With Oman’s abundant beaches, vast expanses of deserts and date palm plantations, it’s hard to think that the country has more to offer in the way of natural beauty. But a visit to the exceptional Al Khaluf Dunes will leave all such assumptions quashed! Popularly known as the Sugar Dunes, the Al Khaluf Dunes are situated near the tiny fishing village of Al Khaluf.
Miles and miles of brilliant white sands form the Sugar Dunes, a lesser known tourist attraction in Oman. Lining the shore, the white sand dunes are juxtaposed against crystal clear blue waters, a view that’s hard to describe as anything but otherworldly!
Situated 400kms south of the capital city of Muscat, Al Khaluf is a small village that is home to fishermen and several car and boat engine shops. The area is known for its Sugar Dunes, the breathtaking white sand beach, a shrimp farm and the Al Khaluf Caves situated further down south.
The region is a beautiful camping destination, wherein one can spend the night under a sky full of stars, right in between the ocean and milky white dunes, swathed luxuriously over the land, almost like lush velvet. Come dawn, watching the sun rise while seated on the cool snow-white sand is an experience of a lifetime.
A great way to escape the hustle of the city, Al Khaluf is tucked far away along the coastline of Oman. What’s truly wonderful about this region is that as the sugary white sands shift and blend away, they reveal sharp, layered rock formations that are simply breathtaking. Pure, untouched beauty, this secluded paradise combines several magical wonders of nature!
How to get to the Sugar Dunes of Al Khaluf?
With a four-wheel drive all fueled up, exit the city from Rusayl and continue on till you get on road 32. Having crossed Sinaw and Mahout, continue driving towards Duqm. About 30kms on, at the T-Junction, take the exit to Khaluf and drive for another 27kms until you reach the village.
Many an off-roader have ventured out to Al Khaluf; getting to the village is not too hard if one follows map apps or with the help of GPS tracking, but getting to the Sugar Dunes can be a bit tricky as the dunes are constantly shifting and existing tracks get sandy owing to the gushes of wind from the adjacent sea.
It is always advisable to visit the area in a convoy of three or more vehicles for safety purposes; should one vehicle’s tyres sink into the sand the others may be able to help pull it out. One of the strongest suggestions that those who have travelled to Al Khaluf have, is to follow the ‘Oman Off-Road’ guide, which has a detailed account of the route to take to get there.
Another alternative is to contact a tour company in the city to set up a trip for you with their own drivers. Unlike most destinations, the Sugar Dunes are less popular and so don’t have stay facilities like desert camps or shacks. So an overnight stay will mean having to carry your own tents, food and bedding.
Things to remember when you visit the Sugar Dunes:
- The snow-white sands remain cool all through the day, even when the sun is out, so walking about in the sand is a breeze. However, it’s best to protect the skin on your feet with sunscreen to avoid sun burns.
- Do not litter. If you’re planning an overnight trip to Al Khaluf, it is important to place trash and remaining food in the car before you spend the night in the tent. Before leaving the site, remember to collect all garbage and carry it back with you to the city where you can dispose it off responsibly.
- Make sure to refuel your vehicles at the fuel stations you find along the way.
- While driving, stay as close to the roads as possible. Do not stray too far into the sands.
- Beware of quicksand.
