2-Day Private Desert Trip from Muscat: Oasis & Overnight Camping

You sleep in the Wahiba Desert under the stars, then wake to coffee and sunrise over the dunes.

A 2-day private tour from Muscat through three natural sites (Wadi Shab's hidden waterfall and emerald pools, overnight camping in Wahiba Sands, and Wadi Bani Khalid's oasis) with an English or Arabic-speaking guide, all meals, and desert equipment provided. The itinerary moves from canyon swimming and hiking on day one to a desert night and optional camel rides or off-roading on day two, ending with a scenic drive back to the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Natural Pools and Desert Camping

• Swim at Bimmah Sinkhole
• Hike and swim in Wadi Shab
• Visit Sur town and dhow shipyards
• Set up camp in Wahiba desert
• Enjoy barbecue and storytelling

Day 2: Desert Morning and Oasis Visit

• Watch sunrise and have breakfast in desert
• Optional camel rides or off-roading
• Swim at Wadi Bani Khalid oasis
• Drive back to Muscat with music

The experience

If you've just landed in Muscat or have a free couple of days, this tour fills the time with three distinct landscapes in one arc. Day one takes you to Bimmah Sinkhole first (a collapsed underground cavern that opens into a turquoise pool where you can swim), then to Wadi Shab, where a short boat ride leads into a canyon with emerald pools, easy hiking, and a hidden waterfall accessible by swimming through a cave. Before the light fades, you stop in Sur to see the traditional dhow shipbuilding that has defined Oman's coast for centuries, then drive into Wahiba Sands as the sun sets. The guides set up camp, light a barbecue, and you eat dinner under the stars in the quiet of the desert.

The second morning starts with coffee and breakfast while the sun rises over the dunes. The light is best for photographs here, and the guides know it. After eating, you can choose to ride a camel or take an off-road vehicle across the sand if you want more time in the desert, or skip ahead to the final stop. Wadi Bani Khalid, an oasis set into canyon walls, has crystal-clear pools where you can swim one last time before the drive back to Muscat. The operator provides tents, sleeping mats, two blankets per person, cold water, juices, tea and coffee throughout. All meals are included and adapted to dietary preferences. Your guide speaks English or Arabic and travels with you the whole way.

The vehicle is air-conditioned for the driving stretches, and pickup from your Muscat hotel is included in the price. Infants can travel if they sit on an adult's lap, and the pace suits all fitness levels, though the canyon hike at Wadi Shab involves some scrambling and swimming.

What’s included

• Overnight desert camping with tent, sleeping mat and two blankets per person.
• lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast on day two.
• tea, coffee, cold water and juices.
• air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers.
• English or Arabic-speaking guide throughout.
• hotel pickup from Muscat.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 82 years) · Child (4 to 17 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by All in Oman

Is this one for you?The tour starts early and involves a canyon hike with swimming and scrambling at Wadi Shab on day one, then a night in the open desert. If you want to sleep under stars and don't mind an active first day of hiking and water, this itinerary delivers both in one booking.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 17 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the swimming like at Wadi Shab?

Wadi Shab has emerald pools throughout the canyon where you swim as part of the hike. One section requires swimming through a cave to reach a hidden waterfall. The water is cool and clear, and the canyon walls rise around you.

Do I need to bring my own camping gear?

No. The operator provides tents, comfortable sleeping mats, and two blankets per person. You bring clothes, toiletries and any personal items. Everything else for the night is set up for you.

What meals are included over the two days?

Lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast on day two, plus tea, coffee, cold water and juices throughout. The guides prepare the food on-site and adjust for dietary preferences.

Is the camel ride on day two included, or is it extra?

Camel rides and off-roading on ATVs are optional activities on the morning of day two. The base tour includes time in the desert with breakfast and sunrise. You decide at that point whether to add them.

How long is the drive back to Muscat from Wadi Bani Khalid?

The return is a scenic drive. The operator plays music along the way and can include Arabic music if you're interested. The exact duration depends on traffic and your hotel location in Muscat.

What is Bimmah Sinkhole?

Bimmah Sinkhole is a collapsed underground cavern that opens into a turquoise pool. It's the first stop on day one and offers a chance to swim in this geological formation before moving on to Wadi Shab.