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By Fatma Aideed

CAMPING trips are proving to be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore the Sultanate’s diverse geography. The outings are not the usual “night out in the wilderness” as campers won’t have to chop wood for a campfire, hunt for their supper, or bathe in a nearby stream. Instead, the available camping sites are convenient, comfortable and fun. On-site facilities include showers and washing facilities, while some sites — such as the one operated by the Oman Dive Centre (ODC) — even boasts a restaurant, two swimming pools and a small store selling a complete range of diving equipment.

Van den Bergh, ODC Manager, told the Observer, “ODC’s beachfront camping site has several facilities for campers: changing rooms, bathrooms, toilets and hot water showers. The ODC also has a special area with barasti-style bungalow on the beach, which comes with a majlis (Arabic lounge and BBQ grill), air-conditioned settings, fan, mini-fridge and electric kettle and 240V electricity supply.” ODC also provides a wide range of entertainment facilities for campers, added Van den Bergh.

“The most beautiful of all experiences is diving as well as dolphin-watching tours. There is no better way to start your day than watch these thrilling creatures play in the water. The centre’s boat leaves at the break of dawn (6am in summer and 6:30am in winter) every day. A light breakfast is served on board. Campers also can experience the kayaks and pedalos and enjoy paddling at our exclusive bay. We also have a special area for beach volley.”

For those looking to camp out amid the wilderness of Oman’s deserts, there are a number of camping sites in the different regions around the country. Abdullah Ahmad al Harthy, Director of Empty Quarter Tours, said, “The Nahar Tourism Oasis is located in Ibra, 24 kilometres from the Rimal al Sharqiya (Wahiba Sands). The area is a unique spot for those seeking some relaxation. The site features 10 air-conditioned rooms built in a typical Omani style. Each is equipped with a small fridge, a television and a small balcony.”

All meals are served at the Oasis restaurant Hamsat Al Kous or at the Arabian tent. Entertainment is provided by Bedouin troupes which perform traditional songs and dances. There are also guided tours into the Rimal al Sharqiya and to Wadi Bani Khalid, accompanied by professional guides. “Visitors can also observe or participate in camel races with the Bedouin habitants of the area or visit their villages to observe their lifestyle and traditions. Alternatively, they can simply spend the day lazing at the Oasis swimming pool,” Al Harthy commented.

Another well-known tour operator, Desert Discovery, is also offering campers the opportunity to experience the unique beauty of Oman’s deserts. “Our itineraries have been carefully planned in order to introduce visitors to the history, culture, wildlife and the scenic settings of the country,” explained Said al Harthy, Executive Director. “Desert Discovery provides comfortable permanent resting camps established in the environs of the Rimal al Sharqiya, as well as close by the Ras al Junaiz turtle beach nature reserve.

Campers thus have the opportunity to explore a wealth of Oman’s natural, historical and cultural heritage.” According to Said al Harthy, each fenced-in and guarded camp has 16 fixed, top quality tents complete with front flaps and built-in ground sheets. The roomy accommodation is fitted out with lights, comfortable beds with clean fresh linen and blankets, plus a small table. “For further comfort the camps have fixed buildings with hot and cold running water for showers and washbasins plus flush toilets. Each camp also has a complete First Aid Kit. Furthermore, the spacious Arabian-style entertainment area, with its date palm fronds and traditional Omani décor, lends a relaxing ambience to the place.”

Campers have the opportunity to accompany Bedouin experts on an adventure-filled drive through the dunes or take part a spot of sand skiing. They can also go on camel rides and visit Bedouins in their local habitats. During the evenings, the campers are entertained by Bedouin singers to the accompaniment of traditional drums. All meals are served at the camp. Additionally, the visitors have the chance to visit a number of historical spots in the area, said Al Harthy. One such attraction is Al Mudhairib, a town with its seven towers and ancient forts.


Also of interest is Al Manzafah village in Ibra. To the west of the camp, Sinaw market gives visitors the opportunity to experience an authentic Omani bazaar. Campers can also explore bountiful streams, mountain landscapes and serene villages in Wadi Nam and Wadi Tayeen. A few kilometers south of the camp is Bidiya — an area rich with sand dunes. Wadi Bani Khalid, south-east of Al Areesh, is an authentic oasis surrounded by lush gardens and abundant streams that form cool turquoise pools.”

A different experience is in store for visitors to Al Naseem Camp located by the Ras al Junaiz turtle beach nature reserve. Al Harthy explained, “The beaches surrounding the settlements of Ras al Hadd and Ras al Junaiz are famous for the thousands of turtles that come ashore to nest here every year. The sandy secluded beaches, which provide ideal conditions for the turtles to lay their eggs, are littered with turtle pits high above the waterline.

These are some of the world’s few remaining undisturbed concentrations of green turtles. The whole coastal region abounds with wildlife. Dolphins and turtles can be seen and the surrounding mudflats support a full range of indigenous and migratory bird life. A necklace of coral reefs stretches along the coastline where the sea, rich with fish, provides for in abundance.” A short drive from Ras al Junaiz nature reserve is the permanent campsite of Anaseem. Ras al Hadd is just 17km from the camp. There are magnificent views over the town, sandy beaches and lagoons of Khawr al Hejarah and Khawr al Gharamah. And down south along the coastal road are the fishing villages of Asilah and Al Ashkarah.

In addition to the desert and nature retreats of Al Areesh and Anaseem, Desert Discovery operates full-fledged and equipped mobile camps complete with staff. The mobile camps each consist of a large Bedouin entertainment tent complete with modern camping facilities. Igloo-style tents with mattresses and sleeping bags are provided, along with a fully equipped camp kitchen, portable showers and toilets.

Oman Observer 4th April 2004