Wahiba Sands Holidays

The undulating landscape of Sharqiya Sands, known locally as Wahiba Sands, is the desert you’ve always dreamed of. This sun-drenched golden expanse in Oman switches from vast, practically flat areas of sand, to soaring wind-sculpted dunes – some as tall as 100 metres – in the space of around 12 square kilometres.

Delve deep into this rippled terrain and you’ll pass Bedouin tribes, ramshackle desert camps and the odd herd of plodding camels between them. Saddle up for a sedate camel safari, or buckle up for a dune-bashing tour – a heart-in-mouth adventure via growling 4x4.

When it comes to accommodation in Wahiba Sands, there’s really only one way for it – and that’s sleeping under canvas. Bedouin-style tents are kitted out with mod-cons like private al fresco showers and marshmallow-soft mattresses, so there’s no sacrifice on comfort. When the sun sets, you’ll watch the sky fill with stars as you dine by the light of an open fire and a scattering of glittering lanterns. Dinner settings don’t get much more magical than this.

While you’re here, make time for a trip to Wadi Bani Khalid. Famous for having a constant flow of water all year round, it makes a cinematic setting for a swim amongst the sand dunes.