4 enchanting ways to spend the night in the magnificent Omani desert
Does sleeping under the stars sound magical? It absolutely is, and the Omani government wants you to give it a try.
As Oman’s oil reserves dwindle, the government’s efforts to encourage recreational camping fit into broader initiatives to diversify the economy. The Ministry of Tourism recognizes Oman’s beautiful and unusual landscape as an opportunity to attract more visitors and shift the economy away from the energy industry.
Camping is nothing new to the Omanis. Although the culture has modernized drastically in the last few decades, there are Bedouin tribes who still live as nomads in the desert. These Bedouins’ reasons for clinging to the old ways are a testament to the draw of desert life, which is compelling and challenging in equal measure.
The Omani government hopes to harness the magnetism of its vast wilderness by encouraging the following camping options:
Motor homes
In January 2021 the Ministry of Tourism announced new infrastructure to support camper vans, the latest in the government’s efforts to showcase its scenery.
The new service points provide electricity, water and waste disposal for motor homes in three popular tourist locations:
- Salalah is known for its lush green landscape during the khareef (or monsoon) season.
- Ras al Jinz is famous for the turtles that come to lay their eggs on the protected beaches.
- Ashkara has 30 kilometers of pristine beaches and an unusually cool breeze during the khareef season.
Also, the Special Economic Authority of Duqm, a brand-new city about 300 km from Muscat, recently announced a new campground catering to motor homes. In addition to water, electricity and waste disposal, the campground has entertainment facilities for children and plans for a walkway along the coast of Duqm.
You can rent a motor home from companies that operate out of the capital, Muscat.
Glamping
The Ministry of Tourism hosted a tourist camp exhibition in 2020 to increase the visibility of the nation’s 22 established glamping operators.
These camps offer accommodations, usually semi-permanent canvas tents with air-conditioning and electrical outlets. They also provide catered meals and activities like sand driving and camel rides.
Camping tour operators
If you want to experience unspoiled nature and you don’t mind roughing it a little, there are tour operators who can make it happen.
They provide tents, sleeping bags, camping equipment, maps, detailed itineraries and experienced guides. This ensures you’ll see the best landscapes and be safe while you do it.
Unguided wild camping
If you’re even mildly adventurous, you can still strike out on your own, as camping is legal almost anywhere in Oman.
Just do a little research into the best areas to see, buy some reasonably priced camping equipment at one of many outlets in Muscat, and rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Then set out to find the perfect spot in the rugged mountains, in the majestic dunes of the Sharqiyah Sands or on one of Oman’s scenic beaches.
It’s best to go in a convoy with at least two cars in case of emergency. Also, you should avoid camping in wadis, where even small amounts of rain create dangerous waterways. Finally, be respectful of the locals by giving any villages a wide berth.
Outdoor activities point to Oman’s future
Spend some time in Oman’s vast and spellbinding desert landscapes, and you’ll agree: The best way to experience this country is to drive out into the wilderness and spend a night or two.
The renewed interest in Oman’s natural environment is not limited to tourism initiatives, as outdoor activities have taken on a symbolic significance. One group of Omanis recently crossed the desert on foot as a gesture of cultural pride, hoping to inspire young Omanis to embrace their heritage and their potential.
With any luck, the government’s ongoing initiatives to support camping in Oman will help the nation cultivate an identity distinct from its dying oilfields.
*This article was originally submitted as coursework for the Digital Journalism and Design graduate program at the University of South Florida.