A Wonderful Vacation schedule in salalah Dhofar During Khareef Season
Dhofar is known to be the land of lovely contrasts, where you find both the stark desert terrain and the lush green mountains drawing marvelous scenery.
And in khareef (Monsoon season), which starts from late June till early September, the lands become greener, the rain starts taking place, temperature decreases, and many seasonal waterfalls start to appear from nowhere as a result of the water accumulation on the mountains.
And thick fog starts covering the mountainous region, creating real heaven on earth!
Nature lovers won’t only have the chance to explore the sensational landscape that is framed by breathtaking beaches and coconut palm trees but also explore more than a UNESCO World Heritage Site such as the Land of Frankincense in Salalah.
As a matter of fact, the Sultanate of Oman as a whole is a land of adventure, where you will have memorable climbing, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and bird-watching.
Here is a plan for a perfect trip to Dhofar Governorate.
First Day
Ayn Razat
Ayn Razat has several natural springs in Dhofar, outside Salalah City; some of them are seasonal springs that you will find only in khareef (Autumn), while others are year-round.
You will find this place always crowded with visitors that are mainly coming from the hotter places in the middle east to enjoy the cool climate.
Around Ayn Razat spring, there are Omani natives who sell makeshift stalls, kids’ toys, kites, fresh fruits, umbrellas, and souvenirs; there are also some cabins that sell ice cream sweet corn, and many other yummy snacks。
Worth mentioning is that this place also has a cave and a flower garden that are ideal for picnicking.
Ayn Razat Location
It is located 23 km east of Salalah. The drive will take about 25 to 30 minutes。
Ayn Hamran
Ayn Hamran, is one of the magical sites in Oman and the Dhofar area. Visitors go there from all around the world to watch the beautifully flowing Waterfall in the middle of green and brown trees during Khareef Season in Salalah.
There is a tomb in Ayn Hamran, where there is a myth claiming that it is the tomb of a renowned magician, which is claimed to be an uncle of the Virgin Mary, while others claim that he was her father.
Ayn Hamran Location
Located in the Hamran Plain, western Taqah city, around 24 kilometers away from Salalah.
Ayn Athum
Ayn Athum is one of the most beautiful sites for nature lovers in Dhofar because it is a magnificent seasonal waterfall and several streams of water falling from the cliff that you can find only in July and August due to the sufficient rains during the season.
The ride to Athum through the lush green mountains and curvy roads makes you feel like you are on another planet!
Ayn Athum Location
The waterfall of Ayn Athum is located in Jabal Qara, which is one of the three main mountain ranges in Dhofar, in the east of Salalah. The drive will take about 25 to 30 minutes
Wadi Darbat Waterfall
One of the main reasons why the green valley of Darbat gained this worldwide reputation is its amazing waterfalls. The first waterfall is the cascade waterfall, which wasn’t there until 2018’s Autumn season as a result of the severe cyclone Mekunu that occurred in May 2018.
This waterfall makes a scenic spot that is wonderful for having a memorable time with your family and friends. The second waterfall, which is known as Travertine Curtain, is located at the base of the valley, where the water from the cascade waterfall carries out the journey and creates another beautiful waterfall.
Wadi Darbat Waterfalls Location
Wadi Darbat’s spectacular waterfalls are located in Dhofar region in Salalah, only a few kilometers behind the beach city Taqah, on the left side of the road to Tawi Atair.
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Wadi Darbat – Boat Tour
Wadi Darbat isn’t only one of the most magnificent tourist destinations in Salalah, Dhofar, but in the whole world too. It is the perfect destination for mounts and nature lovers. That is the reason why you will find it fully packed with tourists all the year, particularly in khareef.
It is known for its beautiful lake, where you can go on boat trips and feed fish, spectacular Wadi Plains, where you can have an unforgettable picnic and BBQ grill while enjoying the scenic beauty, and watching cows and camels eating from the green grass, and magical waterfalls.
