Wahiba Sands (10 h)

Escape the city and head to the dunes of Wahiba Sands. Experience the wonders of the desert on a full day tour in the Sharqiyah region of Oman. Learn about the customs of the bedouins that live amongst the golden sands, discover ancient architecture, roam a women’s only traditional market, visit the Sultan’s favourite village and picnic by the luscious natural pools of Wadi Bani Khalid.

At a Glance

• Visit the old city of Ibra
• Shop at a women’s only traditional souk
• The ancient village of Al Minzafah
• Tea and dates with a Bedouin Family
• Picnic at Wadi Bani Khalid

What You Can Expect

Enter the dune landscape of the Sharqiyah region where you will visit the old city of Ibra, the gateway to the desert. On Wednesday mornings a very special event takes place in Ibra: the women’s souk. It is the only market in Oman where the merchants and the clients are only women. Men are not allowed in this market and convene at a nearby coffee shop for a chat. The tour continues to Al Minzafah, one of the Sultan’s favourite villages in the country. This part of Ibra features many old homes built in the traditional Omani architectural style. The houses are close to 300 years old and are said to be the oldest in the country.

Get the chance to visit a Bedouin family for tea and dates in the middle of the Wahiba Desert. You may even get the opportunity to ride a camel (if available). Drive through the ever changing dunes towards the evergreen Wadi Bani Khalid. Enjoy a specially packed picnic lunch and then take the chance to jump into the refreshing pools or explore the surrounding wadi landscape.

What’s Included

• Private guided tour
• Picnic lunch
• Entrance fees
• Tea and dates with a bedouin family