Oman portrays the true essence of Arabia & what signifies Arabia better than an ocean of sand dunes in shades of orange to hues of amber! Oman's name is closely associated with desert landscapes which is an extension of the Bedouin lifestyle with its ancient associations of traditional culture and authentic original customs.

Sand dune bashing, sand boarding, camel riding, camping or simply witnessing the sun set go down on the golden sands are some of the best ways to cherish this experience.

Bawshar Sands

Not far from the beaches of Muscat with its harmonious architecture, and within walking distance from the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in the heart of the capital, one will find golden hills packed with drivers who enjoy sand-dune bashing with their SUVs, or those who enjoy gliding on the sand bikes that are easy to rent in this area.

Many visitors like to climb the hills to watch the sunset bidding farewell to Muscat, with its white-washed buildings surrounded by fresh greenery on those beautiful hills.

Wahiba Sands

The great Wahiba sands are longitudinal dunes 200 km long and 100 km wide running south from the Eastern Hajjar to the Arabian Sea. The dunes are 100-150 metres high in shades of colour from orange to hues of amber. Bedouin camps can be found along the tracks and trails in this isolated desert. Where the sands meet the ocean, outcrops of aolianite (sand compressed into rock) can be found displaying unusual and attractive abstract shapes. Here the beaches mellow into soft shades of yellows and whites.

Camps

• Desert Night Camps - Surrounded by endless sprawling red gold dunes, Desert Nights Camp is an intimate place to stay, to share secrets, to relax. Retreat to your private Bedouin style tent with its surrounding expanse of silken sand. A cosy sit-out, a luxurious bed under a linen canopy suffused with golden light, tiled rooms, tasteful Arabian furnishings and an extravagant bathroom await you. Warm and efficient service is available whenever required in this romantic and adventurous getaway. The fragrance of frankincense and myrrh will take you back in time to a medieval world.

  With 24 double tented units, the camp can accommodate a maximum of 64 guests. All units open out to spectacular views of the golden red Wahib sands of the desert.

• Thousand Nights Camps - 1000 Nights Camp is located in an isolated part of Wahiba Sands and is the only one of its kind in this area. The camp has 10 genuine hand-made Bedouin wool tents, which are scattered under the Cineraria trees for more privacy. They are furnished in a unique style with Arabic carpets, two stylish comfortable beds, table and chairs and towels. There is also a restaurant where guests can sample Arabic and Omani cuisine. The camp has no electricity so at night it is lit by candles and lamps.