Muscat has several companies that offer 'desert safari' experiences. However, with desert safaris, one must be careful in choosing them as the definition, activities, and quality can vary dramatically. We suggest that you look for a desert safari that focuses on highlighting the environmental and cultural aspect of the desert. Many fly-by-night operators set up and sell desert safaris of dubious quality. Be wary of very cheap rates for safaris. Questions to ask will be: How large is the group? What kind of food is served? Are the animals and entertainment appropriate for the local culture?
Oman’s name is closely associated with desert, an extension of the Bedouin lifestyle with its ancient associations of traditional culture and authentic original customs. Set on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman is as rich in natural beauty as in ancient heritage. From the green of wadis and endless rolling sand dunes to the impenetrably Rocky Mountains and ancient villages built into desert walls, Oman has much to offer. Your trip to Oman is incomplete if you do not venture out on the desert safari in the Wahiba Sands.
In this blog, we will let you know of the top desert safaris and experiences in Oman.
The desert safari tour is highly reviewed and a top selling tour on Viator. The safari will start with 4*4 adventure excursion, dune bashing, and some learning on the Bedouin culture as you will visit Bedouin villages. Post that, you will continue to the beautiful Wadi Bani Khalid with overwhelming views, clean and clear water.
Pick up and drop off from your hotel is included in the tour.
Tour Cost: OMR 150
Tour Duration: 9 hours (Approx.)
Tour Language: English
This safari will take you to the indigenous attractions of Oman and the Wahiba sands. Your guide will pick you up from the hotel in a 4*4, and you will start your journey to the desert. You will stop for some breath-taking photos at wadis. On your way to the Wadi Bani Khalid, you will spot large date plantations of villages scattered over the hills where you will sightsee the lush green waters of a deep pool. you will then head to the Wahiba Sands.
At the desert camp, you will experience dune bashing, and we are sure your excitement levels will be at its peak!
Once you have enjoyed the Wahiba Sands desert safari, you will savour the delicious lunch before heading back to your hotel.
Tour Cost: OMR 93
Tour Duration: 9 hours (Approx.)
Tour Language: English
On this safari, you will be picked up in a 4*4 by your professional driver-guide and you will visit the Wahiba Sands and gorgeous Wadi Bani Khalid on a private day trip from Muscat. You will pass the Hajar Mountains and plantations of Fanjah on route to Bani Khalid. You will get a chance to admire the paradise-like ‘wadi’ (river canyon), with its jewel-blue pools, boulders and palms; and savour a picnic lunch and swim before you head into the rolling dunes of the Wahiba Sands. The tour offers a sunset dune bash and a visit to a Bedouin camp.
Camel ride can cover at an additional cost.
Tour Cost: OMR 84
Tour Duration: 8 hours (Approximately)
Tour Language: English and Arabic
On this private desert safari tour, you will have a thrilling drive in the Wahiba Sands and pass the Hajar mountains, making your way into the delights of inland Oman. You will be picked up in your private 4*4 car with a private guide. As you cross the wadis and the canyons, tiny villages, you will stop over for your lunch before you hit the vast dunes of Wahiba Sands. Take an exciting dune bash and if you wish, a camel ride, before heading back to Muscat.
This private tour is well reviewed on Viator and we would recommend you take this.
Tour Cost: OMR 106
Tour Duration: 9 hours (Approx.)
Tour Language: English
This is a small-group camel safari from Bidiyah, with a group limited to 10 people or lesser, giving you the personalized attention as you ride your camel through the desert and learn about Bedouin culture. Arabic coffee and dates are included in this tour. You will ride a camel for up to four hours with a local guide and explore the desert. This will be a unique opportunity to meet the locals and see how their lifestyle is.
Please note that pick up and drop off is not included in this tour.
Departure Point is near the Park Mosque at 8 AM. Departure Time 8:00 AM.
Your tour will start from Bidiyah, where you will meet your guide.
Tour Language: English, Arabic or German
Tour Cost: OMR 30
You will set off a complete adventure on this desert safari. We highly recommend you take this tour as it is a well-reviewed and a top choice tour on GetYourGuide. You will understand the Bedouin lifestyle, stay under the star-lit sky at a campsite and experience and travel back in time as the life in desert would have been years back. You will get to witness falcons and participate in activities like henna tattoo, camel ride, sand boarding, sipping Kahwa (green tea), belly dancing and savour on barbeque delicacies before settling in for the night.
The tour includes pick up and drop off from your hotel, as well as Lunch and Dinner in the desert.
Tour Language: English
Tour Cost: OMR 175
Pick up can be done at 9 AM or 10 AM
On this safari, you will be picked up in a 4*4 by your professional driver-guide and you will visit the golden sands- Wahiba Sands and gorgeous Wadi Bani Khalid on a private day trip from Muscat. You will pass the Hajar Mountains and plantations of Fanjah on route to Bani Khalid, where you will see date plantations. You will discover the ruins of Al Mansfah, an old community near Ibra.
You will be amazed by the scenic views at the Sumail Gap, a natural break between the western and eastern Hajar Mountains
Enjoy an exciting dune bashing session and you will feel the rush of adrenaline as your vehicle climbs the tallest dunes. Afterwards, you will enjoy a delicious lunch before heading back to Muscat. You’ll be dropped off back at your hotel.
Tour Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
Tour Language: English
Tour Cost: OMR 96
On this tour, you will enjoy Wadi Shab, on the coastline of Sur, a 90-minute drive from Muscat. You will take a boat across the Wadi Lake, walk to the Wadi Canyon and enjoy the spectacular rock formations and cliffs, pools along the way. The walk will be around 45 minutes before you reach the framed pools. Here, you can enjoy a swim in the smaller canyon. At the end of the pool, you will reach an enchanting cave with a waterfall inside.
After soaking in the captivating views of the cave, you can swim back. During the return drive, you will make a stop to take photographs at the Bimmah Sinkhole Lake Park.
Tour Duration: 7 hours (approximately)
Tour Language: English
Tour Cost: OMR 96
This private tour takes you through the desert dunes in a 4*4 into the Wahiba sands, the home of the Bedouins
Keep a look-out for the nomads as they move through the desert with their camels. You will also visit a Bedouin home in the middle of the desert, and contrast the arid landscape with the clear, blue waters of Wadi Bani Khalid.
Tour Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
Tour Language: English
Tour Cost: OMR 141
Traveling Oman gives a rare chance to experience the Arab kingdom without the distorting lens of modernization. In the face of modernity, Oman’s sleepy fishing towns, spectacular mountains and wind-blown deserts remain at the heart of the Omani spirit.
