Sharqiya Sands for photographers

Sharqiya Sands is one of the best choices for photographers.

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 for photographers?

• Chances to photograph camels, foxes and birdlife.
• The best light is in the first hour after sunrise and the last before sunset.

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

hot-air balloon flights and stargazing.

When to go

The best period overall is December to February.

Best period for dune camping; nights are noticeably cooler.

Other destinations for photographers

• Khor Al Adaid Qatar
• Liwa United Arab Emirates
• Empty Quarter Saudi Arabia
• Sir Bani Yas Island United Arab Emirates
• AlUla Saudi Arabia
• Edge of the World Saudi Arabia

Full Sharqiya Sands guideBest safaris for photographers

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.