A Comprehensive Review of Thousand Nights Desert Camp in Oman - Your Guide to Wahiba Sands
- Alanna Gabbett
- Jan 9
- 17 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Tucked away in the stunning expanse of the Omani desert, Thousand Nights Camp in Wahiba Sands offers an experience that harmonizes the natural beauty of Oman with modern comforts. Picture yourself gazing at star-filled skies or feeling the warm embrace of the desert breeze as you enjoy luxurious accommodations. This review covers everything you need to make the most of your desert adventure.
In this guide:
a. Shuttle Service
b. Escort Service
c. Self-Drive
a. Sheikh Tent Standard
b. Sheikh Tent Deluxe
c. Ameer Tent
d. Sand House
a. Activity Center
b. Restaurant
c. Desert Ship Lounge
d. Heated Pool
e. Animal Encounters
a. Free Activities
b. Paid Activities
a. Breakfast
b. Lunch
c. Dinner
d. Beverages
a. Does the Resort Have Wi-Fi?
b. Is the Resort Suitable for Families with Children?
c. Which Room Should I Choose for a Family of 5?
d. Does the Restaurant Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
e. How Do I Book a Stay at Thousand Nights Camp?
f. How Much Do the Paid Activities Cost?
g. When is Check-in/Check-out?
h. Is There Anything the Resort is Lacking?
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How to Get There
The journey to Thousand Nights Camp is part of the adventure. Enjoy spotting goats and camels on your journey through the dunes and vast desert landscape.
You have several options to choose from and the staff communicates this with you prior to your arrival.
Keep in mind that you can only reach the resort with a 4x4 or capable 4WD vehicleShuttle Service
If you prefer convenience, the camp’s shuttle service is an excellent option. This is the option we chose because our rental car was only a 2WD.
Pre-book your ride by messaging the resort and a dedicated car and driver will pick you up from the meeting point.
The closest meeting point is the town of Bidiyah. You'll receive your driver's contact information and meet them at the Bidiyah Shell Station.
Make sure to always verify that you have found the correct driver. There will be many guides here trying to take you to the desert. You will be given your drivers name and phone number, and the driver will in turn have your name and contact information.
After meeting with your driver, he will lead you to a dedicated parking lot where you can leave your car safely. Then begins the exciting drive into the Wahiba Sands desert, where you'll witness goats and camels as you ascend sand dunes and traverse the arid landscape.
The shuttle service costs about 40 OMR plus VAT as of 2025 - This is the total cost for 1 vehicle that seats up to 4 people.The resort also offers pickups from Muscat and Sur, although these prices are considerably more expensive.
Escort Service
If you already have a 4x4 or capable 4WD vehicle, you can opt for an escort to the resort. This allows you the freedom of driving your own vehicle and the security that you won't get lost on your journey through the desert.
The journey from Bidiyah to Thousand Nights Camp is around 40 km and takes about 45 minutes.
The cost for an escort service is 20 OMR per vehicle in 2025Self-Drive with a 4x4
If adventure calls to you, renting a 4x4 for a self-drive journey is a thrilling choice. The resort offers free parking and if your vehicle is capable of making the journey through the sand, it's an exciting experience. The mesmerizing terrain, filled with rolling dunes and open vistas, offers a distinctive sense of freedom. However, a reliable GPS or detailed map is vital, as typical cell service may not be available in the desert. Many travelers find that driving this way enriches their experience of the wild desert.
Keep in mind that driving alone in the desert is not recommended because if your car gets stuck or you get lost, there will likely be no service to call for help. It's always recommended to travel with another vehicle or desert escort.
On your journey through the desert, don't forget to keep an eye out for
camels and goats!
Arrival Procedures
Upon arriving at Thousand Nights Camp, checking in is a straightforward process. Friendly staff will greet you, making sure your experience starts on a high note. After a quick check-in, you'll receive an itinerary highlighting the day’s planned activities. You'll also be given a list of paid activities and asked if and when you'd like to book things such as dune bashing and camel rides.
Ride to Your Tent
After checking in, a friendly member of staff will load your luggage up on a golf cart to take you for a ride to your tent. As you move through the expansive camp, take a moment to appreciate the captivating beauty around you. Once you arrive, staff will assist with carrying luggage into your tent and getting you settled in your room.
Whereas you typically leave a tip for luggage handling, the man quickly scurried away as Ryan searched in his wallet - seemingly indicating they don't expect a tip for their services. We had to chase him down to tip him (our luggage was unusually heavy so we felt it was necessary to tip).
Room Options
Thousand Nights Camp offers a variety of tent options, from traditional Bedouin tents to more modern sand villas, ensuring every visitor can find a suitable retreat. All units feature comfortable beds, air conditioning, and private bathrooms
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 into 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 features 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.
Ameer Tent - Photos courtesy of booking.com
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
Thousand Nights Camp offers various amenities designed to enrich your stay in 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 few that features 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.
Don't forget to check out the camel crossing area by the reception each morning, where two camels will be waiting for a photo op.
Camel crossing area by reception where we saw camels each morning
Activities
Of course, no desert experience is complete without the traditional activities, and this camp offers them all. Thousand Nights Camp is packed with activities to ensure a memorable experience.
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 the constellations.
Stargazing sessions were held at 9:00 p.m. every night of our stay.
Paid Activities
Dune Bashing: Climb into a 4x4 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 had an amazing sunset camel safari on our second night! We chose a sunset safari paired with a sunset 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!
Our camel ride brought us to an amazing sunset spot on top of the dunes!
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 Plan
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
A standout aspect of Thousand Nights Camp 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
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 is 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 smaller. 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 what 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.
Firstly, 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.
Secondly, 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.
Thirdly, we would recommend adding movie nights to the daily itineraries. 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.
Finally, an upgrade to the pool area would be great. 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 on our Wahiba Sands Desert Camp Experience
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 make 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, captivating 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 and excitedly 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.
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