Empty Quarter: 4WD desert safari with sunset & coffee

Summary

Chasing sunset across the dunes of Rab al Khali by 4WD

You’ll leave Amman behind for a day trip into Oman’s Empty Quarter, exploring frankincense groves at Wadi Dawkah, Bedouin history in Thumrait, and ancient ruins at a UNESCO site. Ride over towering dunes with a local guide before sharing Arabic coffee at sunset—a memory you’ll carry home long after the desert dust settles.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember how the city faded away behind us as we left Amman — one moment it was all car horns and shopkeepers waving, then suddenly just this endless stretch of sand. Our driver, Khalid, barely said a word at first but grinned in the mirror when he saw me gawking at the dunes. The air smelled faintly sweet, almost dusty, and I kept rolling down my window even though it was hot. We stopped at Wadi Dawkah to see the frankincense trees — honestly, I didn’t expect them to look so gnarled and ancient. Khalid broke off a bit of resin for us to smell; it was sharp and earthy, not like any perfume I’ve ever tried.

Thumrait felt like a pause button in the middle of nowhere. There were kids playing near an old airstrip (RAFO Thumrait, Khalid called it), waving as we passed by. He told us stories about Bedouin families who’d lived here for generations — his uncle apparently still comes out for tea every Friday, “no matter what.” It’s funny how quiet everything gets out here; you notice little things like how your shoes fill with sand or how the wind whistles through the car windows.

The real surprise was when we reached what they call the Atlantis of the Sands — this lost city that’s now a UNESCO World Heritage site. I’m not sure what I expected (maybe more ruins?), but standing there as dusk crept in felt strange and important somehow. We climbed up one of those massive dunes — 150 meters high, Khalid said — and he laughed when I slid halfway back down on my first try. The sun started sinking fast after that. He poured us tiny cups of Arabic coffee right there on the sand while everything turned gold and pink around us. I keep thinking about that silence before anyone spoke again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Desert Safari and Heritage Exploration

• Visit Wadi Dawkah Frankincense Park
• Explore RAFO Thumrait Airfield
• Tour Atlantis of the Sands UNESCO Site
• Dune Bashing with Local Guides

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Empty Quarter desert safari?

Yes, pickup is included for all guests during this tour.

What is special about Wadi Dawkah on this tour?

Wadi Dawkah is home to the world’s largest frankincense tree national park.

Do we visit any UNESCO World Heritage sites?

Yes, you’ll visit the so-called Atlantis of the Sands—an ancient lost city recognized by UNESCO.

How high are the dunes we drive over?

The dunes can reach up to 150 meters in height during dune bashing.

Is Arabic coffee or tea provided during the safari?

Yes, Arabic coffee or tea is served at sunset in the desert.

Are infants or small children allowed on this tour?

Infants and small children can join if they ride in a pram or stroller.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to rough terrain.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your local guide speaks English throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Amman, two bottles of water per person, plus Arabic tea and coffee served fresh in the desert. You’ll travel by secure 4WD vehicle with an English-speaking local guide before returning after sunset.