Tucked away in the breathtaking Wahiba Sands, Thousand Nights Camp is a family-friendly desert camp in Oman that perfectly blends the natural beauty of the desert with modern comforts. Imagine gazing at star-filled skies, feeling the warm desert breeze, and settling into luxurious accommodations designed for families and travelers alike. This review will guide you through everything you need to know to make the most of your desert adventure in Oman with your family.
Nestled between golden sand dunes, Thousand Nights Camp offers a serene desert oasis ideal for families looking to experience the magic of Wahiba Sands without sacrificing comfort.
Table of contents
- Explore Our Complete Oman Travel Guide
- How to Get to Thousand Nights Camp in Wahiba Sands
- Arrival and Check-In at the Desert Camp
- Family-Friendly Room Options at Thousand Nights Camp
- Main Camp Amenities at Thousand Nights Camp
- Family-Friendly Activities at the Desert Camp
- Food and Meal Plans: Dining at Thousand Nights Camp
- Staff Interaction and Guest Experience
- Frequently Asked Questions About Thousand Nights Camp
- Final Thoughts: Our Family Desert Adventure in Wahiba Sands
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Explore Our Complete Oman Travel Guide
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How to Get to Thousand Nights Camp in Wahiba Sands
Getting to Thousand Nights Camp in Wahiba Sands is part of the adventure itself. Traveling through the vast desert landscape, you may spot goats and camels along the way, giving you a taste of Oman’s unique scenery even before you arrive.
There are several ways to reach the camp, and the staff will communicate your options prior to arrival.
Keep in mind that access to the resort requires a 4×4 or capable 4WD vehicle.
Shuttle Service
If you prefer convenience, the camp’s shuttle service is an excellent choice. This was our option, as our rental car was only a 2WD.
To use the service, pre-book your ride by messaging the resort. A dedicated car and driver will meet you at the nearest meeting point — the town of Bidiyah — typically at the Shell Station. You’ll receive your driver’s contact information, and they will have yours. Be sure to verify the driver’s identity, as multiple guides may approach you at the meeting point.
Once you meet your driver, they will lead you to a dedicated parking lot where you can safely leave your car. Then begins the exciting drive into Wahiba Sands, where you’ll ascend sand dunes, traverse the arid landscape, and likely spot goats and camels along the way.
As of 2025, the shuttle service costs approximately 40 OMR for one vehicle, which can seat up to four people. The resort also offers pickups from Muscat and Sur, though these options are considerably more expensive.
Escort Service
If you already have a 4×4 or capable 4WD vehicle, you can choose the escort service. This option gives you the freedom to drive your own car while ensuring you won’t get lost on the desert journey.
The drive from Bidiyah to the camp is approximately 40 km and takes about 45 minutes. The escort service costs 20 OMR per vehicle as of 2025.
Self-Drive with a 4×4
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, self-driving a 4×4 to Thousand Nights Camp is a thrilling choice. The resort provides free parking, and if your vehicle can handle the desert terrain, the journey through rolling dunes and wide-open vistas is unforgettable. It offers a unique sense of freedom and adventure, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Important tips for a self-drive:
- A reliable GPS or detailed map is essential.
- Cell service may be limited or unavailable in the desert.
- Make sure your 4×4 is capable of handling sand driving safely.
- An escort service is highly recommended – it’s not advised to travel in the desert alone.
Arrival and Check-In at the Desert Camp
Arriving at Thousand Nights Camp in Wahiba Sands is seamless and welcoming. Friendly staff greet you upon arrival, ensuring your experience starts on a high note. The check-in process is quick and straightforward. You’ll receive an itinerary outlining the day’s planned activities, along with a list of optional paid experiences such as dune bashing and camel rides, allowing you to schedule them according to your preferences.
Ride to Your Tent
After check-in, a staff member will help transport your luggage on a golf cart for a short ride to your tent. Upon arrival, the staff will assist with bringing your luggage into the tent and helping you settle in.
Regarding tipping, we noticed the luggage staff didn’t expect it—they quickly scurried away before we could offer. Since our luggage was unusually heavy, we felt it was appropriate to tip and had to chase him down. Otherwise, tipping does not seem to be a standard expectation at the camp.
