Salalah Oman

Places to visit / Go in Salalah Oman

Half-Day Salalah City Tour – approx. 4hrs

Begin the day by paying a visit to the magnificent Sultan Grand Mosque, which features exquisite artwork and stained tiles. We can visit the mosque every day in the morning (08:30 – 11:00), except Friday, and we recommend that you bring a headscarf or the equivalent of a hijab for ladies and dress modestly. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted. The garden farms with coconut, banana, papaya, and vegetable plantations will be the next stop. Following that, we’ll go to Al Baleed, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Museum of the Frankincense Land. It displays the region’s historical and archaeological heritage, as well as its exceptional maritime tradition. The Al Baleed site is open from 08:30 to 20:00 on Sundays through Thursdays, and from 15:00 to 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Following our visit to the historical site, we proceed to the Al Haffa Souq (shops are closed from 13:00 to 16:30) and a photo stop at Al Husn Palace. The best place to buy Frankincense gum and incense is at Al Haffa Souq. The Souq also sells a wide range of products such as gold and silver jewelry, textiles, clothing, and other traditional artifacts. End of the trip.

Highlights: Sultan Qaboos Mosque | Plantations | Al Baleed Archaeological site & Museum of the Frankincense Land | Al Haffa Souq and Photo stop in Al Husn Palace

Half-Day East of Dhofar – approx. 4hrs

Begin the day to the east of Dhofar at Ain Razat, a collection of natural springs, some of which are perennial and others of which are seasonal and only appear during Khareef (monsoon season). This location is also popular all year round and serves as one of Salalah’s primary water sources. Following that, we will travel to Taqah, one of the coastal towns in Dhofar Governorate. Taqah is an ancient town and fishing village with an intriguing castle. Watchtowers and stone houses surround the castle. The rooms inside the castle are filled with antique jewelry, weapons, furniture, paintings, and everyday items that make the castle inhabitable. After stopping at Taqah, we drive to the most unexpected location in Dhofar, Wadi Darbat. It is hidden in the mountains overlooking Khor Rori, just after the Taqah coast. The Wadi is a natural park with breathtaking views of waterfalls, a large number of camels, lakes, mountains, caves, and lush green vegetation. During the Khareef season (monsoon), water from the mountains replenished the Wadi, creating magnificent waterfalls gushing from 30 meters (100 ft.) and cave chambers. Visitors can also enjoy a large picnic area. Continue to Khor Rori Creek, the location of the ruined city Sumhuram and the ancient Arabian frankincense trade capital. Sumhuram Museum / Archaeological Park is one of the components of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Land of Frankincense. It is located in Khor Rori, an ancient city where the frankincense and copper trade flourished. End of the trip. (This tour involves walking over uneven and slanted terrain, please wear comfortable steady, or walking shoes.)

Highlights: Ain Razat | Taqah | Wadi Darbat | Sumhuram (Khor Rori)

*Wadi Darbat is not possible for Coach bus

Half-Day West of Dhofar – approx. 4hrs

The first place to go is Ain Garziz, which was one of the springs in the Dhofar region. Drive to the mountains next to see Nabi Ayoub (Prophet Jobs Tomb), which can be seen from a high point in the Jebel (mountain). Because of its historical significance, this location is also one of the most visited in Salalah. He is referred to as Nabi Ayoub in the Quran and Prophet Job in the Bible. Also, we will go for a photo stop at the viewpoint near the Nabi Ayoub location where they can see beautiful landscapes and mountains. Following our visit to the historical site, we will travel to Al Mughsail Beach, which is known for its blowholes. Al Mughsail Beach is a must-see in the Dhofar Region. Seawater rushes with high pressure through an underground channel and shoots out in a geyser-like eruption on the cliff. The spout can reach heights of several meters in response to the forces of the waves. End of the trip. (This tour involves walking over uneven and slanted terrain, please wear comfortable steady, or walking shoes.)

