Sharqiya Sands on a budget

Sharqiya Sands is a good choice on a budget.

Suitability: ★★★★★

The Sharqiya Sands are a sand sea in eastern Oman covering about 12,500 km² and running some 180 km north to south. Around 200 animal species and 150 native plant species have been recorded there.

Why Sharqiya Sands on a budget?

• Shared tours and mid-range lodging are available.
• Travelling by road instead of flying in keeps costs down.

What awaits you in Sharqiya Sands

• Overnight stays in camps among the dunes
• Northern dunes rising to about 100 m
• Encounters with Bedouin life and customs
• Camel and horse races at Bidiyah
• Clear skies for stargazing

Wildlife you may encounter: camels, foxes and birdlife.

Suggested time on the ground: 1 to 2 days. The edge of the sands is about three hours by road from Muscat via Ibra to Al Mintirib or Bidiyah. Driving into the dunes needs a 4x4, and many camps offer pick-up from the desert edge.

Activities that fit

camel rides and camping.

When to go

The best period overall is December to February.

Best period for dune camping; nights are noticeably cooler.

Other destinations on a budget

• Al Marmoom United Arab Emirates
• Al Areen Bahrain
• Dubai Desert United Arab Emirates
• Hatta United Arab Emirates
• Mleiha United Arab Emirates
• Edge of the World Saudi Arabia

Full Sharqiya Sands guideBest safaris on a budget

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

Sources: Experience Oman – A'Sharqiyah Sands · Wikipedia – Wahiba Sands · oman.de – Wahiba Sands · Weather Spark – Badiyah (Bidiyah) climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.