Oman Desert Camp Guide | Tours, Car Rental & Activities

Imagine enjoying a dazzling orange sun sinking behind the golden dunes, far from the roaring and bustling cities, making the environment serene. Sounds dreamy, right? What if I told you this is possible at the Oman desert camp?

The Sultanate of Oman is a beautiful country in the Gulf of Arabia, surrounded by pristine waters. The country has an impressive outstretch of deserts, and the Oman desert camp is becoming popular among tourists because of its relatively untouched landscapes.

If you are a traveller who wants to experience the adventure of camping in Oman, you have come to the right place. In this article, I will cover all the necessary details about the desert camp in Oman.

We will discuss desert camps, Oman locations, Oman camping tours, desert night camps, cost-cutting techniques, and packing essentials. I will also encircle the infamous Wahiba Sands desert night camp, Oman. This article also covers the safety aspects of camping in Oman. I will spill all the beans regarding recreational activities and adventure sports in the desert camp in Oman.

Desert Camping in Oman

You might wonder what sets desert camps in Oman apart from those in other Middle Eastern countries. There is no one-liner answer to this question. It usually depends on the tourists’ preferences.

Here, we will discuss a few factors to help you understand what desert camps in Oman offer.

Desert camping in Oman is much more rugged than other Middle Eastern desert safaris. An Oman desert safari offers an experience more connected to nature and cultural traditions. Tourists can go to a desert night camp, eat traditional Omani food, and meet Bedouin tribes.

Tourists can select a camping plan according to their budget. Luxury camping in Oman includes comfortable, luxurious tents, camping equipment, and other facilities.

Desert Night Camp Oman

Many tourists and locals look for a unique getaway from the chaos of urban life. Desert Nights Camp, Oman, is the perfect solution for them. The desert night camp is a fantastic blend of luxury, adventure, and nature. You can feel the serenity of stargazing at night and an adrenaline rush from dune bashing. Many tourists also love camel rides during the desert nights camp in Oman.

There are many options for a desert night camp in Oman. Usually, both luxury and traditional camps are present, and one can choose according to one’s preference and budget.

Locations

The desert nights camp in Oman is offered at various locations. Some of them are given below:

• Wahiba Sands Desert Nights Camp
• Bawshar Sands
• Sugar Dunes
• Empty Quarter (Rub’al Khali)
• Ramlat Tawq

Desert Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands, Oman

The most popular Oman desert night camp is the Wahiba Desert Night Camp.

It only takes two hours to drive to Desert Nights Camp from Muscat. It is also known as Sharqiyah Sands. Desert Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands, Oman, has many tents and camping options. The camps range from Bedouin-style traditional tents to luxury camping in Oman.

The traditional Wahiba Sands Desert Nights camp in Oman is decorated with cultural items, Arabian furniture, and carpets. These camps also serve traditional Omani food.

The main highlight of Wahiba Sands camping is the tranquillity and serenity of the desert. The place has a sky full of stars. Tourists from big cities find sitting under the sky full of stars very peaceful. Wahiba Sands Desert Nights Camp in Oman is popular because people love its amicable environment.

To fully enjoy the sky gaze without the pollution of light by nearby population, selecting the right Wahiba desert night camp, which is located at least 25 to 30 km into the desert, is crucial. Any less than 25km will be too close to the nearby residential areas, which might cause light and noise disturbances. Anything more than 30km into the desert might be too far and can pose problems in an emergency.

Activities

There are many thrilling activities at the Oman desert night camp, Wahiba Sands, which add charm to the night camp. The activities are mainly carried out during the day, except for bonfires.

• Dune bashing
• Camel ride
• Quad bike
• Bon fore
• Sand boarding

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Top Deserts in Oman

Food

Some tourists consider food an essential part of travel. Oman’s food blends Arabian, African, and Bedouin cuisines.
At the Wahiba Sands camping, tourists are offered various foods, ranging from traditional Omani dishes to continental, Chinese, and Italian food.
It depends on your preference and budget.

Erkan Pinar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tents

As discussed earlier, tents or camps depend mainly on the budget and chosen package of the Oman camping tour. Many people prefer renting tents and equipment from tourism companies for their Wahiba Sands camping. Tents can be:

• Roof top
• Tailgate
• Camper vans

The camps at Desert Nights Camp Resort, Oman, also vary. There are:

• Bedouin camps
• Camping pods
• Desert glamps
• Luxury tents

Desert Nights Camp Al Wasil Oman

Al Wasil is the last town before entering the vast desert of Wahiba Sands. Some resorts are in the town, where you can camp for the night and experience the desert. This desert night camp is 211 km away from Muscat. It takes almost 2 hours to get there by car.

The town is populated, so it is not ideal for people who want to stargaze at the beauty of galaxies in the sky. Light pollution might make it difficult. This desert nights camp, Al Wasil, Oman, is not for people who want to avoid crowds and retreat to seclusion for a day.

Desert Nights Camp Resort Oman is convenient and preferred for those who want to experience the desert with ease, convenience, and luxury. These camps are ideal for people with small children and families.

Desert Nights Camp Resorts in Al Wasil, Oman, are luxurious and offer various camping experiences to tourists according to their budget and preference. They have swimming pools and air-conditioned tents for their guests.

