One of the things I was most excited about on our trip to Oman was spending a night in the desert, an activity that has long been on my bucket list. I did lots of research on which camp would be best for us because there are a lot of desert camps in the Wahibah Sands (also known as Sharqiya Sands), a sea of sand that stretches across 12,500 square kilometers.
We found some quite luxurious camps with air conditioning, bars, and one even had a pool…but the reviews of these places had a common theme: “It was so nice after they turned off the generators!” That’s right, it’s the desert so any power has to be supplied by generators and they are noisy…not exactly the peaceful desert night we had envisioned. In the end, what we were dreaming of was an intimate, authentic desert camping experience and we found just that at the Nomadic Desert Camp.
This turned out to be the perfect choice and was exactly what we were looking for. The camp is owned and run by a Bedouin family that has lived in the Wahiba Sands for generations. We met in the afternoon at the meet up point in Al Wasil where we had to have air let out of our tires in preparation for desert driving. Lukasz was very excited about this part of the adventure! You must have an SUV to drive in the desert, but if you don’t the camp can provide transport at an additional cost.
After an exciting drive, we were shown to our thatched hut, a little room woven from date palm leaves, with four single beds, a dresser, and mosquito netting. The camp had no electricity but did have running water with shared toilets (the hole in the ground kind), sinks, and showers. It was perfect for one night, but some of the families there had made the camp their base for the week which might have slightly worn off the charm for us… but seemed to be just fine for them!
The camp was lovely and peaceful and the kids couldn’t get over how fun this giant sandbox was! After getting settled, it was time to go for a drive to meet some of the family’s camels and to watch the desert sunset.
Driving through the dunes for a camel meet and greet.
Hello, lovely!
I had no idea how sweet camels could be! This girl was three years old and she absolutely loved to be cuddled. Whenever we would stop petting her and start to walk away she would follow us and nudge us asking us to pet her some more. So cute!
Before we left we got to try camel milk, which tasted mostly like cow’s milk just warm and a little sweeter. I was surprised that our adventurous six-year-old didn’t want to try it, but absolutely shocked when our picky three-year-old walked right up to try it…and liked it!
After lots of camel snuggling, the sun was starting to set so we drove to the base of a big dune where we climbed up and watched the beautiful show.
A dune upon a dune for the best view!
The way the sand changed colors with the setting sun was so beautiful.
After the sun set, we made our way down the dune and our guides were waiting with a small fire where they had made coffee to serve with dates. There was a very peaceful, relaxed vibe in our small group and fortunately for us there was another family with two young girls so the kids quickly made friends. They were so excited to see a lizard scamper across our circle and were on the lookout for more wildlife, but apart from camels that’s all they saw. The drive back to camp was interesting in the dark, but luckily it was short!
Back at the camp we had time to get cleaned up a bit and then dinner was served buffet style under a tent. The food was plentiful and delicious, actually probably the best meal we had in Oman. After dinner, our guides had prepared a fire with cushions all around to lay back and get a glimpse of one of the clearest skies I’ve ever seen. We were served hot tea and it was really one of the most magical nights…until the boys got a bit too giddy and then it was time for us to retire to our hut!
The next morning we awoke bright and early to a delicious breakfast, including freshly baked Arabic bread.
Baking the bread for breakfast.
After breakfast it was time for the camel ride, and the boys could hardly wait. I was personally a bit nervous for the camel ride, but after seeing how gentle they were the day before I was convinced to give it a go! The guides led us on about a 15 minute loop through the desert, which was just perfect for the kids and they absolutely loved it.
This kid talked non-stop, he was so excited! And weeks later is still talking about camels.
After the ride it was time for us to pack up and say goodbye to the desert and our friendly hosts, but it was certainly a unique and wonderful stay! It was exactly what we had envisioned for a desert camping glamping experience and we would highly recommend it. This camp was one of the cheaper ones I came across, probably since they don’t have to pay for the generator or the swimming pool ;), which was even more of a bonus. The meals and camel ride were also included in the price of the stay.
Definitely a highlight of our Oman adventure!
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Amazing!
When you visit Dubai, I hope you get to try our camel milk ice cream and chocolate pralines! I’m sure both your kids will want to try out 😉
Sounds yummy, Fred! Will have to look for it next time we are in Dubai. 🙂
Ooh glamping in the desert sounds like a way fun way to explore! #WanderfulWednesday
Yes, California Globetrotter! So fun!! 🙂
What an experience! #wanderfulwednesday
Thanks, it really was! 🙂
This looks incredible. We did something similar in Morocco and I totally agree that we wanted something authentic and it was so worth it. #WanderfulWednesday
That’s awesome, Elizabeth! Especially for one night…it’s definitely worth doing without some of the more luxury glamping stuff for a more authentic experience.
