Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands
4.5
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4.5
324 reviews
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52
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11
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MarcusHurley
Calne, UK10,738 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Our trip here was part of a Full-Day Wahiba Desert and Wadi Bani Khalid Group Tour. We returned to the car and drove a short distance to Bidiyah to get the tyres deflated ready for the desert. There then followed some driving to show us what angles the 4*4 could drive out and how to take the steep ridges without launching over the top.
We passed several small camp sites, some hobbled camels and a few other 4*4s before stopping so we could get out and have a wander. The sand was amazingly fine but a lot easier to walk on than expected and it was beautiful to see actual sand dunes. It was also rather hot! We spent maybe 15 minutes walking up and down dunes and taking photos before returning to the car.
After reinflating the tires we drove back to Muscat. It was a long way to go for 15 minutes but the overnight options were very expensive and it gave me the photos I wanted.
We passed several small camp sites, some hobbled camels and a few other 4*4s before stopping so we could get out and have a wander. The sand was amazingly fine but a lot easier to walk on than expected and it was beautiful to see actual sand dunes. It was also rather hot! We spent maybe 15 minutes walking up and down dunes and taking photos before returning to the car.
After reinflating the tires we drove back to Muscat. It was a long way to go for 15 minutes but the overnight options were very expensive and it gave me the photos I wanted.
Written 18 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bertrand R
15 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
This desert is absolutely beautiful!
To have a complete desert experience, we went through Mohammed, a local guide from the same desert in which he always grew up and which he knows like the back of his hand (Whatsapp: +968 9220 2274).
Mohammed accompanied us for 3 days and organized everything: a first night in an absolutely brilliant camp (comfortable, authentic, and one of the only ones at the top of a dune), a crossing with his comfortable 4X4 lasting several hours all the desert, then a stop at the “Sugar dunes” (magnificent white sand dunes), then a night at “Bar Al Hickman” (a place nicknamed “the Maldives of Oman”), an absolutely heavenly isolated place where the water Turquoise combines with the calm of this desert end of the world, then a return crossing the desert again by a different route from the first.
Mohammed considers us as guests to whom he shows his desert and not as numbered clients on whose backs he would make a profit. This is felt with all the attention he paid to us, for our comfort and our pleasure (multiple photo stops, little surprises, explanations and anecdotes, various friendly discussions, etc.). He also drives very well and will help you discover the desert from all its angles in complete safety!!
It was really a very beautiful and complete experience that I highly recommend!!! 3 days of pure wonder, with an exceptional guide and very rich encounters!
All you have to do is meet Mohammed (whatsapp: +968 9220 2274) at the entrance to the desert and he will take care of everything for 3 days, at an extremely reasonable price!
In short, a majestic desert by its nature that a complete visit by Mohammed will perfect!
To have a complete desert experience, we went through Mohammed, a local guide from the same desert in which he always grew up and which he knows like the back of his hand (Whatsapp: +968 9220 2274).
Mohammed accompanied us for 3 days and organized everything: a first night in an absolutely brilliant camp (comfortable, authentic, and one of the only ones at the top of a dune), a crossing with his comfortable 4X4 lasting several hours all the desert, then a stop at the “Sugar dunes” (magnificent white sand dunes), then a night at “Bar Al Hickman” (a place nicknamed “the Maldives of Oman”), an absolutely heavenly isolated place where the water Turquoise combines with the calm of this desert end of the world, then a return crossing the desert again by a different route from the first.
Mohammed considers us as guests to whom he shows his desert and not as numbered clients on whose backs he would make a profit. This is felt with all the attention he paid to us, for our comfort and our pleasure (multiple photo stops, little surprises, explanations and anecdotes, various friendly discussions, etc.). He also drives very well and will help you discover the desert from all its angles in complete safety!!
It was really a very beautiful and complete experience that I highly recommend!!! 3 days of pure wonder, with an exceptional guide and very rich encounters!
All you have to do is meet Mohammed (whatsapp: +968 9220 2274) at the entrance to the desert and he will take care of everything for 3 days, at an extremely reasonable price!
