In the heart of eastern Oman, the Wahiba Sands is an ocean of regular dunes that seem to stretch out endlessly. Pale gold at noon, the towering piles of sand shift between rich yellow and coppery orange when the sun is at lower angles. Just a three-hour drive from Muscat, an overnight stay here offers an easy way to experience the primal power of the desert from the comfort of luxe camps. The sands are an important piece of the puzzle that is Oman, and you can add a night to any itinerary — it’s an especially good place for a family adventure.

Bedouin style, honed by centuries living in this unforgiving landscape, has a strong influence on many of the camps in the desert. For a wholly authentic experience, you can choose to stay in a traditional black-wool tent, though if you prefer more creature comforts, you can choose a more indulgent tent that boasts air conditioning. Once the sun has set, dine on local cuisine like lamb and mint tea served on low tables around a crackling fire.

The Wahiba Sands weather is extremely hot and dry usually during the summers. So the best time to visit Wahiba Sands is during the months of October to March which is wintertime. The summer season begins mid-April and lasts until late September. The temperatures can normally reach up to 50 degrees. The deserts will be exceptionally hot and sweaty during this time period. Winter temperatures in Oman are pleasant. Precipitations are quite low during this time. Temperatures are normally at a level of 24 degrees during the day but the nights get pretty chilly. This would be the best time to go to the desert.

Wahiba Sands Camping (wild camping)
You can find many camps in the desert and it’s very easy to join it with your 4x4, you just need to follow the road in the desert or pay for a transfer with your campsite if you don’t want to drive. Important advice, don’t camp too close from the little bush but prefer open places with sand. In the bush, insects might go out at night and disturb you while you are eating or sleeping and I am sure you don’t want to be woken up by scorpions! Don’t walk barefoot for long distances especially at night. Better to stay grouped in any case, getting lost is really easy in the desert.