Highlights: Ain Garziz | Nabi Ayoub Prophet Job’s Tomb | Viewpoint | Al Mughsail Beach & Blowholes

*Nabi Ayoub is not possible for Coach Bus and still close this season

Full-Day Salalah City Tour – approx. 8hrs

Begin the day by paying a visit to the magnificent Sultan Grand Mosque, which features exquisite artwork and stained tiles. We can visit the mosque every day in the morning (08:30 – 11:00), except Friday, and we recommend that you bring a headscarf or the equivalent of a hijab for ladies and dress modestly. Shorts and sleeveless tops are not permitted. The next stop will be in the garden farms with the plantations of coconut, banana, papaya, and vegetables. After, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Baleed and the Museum of the Frankincense Land. It exhibits the historical and archaeological heritage also the exceptional maritime tradition of the region. Al Baleed site opens Sun – Thu 08:30 to 20:00 and Fri – Sat 15:00 to 20:00. After visiting the historical site, we proceed to the Al Haffa Souq (shops are closed from 13:00 to 16:30) and photo stop at Al Husn Palace. Al Haffa Souq is the best place to buy the best kinds of Frankincense gum and incense. The garden farms with coconut, banana, papaya, and vegetable plantations will be the next stop. The world record for the longest grave is held by the Nabi Imran Tomb. It is the final resting place of another prominent Islamic prophet, Prophet Imran (PBUH). The burial is 41 feet long, and its enigmatic length continues to captivate devotees and tourists alike. A small mosque, complete with a well-kept garden, has also been built nearby, adding to the spirituality and pleasantness of the setting. We’ll visit As-Salam Street (Gold Souq) and have some free time in Salalah Gardens Mall. End of the trip.

Full day East and West – approx. 8hrs. (4WD only)

The first place to go is Ain Garziz, which was one of the springs in the Dhofar region. Drive to have a photo stop at the viewpoint near the Nabi Ayoub location where they can see beautiful landscapes and mountains. Following our visit to the historical site, we will travel to Al Mughsail Beach, which is known for its blowholes. Al Mughsail Beach is a must-see in the Dhofar Region. Seawater rushes with high pressure through an underground channel and shoots out in a geyser-like eruption on the cliff. The spout can reach heights of several meters in response to the forces of the waves. End of the trip.

Highlights: Ain Razat | Taqah | Khor Rori (Sumhuram) | Viewpoint | Al Mughsail Beach

Full-Day Jebel Safari West – approx. 8hrs. (4WD only)

The first place to go is Ain Garziz, which was one of the springs in the Dhofar region. Drive to the mountains next to see Nabi Ayoub (Prophet Jobs Tomb), which can be seen from a high point in the Jebel (mountain). Because of its historical significance, this location is also one of the most visited in Salalah. He is referred to as Nabi Ayoub in the Quran and Prophet Job in the Bible. Also, we will go for a photo stop at the viewpoint near the Nabi Ayoub location where they can see beautiful landscapes and mountains. Following our visit to the historical site, we will travel to Al Mughsail Beach, which is known for its blowholes. Al Mughsail Beach is a must-see in the Dhofar Region. Seawater rushes with high pressure through an underground channel and shoots out in a geyser-like eruption on the cliff. The spout can reach heights of several meters in response to the forces of the waves. We’ll make a photo stop at Mughsail Lagoon, which is home to migratory birds. (Please bring your towels and change of clothes if you plan on swimming on the beach.)

The sights are magnificent due to the heights involved on the Zigzag Road, which is around 10 to 15 km. The stark shape of the leafless Frankincense Tree adorns the countryside as you reroute. Dhofar’s frankincense is regarded as the best in the world. After that, drive to Fizaya Beach, which has pristine turquoise waters in the Indian Ocean, along the hairpin bend road near Oman’s western border. Spend some time relaxing and taking in the scenery. (The current is very strong, and the coast is rocky, therefore swimming is not recommended). End of the trip. (This tour involves walking over uneven and slanted terrain, please wear comfortable steady, or walking shoes.)

