We leave the Green Mountains this morning and drive 5-hours to Sharqiya Sands (still referred to locally as Wahiba Sands) - a region of spectacular Omani desert, driving on roads suitable only for 4x4 vehicles.
Our first stop is in Zukait, a beautiful village situated in the foothills of the Al Hajar Mountains. Here you can meet a local family and experience their way of life. You can also visit Bait Al Zukayt, the oldest house in the village, which was built by a farming family using Omani techniques. Enjoy a cup of coffee with the family and visit their farm, cultivated in the dry desert. You may be able to harvest some of the fresh vegetables which have been grown using organic fertilizer.
We also stop at the fascinationg Oman Across the Ages Museum.
We then drive through the inland towns of Manah and Ibra, one of Oman's oldest cities that was once a centre of trade, religion, education and art. It was famous for its fine horses and horsemen and the old quarter holds the remains of many stately mud-brick mansions, mosques and watch towers. A unique feature of Ibra is the ‘Wednesday Souk’ run entirely by women.
Our journey continues as we drive to Wahiba Sands - named after the Bani Wahiba tribe. Home to the Bedouins, these windswept ever-shifting sand dunes offers a glimpse into a traditional way of life that is rapidly disappearing, as modern conveniences limit the need for a nomadic lifestyle involving raising livestock in this incredibly harsh environment. Living a life far removed from that of most Omanis, the Bedu women are bold, brightly dressed and often seen behind the wheel of an ancient pick-up truck driving up and down dunes.
On arrival at our lodge, check in and relax in this unique environment. You can choose to go for an optional camel ride or do some ‘dune bashing’ – hurtling down the sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle with an experienced desert driver (pay locally). You will see the desert at its most glorious as the sun sets, then relax around the campfire under a canopy of stars.