2-Day Wahiba Sands Desert Tour from Muscat: Private Guide

A couple of nights under the stars: dune bashing at sunset, Bedouin coffee, and the Ibra souq on the way back.

A 2-day private tour from Muscat into Wahiba Sands with an English-speaking guide, 4WD vehicle, and overnight accommodation at a desert camp. Day 1 includes a swim at Wadi Bani Khalid, a 4×4 dune drive, sunset on the sand, and dinner by campfire. Day 2 covers the Ibra souq and old village before returning to Muscat. Pickup and drop-off from the Muscat area are included. Breakfast and dinner are provided at the camp.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Wadi visit and desert adventure

• Drive from Muscat to Wadi Bani Khalid
• Swim and relax at Wadi Bani Khalid
• Have lunch at Wadi restaurant
• Drive to Wahiba Sands desert camp
• 4x4 sand dune drive
• Watch desert sunset on sand dune
• Dinner at desert camp
• Relax around campfire

Day 2: Ibra visit and return to Muscat

• Breakfast at desert camp
• Drive to Ibra city
• Visit Ibra souq and old village
• Have lunch in Ibra
• Drive back to Muscat with photo stops

The experience

You leave Muscat in the morning and drive 2½ hours to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman's largest wadis, where you can swim, sunbathe or walk deeper into the canyon. A restaurant at the entrance serves lunch. In the late afternoon, the drive continues into Wahiba Sands, where the real day begins: a 4×4 sand-dune drive takes you across the desert, then you climb a dune to watch the sunset. Dinner and a campfire follow at Desert Rose Camp, where you sleep overnight.

Day 2 starts with breakfast at the camp. You then drive to Ibra, a city known for its colorful local souq and ancient old village, both worth exploring on foot. After lunch, the return journey to Muscat includes photo stops along the way. The guide speaks English and travels with you both days, so questions about what you are seeing get answered as you go.

The tour is private, meaning the vehicle, guide and camp space are yours alone. Pickup and drop-off happen in the Muscat area, and the price includes the 4WD vehicle, accommodation, breakfast, dinner, water during the day, and the guide. A camel ride in the desert costs extra (3 OMR per person, about 8 USD) if you want it. Lunch is also separate. Swimwear for Wadi Bani Khalid must include a t-shirt and shorts to the knee for women.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from the Muscat area.
• English-speaking private guide for both days.
• 4WD vehicle for dune driving.
• overnight accommodation at Desert Rose Camp.
• breakfast and dinner at the camp.
• water throughout the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day15 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 11:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Arabic

Audio guideEnglish and Arabic

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Star Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a full night free and prefer a 4×4 vehicle over camel trekking for crossing the dunes. The ride is bumpy rather than smooth.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Arabic.

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

The drive from Muscat to Wadi Bani Khalid takes 2½ hours. You stop there to swim, walk or relax before continuing to the desert camp in the late afternoon.

What happens on the first night in Wahiba Sands?

You stay at Desert Rose Camp, where dinner is served and you can relax around a campfire. Breakfast is included the next morning before you leave for Ibra.

Is the camel ride included in the tour price?

The camel ride is optional and costs 3 OMR (about 8 USD) per person, paid separately. It is available in Wahiba Sands if you want to add it to your day.

What is there to do at Ibra on Day 2?

Ibra has a colorful local souq (market) and an ancient old village, both open to explore on foot. You visit both before lunch and the drive back to Muscat.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. A restaurant at Wadi Bani Khalid serves meals on Day 1, and you eat lunch in Ibra on Day 2 before returning to Muscat.

What should I bring for swimming at Wadi Bani Khalid?

Bring swimwear. Women must wear a t-shirt and shorts to the knee when swimming at Wadi Bani Khalid. Men should also dress respectfully in the water.