Oman Tourism: The Red Sands Of Ibra

T-Mag Thursday 02/June/2016 17:56 PM
By: Times News Service
Oman Tourism: The Red Sands Of Ibra

A walk in an ancient village of Ibra, some delicious mix grill for lunch followed by quad rides, dune bashing, and a night under the stars in the desert; this weekend it’s all about adventure.

Friday
09.00 Start the 150km drive to inland Sharqiyah via the route 23 connecting Bidbid with Sur.

11.30 Reach Ibra, the gateway to Oman’s eastern region. The brown signs after the souq will lead you to the old village of Al Minzfah. Check the double archway that gives entrance to the village and walk around the mud-built two and three storeyed houses of the ancient wealthy merchants owing to the close trading links with Zanzibar and east Africa.

13.00 Devour the mix grill with appetisers at the Rawazen Restaurant on the main Ibra road.

14.00 Drive for 40km till you reach the small town of Al Wasil and turn right after you pass the mosque. A dirty 11km unpaved road will bring you to the Desert Nights Camp. Check-in in one of its luxurious Bedouin tents.

15.30 It is time for a quad bike adventure. Tighten your helmet, jump on your quad, and go for a desert ride. Can there be more fun than this?

18.30 Enjoy the magical sunset, with the sun hiding behind the vast mass of undulating red and white sand dunes.

20.00 Go back to the camp and sit around the campfire. Enjoy the star-lit night as you sip Omani kahwa.

Saturday
09.00
Start your day with adventure in mind. Check out from the hotel and drive a few kilometres south till you reach Bidiyah. Go to the town’s petrol pump on your right, park the car, and close a deal for a dune bashing session. A skilful driver will bring you up and down the dunes and raise your adrenaline to its maximum levels.

13.00 Recover your energy in one of the coffee shops in the main road from Bidiyah to Al Wasil and start your drive back home.

16:00 Reach the capital after a real driving weekend adventure.[email protected]