Wahiba Sands Grand Tour
The North-South route in Wahiba Sands is a trail that runs ride through the heart of the Wahiba Sands desert in Oman. It is a challenging route that requires experienced riding skills, as it involves navigating over soft sand dunes and crossing dry riverbeds, riding at varying pace.
The route is approximately 150 kilometers long and takes about five days to complete. It starts from the village of Al Wasil in the north and ends at the town of Al Duqm in the south. Along the way, travelers will pass through stunning desert landscapes, including towering sand dunes, rugged canyons, and Bedouin settlements.
Travelers on the North-South route will need to be prepared for a rugged and adventurous journey. They should bring plenty of water, food, and camping gear, as there are no amenities or facilities along the way.
Despite its challenges, the North-South route is a must-see destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers looking to explore the stunning beauty of Oman’s desert landscape.
Information
Min 3 night trip
ADCRC departure: 19.-22. October 2023
Camels available: 6
Cost: AED 850 to AED 1,350 per night per person depending on the total number of guests
Operator: Wadi Rum Discovery
Where: Wadi Rum, Jordan
When: Mid-October to mid-March (depending also on Ramadan)
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
Camels are an iconic part of the Bedouin culture in Wadi Rum, and they have been used for transportation and trade in the region for centuries.
These magnificent animals are well-suited to the harsh desert environment, and are prized for their strength, endurance, and ability to go long periods without water.
The typical gear includes a thick saddle blanket, which is placed over the camel’s hump, and a sturdy wooden framed saddle that is secured to the blanket.
The saddle is designed to distribute the rider’s weight evenly, and to provide a comfortable and stable platform for the journey.
Accommodation
The nights will be spent in different permanent and semi permanent camps, with tents on sharing basis.
Inclusions
Airport transfer to Malaba, Petra and Wadi Rum, visit plus tour to Malaba, accommodation in tents in Wadi Rum, camels, all meals and drinks (strictly non alcoholic), bilingual guide (English & Arabic), tips
Excluded
The price does not include international or domestic flights, travel insurance and visa costs.
Full medical and holiday insurance is required to join the ride.
Transfers
Transfers are included to and from Amman Airport.
For anyone staying longer or arriving earlier, we suggest to meet the group at the airport.
Meals
Overall, the meals in Wadi Rum are flavorful, wholesome, and nourishing, and offer a delicious taste of the Bedouin culture and way of life.
Breakfast includes eggs, bread, beans, coffee and tea.
For lunch expect to eat light, as you’ll be traveling in the middle of the Wadi Rum desert, though the packed lunches will be enough to keep you going for the second half of the day.
Evening meals are freshly cooked and represent Jordanian cuisine, often with meat or chicken. Vegetarian options might be limited.
You’ll be served endless cups of tea throughout the trip.
Meals in Malaba and Petra are included in the price. We will be eating in typical local eateries, enjoying Mediterranean/Jordanian specialties.
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 safra, head scarf, which can also be purchased in Jordan. 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 a warm jacket for the evenings.
Accommodation
tents
Prices and Availability
Wadi Rum Discovery welcomes guests almost all year round for a different types of adventures, including shorter trips, or desert explorations by car. Reach out to us for a customized journey.
Maximum group size of eight and minimum of two. You can join a group without riding and you will be transferred from camp to camp with the support vehicle.
ADCRC Departure:
We have special departures for solo travellers, couples or pairs of friends that would like to ride.
19-22 Oct 2023
AED 2,550 per person / 3 Nights / 4 Days / Six Riders
Fill in an obligation free Rider Form to book and we will get back to you with more information.
Day one is about getting to know your Omani guides Abdullah and Hazza, as well as the camels of course.
The starting point is the family’s house where the unmissable Omani coffee and dates are served.
The first step of this trip on camels will begin by introducing you to the camels and their names the first ride until lunch time, followed by a short rest and relaxation in the shade of one of the oasis trees on the road, then will continue the second period of the trip for this day, which stops before sunset, at private camp, today you cross first 18 km.
The local guides will prepare the traditional dinner while you end your day enjoying watching the sunset.
There is no better end to this evening than gathering around the campfire with cup of traditional tea, then getting ready for bed to prepare yourself for a new adventure on the second day of the trip.
Early morning, sunrise, a new day, breakfast, helps prepare the camels and get ready for this day’s journey.
You will continue riding till lunch time, break to short relax and then continue again until before sunset , the guides prepare the camp for the overnight and dinner, gathering around the campfire, exchanging conversations, and laying down to watch the stars that shine. in the sky.
The program will be similar for the next four days, with passing through many Bedouin communities who live in this area, as well as passing through to visit the Grand Mosque that was recently built in the middle of the Wahiba desert. On day 7 the camel convoy will arrive at the shore of the Arabian Sea during the noon time, and there will be a resting time on the beach to regain activity after this trip for a distance of approximately 165 km.
Rise early, make sure you are able to saddle the camel now on your own, help break down the tents, and pack up for another day under the sun.
Rides continue until a lunch break, and the second leg of the day from lunch to evening.
Make sure you observe your camel, the environment, and take it all in. It is special to be disconnected from elements of civilization for a while.
Slowly, getting closer to the shore. By the evening of Day 4, you should have already covered nearly 100 kms.
What seemed long and far away, is suddenly near. This is your second to last day of riding and you can’t help to think you wish it wasn’t nearing the end of the trip.
Shortest day, to arrive at the beach.
Congratulations, you crossed the entire Wahiba Sands.
There will be a car waiting to give you a ride back to Bidiya.
English 
Arabic 
