Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp

We spent one night in the desert camp. It’s in Bidiyah, close to the sand dunes. Our guide made sure we were up in the dunes at sunset so we could take nice photos. The camp itself consists of mud brick-like houses (although built with modern materials) to give a close feel for how the houses looked back then. The inside of the guest house was a bit spartan although it had nice lamps on the simple night tables and enough décor to make the room interesting. No cabinets but there were ropes and bars and from the ceiling so you could hang the clothes hangers. There were just enough power outlets for you not to get anxious. The T&B was small but serviceable although there were threshold barriers so you had to be mindful when stepping inside the room or the T&B. And as you’d expect, there was no wifi – ha ha ha. Dinner and breakfast was at the common dining pavilion off to one side of the camp. They had coffee and a limited variety of food but most were tasty. What made the dinner special was the camel and chicken barbecue being cooked on the spot. But you had to walk across about 20 feet of sand to get there from the cement footpath. We thought we might have issues in bringing our luggage to and from the car but the helpers made short work of the task. After dinner, they supposedly shared movies in a separate sand area close to the dining pavilion – but we didn’t hang around long enough to check if they actually did.

The rooms are small as is the bathroom, although acceptable taken in consideration that is in the desert. The shower has very weak power, but it is functional. The camp is nicely set up in the common areas and the dinner and breakfast are acceptable but nothing to write home about. We were not bothered by insects and the premises were clean.

A fabulous location although I would recommend a large 4x4 rather than our Kia Sportage which gamely made it into the desert and back. We booked to stay on the 22nd January 2024 however during the day I ran out of mobile data and was not able to confirm. We arrived and were greeted by the wonderful reception staff who made sure we had a superior room to stay in at the original price. The food was great and there was plenty of variety for my wife who is vegetarian and my gluten free requirements. The staff were so professional and friendly with nothing too much bother. Our room had all the usual facilities and was first rate. The whole premises was in top condition with a very high standard of cleanliness everywhere. Very thoughtfully laid out for a relaxing magical stay.

The location is very nice...around 13 kms inside the desert. The pickup from the meeting point was on time. The check in was smooth and the guys at rhe reception were cheerful and friendly. Our rooms were ready when we arrived. Mr. Khalid who took us for dune bashing was a very nice guy and made extra effort to make our trip an enjoyable one!! The surprise thing was the movie which they show on the projector accompnied by popcorn and tea!!! The dinner buffet was good and included chicken and camel meat grill apart from other itens! The breakfast was a bit dissapointing..but everything else made up for it. The bed in the room was comfortable and we had a sound sleep. Definitely a recommended place to stay if you are planning a trip to Wahiba Sands

Booking was good and the team were happy to answer any questions. I booked a transfer but the team forgot to arrange it. I waited at the petrol station for an hour and couldn’t get through to the camp. In the end some friendly locals who seemed to know all of the transfer drivers helped by calling them. This meant I missed the cut off time to do the sunset dune bashing which I had wanted to do. The reception team didn’t seem overly bothered when I told them. The hut was ok but the bed was very hard. The bathroom was simple and clean but the towels were stained. The buffet for dinner and breakfast was ok. But take snacks and drinks if you want them for the evening. There is a fridge in the room although the electricity was a little hit and miss as to when it would work. Mainly due to the slightly dodgy socket. The rope to help you climb the big dune next to the camp is super helpful, but it’s a tough walk up in the heat. I managed to do sunrise dune bashing which was great, but it did mean a 5am start! All in all it was ok for the price but be prepared for some minor gripes.

