A night in the Wahiba Sands

The journey starts at Bidiyah, where we leave the tarmac, let the tyres down and set off by four-wheel drive with an experienced driver through the golden dunes to camp.

After settling in, head out before sunset for a camel ride or sandboarding, then climb a high dune to watch the sun go down over the desert. In the evening there is a halal Omani dinner by the fire and a clear sky of stars, far from city lights.

We choose camps with air-conditioned tents, private bathrooms and comfortable beds, and can arrange a large family tent or a private seating. At first light, the sunrise is worth waking for.

We usually pair this night with Wadi Bani Khalid on the same day, continuing next day to Sur, or back to Muscat by way of Wadi Shab.