Bidiya and Beyond in Oman
The Experience
Wahiba Sands, also known as Sharqiya Sands, is a vast desert located in the eastern region of Oman, in the Arabian Peninsula. The desert spans an area of approximately 12,500 square kilometers and is characterized by its towering sand dunes that can reach up to 100 meters in height.
The sand in Wahiba Sands is a rich reddish-orange color and is often described as being silky smooth to the touch. The desert is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including acacia trees, desert lizards, and various species of birds.
The Bedouin people, who have traditionally lived in the region for centuries, still call Wahiba Sands their home and it is not uncommon to live out in semi permanent camps for the winter.
Who This Experience Is For
This journey is suitable for all levels and is not centred around long-distance riding.
It’s ideal for:
- Travellers interested in culture, religion, and heritage
- Those wanting a meaningful Eid experience in Oman
- Guests comfortable with shared accommodation and family-style travel
Inclusions
Accommodation in tents, camels, all meals and drinks (strictly non alcoholic), bilingual guide (English & Arabic), tips
Excluded
The price does not include international or domestic flights, petrol costs, travel insurance and visa costs.
Full medical and holiday insurance is recommended to join the ride.
Transfers
Transfers from Muscat. We can help arranging for that at an extra charge of 60 OMR per trip.
For ADCRC departures from Dubai, UAE, we can help coordinate carpooling options prior to the trip. The trip to and from Bidiya remains participant responsibility.
Meals
Overall, the meals in Oman are flavorful, wholesome, and nourishing, and offer a delicious taste of the Bedouin culture and way of life. The meals on this trip are home cooked and will be sent out to the desert in typical silver insulated pots .
Breakfast includes eggs, bread, coffee and tea.
Vegetarian options might be limited. Please inform us in advance to offer alternatives, that may come at an extra cost.
Evening meals are freshly cooked and represent Omani cuisine, often with meat or chicken. Vegetarian options might be limited. There will be lots of rice served, and of course the desert staple: dates.
Make sure to try the different types of tea in the morning and the evening.
Packing list
We recommend long, light colored (linen) shirts, traditional jalabiyas and kandooras, or anything that blends in well, with the stunning landscapes, covers your skin from the strong sun, and makes it easy for you to sit on the camel and on carpets to have meals. Riding pants, are recommended or any type of pants that does not have a high synthetic material content, to avoid sliding on the camel.
To protect your head, it is recommended to wear a sheila, or head scarf, which can also be purchased in the UAE or via our center. Footwear can be either barefoot, or sandals, that are fixed to the foot to avoid falling off while riding.
The nights in the desert can get rather chilly, so do include a pair of socks and shoes and a warm jacket for the evenings.
If you prefer your own sleeping bag and tent, you are welcome to bring it.
Accommodation
The nights will be spent in different semi-permanent camps, with tents on sharing basis, up to 5 guests per tent, divided by gender.
Prices and Availability
Abdullah Al Wahibi welcomes guests almost all year round for a different types of adventures, including shorter trips or day experiences, photo sessions and more. Reach out to us for a customized journey.
Group Size: The maximum group size is six and minimum of two. (prices vary for smaller groups).
There is an option to accompany a friend or partner that is riding, by being shuttled by car from camp to camp. Do bring a book, as there is a lot of idle time.
ADCRC Departure:
We have special departures for solo travellers, couples or pairs of friends that would like to ride.
AED 2,475 per person / 3 Nights / 4 Days / Six Riders
Submit your interest via the google form.
Not able to join the ADCRC departure? Don’t worry, we are here to plan this itinerary for you.
Location
Looking for something more adventurous and longer? Checkout the “from the desert to the sea” itinerary of 8 days. Click below:
