Wahiba Sands, 421 Bidiyah, Oman
#4 of 16 hotels in Bidiyah
Guests' ChoiceBased on 39 hotel reviews
9.5Cleanliness
9.4
Comfort
9.3
Location
9.9
Facilities
9.3
Staff
9.9
Value for money
9.1
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Showing 1 – 25
Reviewed: 22 January 2024
Suzanne
NetherlandsNothing. Everything was great.
The camp was extremely private. It's located in full isolation between the dunes. There are 3 Bedouin tents in total, each with their own toilet facilities with running water. The tents are equipped with beds, several chairs, towels and (solar) lanterns. We had two young children with us and were provided with an extra bed and a sturdy cot. The transfer from a nearby village to the camp was punctual and not uncomfortable (bear in mind that it's off-road driving in the sand dunes). The transfer does cost RO15 per person, above the cost of the stay. Meals are provided in a nearby camp; the host would pick us up for those. Dinner was deliciously barbecued chicken with a buffet of rice, lentils, salad, etc. Omani coffee and dates were always served as well. A campfire was set up per our wishes, and we were returned to our own tent when we wished. The host generously provided us with extra water and spare torches. In the morning we were picked up for breakfast; eggs, beans, vegetables, cheese and jams were available, in addition to bread baked in coals where we sat. It is possible to ride camels or take a car tour through the dunes, but we didn't do those. We saw a sled and a snowboard in the camp where we had our meals, but it was not offered to us and we didn't ask. The host speaks Arabic and English.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 15 January 2024
Panuya
SwitzerlandVery friendly host.
Stayed in January 2024
Reviewed: 23 December 2023
Sarah
United KingdomNothing, we loved every moment of it!
The whole experience was faultless. It is a family run business, created by the father who died only 2 years ago and was a much loved desert conservationist and guide. We were beautifully looked after from the moment of pick up in Muscat by Abdullah for whom no request was too much trouble to our arrival in camp. He acts as the best guide, so you see and experience the very best of Omani hospitality. Rasheed manages the business and Hamid runs the camp very well to maken sure our desert experience is unique. We were lucky to have the whole desert camp to ourselves for the two nights, so we enjoyed private sundowners and stargazing without any interruptions! prompt morning pick-ups took us to a delicious breakfast in the main Nomandic camp. The whole camp has been thoughtfully designed to fit into the landscape with a totally natural feel. The tents are lined in colourful carpets to retain local design feel and comfortable beds. The camp is unique in every way and well worth the adventure. It is completely authentic. The whole team speak excellent english and Abdullah has a terrific sense of humour. We could not recommend a stay there more highly.
Stayed in December 2023
Reviewed: 30 November 2023
Severin
SwitzerlandThe camp was placed between the sand dunes. A few steps and we could enjoy a magical sundown/sunrise. It was very calm and the camp was really clean and confortable. The staff was very nice and gave us lot's of privacy.
Stayed in November 2023
Reviewed: 24 November 2023
Mareike
GermanyThe logistics is a bit more complicated as you need a 5 min drive from the main camp to the small camp, so you can’t just quickly go back to your room if you need anything. Transfer and camel ride are a bit expensive but well organized and worth it.
Nice camp with only 3 tents. In the morning you can climb a dune and are completely on your own for sunrise. It still has the advantage of the infrastructure of a bigger camp as it belongs to the Nomadic desert camp owned by the same family. Everything is very clean and although I was a bit scared I could not sleep because I’m afraid of snakes and scorpions, it felt safe and I slept well ;) The brothers who run the camp are excellent hosts.
Stayed in November 2023
Reviewed: 21 November 2023
Markus
Switzerlandall fine
Beautiful camp, only 3 tents, very nice and helpful staff, good food. We stayed 2 nights and would recommend this, because one day is not enough to experience the desert.
