High Above Nature
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. 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 walking shoes.)
