- Area: 12500 sq. M. km
In Oman there is a large sandy desert Ramlat Al Wahibah (Ramlat Al Wahibah) or simply Wahiba Sands. It has a rich animal and vegetable world, and is also famous for its picturesque landscapes.
Desert Basics
In Oman there is a large sandy desert Ramlat Al Wahibah (Ramlat Al Wahibah) or simply Wahiba Sands. It has a rich animal and vegetable world, and is also famous for its picturesque landscapes.
Desert Basics
The total area of the landmark is 12,500 sq. Km. km, its length from the south to the north is 180 km, and from the west to the east - 80 km. Its name was Wahib Desert received from the homonymous tribe residing in the territory.
It consists of vast expanses that are occupied by sands and sloping dunes. Some of them can reach 100 m in height. Their color can vary from amber to orange. Such barkhans are located mainly in the northern part of the desert, in the south of Vahiba such hills do not occur.
Geological information
The formation of this desert occurred during the Quaternary period under the action of the shamal trade winds, which blew from the east, and the southwestern monsoons. By the type of dunes, Wahiba is divided into the upper (high) and lower parts. Barkhans were formed after the last icing in the region.
The western and northern borders are separated here by the wadi systems, called the Andes and El-Batha. Under the upper layer of the soil lies the older sand, formed from cemented carbonate. Scientists believe that the almost flat plain in the southwestern part of the desert was formed due to erosion.
Population in Wahib
Throughout the territory of the land are the Bedouin tribes. The most famous of them are: Janaba, Hishm, Hikman, Al-Bu-Isa and Al-Amr. Mostly they are engaged in breeding camels and horse racing.
From June to September, the Aborigines move to a large oasis in El Huwaye, which is famous for date and banana plantations. They settle in huts made from branches of palm trees, harvest and transport it to local markets.
Camps and mini-hotels are built in the Bedouin camp for travelers. Here you can spend a few days enjoying the sunrise or sunset, try the local dishes and get acquainted with the local color. The most famous institutions here are Safari Desert Camp, Arabian Oryx Camp and Desert Retreat Camp.
What to do in the desert?
In 1986, an expedition to study the flora and fauna went to Wahibu. Researchers found here:
- 16,000 species of invertebrates;
- 200 species of animals, birds, amphibians and reptiles;
- 150 various plants.
During a trip through the desert, tourists will be able to:
- Visit the picturesque oases , for example, Wadi Bani Khalid. It is located between mountain ranges and sand dunes. Snow-white rocks surround the ponds with turquoise water.
- To see the forest from mesquite trees and acacias . The only source of moisture is dew, so the growth here of such plants is considered unique. Between them are the houses of the Bedouins.
Features of visit
Barkhans create unique corridors, which are easy to navigate during a trip. It is necessary to go in a straight line from north to south, but from west to east cross the Wahib desert is quite difficult.
It is most convenient to move around on an off-road vehicle. Cross the territory completely possible in 3 days, but do it yourself is not recommended. To do this, you must have a full tank of gasoline and the coordinates of rescue services in case you get stuck in the sand.
How to get there?
Wahib is located 190 km from the capital of Oman . The nearest settlement is Sur . It is more convenient to drive into the desert in the northern part (near the fortress of Bidiyya) or from the south between al-Nugda and Khayyi. About 20 km of the gravel road is laid in these places, and then sands begin.