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Ready to escape to a place where time slows down and the stars feel close enough to touch? A journey into the Rub’ al Khali, the legendary Empty Quarter, is an experience that lingers in your memory long after you return. This guide will help you prepare for the unique climate and enchanting moments of our overnight tour. While we handle all the heavy lifting and logistics, here is a list of personal items to ensure you are ready to make the most of your magical night.
1. What to Wear: Dressing for the Desert's Extremes
The desert is a land of beautiful extremes. Days can be intensely hot and bright, while nights can become surprisingly cool. The key to staying comfortable is smart layering and the right footwear.
Daytime Comfort
Lightweight, breathable clothing: Think loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts and pants made of light cotton or linen. This protects your skin from the intense sun while allowing air to circulate, keeping you cool.
Wide-brimmed hat or a shemagh (scarf): Essential for protecting your face and neck from the relentless sun. It’s also a great way to feel like a true desert explorer.
Sunglasses: The glare from the golden sand is incredibly bright. High-quality sunglasses with UV protection are an absolute must to protect your eyes.
Footwear: Once the sun has warmed the sand, sandals are a wonderfully comfortable choice for walking around the camp and on the dunes. Just like the local Omanis, you’ll find them to be the perfect way to feel the sand between your toes as you watch the sunset.
For the Evening
Warm jacket or fleece: As soon as the sun dips below the horizon, temperatures drop dramatically. A warm outer layer is essential to stay cozy around the bonfire.
Sneakers or thick socks: While sandals are great for the warm sand, you’ll want something warmer for navigating the camp at night. We recommend having a pair of sneakers or at least some thick socks on hand to keep your feet warm as the temperature falls.
2. Essential Personal Items
Packing smart means having the small things that make a big difference, allowing you to relax and enjoy the moment.
Sunscreen and lip balm: The dry air and powerful sun make protecting your skin and lips from burning a top priority.
Personal toiletries: Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrush, and any personal medications you may need.
Power bank: The cool desert night can drain your device batteries faster than usual. A power bank is crucial for keeping your phone or camera ready to capture those perfect sunset and stargazing photos.
Camera: The Empty Quarter is a photographer’s dream. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning landscapes.
Ready to Experience the Empty Quarter?
One of the greatest benefits of our tour is that you can leave the roughing-it to someone else. You won’t be in a flimsy tent with a sleeping bag. We arrange for your overnight stay at a well-appointed desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a comfortable bed, warm blankets, and a delicious buffet dinner and breakfast.
Ready to trade city lights for a sky full of stars? We offer two tour options to suit your adventure style:
A simple desert camp in Al Khadhaf, located at the beginning of the desert.
Price: OMR per person ( group of 2) , including dinner and breakfast.
A more unique camp located deep inside the desert past Al Hashman.
Price: OMR per person (group of 2), including dinner and breakfast.
Both tour options include: Pick up from your hotel in Salalah, an Omani tour guide, a vehicle, all water and drinks, and your overnight stay with meals.
Ready to the Desert at Night?
Book your unforgettable desert overnight tour in the Rub’ al Khali today and let us handle the rest.
