The ORAC Wahiba Challenges

The ORAC Wahiba Challenges

Are you up for a challenge?

Over 25+ years, the Wahiba Challenge has evolved into several separate challenges to allow participants from all experience levels to take part in ORAC’s challenging crossing. Participants undertake a Wahiba desert crossing navigating the shifting sands and follow a path through the diverse desert environment with the goal of arriving at a predetermined GPS location, attempting to complete it in the shortest distance and the straightest route possible. We do not take time into consideration during this event as it’s not a race and is based on your skills to navigate the dunes. 

All of the Wahiba Challenge events require you to have completed both the ORAC theory and practical training in full before taking part in the challenge. 

Below are some of the variations you can take part in during the Wahiba Challenges.

Wahiba Challenge Classic: 

As stated above, the Wahiba Challenge Classic is not a race; instead, it focuses on the challenging journey itself. Participating teams will be self guided and undertake the 60 km crossing navigating the shifting sands and follow a path through the diverse desert environment arriving at predetermined GPS locations, whilst attempting to complete it in the shortest distance and the straightest route possible. This is a 2 day event with the first GPS location being the Mid Camp point where ORAC Team members will be there to greet you and check you in. The following day will take you to the end point and out of the Wahiba Desert.  

Wahiba Challenge Long: 

The Wahiba Challenge Long takes place on the same day as the Wahiba Challenge Classic but adds an additional GPS location, taking you south adding an extra 30km to the first day before ending up in the Mid Camp location with the rest of the teams. This is for more experienced Wahiba Challengers and teams will be self guided (extra fuel will need to be carried in your team to complete this longer route). 

Wahiba Challenge Lite: 

The Wahiba Challenge Lite is for participants that want to have a Wahiba Challenge experience (and may not have the experience of the Classic event) but would like to still take part with a team lead by an experienced Wahiba Challenger. There is no obligation to reach the Mid or the End Point and your team can just go as far as it is able in the time given.

Wahiba Challenge Extreme:

The Wahiba Challenge Extreme is for seasoned Wahiba Challengers; you must have completed at least 1 Wahiba Challenge Classic to take part. This event takes participants deep into the Wahiba Desert following multiple GPS locations, to the peaks of some of the largest sand dunes the Wahiba Desert has to offer and can be very challenging. This is a 2 day event and covers 72km. Teams will be self guided and will require you to carry extra fuel with your team.  

Rules and Safety Regulations: 

Safety is paramount for this demanding challenge to ensure everyone’s enjoyment. 

  • There must be 1 member of RAHRC per team 
  • All of the Wahiba Challenge events require you to have completed both ORAC theory and practical training in full
  • All cars must have a Sand Flag attached to their vehicle at all times 
  • Teams must have at least 4 vehicles no more than 5
  • Up to two people in each vehicle and must be aged 16+ (18+ for Wahiba Challenge Extreme)
  • Each team must have 2 spare seats in case of vehicle breakdown
  • At least one GPS Navigation system per team
  • Teams must provide all recovery equipment for their team 
  • Teams must have all food, water, fuel and camping supplies required to complete the challenge they are participating in 
  • Registration and event fee must be completed by the stated date 
  • Persons under the age of 16 are not allowed to attend, at any point of the Wahiba Challenge 
  • Teams must be responsible for every member of their team and for recovery of damaged and broken down vehicles 
  • You must not drive your vehicle into or around the MidPoint camp after dark
  • Team Captains must ensure that the details of their team members are correct at the time of registration, and are responsible to inform the ORAC committee of any changes
  • Teams are not allowed to share the coordinates or invite friends and family members for any Wahiba Challenge events who are not registered with ORAC
  • Red number plate cars will not be permitted on any ORAC events

Wahiba Challenge Extreme specific rules:

  • Persons under the age of 18 are not allowed to attend, at any point of the Extreme Challenge
  • To enter the Wahiba Challenge Extreme, participants must have completed at least 1 Classic Wahiba Challenge 

If any of these stipulations are not met, you and your team will be disqualified from the event.

If you require clarification or have any further questions about any part of the Wahiba Challenge please contact secretaryorac@gmail.com  

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