In short, a majestic desert by its nature that a complete visit by Mohammed will perfect!
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jonahNJ
Pennington, NJ11,782 contributions
Mar 2022
Before making our way to Wahiba Sands, my wife and I were picked up in sturdy 4x4 SUVs in preparation for some “dune bashing”! We knew we were going to be in for an exciting ride when our driver got out of the car to let a bit of air out of the tires—this maximizes the control the drivers have out in the sands.
After stopping briefly to drops off our luggage and register at the Arabian Oryx Camp, we were back in the SUV and off for some dune bashing.
The skill of the dune drivers cannot be overstated. This driving is not for weekend drivers or folks who want to experiment while on vacation—leave the dune bashing to the professionals!
We went up and down dunes, across dunes, it felt like a great roller coaster ride. Our driver was always in complete control—truly an exhilarating experience. At times it felt as if we were about to tip over, but never fear, our driver knew exactly what he was doing!
Before heading back to the camp, we stopped to sit on a dune and enjoy the breathtaking sunset. This view alone was well worth the trip to the Wahiba Sands; just spectacular!
After stopping briefly to drops off our luggage and register at the Arabian Oryx Camp, we were back in the SUV and off for some dune bashing.
The skill of the dune drivers cannot be overstated. This driving is not for weekend drivers or folks who want to experiment while on vacation—leave the dune bashing to the professionals!
We went up and down dunes, across dunes, it felt like a great roller coaster ride. Our driver was always in complete control—truly an exhilarating experience. At times it felt as if we were about to tip over, but never fear, our driver knew exactly what he was doing!
Before heading back to the camp, we stopped to sit on a dune and enjoy the breathtaking sunset. This view alone was well worth the trip to the Wahiba Sands; just spectacular!
Written 24 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dirk W
Alexandra Headland, Australia10,147 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Most, if not all, desert camps organize what they call "dune bashing" trips to observe the sunset. So every day, late afternoon, convoys of white 4WD's are moving through these stunning landscapes.
I was privileged to have my own private driver, who was not only extremely skilled, but more than adventurous, so he left all other vehicles and seriously went off track. This was an unorthodox, but thrilling experience. The combination of this idyllic landscape, the picturesque sunset and the adrenaline-pumping drive will remain with me for a lifetime.
I was privileged to have my own private driver, who was not only extremely skilled, but more than adventurous, so he left all other vehicles and seriously went off track. This was an unorthodox, but thrilling experience. The combination of this idyllic landscape, the picturesque sunset and the adrenaline-pumping drive will remain with me for a lifetime.
Written 25 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helen M
11 contributions
Jan 2020
We stayed at 1,000 Nights Camp. It was glamping in tents that had electricity and showers (cold water...but still showers). The food at the camp was amazing, and we watched the sun set on top of the dunes. Would be more peaceful without all the 4x4's dune bashing, but it is still about as remote as I have been in a very long time. January is a nice time to go due to lovely daytime temperatures.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iolanda Guerra e Andrade
Lisbon, Portugal3,748 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
Having been to several deserts in various different countries before, I hadn't any specific expectations as to the sunset. I was nevertheless surprised at the quality of the camp we stayed at overnight. The lodgement (tent like, despite the air conditioning and private bathroom); the open fire place gathering; the swimming pool (tank like); the buffet restaurant and even the oryx and gazelle areas should be mentioned.
Written 23 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joan R
17 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
What a great time! Spending the night in the desert is always a unique experience. The Omani desert is no different. In Wahiba Sands, most of the camps offer dune bashing right before sunset so you can watch the sunset on top of the dunes. It was breathtaking! Taresh was our chauffeur and he gave us a wild ride! So much fun! Taresh is not afraid to drive up and down the dunes! Not to be missed!
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George Vlad
Guildford, UK119 contributions
Mar 2022
This is a place where locals bring their 4x4s to do "dune bashing" and to camp. It's noisy, dirty and full of garbage. Guides circle tourists like vultures trying to make a quick buck. Go to the Empty Quarter instead.