Full-Day Jebel Safari East – approx. 8hrs. (4WD only)

Drive towards the east of Dhofar to Ain Razat, a collection of natural springs, some of which are perennial, while others are seasonal and only appear during Khareef (monsoon season). This location is also popular all year round and serves as one of Salalah’s primary water sources. Following that, we will travel to Taqah, a coastal town in Dhofar Governorate. Taqah is an old town and fishing village with an interesting castle. The castle is surrounded by watchtowers and stone houses. The room inside the castle is filled with ancient pieces of jewelry, weapons, furniture, paintings, and everyday items that make the castle inhabitable. After stopping at Taqah, we will drive to the most unexpected location in Dhofar, Wadi Darbat. It is hidden in the mountains overlooking Khor Rori, just after the Taqah coast. The Wadi is a natural park with breathtaking views of waterfalls, a large number of camels, lakes, mountains, caves, and lush green vegetation. During the Khareef season (monsoon), water from the mountains replenished the Wadi, creating magnificent waterfalls gushing from 30 meters (100 ft.) and cave chambers. Visitors can also enjoy a large picnic area. Continue your exploration of the Tawi Ateer, also known as the “Birds Well” and one of the most famous and dramatic sinkholes in the Salalah Mountains’ porous limestone. You can descend a rocky path to the bottom with the help of a local guide. Visitors can visit the Teeq Sinkhole/ Cave about 14 km from Tawi Ateer. The depth of this massive cavity is 211 meters (692 ft) and its plunges range from 130 meters (427 ft.) to 150 m (492 ft). Continue to one of the major mountain ranges of Jebel Samhan, a breathtaking plateau with the highest peak of around 2100 meters and an area of 4500 sq. km (1700 sq. mi). On the way, stop for a photo in a Babul tree (Baobab) and drive to Salalah Anti-Gravity Point to see their cars climbing the hill in Neutral gear (without any acceleration). This is an incredible experience and a one-of-a-kind trip because the car can travel at speeds ranging from 40 to 60 km/hr. without requiring any acceleration. End of the trip. (This tour involves walking over uneven and slanted terrain, please wear comfortable steady, or walking shoes.)

(Optional Supplement EF: Taqah Castle and Fort OMR 3 pp)

Full-Day Historical East – approx. 8hrs. (4WD only)

Start by heading east of Dhofar to Ain Razat, a collection of natural springs, some of which are perennial, while others are seasonal and only appear during Khareef (monsoon season). This location is also popular all year round and serves as one of Salalah’s primary water sources. Following that, we will travel to Taqah, a coastal town in Dhofar Governorate. Taqah is an old town and fishing village with an interesting castle. The castle is surrounded by watchtowers and stone houses. The room inside the castle is filled with ancient pieces of jewelry, weapons, furniture, paintings, and everyday items that make the castle inhabitable. After stopping at Taqah, we will drive to the most unexpected location in Dhofar, Wadi Darbat. It is hidden in the mountains overlooking Khor Rori, just after the Taqah coast. The Wadi is a natural park with breathtaking views of waterfalls, a large number of camels, lakes, mountains, caves, and lush green vegetation. During the Khareef season (monsoon), water from the mountains replenished the Wadi, creating magnificent waterfalls gushing from 30 meters (100 ft.) and cave chambers. Visitors can also enjoy a large picnic area. Continue to Mirbat, where you can see the historical Mirbat castle, the Wali house, the old Souq, the old village, and the mina (port/harbor). Continue to the twin-domed Bin Ali’s Tomb, a classic example of medieval architecture and a photo stop. Finally, go to Khor Rori Creek, which is the location of Sumhuram’s ruined city. It was the center of the ancient Arabian frankincense trade. Sumhuram Museum / Archaeological Park is one of the components of the Land of Frankincense designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated in the ancient city of Khor Rori, where the frankincense and copper trade flourished. End of the trip. (This tour involves walking over uneven and slanted terrain, please wear comfortable steady, or walking shoes.)

