
Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali worth booking?
Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali is a 8-hour experience in Salalah, Oman, from $513 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $513 per person
A tour to take you to discover the wonderful dunes of the Rub al Khali. We will see the incense valley and the ruins of the ancient city of Ubar, before moving on to the largest and still unexplored sandy desert in the world. You will be accompanied by expert sand drivers and careful guides who do this job with passion.
What you get
About this experience
A tour to take you to discover the wonderful dunes of the Rub al Khali. We will see the incense valley and the ruins of the ancient city of Ubar, before moving on to the largest and still unexplored sandy desert in the world. You will be accompanied by expert sand drivers and careful guides who do this job with passion.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
The Frankincense Trail
The incense valley is home to the largest concentration of Boswellia Sacra trees, from which the precious frankincense resin comes. UNESCO site
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ar, de, en, it, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 4 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- DhoIT - Dhofar International Tourism
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos



What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
to do and redo
It is an unforgettable experience and an excellent organization by Alpitour. It 'was the only tour we organized from Italy, on site is at a lower price but I think it is worth going with what Alpitour organized for a safety issue. I speak of driving safety, because driving a 4X4 in the desert dunes is not an easy thing.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Amazing Desert Camp Trip
Alice, Geraldina and the local Bedouin guide Bukhit were incredible hosts. The camp was clean and cosy and the team prepared me a vegetarian meal which was so delicious! It was a super special stay, with interesting fireside chats, stargazing and singing. Thank you for such a beautiful trip and I hope to visit again soon!
Response from the operator: It was our pleasure to welcome you to our desert camp and tell you the stories of this magical land. See you soon for new adventures!
via Tripadvisor
Rub al Khali and Ubar
I would like to report the wonderful experience I had at the Ibex Camp In Dhofar. With my family we were greeted in a really friendly way by Alice and Geraldina. The camp is located in the Rub al Khali desert one of the largest deserts in the world and I chose it to spend New Year’s Eve. Tents, toilets and dinner were great. Before arriving at the Camp we found ourselves in Shisr where there is the archaeological site of Ubar. Discovering the mythical “Atlantis of the Desert” was guided by Geraldina (Archaeologist) who was part of the expedition that discovered the site. Geraldina made the place, already very beautiful in itself, even more fascinating and mysterious with its stories and anecdotes of how the discovery took place. I strongly suggest it because it was an unforgettable experience. I would like to suggest the Ibex Camp in Dhofar, run by Alice and Geraldina. The camp is in the Rub al Khali desert one of the biggest desert in the world. I was there for New Year’s Eve with my family. The Beduine’ Tents and the facility are really nice like the meals served at the camp. Before to reach the Camp we met at Shisr where the Ubar Archeological site is. Ubar is well known even with the name of Atlantis of the Sands the lost city, named in this way by T.E Laurence. Geraldine (Archaeologist) was part of the team that discovered the site, she gave us a tour of this site full of history and anecdotes. It had been an amazing holiday and I feel comfortable to recommend it.
Response from the operator: E' stato per noi un vero piacere avere la possibilita' di potervi ospitare nel nostro campo nel deserto. A presto per nuove e magnifiche avventure!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
An unexpected Oman
On our second trip to Oman we decided to visit not only the North as we had done previously, but we headed to the deep south by car to see what can be called another Oman, we relied on this agency so by chance and we found ourselves in front of a helpful, prepared, precise girl who fully met our expectations. I always say that in Oman, in addition to the country, you still have in your heart the people, also in this case I do not deny, Italians but well integrated in the country in which they live and not only guides by chance but by passion of a country in which they decided to live. Sometimes special meetings happen at home, this is one ...
Response from the operator: Grazie per questa bella recensione e questo pensiero profondo. E' stato per noi bellissimo incontrarvi qui sulle sponde dell'Oceano Mare. A presto, spero!
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Trip in Oman
Everything was going perfect. Nice people, beautiful landscape. Professional tour in an unforgettable place.
Response from the operator: Thank you for trusting us and making yours this piece of land
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by DhoIT - Dhofar International Tourism, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 55.0.
See everything DhoIT - Dhofar International Tourism runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Salalah.
How much does Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali cost?
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Prices start at $513 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Salalah usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Salalah is not rushed.
Is Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Salalah, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Salalah can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Salalah and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Salalah within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Salalah?
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On Outty we rank every Salalah experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include East Salalah Mountain Safari, Wadi Darbat, Beach, Camels, Dunes, Private Salalah Mountain Safari, West Salalah Tour - Caribbean of Orient - Fazayah Beach with City. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Salalah?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Salalah?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali?
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Included: Bottled water; Lunch; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 39 listed pickup locations in and around Salalah. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali offered in?
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It is offered in Arabic, German, English, Italian and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Specialized infant seats are available; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Salalah. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Desert Safari in the Rub al Khali?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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