Sunset Safari to the Lost City: Explore Oman’s Empty Quarter

The journey to the desert begins with a scenic traverse through the Qara Mountains (Dhofar Mountains), a dramatic range that towers over the Salalah plains. As your 4x4 climbs to an altitude of around 800 meters, the winding roads reveal stunning panoramic views of the city below, dotted with lush greenery during the Khareef season or golden plains in drier months. The group will pause briefly at a viewpoint, allowing you to stretch your legs, snap photos, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Your guide will point out notable landmarks and explain how these mountains have shaped the region’s climate and culture, creating the perfect backdrop for storytelling and group bonding.

The descent from the mountains marks the transition into the arid expanse of the Al Nejd gravel desert, a stark contrast to Salalah’s coastal vibrancy. The anticipation builds as the landscape flattens and the horizon stretches endlessly ahead, signaling your approach to the Empty Quarter.

After a 175-kilometer drive from Salalah (about two hours), the group arrives at the Lost City of Ubar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shrouded in legend. Often called the “Atlantis of the Sands,” Ubar was a thriving frankincense trading hub that vanished beneath the dunes, only rediscovered in 1992 with NASA’s help. Your guide will lead the group through the archaeological site, where remnants of ancient walls and towers hint at its former glory. As you walk among the ruins, imagine caravans laden with precious frankincense traversing this once-bustling oasis, connecting Arabia to the wider world.

The site’s small museum (entry ticket not included) offers additional context, displaying artifacts and maps that bring Ubar’s story to life. Your guide will recount tales of its rise and mysterious fall—possibly due to a collapsing water source—captivating the group with a blend of history and intrigue. This stop provides a perfect blend of education and exploration, with ample time for photos and questions, fostering lively discussions among travelers.

Next, the group journeys to Wadi Dawkah, another UNESCO-listed site just a short drive from Ubar. This natural park is home to thousands of Boswellia sacra trees, the source of Oman’s famed frankincense. Spanning a stony, semi-desert valley, the park’s gnarled trees stand as living relics of a trade that once rivaled gold in value. Your guide will explain the harvesting process, demonstrating how resin is tapped from the bark and transformed into the aromatic treasure still prized today.

The group will enjoy a leisurely walk among the trees, their twisted branches creating a striking silhouette against the desert sky. This stop offers a sensory experience—inhale the faint, woody scent of frankincense lingering in the air—and a chance to connect with Oman’s ancient heritage. It’s also a great opportunity for group photos, with the trees providing a unique backdrop that captures the essence of Dhofar’s past.

The highlight of the tour awaits as your 4x4 ventures into the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali), the largest continuous sand desert in the world, spanning over 650,000 square kilometers across four countries. As the gravel plains give way to towering golden dunes, the sheer scale of this landscape will leave the group in awe. Your expert driver, a dune specialist, kicks off the adventure with an exhilarating session of sand bashing. Feel the thrill as the vehicle races up and down the dunes, the group cheering and laughing as adrenaline surges through the air.

After the initial excitement, the driver will pause atop a high dune, allowing the group to disembark and explore. Kick off your shoes and feel the soft, warm sand beneath your feet as you wander the undulating terrain. For the adventurous, optional sandboarding is available—glide down the dunes for an extra dose of fun (boards provided upon request). Keep an eye out for roaming camels, their dark silhouettes a striking contrast against the golden sands, adding a touch of authenticity to this desert escapade. This stop is all about group enjoyment, with plenty of time to play, relax, and soak in the vastness of the Rub’ al Khali.

As the day draws to a close, the group gathers at a carefully selected vantage point to witness the desert sunset, the tour’s crowning moment. Perched atop a towering dune, watch as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange, pink, and purple. The endless sea of sand glows in the fading light, creating a magical scene that feels both timeless and serene. Your guide will encourage the group to take photos, capturing this awe-inspiring spectacle—a memory to cherish long after the tour ends.

The tranquility of the moment offers a chance to reflect on the day’s adventures, with the group sharing stories and impressions as the desert cools around you. Light snacks and refreshments, such as dates and Omani coffee, are served, enhancing the communal experience as you savor the flavors of the region against this stunning backdrop.