Private tour - Empty Quarter desert adventure - Wadi Dawka + Ubar
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Get the most affordable, enjoyable and adventurous private tour to the Empty Quarter desert on the market. Explore the vastness of the desert areas with different shapes of dunes. Experience the adrenalin ride on the dunes with our expert drivers who will get the best performance out of the terrain cars. Then you will climb the dunes yourself dipping your feet in the moving sands. Enjoy the breathtaking views on the sea of sand from the dunes´ peaks while the sun slowly moves to the horizon. Before the sunset, you can take the best pictures of the desert landscape with the sun setting over the dunes. On the way to the desert, you will visit a camp with black camels, UNESCO site Wadi Dawka, a valley where thousands of frankincense trees grow and give the valued harvest of frankincense drops. From there you will continue on the Frankincense route to the lost city of Ubar (UNESCO) whose ruins stand witness to the glorious past when the city served as a center for the incense trade.
Available options
Private tour - Empty Quarter desert adventure - Wadi Dawka + Ubar
Pickup included
What's included
Soda/Pop
Bottled water
Coffee and/or Tea
Detailed itinerary
1
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Wadi Dawka where you can find thousands of Frankincense trees in the rocky desert area on the Nejd plateau in Dhofar mountains. Smell the scent of the precious resin pouring out of the trees.
2
Discover Ubar - the lost city in the desert, also known as the Atlantis of the desert. In the ancient and medieval times, it served as an oasis on the frankincense trade route. Sadly, the city collapsed to the sinkhole which appeared in the limestone bedrock under the city.
3
Drive to the Empty Quarter, the largest sandy desert in the world. There you will enjoy the adrenalin ride on the dunes with our experienced drivers. Driving up the dunes, descending from steep slopes and making the tilted horizontal drive. You can also try to run to the top of the dunes and relish in walking barefoot in the sand. From the top of the dunes, you can observe how the landscape changes its color during the sunset and make some remarkable pictures.
Available languages
Guide guide
CS
AR
SK
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
5 reviews
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Important information
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important notes
Please show your electronic or paper ticket to the tour guide before the start of the trip.
About Salalah
Salalah is a beautiful coastal city in southern Oman, known for its lush greenery, historic sites, and unique climate. It's a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, offering visitors a rich cultural experience.
Top Attractions
Al Baleed Archaeological Site
This UNESCO World Heritage site is an ancient city that dates back to the 4th century BC. It features ruins of palaces, mosques, and residential buildings.
Historical
2-3 hours
Moderate
Al Husn Souq
A traditional market where you can find a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and handmade crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and buy souvenirs.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to enter, prices vary for purchases
Al Mughsail Beach
A beautiful beach with white sand and clear waters. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
Beach
Half day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Shuwaa
Slow-cooked marinated meat, traditionally cooked in an underground oven. It's tender, flavorful, and a must-try in Oman.
Main Course
Contains meat
Harees
A porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat, often served during special occasions.
Main Course
Contains meat
Halwa
A sweet, gel-like dessert made from sugar, ghee, and nuts. It's a popular treat in Oman.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in Wadi Darbat
Exploring ancient ruins
Beach lounging at Al Mughsail Beach
Picnicking in Wadi Darbat
Visiting Al Husn Souq
Exploring Al Baleed Archaeological Site
Swimming at Al Mughsail Beach
Not applicable
Best Time to Visit
June to September
This is the monsoon season, bringing heavy rains and making the landscape lush and green. The weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the city's natural beauty.
25-35°C
77-95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Omani Rial (OMR)
Time Zone
GMT+4
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Salalah is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, travelers should always be cautious and aware of their surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid using them at night.
- • Use reputable tour operators and guides.
Getting there
By air
- Salalah Airport • 10 km from city center
By bus
Salalah Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus service is affordable and covers most parts of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, but schedules can be irregular.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Rentals
Car
Neighborhoods
Al Husn
Al Baleed
Al Mughsail
Day trips
Sumhuram (Khor Rori)
30 km from Salalah • Half day
An ancient port city that was part of the frankincense trade route. It features ruins of buildings, a mosque, and a fortress.
Wadi Darbat
30 km from Salalah • Full day
A beautiful wadi with lush greenery, waterfalls, and pools. It's a popular spot for picnics and nature walks.
Festivals
Khareef Festival • June to September
Pro tips
- Visit during the Khareef Festival to experience the lush greenery and cultural events.
- Try traditional Omani dishes like Shuwaa and Harees.
- Explore the historic sites of Al Baleed and Sumhuram for a glimpse into the past.
- Enjoy the natural beauty of Wadi Darbat and Al Mughsail Beach.
- Shop for local crafts and spices at Al Husn Souq.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
