"The Golden Horizons of Sharqiya Sands!"
Wahiba Sands Tourism
Found when taking a diversion on the road between Sur and Muscat, the mighty Wahiba Sands also known as The Sharqiya Sands is home to the bedouins, exciting sand sports and night camping in Oman.
Considered among the most beautiful camping areas in Oman, the Sharqiya Sands extends up to ten thousand square kilometers! The most popular activities at Wahiba Sands are dune bashing and camel safaris. You can also visit Bedouin families and learn about their culture while enjoying a cup of homemade Omani Coffee. Desert Trekking is also a popular activity among tourists. There are also a lot of fun adventures for kids, like sandboarding and horse safaris. The silence and solitude of Wahiba Sands provide a serene backdrop for stargazing, where the clear desert skies illuminate countless stars and constellations.
Beyond its natural and cultural attractions, Wahiba Sands boasts hidden oases and desert flora and fauna adapted to survive in extreme conditions. Guided tours of Wahiba Sands often include visits to these oases, where freshwater pools and lush date palm groves starkly contrast the surrounding arid landscape.
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Things to do in Wahiba Sands
1. Dune Bashing
One of the top things to do in Wahiba Sands, dune bashing involves driving off-road vehicles, typically 4x4s, over the steep and sandy slopes of these dunes. It is perfect for adrenaline junkies and t (Read More)hrill-seekers looking for an adventurous off-road experience. Many tours include stops at Bedouin camps or visits to traditional Omani villages in the desert.
2. Camel Safari
Embarking on a camel safari through Wahiba Sands provides a unique way to traverse the desert landscape. You can enjoy panoramic views of the rolling sand dunes as your camel gently sways through the (Read More)desert and learn about the significance of camels in Bedouin culture. You can also click photos against the backdrop of the golden sands and clear blue skies, especially during sunrise or sunset.
3. Sand boarding
Although a popular activity among kids, this fun activity is enjoyable for everyone! The locals will provide you with a sandboard and tell you which dunes are the best to sandboard in. Suitable for be (Read More)ginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike, with guides providing basic instructions and equipment.
4. Visiting Bedouin Families
What better way to explore the Omani culture than to enjoy a cup of coffee with the locals in their homes? Visiting the homes of the Bedouin families is a popular way for tourists to immerse themselve (Read More)s in the authentic Omani culture truly! Bedouin families often welcome visitors into their homes, offering insights into their customs, cuisine, and daily routines in the desert. Arabic is the primary language spoken, but many Bedouins understand basic English.
Must Know Before You Travel to Wahiba Sands
- Many camps shut down for summer between March and September
- The camps differ in size. Choose a smaller camp if you are looking for an intimate desert experience while choose a bigger one if you are looking for comfort and more eminities.
- Avoid visiting on Friday and Saturday (the weekend in Oman) if you wish to escape the crowd
- Most camps offer a pickup from the nearest major town Bidiyah. You can talk to the camp while making the booking.
- Not all the camps are in the dunes. So, check properly before booking. If you book a camp in the dunes, you can walk around and watch sunrise, sunset and stargaze without the need for a guide.
- Most camps don't offer WiFi. You can get a local sim card to get internet connection.
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History of Wahiba Sands
In 1986, the Wahiba desert was classified as a "model desert" as comprehensive research showed that the desert contained almost every form of dunes known to mankind (about 20 types). Researches also found areas that were free of sand in the middle of the desert, which had interesting fauna and flora. The dunes in the North were very rich in vegetation. They were able to identify 130 various types of plants and around 200 species of animals. The animals they found included desert foxes, the white-tailed mungo, etc.
Shopping in Wahiba Sands
The most common souvenirs are tea sets, jewellery, saucers, pitchers and Omani dresses. There are many little knick-knack shops around the Wahiba Sands where you can buy most of these souvenirs.
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How to Reach Wahiba Sands
How to Reach Overview
Once you land in Muscat International Airport, the drive to Wahiba sands is about two hours.
How to reach Wahiba Sands by flight
The closest airport to the sand dunes is the Muscat International Airport.
How to reach Wahiba Sands by road
The best way to get to Wahiba sands from Muscat is to hire a 4-wheeler as only 4 wheelers can drive through the sand dunes. To rent a car and drive legally in Oman, you would need a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). If you do not have a valid IDP, you can hire a driver. You can rent a car from the Muscat International Airport, otherwise you can also rent a car from Speedy Oman, Dollar Rent a Car and Al-Maha Rent a Car. These places also offer drivers. Renting a car for a day will typically cost around Rs. 2,500-3000. A four wheeler will cost around Rs.7000.
How to reach Wahiba Sands by train
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How to reach Wahiba Sands by bus
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FAQs on Wahiba Sands
What is the best time to visit Wahiba sands?
The Wahiba Sands weather is extremely hot and dry usually during the summers. So the best time to visit Wahiba Sands is during the months of October to march which is wintertime. The summer season begins mid-April and lasts until late September. The temperatures can normally reach up to 50 degrees. The deserts will be exceptionally hot and sweaty during this time period. Winter temperatures in Oman are pleasant. Precipitations are quite low during this time. Temperatures are normally at a level of 24 degrees during the day but the nights get pretty chilly. This would be the best time to go to the desert.
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What is the local food in Wahiba sands?
At Sharqiya sands, the food choices are all local items such as Harees (wheat mixed with meat), Kebabs and Machboos (rice with saffron and spicy meat). The local Omani beverage is Laban, which is salty buttermilk. Khawa is another favourite drink, which is made from coffee and cardamom powder.
Since Oman is a Muslim country, alcohol can only be bought by residents. However, some licensed hotels and restaurants do sell them. The drinking age in Oman is 21. You can drink alcohol at the Al Sharqiya Sands Hotel. They also offer local and international food.
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Since Oman is a Muslim country, alcohol can only be bought by residents. However, some licensed hotels and restaurants do sell them. The drinking age in Oman is 21. You can drink alcohol at the Al Sharqiya Sands Hotel. They also offer local and international food.
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What is the best way to reach Wahiba sands?
Once you land in Muscat International Airport, the drive to Wahiba sands is about two hours.
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What are the places near Wahiba sands?
The top places near to Wahiba sands are Muscat which is 239 km from Wahiba sands, Sur which is located 159 km from Wahiba sands, Sur wadi shab which is located 165 km from Wahiba sands, Nizwa which is located 195 km from Wahiba sands, Masirah island which is located 125 km from Wahiba sands
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