Wahiba Sands & Hajar Mountains
10 Days / 9 Nights — A journey through ancient cities, soaring mountain canyons, and the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands.
What to Expect
This tour involves considerable time in the desert, including six nights of desert camping, so you'll need to adapt to life without standard facilities. Navigating the desert requires understanding the precautions of travelling in a hot climate and staying safe and responsible in a desert environment. We recommend hiking or trekking shoes, trekking poles, and a swimsuit for the oasis pool at Wadi Bani Khaled. Meals in the desert follow Bedouin recipes and limited resources, so we may not be able to accommodate all dietary requirements. Once you adapt to the rhythm of desert camping, you'll become enthralled with the desert's charming solitude and learn much about the history and culture of Oman around the campfire.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Muscat
We'll meet and greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel. Transfer and hotel (twin room) included.
Muscat City Tour
Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque at 9:30 AM, then head to Mutrah Souq for lunch. Explore the souq and visit the National Museum before returning to the hotel. Museum fees, hotel, and lunch included. Note: the Grand Mosque requires modest dress — long sleeves, long trousers or dresses, and covered hair for women.
Into the Hajar Mountains
We move towards the Hajar Mountains, then on to Izki — Oman's oldest city — to explore ancient mud structures. Continue to Birkat Al Mawz for a walk around Harat As Sibani and lunch, then on to Wadi Muadin for our first overnight camp. B/L/D included.
Nizwa Souq & Rock Art
An early start to catch the Friday souq of Nizwa — a rare chance to observe local life at market. Visit the famous Nizwa Fort and Falaj Daris, then return to camp for lunch. Afternoon drive to Hasat Bin Salt, Southern Arabia's largest prehistoric rock art monument. Second overnight camp. B/L/D included.
Jabal Shams & The Balcony Walk
Head to Jabal Shams — the highest point in Arabia — and begin the Balcony Walk: an easy-going trek along a ledge overlooking a spectacular canyon. Trekking poles recommended. Overnight camp in Wadi Nakhur. B/L/D included.
Enter Wahiba Sands
Head towards Wahiba Sands to begin our dune-crossing adventure. We enter from the western edge following an old local track, exploring different parts of the sands. Overnight camp in the dunes. B/L/D included.
Crossing the Linear Dunes
Cross the vast linear dunes — extending up to 50 km in length — towards Umm Adalian. Overnight camp. B/L/D included.
Deep into the Sands
Continue through the central sands, then head north on a rarely visited track away from permanent campsites. Camp a short distance from the main road. B/L/D included.
Wadi Bani Khaled Oasis
Visit the oasis of Wadi Bani Khaled and swim in one of its beautiful natural pools. Lunch there, then return to Muscat and check into the hotel. Hotel and B/L included.
Departure
Transfer to the airport.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Transfer from airport upon arrival
- 3 nights in twin room (4-star hotel)
- Entrance fees: National Museum & Nizwa Fort
- Full board on all camping days
- Lunch on days 2 and 9
Not Included
- International flights
- Lunch and dinner on day 1
- Dinner on days 2 and 9
- Transfer to airport upon departure
Book Your Place
Ready to experience Oman's mountains and desert? Get in touch to reserve your spot on the next departure.