Desert Nights Camp

Desert Nights Camp is the most comfortable of the fixed camps in our Sharqiya Sands selection, in the Wahiba desert: suites with solid walls under canvas roofs, air-conditioned, with proper bathrooms, a pool and a restaurant, on a site of about 4 hectares among the dunes. You sleep in the desert with the comfort of a hotel.

A name in transition

The camp appears to have changed its name. Its former website is no longer online, and the booking page that carried its name now shows a "Desert Nights Resort", listed under Bidiya, the nearby town. No closure has been announced, and several tour operators still describe the camp as operating. We have the operator confirm the name, services and rates before any booking.

Tented suites with solid walls

Desert Nights is a permanent camp: its suites have solid walls and a vaulted canvas roof in the style of a Bedouin tent. Striped rugs, bright cushions, lanterns and Omani artefacts set the tone.

The double suite, the most common, suits a couple: air-conditioned, with a private bathroom and a terrace over the dunes. Family suites are few, and a handful of solid-roofed rooms suit those who prefer a conventional ceiling.

Tour operators disagree on the number of suites: think of several dozen units.

A day at camp

Once past the 11 km of sand track, the camp offers:

• sunset by camel, or by 4x4 to the highest dunes;
• dune bashing (driving the dunes in a 4x4 with a driver), quad biking and sandboarding;
• guided walks introducing the desert's plants and wildlife;
• stargazing at night, far from any light.

Between outings, the pool, the lounges and the patios facing the dunes are a refuge in the heat of the day. A games room, a library and a playground keep children busy; they are welcome, though there are no dedicated children's facilities.

Two Dunes, the camp's restaurant

Two Dunes has an air-conditioned dining room and a terrace. It serves Omani cooking, including shuwa (marinated, slow-cooked lamb) served around the campfire, and a breakfast buffet. You can have a cocktail under the stars. For a special occasion, a private dinner in the dunes with a chef and a butler can be arranged.

Getting there

The camp is near Al Wasil, about 2 to 2.5 hours by road from Muscat International Airport. The last 11 km are on a sand track, by 4x4; camps often collect guests at the edge of the dunes. Venture into the Wahiba only in a convoy of at least two vehicles, with experienced people and navigation and communication equipment: with a camp transfer, this is taken care of. See our guide to a night in the desert in Oman and, for the wider picture, our Oman situation guide.

The best time for the desert is September to April.

Price

Desert Nights' rates are available on request: with the change of name, we confirm rates and services with the operator for your dates.

Sabaro's view

Who it suits: couples and families who want a night in the dunes with hotel comfort; first-time desert stays.

Highlights: solid-walled suites under canvas, with king beds and bathrooms; the pool; a restaurant and bar; the range of activities; an 8.8 out of 10 rating on Booking.com (713 reviews).

Good to know: a camp of several dozen units, less intimate than a private camp; name and services to be confirmed. For a more solitary desert, see Canvas Club, a private camp set up on request; for a lighter budget, Thousand Nights Camp. See also the Wahiba Sands region and our desert ideas.