Wadi Darbat is such a magnificent site where you can take amazing photos to add to your vacation album.
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Second Day
Ayn Khor (A 4×4 is Recommended)
Ayn Khor (aka Ain Koor) Waterfall is another magnificent seasonal waterfall in Dhofar Governorate on the western side of Salalah. It will be there only during July and August, but it isn’t a very sure thing that you will find it every year, as you can only find it when the Khareef season in Salalah has a good amount of rainfall.
Ayn Khor waterfall appeared only in these years: 2016, 2018, and 2021. It is highly recommended to take special precautions while going to this site and go in a 4×4 car; the reason is the road isn’t paved, and you will be literally driving off-road on the water-flowing path, where it is rocky.
Ayn Khor Location
This waterfall is located in Wadi Jardum – a short distance from Raysut Cement Factory – 20 Km away from the state of Salalah.
Ayn Garziz
Ayn Garziz (aka Ayn Jarziz) is one of the most popular springs in Oman, issuing from the foothills around Salalah City and most of the year rich in a generous flow of water collecting at the bottom of the knotted cliffs. This wonderful site is full of stunted fig trees and limestone formations.
Ayn Garziz is crowded with visitors throughout the year, not only in khareef, as it can still be visited off the Ittin Road the onto Job’s Tomb even when it is completely dry.
Ayn Garziz Location
It is so near to Jabal Ittin inn Salalah.
Jabal Ittin
Dhofar’s beauty extends to a 30 mins drive from Salalah, where you will find of the most magical places on earth, Jebel Ittin. This place will make you feel like you are somewhere out of our planet, Because of its magical oasis that is surrounded by picturesque greenery.
This site is a popular picnic destination for families. And If you are planning to go deeper and explore the mountains, a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended, and you also need to bring mosquito repellent with you because khareef Salalah brings a lot of mosquitos with it!
Jabal Ittin
Jabal Ittin lies just 5 away from Salalah city, just 10 mins drive away from Salalah International Airport.
Job’s Tomb
When it comes to religious sites, Job’s Tomb is the most important site in Dhofar. Prophet Job’s tomb is mentioned in the Old Testament and honored by all Jews. Christians, and Muslims. Located on a remote hilltop overlooking the state of Salalah.
No matter what your religious beliefs are, this site is a must-visit, particularly in khareef, for the amazing drive and the wonderful view over the plain of Salalah on a clear day. There you will also find vendors selling fresh coconut juice for 500 Baisa and a restaurant that has tasty roll-ups.
Job’s Tomb Location
The tomb of Prophet Job is easily accessible by driving on the westbound roads to Mughsail and then following Ittin Road, where you will find signs guiding you to the tomb.
It is on a hill known as Jabal Al Qar, which lies 30 km northwest of Salalah.
Ittin Plain – Perfect Spot for Lunch
Ittin plain is a popular tourist destination in Wilayat Salalah; it is a ridge of high mountains along with wonderful plains that are covered by greenery, especially during Khareef season, creating a pristine and impressive view that delights tourists.
All along Ittin plain’s road, you will come across several shops, restaurants, kiosks of ‘mashakeek’, and other famous Omani food items. You will also find children’s sports, public washrooms, and prayer rooms for both men and women, making this plain an ideal destination for a trip with family.
Ittin Plain Location
It lies in the northwestern part of Wilayat Salalah.
Third Day
Shaat Rakhyut state
Shaat isn’t one of the most mesmerizing tourist destinations in Rakhyut state but in the whole middle east. Its viewpoint overlooks the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea from a height of more than 1000 meters, which makes it an ideal spot for campers, nature lovers, hikers, and mountain climbers.
Raykhot is also popular with its magical Hidden Beach and interesting traditional arts, for instance: Huboot Azamil, Al Tabl, Nana, and Al Baraa.