Family-Friendly Room Options at Thousand Nights Camp
Thousand Nights Camp in Wahiba Sands offers a range of family-friendly accommodations, from traditional Bedouin-style tents to modern sand villas, ensuring every guest finds the perfect desert retreat. Each unit comes equipped with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and private bathrooms, combining authentic desert charm with modern comforts for a memorable stay.
Sheikh Tent Standard
The traditional tents showcase Omani craftsmanship with colorful fabrics and intricate designs. Spacious and comfortable, these tents come equipped with essential amenities, including cozy beds, rugs, and private bathrooms. Expect to unwind in a setting that respects the rich cultural heritage of Oman.
The tents offer just enough space for a cozy atmosphere with curtains that open to glass windows on one side for easy viewing of the desert landscape. While this is the cheapest option at the resort, the rooms only feature one king-size bed (or two twin beds). If traveling as a family, like we were (we are a family of 4), you do have the option of adding up to 2 additional beds to the room. Of course, with the addition of two rollaway beds, the room was more cramped, but this is to be expected.
Sheikh Tent Deluxe
For those seeking a bit more luxury and space, consider a deluxe sheikh tent for you and your family. These tents feature twice the space of a regular sheikh tent, elegant furnishings, and a cozy sitting area—an oasis of comfort in the heart of the desert heat. You also have the same bed options as the standard sheikh tent.
Both standard and deluxe sheikh tents feature an electric kettle and a selection of teas and coffees, as well as complimentary toiletries.
Ameer Tent
Looking for even more space and a bit more luxury. Ameer tents offer the most square footage and feature unique amenities such as a comfortable outdoor seating area, attached bathroom, and a private heated pool. The tent also features a television, an indoor seating area, a minifridge filled with drinks and fruit, luxury toiletries, and reflective glass on two sides that offers panoramic views of the sunrise or sunset. You also have the option of adding additional beds, making this the perfect option for families looking for more space and a luxury experience.
Sand House
The sand house offers a unique and modern twist on your desert experience, offering reflective panels on all sides, giving you the best views over the desert landscape. You’ll have twice as much space as a deluxe sheikh tent, an open seating area separate from the bedroom, a minibar with fruits and drinks, luxury toiletries, a television, and a private balcony.
Keep in mind that all room categories have a maximum occupancy of two adults and two children. Exceptions may be made on request, and for larger families, it’s best to discuss your options directly with the resort before booking.
Main Camp Amenities at Thousand Nights Camp
Perhaps the most important factor when choosing a luxury desert camp in Oman is the range and quality of amenities on offer—especially when traveling as a family with children. Thousand Nights Camp provides a thoughtful selection of facilities and experiences designed to enhance your stay and ensure comfort in the heart of the desert.
Activity Center
The activity center, although small and outdated, serves as the perfect place for small children to let off some energy. Equipped with a decent-sized, enclosed trampoline, a small children’s play structure with swings and a slide, and bean bag seating, small children are sure to have fun here.
And for adults, there’s a pool table as well as a foosball table to use while the kids play.
There also appears to be a small projection screen where movies may be shown from time to time, although we were not made aware of any screenings during our time here.
Restaurant
Savor meals at the camp’s restaurant, known for its focus on traditional Arabic and Omani cuisine. There’s plenty of seating, and the decor is done in traditional Omani style with lots of comfortable benches and pillows. The restaurant itself is beautiful, featuring rock and stone, beautiful wood tables, and even a working fountain.
Arabian Nights Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and dinner, with a la carte options for lunch. Expect dishes made with fresh ingredients that celebrate local flavors. We found a good variety of foods and always found options that our two young children (ages 2 and 4) would eat. They also had a good selection of desserts, drinks, and fruit.
Desert Ship Lounge
Relax in the Desert Ship Lounge, which provides a magnificent view of the dunes. Enjoy a refreshing drink or light snack as you take in the stunning desert surroundings. This is the perfect place to relax and have a coffee while you wait for your desert activities to begin.
Drinks and snacks from the desert ship lounge are not included in your meal plan and will be charged by the price listed on the menu.