Sama Al Wasil Desert Camp I had read lots of reviews before booking this accommodation and it took me some some to work out how we were going to get there because there was such differences in the reviews as to whether you needed a 4 wheel drive and what sort etc. Now we have been there, I understand the different views/experiences etc. I contacted the camp sometime before we left for our trip and wanted to know if we could meet at the Al Maha petrol station on the main road if they had a transfer to do, and follow them in with our 4 wheel drive. We did not get a definitive answer, so went to the station anyway, paid a small amount of money to have them take some air out of our tyres and a representative turned up. The turnoff the main road is reasonably well sign posted and the road to the camp, is good, some spots the sand is a little thick and requires keeping the speed up, but generally it was pretty easy. I had enquired about doing some dune bashing and camel riding, but the info was a little slow in coming so decided to do all of that with the next place we were going, which was just a few kms away from the Desert Camp. The camp did not have many chalets rented out and discovered that the camp had been closed for renovations. Unfortunately the renovations were still in mid flight and during the day, there was a big digger operating right next to the chalets. All the other chalets not being used, were stripped of furniture and this was piled up in the central dining area. So this area could not be used. So they used the tables outside our cabins and this did the job. I did ask about the digger and noise and suggested hat they kept closed for business while renovating etc. and was told they had been closed but a tour operator asked them to open for them. In the area between the cabins being used, they had an endless supply of coffee, tea and dates which was nice. It was here also that we ate our meals- dinner and breakfast included. Dinner was OK. Indian influenced but breakfast was better. Our cabin was done in Omani style. It had a good sized bathroom and enough room to sleep 3 people. The problem was the beds were as hard as rocks and I spent the whole night waking up and turning as my hips were so sore. Air conditioning was great and effective. My husband was sick here. He had the flu so the next day we had until 4pm to fill in and did not want to be waiting in the heat so I asked if we could have a late check out. Initially they said no, so we organized to drive out of the desert and go to Wadi Bin Khalid again so as to keep cool. Then they changed their mind and said it was ok to stay. It was a kind gesture but we had already made the plans to go for a swim. It was reasonably peaceful- just ruined buy the digger. We were a bit lost to start with and then realized it was safe and ok to wander around the dunes and on the flat where the cars drive where we found camels to watch and enjoyed what the desert had to offer. It would have h

We stayed two nights in the Sama Al Wasil Desert camp which have been great. Staff was exceptional nice and helpful. Stargazing a bit limited because of the full moon and some light from the camps around. We tried camel riding and 4x4 car dune bashing. Great experience. The cabins were clean and comfortable, good beds to sleep in. Noor, the acting resort manager, was just perfect. We went for strolls at sunrise and sundown on the huge dunes just behind the camp, helped by a row which was nice. Open air cinema offered a nice entertainment in the evening.

The staff were excellent throughout our stay. That included frequent communications in the build up to our overnight stay. We didn't have a 4x4 but one was arranged for us from Al Maha petrol station as highlighted in their accommodation details. If you have a 4x4, it's pretty easy to find. Point the car down between the two sets of dunes for 20 minutes and you'll come to it no problem. We left our car next door to the petrol station where there was plenty of room. It was pretty hot when we returned but no surprises there. During our stay we took advantage of the complimentary coffee, water and fruit including dates and these were set out in the communal area. After that we settled into our tent which was number 7 Sultan tent and this was right on the very perimeter by the dune. That gave us an additional sense of isolation. The room was spacious and had a good shower and air con. The mosquitos were soon on us though so be prepared to be pestered. We did the one excursion that following afternoon and that was the Sunset including the dunes which involved us bashing some dunes in a 4x4 with a guide. He knew his way around and handled the car amazingly. He stopped along the way for us to take a few snaps Abs then it was the sun setting itself. An hour for all of this. Expensive but we shared the cost between the 2 of us. Climbed up the dune once back at the camp and there's a rope to help you but my god, was it hard and I consider myself quite strong. A good workout but good views. The evening consisted of a buffet dinner served between 7-9 but the food quickly depleted so probably should have gotten there before 8 in hindsight. We were there for dinner after 8 due to the outdoor cinema playing the remake of the Jungle Book....was kind of hoping for Raiders or the Lost Ark :) All in all a very good and memorable experience.

Nice clean huts with AC and real decent toilet/shower. Dinner (followed by watching the Lion King under the stars) was great, lots to choose from. Complimentary coffee and water in multiple places in the camp. Surprisingly good breakfast with more options than at least we had anticipated for a place out in the desert. Very friendly staff who worked diligently keeping the place clean (not the easiest of tasks when there's sand everywhere...) and in top shape. All in all a very well kept camp! Alas only had time to stay for one night - would have loved to spend another day/night here. Will for sure pick this place if (when) returning to the desert in Oman.