset 6
Dunes at Sunset - Wahiba Sands - Oman 7

Sharqiya Sands Pictures - Sunrise

After a good night sleep in icmplete silence, I woke up early to be sure not to miss the sunrise. Not magnificent clouds but a peaceful feeling that I miss. A little later I heard a rooster so a bedouin family must have had settled on the other side of the big dune.

Dunes at Sunrise - Wahiba Sands - Oman 1
Dunes at Sunrise - Wahiba Sands - Oman 2
Dunes at Sunrise - Wahiba Sands Sunrise Oman 3
Dunes at Sunrise - Wahiba Sands - Oman 4
Dunes at Sunrise - Wahiba Sands Sunrise - Oman 5

As I had some time, I walked higher and higher and discovered different shapes of dunes.

Dunes at Sunrise - Wahiba Sands - Oman 6
Dunes at Sunrise - Wahiba Sands - Oman 7
Dunes at Sunrise - Wahiba Sands - Oman 8
Dunes at Sunrise - Wahiba Sands - Oman 9
Dunes at Sunrise - Wahiba Sands - Oman 10
Dunes at Sunrise - Wahiba Sands - Oman 11

Sand Details

Here are some close shots at the sand texture and the lines created by the wind. I hope you will enjoy them.

Sand texture and lines - Wahiba Sands - Oman 1
Sand texture and lines - Wahiba Sands - Oman 3
Sand texture and lines - Wahiba Sands - Oman 4
Sand texture and lines - Wahiba Sands - Oman 6
Sand texture and lines - Wahiba Sands - Oman 5

The half face

On my evening walk, I spotted a half face in one of the dune. Can you see it?

Face in dune - Wahiba Sands - Oman 1

Planning a road trip around Oman? Check out the eBook I created the facilitate the planning of your trip:

Be overwhelmed by the beauty, not the planning!

small Oman eBook Cover
  • 8 exclusive easy-to-plan maps
  • 90+ amazing locations
  • Tips to plan & make the most of your time
  • 100+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE


Want to see more of Oman's beauty?

PREVIOUS: 

WADI BANI KHALID

NEXT: 

AL MUNISIFEH RUINS

Oman destination guide travel planning addict

Do you enjoy sand dune deserts?

Share0
Share +10
Tweet0
Pin0
How to plan your ideal Oman Road Trip itinerary (and adventure)!
Read More 
Best Musandam Tours – Dhow Cruise, Musandam trips from Dubai, 4WD…
Read More 
Best Oman Day Tours from Muscat (Desert, Canyon, Wadis…)
Read More 
Where to stay in Oman – Best places + Hotel reviews (+photos)
Read More 
Wahiba Sands Oman Pin

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sam says

    November 14, 2016 at 11:59 AM

    Great photos! Looks like an amazing night!

    We would really like to do the same but have never driven on dunes. How did you find your guide?

    Reply
    • Claire Robinson says

      November 14, 2016 at 4:09 PM

      Hi Sam.
      It was an amazing night.
      I have found my guide on ToursbyLocals. Not many guides have the equipment and the willingness to camp though. I used Valentina from VS Tours. That part of her service was really good.

      Reply
  2. Črt says

    March 30, 2017 at 8:12 PM

    Hi Claire, I have one question for you. Do you think it would be complicated/safe to find a wild camping spot in Wahiba Sands without a guide? I will not be looking for a spot on the top of the highest sand dune. I prefer safety first, but on the other hand I don’t want to go camping few meters away from the gravel road. 🙂

    Reply
    • Claire Robinson says

      March 31, 2017 at 9:01 AM

      Hi Crt
      Thanks for your comment.
      The question is to be able to find you way out.
      But I think if you go to the end of the dried wadi where the camps are, then go past only 2 small dunes you could already feel alone and not get lost.
      However I would not go further without a guide. It always look like you can see where you are going but dunes are treacherous.
      However the most important question is : are you capable of driving a 4×4 on sand dunes?
      Wishing you a wonderful trip!

      Reply
  3. Nico says

    December 30, 2017 at 12:07 PM

    Un des plus beaux désert du Monde avec le Wadi Rum, le Namib , l’Ennedi ou le désert blanc.

    Reply
  4. Annchen says

    April 19, 2018 at 10:04 AM

    We just arrived in Oman, and I am loving all your photos – which are gorgeous – and advice – which is super helpful! Thanks a lot!

    Reply
    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      April 19, 2018 at 10:18 AM

      Thanks. Great to read.
      I wish wonderful travels!

      Reply
  5. Ali says

    December 17, 2020 at 11:00 AM

    I wanted to know, whether a normal SUV which does not have 4X4 functionality reach DNC. Whether there is graded road to reach up to camp.

    Reply
    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      December 18, 2020 at 8:02 AM

      Hi Ali
      Last time I visited, it was not graded. Sandy and bumpy, a 4×4 was required.
      The best option is to contact the camp to see what they say about the track. They can normally pick you up with a 4×4 at the closest village.
      I wish you wonderful travels,
      Claire

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

Search

Follow us on Facebook

Follow up on Pinterest

Website in French: ZigZagvoyages.fr

Website in German: ZigZagreisen.de

Privacy / Terms of Use / Disclosure Policies / Refund policy

Become an affiliate for the ZigZag road trip guide

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ZigZagOnEarth.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.uk and Amazon.ca

Copyright © 2021 ZigZag On Earth · Log in