Oman Highlights: Wahiba Sands Desert & Wadi Bani Khalid Tour
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience the Wonders of Wahiba Sands & Wadi Bani Khalid
Embark on a journey to the heart of Oman with a visit to Wahiba Sands, one of the country’s most breathtaking deserts. Meet friendly Bedouin families, learn about their unique way of life, and enjoy a traditional welcome with homemade Omani coffee and sweet dates.
In front of the Bedouin house, you’ll also find camels—if you’d like to try a short camel ride, it's available for just 3 OMR per person, payable directly to the locals.
Continue your adventure to the serene oasis of Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman’s most iconic wadis. A gentle walk takes you to stunning emerald-green pools, framed by dramatic cliffs and lush palm trees—perfect for a swim or a peaceful break surrounded by nature.
Please note that this tour does not include extreme dune bashing.
You are free to choose whether you would like to visit Wadi Bani Khalid first or start with the Wahiba Sands Desert—just let us know your preference.
Available options
Oman Highlights: Wahiba Sands Desert & Wadi Bani Khalid Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Omani Tour Guide English Speaking
Visit Bedouin Families
Transportation 4WD Vehicle Comfortable
Pick up and Drop off Anywhere in Muscat Area
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pick-up will be from your hotel or any location within the Muscat area. From there, it’s approximately a 2-hour drive to Wadi Bani Khalid.
2
Stop 2
We then continue our journey to Wadi Bani Khalid, one of the largest and most stunning wadis in Oman. The total visit, including driving time, will be around 3 hours.
This impressive wadi features towering canyon walls and breathtaking crystal-clear pools, making it a sight to behold. You can relax and enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool freshwater, sunbathe by the pools, or simply soak in the serene surroundings.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore deeper into the wadi or even visit its hidden caves. There’s also an option to enjoy lunch at a local Omani restaurant nearby.
Note:
If you prefer not to swim, you’re welcome to relax by the first pools, where the water is shallow and easily accessible.
We recommend bringing:
Sun protection & a hat
Good walking shoes
Swimwear, extra clothes & a towel Snacks and water
Swimwear Guidelines:
Ladies are kindly requested to wear shorts (covering the knees) and a t-shirt when swimming in Wadi Bani Khalid.
3
Stop 3
After the Wadi Bani Khalid. Will drive to Wahiba sands desert. Visit Bedouin Family in the middle of the desert, drink some coffee and eat dates with them. You can also ride a camel if you want to ride it will cost 3 OMR per person around 7 to 10 minutes but you need to pay by yourself directly with the bedouin people and you can take some photos and videos. The are also selling hand made items like bracelet, bag, key chain and more. Then after wahiba sands desert drive back to Muscat.
4
After visiting Wadi Bani Khalid and exploring the Wahiba Sands Desert, we will begin our return journey to Muscat. The drive back will take approximately 2 hours.
What's not included
Lunch
All personal Things
Camel ride 3 OMR or 8 USD per person
Dune Bashing is not included (If you want you need to book from the Camp by their car)
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Guide guide
EN
Written guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
8 reviews
5★
8
4★
0
3★
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1★
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Tripadvisor
5.0
143 reviews
5★
141
4★
1
3★
1
2★
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1★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note that dune bashing is not included in our service. It is not provided with our vehicle. If you're interested, you can book the dune bashing experience directly with the camp, using their designated 4x4 vehicles.
If you'd like to experience the sunset, we recommend choosing the 11:30 AM departure time.
Meeting point
Our guide will meet you at your hotel lobby, the port's main gate, or the airport arrivals area, holding a sign with your name.
About Muscat
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a beautiful coastal city known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and strategic location along the Gulf of Oman. With a unique blend of traditional Omani culture and modern development, Muscat offers visitors a mix of historic forts, luxurious resorts, and vibrant souks.
Top Attractions
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
One of the most stunning landmarks in Muscat, this mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a symbol of Omani heritage.
Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free (guided tours may have a fee)
Mutrah Souq
A traditional market offering a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and souvenirs. The souq is a great place to experience Omani culture and haggle for bargains.
Market/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to enter, prices vary for goods
Royal Opera House Muscat
A world-class venue for opera, ballet, and other performing arts, offering a glimpse into the cultural richness of Oman.
Cultural/Entertainment
2-3 hours (depending on the performance)
Varies by event (moderate to expensive)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Shuwa
Slow-cooked lamb or goat marinated in spices and wrapped in banana leaves.
Dinner
Not vegetarian
Harees
A porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat, often served during Ramadan.
Dinner
Not vegetarian
Halwa
A sweet dessert made from sugar, ghee, and spices, often served with tea.
Dessert
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in Wadi Shab
Dune bashing in the desert
Beach relaxation at Qurum Beach
Spa treatments at luxury resorts
Exploring Mutrah Souq
Visiting the Royal Opera House Muscat
Swimming in Bimmah Sinkhole
Boat tours in the Gulf of Oman
Best Time to Visit
November to March
The best time to visit Muscat is during the cooler months from November to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. This period also sees the highest number of tourists.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Arabic
- Widely spoken: English, Urdu, Balochi
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Omani Rial (OMR)
Time Zone
GMT+4
Electricity
240VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Muscat is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, it's always important to stay vigilant and follow local customs and laws.
Important Precautions:
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help
- • Keep valuables secure
Getting there
By air
- Muscat International Airport • 30 km from city center
By bus
Muscat Central Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus service is affordable and connects key points in Muscat. However, it may not be as extensive as in other major cities.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Careem
Rentals
Car
Neighborhoods
Mutrah
Al Khuwair
Shati Al Qurum
Day trips
Nizwa
160 km from Muscat • Full day
Nizwa is a historic city known for its fort, souq, and traditional Omani architecture.
Wadi Shab
90 km from Muscat • Full day
Wadi Shab is a stunning natural area with waterfalls, pools, and hiking trails.
Bimmah Sinkhole
120 km from Muscat • Half day
A natural sinkhole with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and photography.
Festivals
Muscat Festival • January to February
Eid al-Fitr • Varies (depends on the Islamic lunar calendar)
Pro tips
- Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds
- Explore Mutrah Souq in the evening when it's cooler and more lively
- Try traditional Omani coffee and dates at a local café
- Book a guided tour for day trips to learn more about the history and culture
- Carry a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated, especially in the summer
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