I’ve only thought of camels as grumpy and spitting, so it’s nice to see them being sweet and cuddly!
I think a night without electricity and a hole in the ground toilet would be OK, but a week? The shine would definitely wear off, at least for me! 😉
Jane, that’s what I had thought about camels before also! Apparently that is just when they are unhappy and mistreated and otherwise they are quite gentle. And yes, I agree completely…one night was perfect but don’t think we could have done more than that!
Wow, it looks amazing!
What an adventure!! That sunset looks incredible. I don’t know if I could do it for a week, but I think a night or two would be incredible to experience. Did you have a chance to see the stars? That’s what I imagine would be incredible in such an unaffected place!
Yes, Sara that was one of my favorite parts! The night sky was so incredibly clear…I’ve only seen more stars once in a safari camp in South Africa. It was wonderful sitting around the camp fire just staring into the night sky…even our small kiddos were amazed! 🙂
Wow! That is so inspiring and definitely something I would like our family to experience. Funny how kids react to different things though I am pretty sure both of mine would try the camel’s milk. Thanks for joining #FarawayFiles
Thanks so much, Katy! It was such a fun family adventure, I’m sure your kiddos would love it!
Wow, camel’s milk, camel rides and a night under the stars. We loved our drive in the desert in Dubai — would love to explore Oman too. Good advice on the generators. I don’t think I would have thought of that! #farawayfiles
I wouldn’t have either if not for reading those reviews! Definitely something good to consider. 🙂 The desert is so amazing, my husband really wants to try out the dune bashing sometime! 😉
What a fabulous experience – I would love to go to Oman and this has gone right on my bucket list. I slept under the stars (without my daughter) in Jordan and it was fabulous gazing up at the sky. #farawayfiles
Oooh, MummyTravels, Joradan is on my list too! So happy to share some inspiration! 🙂
This looks like such a fun experience with your kids! I went desert glamping but I was in the Sahara in Morocco – loved climbing (and falling) up the dunes and of course the camels!! Would definitely be cool to do it in Oman as well.
Thanks Sarah, it was awesome! 🙂 We need to head back to Morocco, have only done Marrakech, but there’s so much more to explore there!
Wow that is insane! What an amazing adventure! I get why your kids were so excited, this is probably a memory to last a lifetime!!
Thanks, Vanessa! I hope they will remember it, you never know at their ages, but I would certainly think that at least the camel riding would leave an impression! 😉
Amazing! I want to go #FarawayFiles
Such a fun experience, this is definitely something I’d like to do! The colours you captured are just beautiful 🙂
Thanks, Marcella!
Ohh so fun! I have had an similar experience in Thar desert in north of India. We didn’t have a glamping experience. Instead of a five start hotel we had a million star hotel which mean we were sleeping under the sky with only blankets wrapped around us. Very romantic experience riding the camel into the desert, watching the sunset and cooking by the fire. I should write a post about it!🙏❤️
Wow, just amazing! I would have never considered camping in a desert as a fun for kids, but this must´ve been a great experience for them!
It was, they had a blast! And so did we! 🙂
What an epic trip!!
Sounds like a wonderful escape from everything! I would be with the kids playing in the sand dunes 🙂
Ha, I hear ya! It was indeed. 🙂
Hej Ashley! Hello from Copenhagen! Welcome to #FarawayFiles Travel Blog Community – we are so excited to have you! What a wonderful post. I could completely get behind this experience – looks so special. Thank you for highlighting the generator noise factor, something that people probably don’t think about when seeking out camps like this. I think I agree with you and would forgo the pool for a night of peace and quiet. Love the idea of the fire pit under the stars. Magical.
Thanks so much, happy to have found your link ups…lots of great inspiration! 🙂
This looks like a wonderful experience and yet another reason now that I’d love to visit Oman. Pinning for future reference. #wanderfulwednesday
Thanks so much! I’ll have a full Oman road trip itinerary coming soon for more inspiration! 🙂
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Looks like a great adventure with kids. Pictures are amazing specially the ones with the cute munchkin 😃
Thanks so much, Pooja! It was a wonderful adventure!