Desert Safari to the Lost City & Empty Quarter | Full-Day Adventure from Salalah (≈ 8 Hours)
Who is this tour for?
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to combine history, culture, and desert adventure in one unforgettable day. It’s ideal for explorers who love archaeological sites, scenic drives, and discovering Oman’s hidden heritage. Great for individuals, couples, or small groups who enjoy a full-day guided experience with comfort and insight.
Group & Family Enquiries
Our tours are designed for 2–4 adults per booking. If you are planning to travel as individual, as a larger group or family with more than 4 people or several children, please contact us directly through the enquiry form. We offer special group rates and can tailor the experience to meet your individual wishes and needs — including customized routes or adjustments to the standard itinerary.
Children under 4 years old can join free of charge (without a separate seat), and children aged 5–11 years receive a 50% discount. If you are travelling with more than one child, please send us an enquiry so we can provide a personalized offer for your family.
Water included, Lunch & Dinner as Extra Service available
English, Arabic, German
Easy to Moderate
Private Tour with English-Speaking Guide
Overview
Embark on a full-day journey through Oman’s most mysterious desert landscapes. Begin your adventure at Wadi Dawkah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its frankincense trees. Continue to the Lost City of Ubar — an ancient trading hub buried under the sands for centuries. Explore the Rub Al Khali, the "Empty Quarter", with its endless dunes and surreal silence. Experience Oman’s desert beauty before returning to Salalah with a short stop in Thumrait for refreshments.
Highlights
Visit Wadi Dawkah (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Discover the Lost City of Ubar and its museum.
Explore Rub Al Khali, the world’s largest sand desert.
Scenic desert drive with stunning photo stops.
Enjoy a refreshing break in Thumrait.
Itinerary
Your Trip
Full Day Desert Safari
At 09:00 pick up from the hotel and drive to Wadi Dawka (UNESCO World Heritage site), also known as the "Frankincense trees," which has the largest collection of naturally grown Frankincense trees in the region. Discover the history of Frankincense as well as its applications in the modern world. Visit 'Lost the City of Ubar' (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the ancient sites in the Dhofar region where archaeologists using remote sensing equipment discovered the city's remains in 1992. Ubar is thought to have been inhabited from approximately 2800 B.C. to approximately 300 A.D. and was an important trading center for frankincense before being buried in the rising dunes. At the site, there is a small museum displaying archaeological discoveries. The bleak, arid desert of Rub al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, stretches from the mountain's foothills to an enormous sandy plain that covers the majority of the area. The area is well-known for its archaeological sites. On your way back, you'll have to stop at Thumrait for some refreshments. End of the trip.
The Cost Includes
Pick-up/Drop-off from all of the Salalah Hotels (extra charges form outside of the city)
A fully air-conditioned vehicle
Private driver
English-speaking guide
Bottled water during the trip
The Cost Excludes
Extra Charges for Pick-up from outside of the city
Extra Charges for Overnight Camping
Lunch & Dinner during the trip
Entrance Fees
Personal Expenses
Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
Emergency expenses
Supplement Rate for New Vehicles (2025-2026) as per availability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is included in the trip?
All tours include transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned 4WD vehicle, an English-speaking local guide, and bottled water during the trip.
What is not included in the trip?
Entrance fees to museums, castles, or archaeological sites are not included unless stated otherwise. Additional meals (e.g., dinner) and pick-up/drop-off outside Salalah City (e.g., Alila Hinu Bay / Wyndham Gardens) carry an extra charge as indicated in each tour description.
How does the child policy work?
Children under 4 years old join free of charge (without a separate seat). Reduced rates apply for children aged 5 – 11 years (50 % of the adult rate). Children aged 12 years and above are charged as adults. For families with more than one child, please contact us for a customized offer.
Can the trip be customized?
Yes, absolutely. Most tours can be tailored to your preferences — whether you’d like to start later, add specific sites, extend the duration, or include an overnight stay in the desert. Simply let us know your preferences by request.
How do I book a trip on the website?
Just browse our tours and packages and select your preferred trip. We offer full-day-trips, half-day-trips, packages with various hotel categories as well as special activities and tours all around Oman. With a click on "check availability" you can select the number of travellers as well as add-ons for your trip. Enter your details and complete your booking. If you need assistance, our team is happy to help via chat, email, or phone.
Can I make changes to my reservation after booking?
Yes. You can modify your booked trip (date, number of participants, or pick-up location) up to 48 hours before the tour date — free of charge. Changes made within 24 hours are subject to availability. For assistance, contact our customer support team, and we'll help you make the necessary adjustments.
What are the cancellation policies?
Free cancellation: up to 24 hours before the tour date.
Same-day cancellation / no-show: 100 % of the total amount will be charged and is non-refundable. If the tour is canceled by us due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, you’ll receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.
Do you offer group booking discounts?
Yes. Special group rates are available for bookings of more than 4 persons. Please contact us directly for a personalized quotation.
What kind of vehicles are used for the tours?
All tours are conducted in modern, air-conditioned 4WD vehicles, designed for comfort and safety on Dhofar’s diverse terrain.
Is it possible to combine tours or add overnight stays?
Yes — several day-tours can be combined into multi-day itineraries. You can also add an overnight desert/nature experiences including dinner and breakfast at an additional package rate.