Full-Day Beach Escapade – approx. 8hrs (4WD only)

Drive to Al Mughsail Beach, which has blowholes and is one of the must-see beaches in Dhofar. Seawater rushes with high pressure through an underground channel and shoots out in a geyser-like eruption on the cliff. The spout can reach heights of several meters in response to the forces of the waves. We’ll make a photo stop at Mughsail Lagoon, which is home to migratory birds. (If there is time to swim on the beach, please bring towels and a change of clothes.)

The Zigzag Road is approximately 10 to 15 km, and the views are breathtaking due to the heights involved. The stark shape of the leafless Frankincense Tree adorns the landscape as you reroute. Dhofar-grown frankincense is regarded as the best in the world. Then drive to Fizaya Beach, which has pristine turquoise waters in the Indian Ocean, along the hairpin bend road towards Oman’s western border. Spend some time relaxing and taking in the sights. If you want to swim here, keep in mind that the current is extremely strong and the coast is rocky. End of the trip. (This tour involves walking over uneven and slanted terrain, please wear comfortable steady, or walking shoes.)

Highlights: Al Mughsail Beach | Zigzag Road | Frankincense trees | Fizayah Beach

Inner West of Dhofar – approx. 9 hrs. (4WD only)

Start the day to visit one of the gorgeous beaches in Dhofar. The viewpoint of Hidden Beach is located between Al Mughsail and Fizayah Beach. An overlooking between mountains and in the middle a tortoise water view of the Arabian Sea. Continue to visit the Shaat Sinkhole this sinkhole is not that huge, unlike the Teeq sinkhole in the east. Continue to an overlooking from the Shaat Viewpoint of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean from a height of more than a thousand meters. (Please bring your ID / Passport for checkpoint purposes before reaching Shaat.) before we go down to Rakhyut we will have short refreshments. after, we will continue to Rakhyut to visit the beautiful village and nice beach. End of the trip (This tour involves walking over uneven and slanted terrain, please wear comfortable steady, or walking shoes.)

Highlights: Hidden Beach | Shaat Viewpoint | Shaat Sinkhole | Rakyut Beach, Village, and Castle

Full-day Wadi Ash Shuwaymiyyah – approx. 12hrs. (4WD only)- Day trip or with overnight

We make our first stop in Mirbat fishing village and go through the settlement, which is spread around the Fort. After viewing the settlement, we proceed to Hasik Waterfall. Water running off Jebel Samhan, the mountain plateau above, drips constantly throughout the year, even in the hottest months, causing the limestone to melt like candle wax down the cliff face. After heavy rains, a waterfall rushes over the tongues of limestone much to the delight of the resident swifts. Set out towards Wadi Ash Shuwaymiyyah village. This untouched nature with breathtaking rock formations is sculpted by nature out of the surrounding country. We travel through the Wadi until we stop for a picnic lunch near the waterfall and its falaj. The chance to immerse yourself in the Wadi’s pure water. After we will return to Salalah, with a possible photo stop on the way or overnight in Shuwaymiyyah by mobile camp. (This tour involves walking over uneven and slanted terrain, please wear comfortable steady, or walking shoes.)

Highlights: Mirbat | Hasik waterfalls | Wadi Ash Shuwaymiyyah

UNESCO World Heritage Sites – approx. 9hrs (4WD only)

The four elements of the Land of Frankincense vividly depict the centuries-long frankincense commerce that thrived in this region. They are a remarkable testament to the civilizations that have existed in southern Arabia since the Neolithic period. The frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkha, as well as the ruins of the caravan oasis of Ubar in Shisr and the affiliated ports of Khor Rori and Al-Baleed, vividly depict the frankincense trade that thrived in this region for many centuries as one of the most important trading activities of the ancient and medieval world. The frankincense tree (Boswellia Sacra) can still be found in Wadi Dawkha, and frankincense is still gathered there. The Wadi drains the north-south Mountains seasonally, disappearing into the Rub al Khali desert in the ‘Empty Quarter.’ Under the severe heat of this region, trees flourish in the alluvial bed of the Wadi.