Written 7 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blackfields
Grosseto, Italia1,993 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
I drove in the desert after deflating the tires. At the camp we went dune bashing, fun but nothing special. I honestly thought that the real desert is the one found many kilometers further inland, than within a 20 km radius of Bidiyah, where there are resort camps, dune climbing competitions, dromedary rides for tourists. Obviously a sunset with those colors is beautiful everywhere, but the idea of isolation and immersion in this type of environment just doesn't exist here. Dunes are dunes.
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KeenPhotographer-11
Birkdale, Australia906 contributions
Dec 2019
We visited on a long weekend and there was litter everywhere from the moment we left the bitumen. There were partly used industrial bins at the start of the main dune crossing but many locals dune bashing or camping overnight appear to just leave their rubbish where they stop. The authorities need to blitz this behaviour.
The concept of noisily dune bashing in 4WDs is also very poorly regulated which also detracts from the nature based ambience.
The concept of noisily dune bashing in 4WDs is also very poorly regulated which also detracts from the nature based ambience.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wahiba Sands in July: is it still worth it to overnight? Any local opinion? 😊
Written 17 June 2022
Buongiorno Monica,
come si chiama e dove si trova il campo a cui fa riferimento? Bisogna prenotare?
Grazie!!
Written 2 June 2018
Ciao sto organizzando un viaggio a Natale in Oman noleggiando un 4x4 In linea di massima l’itinerario sarebbe Muscate Nizwa Wahiba Sand Duqm(riusciamo ad arrivarci senza una guida solo con il navigatore?)Ras Al Jinz Muscate.Abbiamo 9 notti a disposizione.Vorrei sapere se è fattibile senza una guida.Si accettano buoni consigli grazie
Written 28 May 2018
Ciao,
noi abbiamo orgnizzato il nostro tour a novembre con una guida locale in 4x4.
Le strade sono ottime e perfettamente segnate. Si può viaggiare tranquillamente con la macchina a noleggio senza problemi sia per le strade che per la sicurezza.
Per quanto riguarda il Wahiba Sand avventurarsi da soli senza guida non è molto consigliabile se non si ha già una più che valida attitudine alla guida nel deserto.
Le strade sterrate sono ben individuabili ma ve ne sono molte e sbagliare è molto facile. sinceramente non mi inoltrerei nel Wahiba Sand da solo: cosa diversa e se siete più persone con più 4X4. il rischio di restare insabbiati con l'auto è reale.
Concordo con patriz16, se siete con una sola macchina chiedete al gestore del campo di venire a prendervi.
Written 30 May 2018
Ist die Wahiba Sands Tour auch fuer aeltere Menschen geeignet ? Ich stelle mir die Duenenfahrten ziemlich belastend vor.
Written 12 December 2017
Has anyone used Mark tours in Oman? Need feedback since we are about to hire a tour with them.
Written 18 September 2017
HI Mariana, I was touring and after this self driving with a great tour guide Abdullah Al Hamed - local phone is +968 99887874
I can highly recommend him ! If you mention my name he should do greatest tours with you !
Written 18 September 2017
Is it safe activity ? Is it safe for kids ?
Written 23 August 2017
Is it safe activity ? Is it safe for kids ?
Written 23 August 2017
Vorrei sapere da dove parte l'es cursione sul 4per4,cioè se si può arrivare nella zona con la nostra autonoleggio e poi passare sul furgone dei locali per il te e la giratina o chi lo volesse ilpernotto oppure se bisogna prendere una gita da Muscat ..grazie
Written 5 January 2017
hello.i m in oman.and i like to visit wahiba sands.i know i can go by bus to bidiyah .but any of u know if 4x4 are available directly in bidiyah and how much it cost like 2 hours in desert.thank you .
Written 22 December 2016
Hi there,
I think it would be much easier to rent a 4x4 from muscat, its a 600 km roundtrip to the sands and then onto wadi bani khabir, brilliant swimming and very easy to find, would bother with public busses. Also in muscat there are plenty of tourbus operators who can take you on a guided tour, but then you have to fit in with their schedule.
Written 28 December 2016
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