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. Recent rains in 2022 made the desert covered in a shade of green.
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.
Information
Min 3 night trip
ADCRC departure:
- 01.-4. February 2024 (advanced)
- 03. – 06. February 2024 (newbies)
Camels available: 6 per trip
Operator: Abdullah Al Wahibi
Where: Bidiya, Oman
When: Mid-October to mid-March (depending on Ramadan) for private tours
Riding level: for ADCRC departures, prior riding experience is a must.
For private groups, no experience is needed.
Weight limit: Maximum of 90kg / 198lbs
Time in the saddle: 4-6 hours per day
Camels
Abdullah’s camels are all raised by him. Some he knows for longer than 20 years. They are well mannered, kind, eager walkers, and impress with their fearlessness of tall and steep dunes.
Some of the camels are still being used in the traditional camel skill presentation called Ardha.
Overnight, he lets the camels roam and graze, they will stay in the area, but it could take him up to an hour to wind them up again. Experienced riders are expected to help saddling.
Omani riding gear is similar to the Emirati gear, meaning camels are tacked up to form a seat behind the saddle. Omani pro riders ride with much thinner layers so they can ride kneeling or with one leg over.
The camels respond well to fabric halters.
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.
All participants will be sleeping on the floor with thick colorful blankets, typical to this region.
There is no electricity to charge phones and gadgets, so we recommend bringing sufficient power banks, solar powered chargers, or reduce usage of electronic devices.
One night is spent at a Umm Salem’s “house”, a bedu family’s desert dwelling. They spend half of the week in the desert and return to the town of Bidiya to make sure the kids get at least few days of attendance at school.
Umm Salem will cook a traditional meal over fire, she is skilled in Henna art. Her kids are always excited to meet visitors and are full of curiosity.
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 required to join the ride.
Transfers
Transfers from Muscat. We can help arranging for that.
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 eight and minimum of two.
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 2,375 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.
You’ll arrive late from the UAE or the airport to Bidiya, a town perched on the edge of the desert expansion. Early arrivals will be greeted in Abdullah’s home, with coffee, dates and refreshments.
Depending on your car, there is a shuttle available to take you a few kilometers into the desert, to the first camp.
Take your time to arrive, unwind, and take in the first dunes of Wahiba Sand. The camels will be around, grazing.
Dinner is served in the traditional majlis tent, cozy and welcoming.
There will be no riding today.
The day starts early, with the sun rising.
All riders are asked to pack their bags with everything required for the trip, as the cars will stay behind.
After breakfast, the camels will be saddled, and your help is much appreciated here. A great way to get used to your companion for the next few days.
The first stretch will be walked next to the camel. Trust is a major factor for riding camels, so Abdullah makes sure, you and your camel are able to trust each other before he lets you go off on your own.
Wahiba Sands has deep valleys, surrounded by high dunes, we will cross the valleys, to climb up on the other side. Don’t forget to look around and take it all in. We are riding until Um Salems Camp, to spend the night. Her kids are curious and ready to have a conversation in a little English and Arabic and hands and feet.
The time at Umm Salem’s is wholesome. Breakfast is prepared over the fire, and there will be tea ready to warm you up. The family are proud to show you around. Feel free to admire their goats and other animals around.
Abdullah will be gone fetching the camels, also quite an observation to see him and his camels interact.
And then it will be time to ride on, back to the first camp, by taking a different route this time, equally stunning.
The last night is spent in the camp near to Bidiya.
There is a chance to ride the camels back to town, or head of and explore a wadi nearby.
For those driving back to Dubai, be prepared for another 6 to 7 hour journey home, with a heart full of good memories and a refreshed soul.
Looking for something more adventurous and longer? Checkout the “from the desert to the sea” itinerary of 8 days. Click below:
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