We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Baleed and the Museum of the Frankincense Land. It exhibits the historical and archaeological heritage also the exceptional maritime tradition of the region. Al Baleed site opens Sun -Thu 08:30 – 20:00 and Fri – Sat 15:00 – 20:00. After visiting the historical site, lunch in a local restaurant, and Continue to Khor Rori Creek, the site of the ruined city Sumhuram, and the capital of ancient Arabia’s frankincense trade. Sumhuram Museum / Archaeological Park is one of the components of the Land of Frankincense considered by the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the ancient city of Khor Rori, where the frankincense and copper trade flourished. Continue to 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. Proceed to the “The Lost 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.

Enjoy the exciting and thrilling driving tactics in the fine sand of the Arabian Desert in Rub al Khali. Take in a breathtaking sunset over the dunes. End of the trip.

Highlights: Al Baleed Archaeological site & Museum of the Frankincense Land | Sumhuram (Khor Rori) | Wadi Dawka & Frankincense trees | Ubar

Desert Safari to the Lost City and Empty Quarter

Salalah – Thumrait – Shisr – Rub al Khali – Shisr- Thumrait- Salalah

Highlights: Wadi Dawka & Frankincense trees | Ubar | Rub Al Khali

Option 1: Full Day Desert Safari – approx. 8hrs

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.

Option 2: Sunset Desert Safari (with and without dinner)

At 12:30 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. Proceed to the “The Lost 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.

Enjoy the exciting and thrilling driving tactics in the fine sand of the Arabian Desert in Rub al Khali. Take in a breathtaking sunset over the dunes. (Additional supplement for dinner)

Option 3: Desert Overnight (A Night in Rub Al Khali Desert) – 1Night 1 Day

At 12:30 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. Proceed to the “The Lost 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.

Enjoy the exciting and thrilling driving tactics in the fine sand of the Arabian Desert in Rub al Khali. Before arriving at our campsite, take in a beautiful sunset over the dunes. On arrival at the camp, Arabian Coffee and traditional dates are also served. You will then be served a delectable dinner and Shisha (the Arabic water pipe). Breakfast will be served the following day. The camp has simple tents with solid beds, bed linen, running water, and electricity, as well as shared toilet and bathroom facilities. End of the trip.

All of the above tours/excursions include a Return transfer to/from the hotel with fully air-conditioned vehicles, a driver/guide, and complimentary water and juice throughout the trip. Other extra features will be mentioned in the description above.

Additional Information:

Not included are gratuities, meals not specified in the tour descriptions, additional transfers, and all entrance fees.
Desert Safari is not suitable for those who have injuries or serious medical conditions that may be worsened by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women are unable to participate.
Due to safety regulations, all 4WD vehicles are limited to a maximum of 4 pax per vehicle.
When visiting religious sites, women should wear headscarves or a similar hijab. All guests are required to dress modestly. Sleeveless, above-the-knee shorts are not permitted, and shoulders must be covered at all times.
Please observe the local photography customs. Photographing or filming inside some museums is not permitted.
Dune bashing is a thrilling activity. Guests are allowed to take part in the activity at their own risk.
Always remember to bring sunscreen, insect repellants, and sun protection.
Please respect regional social customs and refrain from making loud noises near residential areas and religious sites.
the majority of the tours involve walking on uneven and slanted terrain, please wear comfortable steady, or walking shoes.
Guests should wear comfortable clothing and avoid wearing jewelry or expensive watches on desert trips because there is no signal at the camp/desert.