Heated Pool
Of the many desert camps located in Wahiba Sands, not many feature a pool. Thousand Nights Camp is one of the few that feature a heated pool, and it serves as a great haven of relaxation. Surrounded by palm trees and loungers, it invites you to relax and enjoy. Being partially shaded from the sun, it offers a great place to lounge while kids splash and play. Although heated, it’s not as hot as a traditional hot tub and is perfect for those chilly desert nights.
The heated pool is open from 8:00 – 8:00 every day.
Animal Encounters
Interact with local wildlife, including camels, oryx, and gazelle. These encounters allow you to connect with the natural beauty of the desert and provide unique photo opportunities. The resort has two enclosed pens near the office, one featuring a few dozen Arabian Oryx and the other, gazelle. Kids will love watching the animals run and play. And don’t forget the opportunity to see camels wandering around the camp. On both days of our visit, our kids were delighted to see camels walking by our tent and wandering behind the camp’s restaurant.
Family-Friendly Activities at the Desert Camp
Of course, no family desert experience in Oman is complete without the traditional activities, and this camp offers them all. Thousand Nights Camp is packed with activities to ensure a memorable experience for all ages.
Free Activities
- Campfire Evenings: Settle in by the campfire each night with hot chocolate and marshmallows. Share stories under the stars—a memorable way to connect with fellow travelers.
Campfires were held every night of our stay at 8:00 p.m.
- Stargazing with an Astronomer: Take advantage of the unpolluted desert skies to explore the universe through guided stargazing sessions. It’s a fantastic way to learn about the wonders of space. A professional astronomer takes you on a journey across the camp to a stargazing spot where constellations can be seen with great clarity. Take turns looking through an advanced telescope to view amazing space objects. During our nights of stargazing, we were able to view the surface of the moon, the planets of Mars and Jupiter, as well as some of Jupiter’s moons. It’s truly an amazing experience and, paired with the astronomer’s insight, a lot can be learned about space, the stars, and constellations.
Stargazing sessions were held at 9:00 p.m. every night of our stay.
Paid Activities
Dune Bashing: Climb into a 4×4 for an adrenaline-pumping dune bashing experience. The thrill of navigating the sandy landscape with an expert driver will leave you exhilarated. Keep in mind that this activity is not suitable for small children.
Camel Safaris: Experience the desert like a Bedouin by embarking on a camel safari. This unique adventure allows you to appreciate the dunes from a different perspective. The camp offers many opportunities for camel riding, from half and full-day safaris to sunrise and sunset treks, and even short rides around the camp.
We chose a sunset safari paired with a sunset picnic setup on top of the dunes. Although we were nervous about boarding a camel with two young children, the guides were reassuring, kind, and professional. Our guide even carried our two-year-old on the way back to camp when he began to get upset. The camels were friendly as well and seemed well taken care of and cared for. They even had unique names!
ATV Adventures: Zoom across the dunes on an ATV for a heart-racing exploration of the terrain. It’s a speedier alternative to traditional desert travel. Although we would never personally take our young children on an ATV for safety concerns, we did witness quite a few families embark on ATV rides with their young children. We did see them wearing helmets, which is always a good choice.
Romantic Dinners: Celebrate a special occasion or enjoy a date night under the stars with a romantic dinner setup. Dining amidst the golden dunes creates an enchanting atmosphere. The staff handles everything from setup to cleanup, and even transportation, ensuring you have a magical evening.
Other Options: The resort also offers a host of other paid activities and services, from private BBQ and campfire setups, Bedouin trekking guides, packed or buffet lunches for excursions, and even shuttle services to Wadi Bani Khalid as well as desert crossings to various ports and cities.
Food and Meal Plans: Dining at Thousand Nights Camp
Culinary offerings at Thousand Nights Camp highlight the rich flavors of Arabic and Omani cuisine. Of course, the restaurant also features a variety of other foods to satisfy even the palates of children.
All room rates include half board, which is a breakfast and dinner buffet held at the resort’s Arabian Nights Restaurant. You also have the option of selecting an all-inclusive/full board rate, which would allow you to dine at the restaurant for an a la carte lunch.
Breakfast
Start your day with a delightful breakfast buffet that includes traditional Arabic dishes, fresh fruits, cereals, and baked goods. Highlights like a waffle/pancake and omelet station let you customize your morning meal. Don’t forget to request a pot of coffee or tea for your table as well.