For protecting tourists, the concerned government agencies have constructed a concrete wall along the mountain overlooking the water from a high altitude. They have also established a range of service facilities, sidewalks, rest houses, restaurants, and car parks.
Shaat Rakhyut State Location
It lies on the slopes of Jabal al-Qamar, around 80 km from the city of Salalah, bordering Al Mughsail beach on the east, Dhalkout state on the west, the Arabian Sea on the south, and Haruib (Al Mazyouna State) on the north.
It is easily accessible through the main highway linking Salalah with the states of Rakhyut & Dhalkout.
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Dhalkut View Point
Dhalkut town lies right below Jabal Al Qamar. From that height, you can watch the incredible view of Dhalkut Beach. You can spend some time enjoying the view before you get down to Dhalkut Beach.
On that wonderful beach, you can see a wreck of a helicopter that is semi-buried under the sand. Dhalkuta sea has one of the most amazing views of the Arabian Sea on the western side of Salalah.
It is around 50 km away from Salalah city from the west. It is approximately two hrs. drive from Salalah through hairpin bend road.
Sarfait View Point
Sarfait is where Salalah and the Yemeni border link through Mughsial. Its amazing road is one of Oman’s greatest engineering projects; it zigzags approximately a thousand meters from Salalah’s plain, reaching the cliff’s top through fourteen steep bends.
A few km behind the summit of this road, you will find the breathtaking Sarfait View Point towards Mughsail and the upcountry across a few of the wildest valleys in Arabia.
This region’s vegetation is completely different from that of the Salalah Plain, with frankincense trees growing in the lower levels of the wadis with yuccas and succulents hanging to the limestone ledges.
Sarfait Location
Safrait is located in Dhofar, on the coast of the Arabian sea, close to the Yemeni borders.
Baobab Grove
The trucks of the magnificent Boabab Grove (Adansonia digitata) occasionally get ringed with snails, standing stand head and shoulders over the more classic vegetation of Dhofar, and they are the one-of-a-kind trees in the whole Arabian Peninsula, with an estimated age of several thousand years old.
The mists of khareef provide this area with humidity even during the summer months, giving the chance for unique dry forest vegetation to grow. Dhalkot forests have large biodiversity, where there are around 200 wooden species which, many of which are actually endogenous species.
This place is ideal for the Dendrophiles!
Baobab Grove Location
Fourth Day
Wadi Ayn
Wadi Ayn is the paradise of Oman; there, you can enjoy watching the wonderful Wadi Ayn waterfall. This waterfall is accessible by foot from the parking area in that region, but you need to be cautious as the ground will be too slippery because of the drizzling that turns the ground into slippery mud.
Wadi Ayn Location
Prophet Hood’s Tomb
Here is another tomb that has a great significance to Muslims in Dhofar, the tomb of Prophet Hud peace be upon him, whom Allah sent to preach redemption to Aad’s ancient city and cited in the holy Quran seven times.
You will find this site located among the hills and valleys in Salalah, with a mausoleum of 3 meters long & 1.5 meters high; that’s why it mainly attracts mountaineers or hikers. Around the tomb, you also find three water springs: Hiryeh, Afileh & Itham.
Prophet Hood’s Tomb Location
The tomb is situated in northern Salalah in the mountains, close to Sahalnoot, Quaroon Hiriti, and Zeek.
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Gogab Salalah
Gogab Salalah Plain in Al Qara Mountain (Dhofar mountains) is one of the best places to have an unforgettable lunch with family
it is a residential area that belongs to the Hirati, in which you will enjoy the incredible lush green landscape of vast plains, valleys, and mountain peaks, especially in khareef Salalah.
Gogab Salalah Location
Situated 36 km away from the center of Salalah, on Salalah’s eastern side particularly. You can reach this site through Zeek, Qayroon, or Sahalnoot, and it won’t take more than 30 minutes.\
Ayn Khyout
Your visit to Dhofar will never be the same until you visit Ayn Khyout Salalah, where you will enjoy nature at its best! Ayn khyout has a wonderful waterfall that is popular for the flow of water from various places within the same area.
