There is no warmer welcome in all of Wahiba Sands than at this authentic Bedouin camp. And if that sounds over the top, let me tell you that this is an opinion formed over seven visits to Bader's camp. That's how much we have enjoyed our time here and why I always recommend this camp when I'm asked about where to stay in Wahiba Sands.
This is a long overdue review and one that I hope you will find useful when planning your Oman itinerary.
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About Bader's Bedouin desert camp
Bader's family have lived a nomadic life for generations and only settled on the edge of the desert near Al Wasil at the turn of the 21st Century. He now lives with his extended family in a small group of houses located 20 minutes into the desert.
It's near here that he welcomes guests at his traditional camp. Some come for coffee and dates beside the campfire or to ride his camels and others, like us, spend the night.
The camp is nestled in shallow dunes away from the main road. Unlike many others that you pass on the way into the desert, you'd not know it was there unless you were shown the way.
Can you see the stars at night?
A huge benefit of this private location is that you don't hear noise from other camps and or get light pollution from the closest town, Bidiyah.
We have seen many shooting stars when relaxing on the floor sofas by the campfire.
The only time when it's more difficult to see the stars is when the moon is full. The camp and desert take on an otherworldliness as they are illuminated by the huge white orb passing through the inky sky.
Accommodation at this traditional desert camp
Your Bedouin-style tent comes with a frame bed and bedding, a side table, fake grass floor and carpet. There's a small battery-powered light with USB charging socket for mobile phones but no other electrics. Towels are also provided. It's simple but a step up from camping.
Outside your tent Bader can provide floor seating if you want to relax here rather than at the communal campfire.
The majority of tents are for two people but there is one larger tent that comes with a double bed and space for more. If you are travelling with children you can enquire if this is available when you book.
There are shared wash rooms with western style toilets and shower water supplied by a tank. This is heated by the sun, so expect more refreshing water in the morning. Sinks are on the outside of the shower rooms.
Bader also has a smaller camp with two to three tents a few dunes away. The sleeping accommodation is the same but you share the bathroom with grass walls and an open roof with your family group. This camp also has its own small dining room.
If you prefer a more private desert camp experience ask if this available when you book. However, we can recommend staying in the larger camp and exchanging stories with other travellers. We have met visitors from Germany, Switzerland, France and as far away as Japan.
Inclusive dinner, breakfast and refreshments
When you arrive at Bader's home he will invite you into his majlis - his sitting room for guests - where you will be offered dates, fresh fruit, Omani coffee and water. From here he will take you to the camp, a short drive away.
After helping you to settle in and make any arrangements for activities, Bader and his team will check what time you would like to eat. Even if there are a number of guests staying he will accommodate different dining times, which is very helpful for those travelling with children or who have had a long journey.
Dinner is very traditional Omani fare including aromatic chicken, rice served with laban (yoghurt) and simple salad of sliced carrots, cucumber and tomatoes. There may also be mishkak (meat skewers) and flat bread baked on the campfire.
The same bread is served as dessert with olive oil and honey. While this sounds every simple, it is delicious. There's also watermelon or mango.
Bader and his team will again check what time you would like breakfast in the morning. This is one of my children's favourite things about staying at Bader's. There are omelettes, beans, flat breads and hummus, pancakes with honey, jam and laban, as well as more fruit.
A fruit bowl and drinks like water, juice, Omani coffee, black tea and zaatar tea are always available in the majlis.
Activities on offer
Bader can arrange desert activities including a drive up the dunes to see the sun set and meeting or riding his camels (they are very well looked after).
After dinner there are songs around the campfire. Bader and his male family members will sing traditional Omani songs. And if you want to share one or two of your own, the floor is open.
An experience that isn't for everyone is a morning 'wildlife walk'. We went on this will Salim who found us dung beetles, a grass hopper, a lizard and a luminous green scorpion hidden in the shrubs.
To be fair, they took quite a bit of tracking down, which is proof that they weren't looking for us.
If you would prefer to avoid all desert wildlife you can be assured that Bader has this covered too. The main camp is behind a wire fence, mainly to keep the camels from walking through, and he checks the camp with a black light, which would reveal any scorpions, after dark.
Getting to the camp
Bader will pick you up from Al Wasil or escort you to the camp if you have a 4x4. It is not possible to get to the camp with a two wheel drive vehicle because the access point to the desert road is up a steep dune.
Final thoughts on this traditional Bedouin desert camp
If you have come to Oman seeking authentic experiences, to meet the people and enjoy the country's natural beauty then this is the desert camp for you. It's why we kept returning with visiting family and friends because we wanted to share the best of Omani hospitality with them.
The accommodation is simple but comes with comforts like the washrooms and inclusive food to make this more like glamping than camping.
We always left Bader's camp with full hearts and tummies, as well as some of our best memories of Oman.
Check prices for Bader's Bedouin Camp or contact him direct.
If you are not a natural camper or are particularly sensitive to heat, a luxury camp might be more up your street.
Before you go, read my latest posts
- Bedouin desert camp in Oman - an authentic Wahiba Sands experience
- Wahiba Sands in Oman - travel tips and experiences not to be missed
- Review: Valley Cliff Inn, Nizwa family villas
- What to buy in Nizwa Souq
- Places to see between Muscat and Nizwa
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