With so many things to do in Wahiba Sands avoid zipping in and out on day trips and treat yourself to the ultimate experience of camping in the Oman desert. With a balanced blend of luxury and adventure, Desert Nights Camp is the perfect base to enjoy the beauty of the Wahiba Sands desert.

So let’s dive right in. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the best desert camp in Oman.

Things To Do At Wahiba Sands Desert Camp

The best things about camping in Wahiba Sands are the adventures that await you when you are there. Sure, Desert Nights Camp is fantastic and you will enjoy the time you spend on the property, but make sure you take part in some of the epic desert experiences they have on offer. 

Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in the local culture or kick things into high gear for an adrenaline rush, Desert Nights Camp by Al Wasil has something for everyone.

Note: Included in the price of your stay are two quintessential desert experiences that you don’t want to miss.

1. Ride The “Ship of The Desert”

One of the best things to do when visiting Desert Nights Camp in Oman is to enjoy a complimentary camel ride. I can’t say it’s the most comfortable thing in the world, but it is fun trying to balance yourself as the “ship of the desert” plods along among the sand dunes. 

Desert Nights Camp offer both half-day and full-day Camel Safaris if you are keen to turn the ride into a full-on adventure.

Travel Tip: You should be aware that camel rides tend to be in the mornings before it gets too hot and are not offered between the months of May and September. 

Having already experienced camel rides in both Dubai and Jordan, we opted to partake in other activities during our stay.

2. Witness an Unforgettable Sunset Dune Drive

Also included in your stay is a sunset dune drive. Each night guests of the Desert Nights Wahiba Sands Camp are driven off the property towards the surrounding sand dunes to witness the sun setting over the stunning Wahiba Sands Desert. 

The experience starts with your vehicle driving up one of the sand dunes (some of which can reach 100 meters). From here, you get to witness the vast desert shimmering as the sun disappears behind the golden dunes and welcomes the stars to come out and play. It’s the perfect way to end the day before heading back to Camp and freshening up before dinner.

3. Go on a Private 4×4 Dune Bashing Adventure

During our stay, we opted to go on a private 4×4 Dune Bashing Adventure. Our guide Naif drove us out into the Wahiba Sands Desert zipping up and over the labyrinth of sand dunes. Our guide started off easy, making his way around the desert on the tried and tested paths of other vehicles – almost as if he was testing our comfort levels. 

Realizing that we were in for the adventure, he began making paths of his own and sought out some of the larger dunes in the area. When you reach the apex of the dune you see nothing but sky. 

With a rev of the engine, the 4X4 hurls over the top as the driver maneuvers the vehicle down these massive sand dunes. We even propelled ourselves backward over a massive dune. 

The driving skills of the guides are impressive and you really get an understanding of the type of beating these 4×4 vehicles can take. All in all, it was a fantastic way to spend an hour and experience the Wahiba Sands.

4. Enjoy Adventure Activities

Apart from the exciting 4×4 experience, there are also additional adventure activities that are on offer including quad biking, dune trekking, and sandboarding. 

We decided to combine sandboarding with our dune bashing excursion but it was a bit of a flop. Sandboarding is typically offered in the morning as the hotter the sand the less firm it becomes. 

Despite the recommendation, we insisted on giving it a go during our afternoon dune bashing trip anyway and we ended up moving slower than molasses. It was still a fun experience nonetheless.

5. Explore the Local Surroundings

Desert Nights Camp also offers activities that let you check out some of the highlights of Wahiba Sands. If you’re looking for a cultural experience, you can visit a Bedouin family house or explore the souqs old forts of the local villages. 

Looking for some thing a little bit more nature oriented? Then why not join one of the excursions to cool off in the oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid.

Accommodation at Desert Night Camp, Oman

Full transparency, I’ve stayed at a few desert camps in the past and have always felt the experience is much more about what you do while there versus the actual accommodation. It tends tends to be a bit kitschy and it’s almost as if you tolerate the accommodation to explore the desert. 

However, I’m happy to report that Desert Nights Camp changed that perception for me. When they say they are a boutique hotel in the middle of Wahiba Sands – they are spot on.

Tented Rooms

If you are traveling with people that don’t like the idea of camping, they will be pleased to know that you are not in a normal tent. The rooms are rustic Bedouin-style tents complete with a lush canopy style bed, large bathroom, and a separate lounge. 

We were quite surprised as to how spacious and un-tent like the room was. We opened up the shutters, allowed the sun to peek through the Arabian-styled cutouts carved into the suite, and enjoyed the cool breeze of the A/C in the space. 

You’ll also have a cozy outside seating area on your front terrace that you can enjoy as you watch the rolling dunes shift in the wind. What more could you want?

There are 33 double tented suites like the one we stayed in on the property. A handful of these are considered to be deluxe as they have a separate bedroom attached to the tent, complete with a separate entrance. I assume this is a great option for friends who may be traveling together or large families that are looking for a bit more space. 

Non-Tented Rooms

You will also find that the property has 14 non-tented rooms as well if for some reason you aren’t sold on the idea of the “tent” in the desert.