Stayed in November 2023
Reviewed: 17 November 2023
Maria
New ZealandNothing
We entertained ourselves for the day at Wadi Bin Khalid as we knew it would be too hot to go to the camp in the middle of the days heat. We were met by Humied at about 4pm at our previous nights camp and he escorted us to the private desert camp nestled in some dunes about 2 kms from Sama Al Wasil Camp. Here there were 3 Bedouin tents set up each with their own outdoor but private bathroom. We had a bit of room beside the tents so it felt like you were there on your own. There were 2 out of the 3 tents occupied. We went straight onto Dune Bashing with Humied and for 2 hours we visited his camel farm, were thrilled by steep descents, walked up dunes to catch the sunset, and were entertained by the very funny Humied who I knicknamed Ali G as he sounded just like him. He was truly fantastic and very welcoming. We went back to the camp in time to get sorted for dinner. The dinner tent is a few minutes walk away from the tents (shoes and socks to be worn in case of scorpions)We were treated to bread being cooked in the sand/coals and a lovely genuine tasty meal with good company. As our tent was still hot, our beds were pulled out under the starts and here is where we slept. There were no scorpions, but there were mice and one treated himself to a shoelace which he chewed through. So any food goes in the vehicle and shoe laces need protecting LOL. We had a lovely sleep and we were up again early the next day to go camel riding and watch the sun come up. We didn’t go very far but stopped to have coffee, Bedouin style in the desert, and watch as the sun came up- magic. We then went back to the camp for a delicious breakfast. This was all organized and hosted by the owners- the 2 brothers. It was a lot of fun and we thought was a reasonable price for hours of entertainment, 2 nice meals and an awesome experience - Bedouin style. I highly recommend this place
Stayed in September 2023
Reviewed: 29 August 2023
Lenka
OmanTo stay in a Desert Camp sleeping under the stars is a completely outstanding experience. Driving over the dunes, riding camels, sharing the local food with the family that accommodated us felt special indeed. The location of the camp is hidden, aqay from other camps or other people, so one can enjoy complete silence, darkness and inclusion with the nature. Provided breakfast and dinner had a traditional tone which we appreciated highly. Recommended!
Stayed in July 2023
Reviewed: 22 August 2023
Gabriella
ItalyNothing
Everything! First of all we were completely alone in the middle of the beautiful omani desert: a unique experience! We loved the authenticity of the structure and of its owner, Humied (and the camels of course, the real bosses there). He is a very entertaining host: we ate together both at dinner and breakfast and we had the opportunity to talk a lot about Oman and its culture and traditions. The tent, the linens, the private external toilet were all very clean! PS: Unexpectedly, there was some sand in the tent, next time please provide us with a broom Humied 😉just joking of course 😜
Stayed in August 2023
Reviewed: 10 August 2023
Filippo
ItalySimple, perfect location, very nice staff
Stayed in August 2023
Reviewed: 8 August 2023
Katsiaryna
SwitzerlandEverything, the location was great, the tent very authentic, the food delicious, the host was very friendly. We enjoy sleeping under open sky, camel ride, car safari and sand surfing.
Stayed in August 2023
Reviewed: 5 August 2023
Enrico
GermanyAbdullah and his kids were amazing! Showed me the awesome environment and felt very welcome! Always again
Stayed in August 2023
Reviewed: 30 May 2023
Claire
United KingdomIt would be good to have somewhere in the sleeping tent and the shower to hang things. Just a hook in the shower and a small chair in the bedroom would have been useful.
The camp is very simple and peaceful. We were driving in a 4 by 4 and were guided to the camp. The host is very friendly and it was very nice to have a chat with him in the evening.
Stayed in May 2023
Reviewed: 28 May 2023
Jennifer
United KingdomI loved the location in the desert. Our guide was very helpful, friendly and accommodating. Loved the morning camel ride.
Stayed in May 2023
Reviewed: 3 May 2023
Agi
SwitzerlandLovely, peaceful location way from the other camps, small setting and lovely people. We really enjoyed the ride there and the visits to the animals, the tour through the desert in the morning and the kids loved the short camel ride. Stars, sand and serenity. Lovely guide.
Stayed in May 2023
Reviewed: 27 March 2023
Wuyts
Belgiumlocation is great because it’s the camp the furthest in desert . feels really desolate yet comfortable with sanitary
Stayed in March 2023
Reviewed: 13 March 2023
Lisa
SwitzerlandNothing
This place was fantastic. We wanted something private and this was exactly that. The camp is associated with a nearby larger campsite, where meals are taken, but this private camp is completely separate and there were just three tents. It is so peaceful. A perfect place to just relax and watch the stars. The team were so welcoming and helpful from the pick up in the nearby town to the moment we left. Once you are there, they can help organise activities for longer stays. We only stayed one night. If you like to feel alone in the desert, this is the place for you. I have never driven on sand before, but we managed absolutely fine driving in convoy with our SUV. Don’t be put off by this. And in the morning we managed our way back alone without any problems.