We found many delicious options for breakfast, with the restaurant featuring fresh and local foods that appealed to everyone in our family.
The breakfast buffet is held from 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. every morning.
Lunch
Although lunch was not included in the package we chose, you will find a variety of delicious options at the camp. From light bites to hearty plates inspired by local flavors, there’s something for every palate. You can pay for lunch or purchase a room rate that includes a full board when booking.
Dinner
Dinner transforms into a grand buffet experience featuring grilled meats, pasta, fresh salads, and aromatic bread. Don’t miss the traditional desserts that round off your meal perfectly.
To set the atmosphere, traditional live music plays for the duration of the dinner time.
The dinner buffet is held from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. every evening.
Beverages
Stay hydrated with complimentary water, coffee, and tea with your meals. Additional beverages like sodas and mocktails come with an extra charge.
Note that the resort does not serve alcoholic beverages.
Staff Interaction and Guest Experience
A standout aspect of Thousand Nights Camp in Oman is the staff’s exceptional friendliness. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be met with genuine warmth and hospitality. Whether you have questions or need assistance, the staff is eager and ready to assist you joyfully. Staff are always available, whether it’s to help carry your luggage, bring you water, or even carry your plate to your table at dinner. The manager frequently goes around the dining room at mealtimes, inquiring about your needs and asking if there’s anything you need during your stay. Even on our sunset camel safari, the staff were very kind, interacting with our kids, bringing them snacks and drinks, and making them laugh. The staff seemed genuinely happy to be there, and they helped make the experience even more special for our family.
Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for anything you need, whether it be extra toiletries, water bottles for the room, extra towels, a helping hand, or advice and assistance booking activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thousand Nights Camp
To help you plan your stay at Thousand Nights Camp with confidence, we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions. From accommodation details to activities and family-friendly features, this section covers everything you need to know before experiencing this unforgettable desert retreat in Oman.
Does the resort have Wi-Fi?
The resort does not offer Wi-Fi in any of the room categories. However, Wi-Fi is available in the cafe, lounge, and restaurant. The staff will provide you with the password on arrival. Note that service and data connection are limited in the desert, and you’ll likely not have phone service. Use this time to disconnect and unwind, without the distraction of social media and the internet. Enjoy your time taking in the desert landscape, trying new foods, and stargazing.
Is the resort suitable for families with young children?
This was one of our main concerns when booking our desert camp stay. However, we found that the resort hosted many families during our stay, some with children as young as ours. Although many desert activities are not suitable for young children, older children may be able to participate in dune bashing and camel safaris, providing an exhilarating experience for them.
Younger children will enjoy relaxing in the resort’s pool, playing at the activity center, watching camels and oryx around the camp, and playing in the fine desert sand. Younger children may even be able to enjoy a camel ride when sat with an adult and approved by the guides. Our 2- and 4-year-olds were able to sit with us on the camels and spent the whole ride laughing and giggling about how “wiggly” the camel was.
They even offer camel walks around the camp for younger children to try out for a shorter amount of time. The staff were also kind and seemed to truly enjoy interacting with the children. Our kids loved waving and high-fiving every staff member they came across.
In the dining area, you’ll find high chairs suitable for babies and toddlers, and you can even request a crib for your tent. If you don’t have a mini fridge in your tent, the staff is happy to let you keep milk and other refrigerated items in the restaurant fridge in an area where you can easily access it 24/7.
Which room should I choose for a family of 5?
All rooms have a maximum capacity of 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults. However, exceptions may be made on request or for families where the children are younger. The resort does offer additional rollaway beds for the rooms for a small nightly fee, should you need them. We stayed in a standard sheikh tent for our family of 4, where they brought in 2 rollaway beds. The room was quite cramped and not easy to lay out our belongings. We recommend booking an Emir tent for the most space, even with the addition of rollaway beds.
Does the restaurant accommodate dietary restrictions?
The restaurant offers a wide variety of food that will cater to most dietary restrictions. We noticed a good variety of vegetarian and halal options to choose from. However, it’s best to discuss dietary preferences or restrictions with staff so they can best accommodate you.
How do I book a stay at Thousand Nights Camp?
