Oman Desert Overnight: Wahiba Sands, Wadi Bani Khalid, Wadi Shab and Sinkhole Camp Tour
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Comfortable with short hikes on uneven terrain, swimming sections in wadis, and periods of off-road travel.
Overview
Chase a desert sunset, swim through limestone wadis, and trace Oman’s coastline on this two-day circuit from Muscat. Wahiba Sands brings starry skies and dune driving; Wadi Shab and Bimmah Sinkhole add turquoise water and polished rock to the mix.
Oman Desert Overnight: Wahiba Sands, Wadi Bani Khalid, Wadi Shab and Sinkhole Camp Tour
Select participants and date
Late afternoon finds the road unwinding toward the red folds of Wahiba Sands, where the wind teases the dunes into motion and the horizon refuses to sit still. Your guide drops tire pressure, and the 4x4 glides off the tarmac. Sand hums under the chassis. The desert breathes—ridges rising and falling like slow surf—as you crest a final slope to camp. Sunset slides across the dunes, sharpening every ripple, and the sky answers with a clean field of stars. After a barbecue dinner and Omani coffee, the night settles cool and quiet, the sand holding the day’s warmth like a secret.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear water-ready footwear
Sturdy water shoes or grippy sandals handle slick limestone in Wadi Bani Khalid and the swim-hike into Wadi Shab far better than flip-flops.
Pack modest swim layers
Rash guards and longer swim shorts align with local norms at wadis while protecting from sun and rock scrapes.
Sand-proof your tech
Use a small dry bag and keep cameras inside the vehicle until you’re away from blowing sand on dune crests.
Hydrate early and often
Carry at least 2–3 liters per person per day plus electrolytes; desert heat sneaks up fast even in winter.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Arabian red fox
- Egyptian vulture
History
Sur’s dhow yards supplied wooden ships for Indian Ocean trade routes linking East Africa, India, and the Gulf for centuries. The Wahiba Sands are home to Bedouin tribes whose camel caravans once threaded these very routes.
Conservation
Pack out all trash and avoid soaps in wadis to keep freshwater pools clean. In the desert, stick to existing tracks to protect hardy shrubs and avoid creating new scars in the sand.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Muscat
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Amphibious hiking shoes
Provide traction on wet limestone and protection during the swim-hike into Wadi Shab.
Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
Relentless sun on dunes and canyon approaches makes full coverage important.
summer specific
Lightweight long-sleeve layer
Adds sun protection by day and takes the edge off cool desert evenings.
spring specific
Compact dry bag (5–10L)
Keeps phones, cameras, and a spare outfit dry while swimming through pools.