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: 7 February 2023
Paulina
PolandEverything was great.
Excellent choice for those who want to spend a night in a traditional Bedouin tent without electricity, Internet, air conditioning or fridge, but in a stunning place with spectacular views, silence and friendly staff. It’s a very small camp compared to others and that’s additional advantage as you can enjoy the silence and take beautiful photos. We really enjoyed our 4x4 ride to the sunset organised by our host.
Stayed in February 2023
Reviewed: 7 January 2023
Claudio
ItalyI would change the white plastic chair with more traditional ones
In the camp you can really experience the silence of the desert and his magic Unfortunately we couldn’t enjoy the view of the sky full of stars due to the full moon and clouds but the sunset and sunrise are big emotions Ahmed and his family are very nice and friendly and we really enjoyed the dinner and their stories about the desert and the camels The tents are equipped with all the necessary stuff and toilets with showers are located few meters away Snowboarding on the dunes after sunrise it an amazing experience!
Stayed in January 2023
Reviewed: 26 November 2022
Elias
BelgiumYou don’t have a crazy view from your tent, but walking up one hill and you have an amazing sight!
Hospitality at its best ! So peaceful and further away from big camps, you find 3 cosy tents, a bathroom and a small lobby, nothing more you need. Dinner and Breakfast is arranged at a nearby authentic camp with some more guests, which is very nice to have peace at your own tent but to have some social contact with other travelers when eating and enjoying the campfire and activities of the other camp. Camel ride at sunrise is amazing!! Would 200% recommend!
Stayed in November 2022
Reviewed: 20 November 2022
Bert
SloveniaThere is nothing I didn't like about our stay here :)
Perfect peaceful location with no mobile signal, electricity and noise. Everything was well organized and the host was super friendly and helpful. This is the best place to stay compared to other bigger resorts where there are a lot of lights and other guests. We were there with a 2-year daughter and we enjoyed every second of our stay.
Stayed in November 2022
Reviewed: 16 November 2022
Julian
AustriaHad a lovely stay for 2 nights at Sultan Private Camp. Its three tents are located about 1 km from its partner camp Nomadic Desert Camp where we were brought for dinner and breakfast. The surrounding landscape is amazing with no disturbing lights or noise. A day trip to a wadi is easily possible. The hosts were extremely kind and we can definitely recommend staying here.
Stayed in November 2022
Reviewed: 5 November 2022
Laura
NetherlandsNothing to add here; everything was perfect!
What a special experience! We were brought to the camp by the very friendly hosts and the desert camp was wonderful: a small camp with 3 tents (equipped with comfortable beds to sleep in) and a bathroom. This made the camp perfect for watching the sunset and sunrise, stargazing, and experiencing the desert in an intimate setting. The hosts were amazing and we also greatly enjoyed the variety of food that was served. Overall a 10/10 unique experience which we would highly recommend: definitely the highlight of our trip across Oman!
Stayed in October 2022
Reviewed: 26 October 2022
Becky
MalaysiaMy kids did not like having to leave!
Absolutely stunning location much deeper into the desert than some other camps. The Sultan Private Camp was just us at the foot of a huge dune - the silence, the stars and the setting were just magical. We ate wonderful dinner and breakfast at their main bigger camp - three of us were vegetarian and there was plenty of delicious food for them. Our hosts - all family - were incredibly welcoming, fun with the kids and kind. We had asked for a one hour dune safari which was in fact nearly two hours at sunset going deep into the desert, over incredibly beautiful dunes. Our host found - no idea how - some of their camels so we could see the babies and try fresh camel milk and then on to the top of a dune for a perfectly magical sunset. An unforgettable experience! The following morning we took a short camel ride - the camp could organise much longer treks but we were short on time - my kids loved it! We could not have asked for a better, more perfect experience!
Stayed in October 2022
Showing 1 – 25
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