There are some activities for campers at Desert Nights Camp in Al Wasil, Oman. The activities include:

• Swimming pools
• Quad bike
• Camel ride
• Dune bashing

Tips for Desert Nights Camp, Oman

Here are some tips before you finalise the Desert Night Camp Oman booking:

• Always visit the desert nights camp website of different companies to get the best deals.
• You can also physically book a desert night camp from Muscat. Many desert camps have booking offices in Muscat.
• Try to book in advance to avoid a last-minute price hike.
• Always read reviews on all desert nights camp websites.
• If you want to spend some time alone, go for smaller camps, at least 25 to 30 km into the desert.
• If you are a people person and want to enjoy a night camp surrounded by many people, opt for bigger camps.
• You must take some precautions, like taking essential medicines for the desert night camp, Wahiba Sands, Oman.
• A safety kit including first aid should be kept during the night desert camp.
• If you have kids, keep their favourite snacks with you.
• If you plan to spend time outdoors during the night desert camp, keeping a mosquito repellent handy can be beneficial.
• You should wear appropriate clothes and shoes for the season you decide to go to the desert night camp at Wahiba Sands, Oman.
• Choose cooler months like September to March for moderate weather conditions.
• If you drive to Wahiba Sands Desert Night Camp in your rented car, rent a good 4WD vehicle for comfort and accessibility.

Roof top tent Oman

Roof top tents in Oman are a popular option for campers who want to spend their time night camping in the wilderness of the desert.

You can rent a rooftop tent from various rental car and tourism companies. However, before renting a rooftop tent in Oman, you must consider a few key considerations.
Roof tents require specific engine power depending on their size. Confirm this with your rental company before finalising the rental vehicle. A Fortuner, Prado, or other powerful jeep is usually preferred for rooftop tents in Oman.

Equipment for a night desert camp that is usually included with the rooftop tents is,
Sleeping Bags + Sheets + Camping Mat + Chairs + Table
Rechargeable LED Lights. + Cool Box (Not a Battery killing Electric one) + Water Jerry Can + Pressurized hot water Shower
Shovel + Gas Stove with Gas bottle. This is a large bottle of gas, not the normal tiny Gas canister
Frying pan + Saucepan + Kettle + Knives & forks + Plates & Bowls & Mugs + Chopping board + Wash Bowl + useful kitchen utensils etc.

Some additional equipment that you might need during desert night camp, Muscat is:

• Child seat
• Offroad Equipment:- Sand Boards, Compressor, Kinetic Rope, Tyre Gauge, Tyre Deflator
• Car Roof Rack
• Car Awning
• DC/AC Inverter (for charging Laptops, etc.)
• Petrol Jerry cans
• Safety Helmets for Wadi Canyoning
• Walky Talkys
• Satellite Phone

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Roof top tents 

Some Desert Nights Camp, Muscat, allows you to camp in tents and use the kitchen and washroom facilities for a nominal price. This option is best for people who want to camp in tents but also want convenience.

• Checking the weather forecast.
• Take extra water and food.
• Knowing the local wildlife that might pose a danger.
• Keep navigation equipment with you.
• Travel with a first aid kit and essential medicines.
• Carry equipment that can come in handy in case of a broken car.

Luxury camping in Oman

Luxury camping in Oman is perfect for those who love extravagance and grandeur. Some resorts in the desert combine the rugged beauty of the desert with modern amenities.

These luxury camping sites in Oman have modern facilities, such as air conditioning, swimming pools, and private spaces.

Accommodation

The luxury resorts provide comfortable and chic tents for their guests. You can enjoy the comfort of a luxurious hotel and a cultural Bedouin interior.
These tents are lined with heavy carpets and beautiful curtains.

Amenities

The resorts provide a wide range of amenities, like:

• Swimming pools
• Patios
• Balconies
• Indoor activities
• Reading rooms
• Banquets
• Meeting halls

Food

For many people, food is the highlight of camping. Luxury resorts serve a variety of food to the campers.

Experiences

Experiences make your tour memorable. There are many activities that you can enjoy at these dirt night camps, like:

• Bonfire
• BBQ and enjoy music and chatting with new people
• Dune bashing
• Quad bike
• Camel ride

Nomad Desert Camp

After discussing almost every detail about desert camping in Oman, here is a recommendation for enjoying a peaceful night out in the desert with stargazing at the star-studded sky: the Nomad Desert Camp.

If you want to spend time in a peaceful and quiet camp, Nomad Desert Night Camp is the perfect choice.

Accommodation

The tents in the Nomad Desert night Camp are spacious and comfortable. The interiors are designed to give guests an experience of the Omani culture. The beds and linens are comfy so that you can sleep peacefully. The decor features Omani art and carpets, making your experience memorable.

There is seating outside the tents so guests can relax under the starry sky at night.

Food

Food is an imperative part of any tour. The food at Nomads Desert Camp is delish and hygienic. The food provided by Nomads Desert Night Camp gives you a fair idea of traditional Omani cuisine.

The breakfast and dinner provided will make your camping experience better. Some of the dishes served at the Nomad Oman camping tours are:

• Shuwa
• Majboos
• Harees
• Halwa
• khubz(Omani bread)
• Laban
• Kehwa
• Dates

Amenities

At Nomads Desert Night Camp, you will find all the amenities necessary for camping in the wilderness of Wahiba Sands. You can relax and unwind in the rugged landscape of the desert. The silence of the desert gives you inner peace, and the sound of the winds seems like nature’s music.

Some of the amenities you can find at the Nomads Desert Night Camp are:

• Neat and clean washrooms
• Sitting Area
• Good Food
• Fine tents

Activities at Nomad Desert Night Camp

Nomads Desert Night Camp is about giving you a lifetime experience. The camp’s activities and experiences will be forever etched in your memory. Following are some activities you can experience at Nomads Desert Night Camp.

Frequently Asked Questions