Before this water falls from the mountain’s top, it gets collected in pools below, providing the place with a fantastic view.
Ayn Khyout Location
Wadi Khyout is approximately 30 km from Salalah. You can access it quickly but accessing the mainstream and waterfalls is a little bit challenging, as it can’t be reached by vehicles, even a 4×4 one, so you will need to walk 900 meters, which is about 30 mins.
Wadi Nahiz
Wadi Nahiz (Wadi Naheez) is a popular valley among tourists coming from the hotter gulf, because of its refreshing cool breeze, especially in khareef season.
In Nahiz you are going to have a memorable drive across the amazing green valley where there are greenish trees and natural caves on both sides of the road.
Wadi Nahiz Location
Situated on Salalah city’s northern side, just 12 km away from it, near Qairoon Hairiti, north of Shamal Madinat al Saadah, and south of Sikun Shikfainot.
Ayn Sahalnoot
Wadi Sahalnoot is an ideal destination for having quality time with family, where you can picnic and fly kites, hike the mountains, and take awesome photos for your vacation album.
Wadi Sahalnoot Location
It is so near to Salalah city; if you are starting from 18th November street, it can be easily accessed by turning towards the highway that leads to Muscat or Tumrait. And turning right along with the indication on the road for the valley
Raysut
Another charming plain is Raysut plain. Raysut is actually a port town in southwestern Oman, about 18km away from Salalah.
Raysut Location
Sahl Sheer
Sahl Sheer Salalah magical plain is definitely going to make you feel like you are in paradise. There you will enjoy watching the awesome green view, calming sounds of birds, gorgeous flowers, camels (you can also buy camels milk from there), and boxes of honeybees.
Sahl Sheer Location
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Fifth Day
Jabal Samhan
The peak of Jabal Samhan reaches 2,100 meters (6,900 ft). and the mountain itself has more than a level that is traversed by very deep & narrow mountain passes; some of them are more than a thousand feet deep.
Jabal Samhan’s plain has a popular nature reserve and has different plant species, including acacia, solitary yucca tree, frankincense trees, and endangered animals, such as the Nubian goat, and striped hyena, fox, Arabian Gazelle, and the Arabian leopard.
Jabal Samhan Location
Jabal Samhan is located near Jabal al Umr, south of Tawqs, at around 50km from Salalah.
Madinat Al Haqq
This site is listed as one of the must-visit attractions in Oman and the Arabian peninsula; it boasts lush valleys, hills, and natural green pastures that welcome everyone who comes to enjoy the astonishing views.
During the Autumn season, this village receives a significant rainfall that blends with the cool, refreshing breeze and ethereal mist to make you feel like you are in a faraway land that is full of magic and wonder.
Madinat Al Haqq Location
Situated in Taqah, Dhofar, southwest of Oman, near to Sarkhar, and Ḑīt. Particularly 50 km from the city of Salalah and roughly 37.5 km from Taqah.
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Tawi Atair Sinkhole
Your visit to Salalah is incomplete without visiting Tawi Atair Sinkhole. Tawi Atair, which means well of birds in Arabic, isn’t only one of the most famous sinkholes in Oman but also the deepest one in the whole globe, with 100 meters in width and 211 meters in depth.
This sinkhole’s water is a favorite place for the migrating birds, so during the monsoon season, you will enjoy watching the perfect scenery while hearing the bird’s sounds swooping in & out of the water. And if you are lucky, you will find a camel there welcoming you!
The safest way to watch this place is from the viewing gallery because the sinkhole is so deep, and the land around it is too slippery, but if you still want to stroll down a path to the bottom, you should only be with a professional guide.
Tawi Atair Sinkhole Location
It is located 26 km away from the city center of Mirbat. You can reach this site through the mount route after Taqah, which is also the same way to Wadi Darbat, or through the route from the Antigravity point.
