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Desert Nights
An oasis in the golden sands
of the Wahiba, Desert Nights Camp from the OHI Group is the newest destination
for adventure seekers
Desert Nights Camp is an initiative from the OHI Group of companies that falls
in line with the initiatives of the Sultanate of Oman to attract tourists.
To attend the inaugural ceremony on December 12, we hit the Nizwa Highway in the
wee hours of the morning. From Muscat, the road led us via Bid Bid and Ibra to
the small town of Al Wasil. The journey was pleasant, courtesy good roads
matched by bare and trim landscape on both sides. Sometimes greens appeared as a
visual treat as our car followed the road towards Sur. From Al Wasil, we
followed a dirt road for 11 km, before reaching this premium OHI property.
The inauguration ceremony began early morning in a beautiful Bedouin style tent,
outside the main gates of the Camp. Expressing her appreciation for this tourism
initiative, Her Excellency Dr. Rajiha bint Abdul Amir Ali, inaugurated the
Deserts Nights Camp of Al Wasil. Ministry officials, key business dignitaries
and media persons graced the event. Maqbool bin Hameed Al Saleh, Chairman, OHI
Group, welcomed all the invitees. The group was then taken on a guided tour of
the Camp, with Omani music and folk dancers creating an air of festivity.
Desert Camps can trace their history to ancient times, when while on their way
to the battlefields, the Sultans, used to set up royal style camps. These camps
were equipped with all the royal amenities. Later rulers kept the practice
alive, setting up such camps during their hunting trips, royal gatherings and
recreational activities. In modern times, desert camps are meant for those who
love outdoors and want to explore wilderness with an exciting opportunity to
enjoy desert adventure. This time, the new destination is Desert Nights Camp, Al
Wasil.
An oasis of rare exclusivity in the golden sands of the Wahiba, Desert Nights
Camp houses several Bedouin-style tents made of biodegradable materials.
According to Asif Parpia of Leeyana, these materials keep the inside cool in the
summer. The tents are fully air-conditioned, with luxurious bedrooms, attached
bath and a cozy sit-out. The rooms are done up in traditional, ethnic furniture,
which lends them an earthy but comfortable look, in semblance with the façade of
the tent. Lamps on either side of the bed create a soothing ambience in the
darkness of night. All the tents are strategically located, offering panoramic
views of the surrounding countryside.
For those who also want to enjoy life outside in the desert wilderness, there
are activities galore. Riding a camel into the sunset, taking a desert safari
and dune-bashing are very enjoyable. Wadi Bani Khalid is the new face of Arabian
adventure; one of the most beautiful wadis in the mountains of Oman, it has a
lush green landscape with water bodies around. The magnificent beauty of this
wadi is well worth exploring.
Evenings are livened up by camp fire, local musicians and dancers. As the dusk
approaches, the campfire for a ‘Shuwa’ or Omani lamb barbecue brings everybody
together to savour Omani hospitality at its traditional best.
When the day’s excitements are over, in the blissful solitude of night, one can
gaze the starlit sky, incredibly clear. That is an added bonus for those who
leave the city to be in the desert night camp for sometime.
Susmita De
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