We booked our room through booking.com, although we have noticed great rates recently on Expedia as well for this particular resort. Another place to book would be their official website. Always check their website before booking, as they do occasionally offer discount rooms as well as room packages that include food and other activities.
How much do the paid activities cost?
The reception will provide you with a detailed price list on your arrival; however, you can also request one ahead of your arrival by speaking with the resort directly. The prices for additional activities are a bit expensive; however, you’ll find similar prices no matter which resort you go to.
Prices during our 2025 stay:
| Dune bashing with sunset setup | 48 OMR (2 people), 71 OMR (4 people) |
| Quad bikes (1 hour guided) with sunset hi-tea | 40 OMR (adults) , 31 OMR (kids) |
| Full-day camel safari – 4 hours | 90 OMR (pp) |
| Half-day camel safari – 2.5 hours | 50 OMR (pp) |
| Sunrise camel safari – 1 hour | 30 OMR (pp) |
| Camel ride inside the camp | 5 OMR (pp) |
| Sunset camel safari with sunset setup | 50 OMR (pp) |
| Bedouin trekking guide – full day | 90 OMR (pp) |
| Bedouin trekking guide – half day | 50 OMR (pp) |
| Bedouin trekking guide – 1 hour | 30 OMR (pp) |
OMR is Omani Rial, the official currency of the Sultanate of Oman.
As of January 2025, 1 OMR is equal to 2.60 USD, 2.52 EUR, or 3.74 CAD.
When is check-in/check-out?
Check-in time is between 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and check-out time is up to noon. However, the resort may allow early check-in if your room is ready upon your arrival. The resort has a comfortable main reception area where you can wait for your room to get ready. Enjoy Omani coffee and dates while waiting for check-in.
Is there anything the resort is lacking?
While we truly had an amazing experience, there are a few things that we would suggest the resort change.
- Starting dinner at 7:00 p.m. is a bit late for families with children. We would prefer if dinner started at 5:00 or 6:00 in the evening, as younger children tend to have earlier bedtimes. Sometimes by 7:00 p.m., our children are overtired, which makes them prone to bad behavior at the dinner table.
- We would recommend offering childcare and upgrading the activity center. While we understand not all resorts have the funding or capability to offer childcare, we believe that by offering paid babysitting services, the resort would see not only an increase in revenue from this, but they would sell more activities to adults, who otherwise would not be able to do them with their children. For example, families with young children could pay for babysitting services while they embark on dune bashing or an ATV excursion. While we do enjoy doing activities with our children, sometimes it may be nice to do an adult-only activity or even enjoy a romantic dinner on the dunes without them.
- An upgrade to the activity center would also be nice. The pool table was broken on one end, where the balls fell straight through the pocket to the floor, and the center could use more activities as it felt a bit small, and the children got bored after a time.
- Adding movie nights to the daily itineraries would also be a great addition to the camp. We noticed a projection screen in the activity center, but a movie screening was not part of the daily activities. Our kids would have loved watching a movie under the stars each evening. A large projection screen and seating area would be perfect to add to the stargazing pavilion.
- We would also suggest an upgrade to the pool area. In the chilly evenings, the heated pool was great, but in the middle of the day, the pool was simply too warm to enjoy. Maybe offer a heated pool and a non-heated pool? Or add a small and shallow splashing section for the littlest kiddos.
Final Thoughts: Our Family Desert Adventure in Wahiba Sands
Thousand Nights Camp is perfect for families wanting both adventure and relaxation in the desert. The spacious and traditional tents, engaging activities, and diverse culinary options create an environment where families can bond and create lasting memories.
The blend of cultural experiences, exciting outdoor activities, and the enchanting desert atmosphere makes this camp a fantastic destination for family vacations.
Choosing Thousand Nights Camp guarantees a unique mix of comfort, adventure, and cultural richness. With its welcoming staff, family-friendly activities, and delicious food, this resort promises an unforgettable experience in the Omani desert.
We look forward to our next trip to Oman, where we will happily book another stay with Thousand Nights Camp (next time in an Ameer Tent!).
Note: Be sure to check the camp’s website for the latest information on services, activities, and reservations. Availability and pricing information can change over time – feel free to leave a comment if anything changes so we can update the blog. All prices listed are in OMR unless otherwise noted.
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