Camping in Oman’s Wahiba Sands: A 2026 Guide
The Wahiba Sands (also called Sharqiya Sands) offer endless golden dunes, camel sightings, and star-filled nights—perfect for an authentic Arabian desert adventure.
Independent wild camping remains free and popular, while organized camps provide comfort.
2026 Essentials:
- Access: Requires a 4WD for dunes—deflate tires to ~15-18 PSI, carry recovery gear (sand plates/shovel). No permits needed; camps often transfer from edges (e.g., Al Wasil/Bidiyah).
- Best Time: November–March (mild 20–30°C days, cooler nights). Avoid April–October heat.
- Safety: Pack extra fuel/water; use GPS/offline maps.
DIY Wild Camping
Drive in via Al Mintirib (easiest) or other points; follow tracks deep for solitude.
Dune bash, watch sunsets, stargaze in silence.
Packing List:
- 4WD + recovery kit
- Tent/sleeping bag
- Water (3L/person/day)
- Food/stove
- Warm layers
- GPS beacon
Organized Camps
Popular options (many with transfers, activities like camel rides/dune bashing):
- Luxury: Thousand Nights Camp, Desert Nights Resort.
- Midrange/Budget: Safari Dunes, Arabian Oryx, Nomadic Desert Camp.
Book tours from Muscat if no car.
Wahiba Sands delivers magic—wild or glamped. Questions? Ask below!