Salalah Travel Guide
Land of Frankincense
- Ratings:
- Be the first to rate this.
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
A pearl on the Arabian Sea, with coconut palms, papaya and banana plantations, great beaches and heaps of outdoor pursuits on offer Salalah is a rewarding destination for those that make it down from the north. Come here for frankincense, ancient cities, surfing, diving, boat trips and fishing or 4WD safaris into the lush mountains behind the city.
A short flight or long 12-hour drive from the capital, Salalah is worth every kilometre. Beautifully lush thanks to its tropical climate and with a great climate - the temperature rarely rises above 30c – this ocean-side town is perfect for those who love the outdoor life. The khareef winds bring the monsoon in the summer months turning the Qara mountains behind the town green and attracting Arabs from the Gulf states who come to escape their oppressive heat. This unique monsoon transforms the Salalah region into a lush garden with tumbling waterfalls and meandering streams and heralds the annual Khareef Festival, a cultural highlight of the season.
The region’s history is long with the region’s famous frankincense trees bringing it wealth 2 millennia ago: the archaeological remains that lie around town are evidence of this and are well worth exploring and include what is purported to be a palace of the Queen of Sheba.
Today though those who come to the region do so not in search of exotic incense but to explore the marine wonderland of the Arabian coast, take 4WD safaris to the lost city of Ubar and the Empty Quarter, surf, watch birds, take boat trips, go fishing or kayak.
Attractions in Salalah
Outside Salalah are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites associated with the Frankincense trade, with that of Sumharam in the picturesque Khor Rori perhaps most attractive. Around a half hour's drive from Salalah is Taqa a picturesque village and fort. The Jebel Samhan plateau rises to an impressive 1800 meters and it’s here you can find the ‘hanging valley’ of Wadi Dirbat, best seen in flood, and Tawi Attair, a natural sinkhole over 100 metres wide and 250 metres deep. Visit too the Baobab Forest with one tree over 2000 years old. Beautiful beaches spread to the west of Salalah whilst to the north lies remote Shisr, perhaps site of the lost city of Ubar.
Activities in Salalah
The unspoilt nature of the Salalah coast makes it a playground for lovers of the outdoors and for much of the year you can choose to variously go scuba diving, kayaking and canoeing, sailing, fishing and much more. Bird watchers will love the migrating birds that pass through the region.
Relaxing
The tropical climate of Salalah invites relaxation. Choose from a swim from one of the great beaches, a drink by the hotel pool at sunset or enjoy a walk in the hills.
Getting Around
The town is small enough to explore on foot or by taxi, but to get to outlying sites you need your own transport – preferably a 4WD.
Salalah Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?