Desert Safari Sunset Empty Quarter Rub Al Khali From Salalah

Set out on a captivating desert adventure from Salalah, Oman, and explore the world’s largest desert, the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali). This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the serene Omani landscape, where you’ll witness the stunning sunset over vast sand dunes, visit the Lost City of Ubar, and drive through the picturesque Al Qara mountains. Equipped with an air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle and bottled water, you’ll gain insight into the cultural heritage at the Wadi Dawkah Frankincense Park. But this is merely the beginning of an unforgettable adventure that promises to captivate your senses and leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Key Points

• A desert safari adventure exploring the vast expanse of the Rub Al Khali, the world’s largest desert, departing from Salalah.
• Opportunity to witness the stunning sunset over the mesmerizing sand dunes of the Empty Quarter.
• Visit the archaeological site of the Lost City of Ubar, a fascinating 2nd-century AD destination.
• Scenic drive through the Al Qara mountains with panoramic views of Salalah.
• Includes transportation, bottled water, and access to the Wadi Dawkah Frankincense Park.

Tour Overview

The Desert Safari Sunset tour takes travelers from Salalah through the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), the world’s largest desert, for an opportunity to witness the stunning sunset over the vast sand dunes.

During the tour, visitors will explore the Lost City of Ubar, also known as the City of The Pillars or Atlantis of The Sands, a fascinating archaeological site that dates back to the 2nd century AD.

The journey also includes a drive through the Al Qara mountains, offering panoramic views of Salalah city.

With the inclusion of bottled water, an air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle, and entrance to the Wadi Dawkah Frankincense Park, this tour provides a comprehensive and immersive desert experience.

Inclusions

This Desert Safari Sunset tour includes:

Bottled water to stay hydrated during the desert adventure.

An air-conditioned 4×4 vehicle for a smooth and comfortable journey through the Empty Quarter.

Dinner for those on a private tour, allowing you to savor local cuisine in the serene desert setting.

Access to the Wadi Dawkah Frankincense Park, where you can learn about the cultural heritage of the region.

These inclusions ensure a well-rounded and memorable desert safari experience.

Exclusions

While the tour includes several amenities, it doesn’t cover lunch, gratuities, or entrance fees to the Ubar Archaeological site. Travelers will need to budget for these additional costs separately.

Lunch isn’t provided during the tour, so you will need to plan for their own midday meal.

Plus, gratuities for the guide and driver aren’t included in the tour price and are at the discretion of the traveler.

Meeting and Pickup

Free pickup and drop-off is provided from hotels, apartments, and villas located within Salalah city, as well as from the Salalah Cruise Port and Salalah Airport.

Additional pickup charges may apply for hotels situated in Mirbat and Hinu Bay.

This Desert Safari tour offers:

1. Convenient transportation to and from your accommodations in Salalah.
2. Seamless pickups from the Salalah Cruise Port and Salalah Airport.
3. An extra charge for hotels located in Mirbat and Hinu Bay, due to their distance from the city center.
4. The option to book with confidence, as this service is confirmed at the time of booking.

Important Information

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking for this Desert Safari tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or who are pregnant.

The travel time to reach the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali) desert is approximately 2 hours each way.

Cell phone coverage is limited in the desert, so the tour isn’t advised for those who are unwell.

While guide availability in certain European languages may be restricted, cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.

Visiting the Lost City of Ubar

One of the highlights of the desert safari is a visit to the Lost City of Ubar, also known as the City of The Pillars or the Atlantis of The Sands, which was rediscovered in the 1990s after being lost for centuries.

This ancient frankincense trading post is a fascinating glimpse into Oman’s rich history. Visitors can:

• Explore the ruins and imagine the bustling city that once stood here.
• Marvel at the impressive architectural remnants, including the towering pillars that give the city its nickname.
• Learn about the city’s role in the lucrative frankincense trade that connected Arabia to the ancient world.
• Capture stunning photos of the dramatic desert landscape surrounding the lost city.

Driving Through the Al Qara Mountains

As part of the desert safari, travelers embark on a scenic drive through the rugged Al Qara mountains, offering breathtaking vistas of the city of Salalah nestled below.

The winding roads and steep inclines provide a thrilling journey, with panoramic views stretching across the lush green landscape contrasted against the arid desert terrain.

This segment of the tour allows visitors to appreciate the diverse geography of the region, transitioning from the vast emptiness of the Rub Al Khali to the lush, verdant mountains that surround Salalah.

The drive through the Al Qara range showcases the remarkable natural beauty of this part of Oman, providing a memorable experience for all who undertake the desert safari.

Exploring the World’s Largest Desert

After journeying through the lush Al Qara mountains, travelers embark on the main highlight of the desert safari – exploring the vast and captivating Rub Al Khali, the world’s largest sand desert. Spanning over 650,000 square kilometers across the Arabian Peninsula, this breathtaking landscape is truly a sight to behold, with towering dunes, rolling hills of sand, and a serene, isolated atmosphere that transports visitors to another world.

The journey through the Empty Quarter offers several unique experiences:

1. Watching the sunset cast a warm, golden glow over the expansive dunes.
2. Experiencing the thrill of dune bashing in a high-performance 4×4 vehicle.
3. Enjoying a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars.
4. Marveling at the stunning night sky, unobscured by light pollution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Empty Quarter?

The best time to visit the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali) is typically between October and April when temperatures are milder. During the summer months, the desert heat can be extreme and uncomfortable for most visitors.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but bottled water is provided. It’s best to avoid heavy meals that could be difficult to digest during the desert safari. Packing snacks and light refreshments is recommended.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Desert Safari?

There are no specific age restrictions for the desert safari. However, it’s not recommended for young children or elderly travelers due to the long driving times and challenging desert terrain. Participants should be in good health to fully enjoy the experience.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Travelers can generally customize the tour itinerary to their preferences. The tour operator is often willing to accommodate special requests, such as visiting additional sites or adjusting the duration, within reason and based on availability.

Are There Any Safety Precautions I Should Be Aware Of?

Travelers should be aware of the extreme desert conditions on this tour. It’s important to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure, and listen to the guide’s safety instructions. Pregnant women and those with health issues should reconsider participation.

Recap

This desert safari from Salalah offers an unforgettable adventure in the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest desert.

Witness a stunning sunset over vast sand dunes, visit the Lost City of Ubar, and drive through the picturesque Al Qara mountains.

With the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle, bottled water, and cultural insights, this immersive experience provides a glimpse into Oman’s serene desert landscape.