Be sure to check out Desert Nights Camp to see all the accommodation types, the latest rates , as well as the current availability

Other Desert Night Camps in Oman

If you’re not able to secure a spot in time, don’t worry. There are other desert camps in Oman, Wahiba Sands to choose from. These are all in the surrounding areas and will also give you a great opportunity to explore this dreamy desert. 

Dining At Desert Nights Camp

You won’t need to worry about going food shopping before your desert camping trip. Located on the Desert Nights Camp property is the Two Dune Restaurant. 

When we weren’t off adventuring, we often found ourselves enjoying drinks and nibbles on the patio of this stunning location. You’ve got great views of the surrounding sand dunes during the day and surreal star watching experiences at night.

You also have the option to sit both indoors (with A/C) and outdoor as you enjoy all the tasty food the chefs prepare onsite.

Dinner is often accompanied by live music and dance providing a traditional Omani atmosphere throughout your meal. You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to food and if you like a tipple every now and then, you will be pleased to know that wine and beer are offered on the menu.

If you are looking for a traditional Omani meal and desert camp experience, have the team at Desert Nights Camp arrange a Shuwa. This is a popular Omani recipe where goat or lamb is wrapped in banana leaves and slow-roasted in the ground over hot coals. 

It’s fun to watch them dig your dinner out of the ground and even better to eat it. The roasting underground can take hours so be sure to plan in advance if you are keen to give it a try. Desert Nights Camp charges extra for this, but if you have not had the experience, it’s well worth it.

Getting to Desert Nights Camp, Al Wasil, Oman

As you probably can guess, the luxury Desert Nights Camp is located in Wahiba Sands desert. Getting there is relatively simple and the route you take will depend on where you are at in your Oman adventure. 

Traveling from Muscat

If you are traveling from the capital city of Muscat, you can take either the Sultan Qaboos road or the Muscat Expressway and make your way to the M15. Follow the signs to M23 where you will continue your journey south for the remainder of the drive to the town of Al Wasil. 

40km before reaching Al Wasil you will pass through Ibra. If you have the time be sure to make a pit stop, stretch your legs and check out this traditional Omani town.

A further 40km south on the M23 you will arrive in the small village of Al Wasil – your entry point into the Wahiba Sands Desert. 500m after you pass the Al Wasil sign you will see a small sand colored mosque. 

It’s here where you will hang a right and make your way out into the Omani desert. The total journey is about 250km and should only take you a couple of hours.

Traveling from Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

If your luxury desert camping experience is mirroring my Ultimate Oman Road Trip itinerary, then you will be making your way to the Desert Nights Camp from the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve or the town of Sur.

If you are staying at the reserve, you can actually continue to take the scenic coastal road south around the Arabian Peninsula until you get to M35. As you take the M35 North, you’ll be able to pass through the towns Jalan Bani Buali and Jalan Bani Buhassan. Both of which offer glimpses into real-life Oman and sights like traditional souk bazaars and forts.

Traveling from Sur

If, instead of going further south, you’d like to take the shortest route possible, then you should go via the town of Sur. When traveling from here, simply take the M23 through the town of Al Kamil and onwards north to Al Wasil. 

From Sur, the journey is about 130km and should only be about an hour and a half drive. 

This route will add another hour or so to your total journey – not including stops you make in the towns – but is a great option if you have the time to explore. Once in Al Wasil keep your eyes peeled for the sand-colored mosque on your left. You’ll see the path on the left that that then leads into the Wahiba Sands Desert.

How to Reach Desert Nights Camp, Oman

Once you make your way into the desert you will follow the KM marker signs for 11kms until you get to Desert Nights Camp. Now, before you start veering off the road and heading onto the desert path make sure you are prepared. 

While this particular path won’t have you plummeting down massive dunes, it is an adventure. Driving in the desert should only be done with a 4WD vehicle. If you are road tripping Oman in a standard vehicle, you will need to park your car in Al Wasil and arrange a pick up from the team at Desert Nights Camp.

If you plan on driving yourself out into the desert, be sure you’ve read these tips for driving in Oman. You’ll want to make sure you have the right vehicle and prep it properly before heading off the pavement. Failure to do so could set you up for an adventure you don’t really want. 

Not interested in driving at all? Desert Night Camps can arrange transfers to and from most locations in Oman. Once you have booked your stay, simply arrange with them directly.

TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS: OMAN

Before planning any trip to Oman, you need to make sure you are prepared. These are some of the most important travel essentials.

Flights to Oman

Oman is accessible via Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport and Sohar International Airport. Check out Kayak to find the best deals on flights to Oman.

Accommodation in Oman

As a long-time rewards member, Hotels.com is my first stop when exploring accommodation options. Not only do they have great inventory, but you get a free nights stay after every 10th booking.

Car Hire in Oman

Compare Oman car hire options at RentalCars.com. Driving in Oman is epic, just be sure to check out the key things to know before driving in Oman.

Travel Insurance in Oman

Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. (As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.)

Enjoy an Oman Desert Camp Experience

While you might not think of a desert as a dream holiday destination, this is one place you just can’t miss. The Wahiba Sands is steeped in culture and filled with dramatic landscapes that are breathtakingly beautiful. If you’re interested in seeing it for yourself, then be sure to book a spot at Desert Nights Camp today.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN AND AROUND OMAN, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE OMAN ARCHIVES.

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