Wahiba Sands, Oman

Oman Holidays

Oman is an intriguing mix of rich history and diverse landscapes; from Arabian palaces and historic forts to towering sand dunes and lush verdant mountains. Find your adventure in scuba diving, fossil hunting, desert camping and witnessing turtles hatch.

Providing a fantastic choice for adults and children alike, a holiday to Oman offers huge diversity from relaxing beaches to adventures into the mountains and desert.

The hotels are superb and, as Oman is a relatively small country, it is easy to venture out on day excursions or longer more varied trips away from Muscat without incurring long, uncomfortable road journeys.

Children walking with camels, Oman
Oman

Why we like Oman

Oman is squeaky clean (it is a fineable offence to have a dirty car), safe and organised but still reminds you that you’re in Arabia. The weather is consistently good much of the year and it is only a relatively short flight from the UK. Plus, it is possible to be met air-side off the plane in Muscat, to receive assistance with the visa process, and more importantly, with bags and children.

Pool, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Mountains, Oman
Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Mountains & Wadis, Oman

Discover extraordinary in Oman

  • Travel with tents in the footsteps of Wilfred Thesiger.
  • Forget the normal car transfer, arrive at the Six Senses Zighy Bay on a paraglider.
  • Wake up on a remote beach and watch the sunrise over Ras Al Jinz.
  • Explore the lost city of Ubar with hardly another visitor – discovered by Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

Explore Oman

  • Muscat
  • Salalah
  • Wahiba
  • Musandam
  • Wadis
  • Masirah Island

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Biking, The View, Al Hamra, Oman
Oman

Jebel Akhdar Bike Tour

Cycle the trails in the Jebel Akhdar with bikes suitable for all ages.

Dhow Cruise, Musandam, Oman
Oman

Arabian Fjords Cruise

Cruise amongst the Arabian fjords on a traditional dhow from the Six Senses Zighy Bay.

Diving, Oman
Oman

Daymaniyat Islands

Set sail to the Daymaniyat Islands and swim or snorkel to view the impressive and varied marine life.

Local Children, Shangri La Muscat, Muscat, Oman
Oman

Visit a Bedouin Family

Spend time with a local, Bedouin family to learn about their culture and way of life.

Desert Camp, Oman
Oman

Camp in the Desert

Camp under the stars in Wahiba Sands or the Empty Quarter.

Sand boarding, Peru
Oman

Dune Boarding

Try your hand at dune boarding.

Children riding camels, Oman
Oman

Camel Trekking

Trek by camel along the dunes.

Sumhuram Ruins, Dhofar, Oman
Oman

Visit the Samhuram Ruins

Visit the ruined city of Samhuram, or Queen of Sheba’s Palace.

Empty Quarter Dunes, Oman
Oman

Explore the Desert

Venture out into the southern desert to the ruins of the ancient city of Ubar, sometimes known as the ‘Atlantis of the Sands’.

Empty Quarter, Landscape, Oman
Oman

Camp in the Empty Quarter

Drive by 4×4 into the world’s largest uninterrupted sand sea, the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) and camp amongst the enormous dunes.

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Hud Hud Wahiba £££££

  • Oman
  • Tented Camps

In the Wahiba Sands, Hud Hud camp is set up on a tailor-made basis, using authentic handmade Bedouin tents, carefully selected for the environment and sited to ensure privacy and fantastic views. Hud Hud exclusive camps evoke a traditional, luxurious Arabian ‘encampment’ and is designed in Hud Hud’s inimitable style, in keeping with the ambience of the environment and the region.

View Property

Desert Nights Camp £££££

  • Oman
  • Tented Camps

Desert Nights is a luxurious desert-style camp based in the heart of Wahiba Sands, Oman.

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Shangri La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa £££££

  • Oman
  • Beach and Island Escapes

The Shangri La consists of three separate hotels all around 124 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Al Waha caters primarily for families with kids clubs and activities, and then there is the 5-star Al Bandar and lastly the 6 star Al Husn, which has fewer rooms and suites and caters for the top end of the market.

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Crowne Plaza Hotel £££££

  • Oman
  • Beach and Island Escapes

Set on a clifftop overlooking the Gulf of Oman, this chic, waterside hotel is 3km from the Royal Opera House Muscat and 15km from the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

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Canvas Club Desert Camp £££££

  • Oman
  • Tented Camps

Canvas Club offers a private tented camp in the heart of the Wahiba Sands, where local Bedouin staff take great pride in showcasing their unique region to each visitor they care for. Travel into the desert by 4×4 and continue by camel back to reach your private camp.

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Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort £££££

  • Oman

Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, perched 2,000 metres above sea level on the curving rim of a great canyon, is a luxurious base from which to explore this mountainous region and its rich local culture.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Charlotte Lawton

Charlotte is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Asia.

My strong sense of belonging in Asia stemmed from a childhood in Hong Kong and Nepal. My Grandmother was born in a tent in India. Some of my clearest memories are of walking through a dense, tropical jungle while hailstones the size of cricket balls rained down on us; of being carried on my father’s shoulders as we trekked through the Himalayas; my mother wearing flipflops on a snowy mountainside; and me falling into Dal Lake in Srinagar as we disembarked from our houseboat. 

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Kate Hitchen

My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Frequently asked questions about Oman

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Can I rent a car in Oman?

Can I wear a swimming costume on local beaches?

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Is it OK to drink alcohol in public?

Is there an etiquette to photographing people?

What is the time zone in Oman?

How long are the flights to Oman from the UK?

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