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Anti-Gravity Point
Anti-Gravity Point Salalah is where you are going to have a magical car drive!
Also known as Location of Gravity, Gravity Hill, Mystery Hill, Mystery Spot, Magnetic Hill, and Magnetic Point, the reason why it is called this is that cars there can move uphill at a speed higher than 40-60 km per hr. with no acceleration at all in neutral gear. So, how did this happen?
The layout of the surrounding land in this site creates an optical Illusion, which makes a little bit of downhill slope be shown as an uphill slope.
Anti-Gravity Point Location
Located on the hills right on the left side way after about 27 kms from the town of Taqah on the drive from Taqah to Mirbat Highway. After you turn left, it will be there after 1 km. You can also reach this point from Tawi Atair Sinkhole, where you will find it on the road going towards the right side, or finally through driving for 30 minutes on the easter side of Wadi Darbat.
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Mirbat Public Beach
Mirbat Public Beach in the city of Mirbat, is a quiet and usually uncrowded beach, where you can enjoy a private and solitude walk along the coastline, while watching a calming landscape of tranquil water, and soft sand, stones, and rocks.
Mirbat Beach was traditionally a fishing village, so you are going to find traditional boats known as Dhow, and fishermen going carrying out their daily task of fishing.
Mirbat Public Beach Location
It is found between Jabal Samhan and the Arabian Sea, 75 km east of Salalah, on the southern coast of Oman.
Mirbat Public Beach on the Map
Ayn Ishat
Another heavenly place on the wester side of Salalah is Ayn Ishat, where you won’t know if you are in a dream or reality!
The site has an incredible spring and splendid mountains that photography enthusiasts will definitely love. This spring can be reached only by a 4×4 vehicle.
Ayn Ishat Location
Ishāt Dhofar is located southwest of ‘Ayn Ghayḑ, nearby Wānit. To reach it, you will need to take Mughsail road and then turn left on) Adunib School) crossroad, then keep driving for 9 km.
Mughsail Beach
Mughsail beach isn’t only the most loved by Omani locals but also the tourists, kudos to its magical landscape, where the mountains on both sides blend with the sea to make a photogenic view and a marvelous picnic spot.
You will have an unforgettable stroll on the beach during the sunset, play football, and bird watching, as this spot is always full of a various variety of beautiful birds. Right beside the Mughsayl beach, there is another breathtaking spot, Marneef Cave, where you can sit, relax and capture the stunning view of Mughsail beach and blow holes under the shade of the cave.
You will find these words written in the cave: ”Take nothing but memories and leave nothing but footprints.”
Mughsail Beach Location
The beach is situated south of Salalah City, about 30 mins driving.
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Mughsail Blowholes
Also known as Mughsail Natural Fountains. Located 5 to 6 meters away from Marneef Cave, you can simply follow the steps, and you will reach!
Those three holes have mashes on them; when the sea gets rough, the water splashes in the air through the rock’s holes, creating an entertaining and refreshing fountain. The fountain’s height varies depending on the season, but during Autumn, it usually reaches 28 meters height.
Besides these blowholes, there are gazebos with branches where you can sit and admire the beauty of the place.
Mughsail Blowholes
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Al Fazayah Beach
Al Fazayah beach is a 5km long pretty white sand beach with tranquil water, where the relaxing atmosphere coupled with the beauty of nature, creating a breathtaking landscape. In khareef season a 4×4 car is highly recommended as the road will be too slippery.
Al Fazayah Beach Location
It is located on Salalah’s western side, around 64 kilometers from Salalah International Airport, near to Mughsail beach, Marneef Cave, and Mughsail Blowholes. On Sultan Qaboos street, you will find a board that points towards the street that leads to the beach.
The drive to Al Fazyah Beach itself is an awesome experience.
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Eftalqout Beach
Eftalqout (Panoramic View) is somewhere above imagination, coupling the beauty of lush green mounts and the beauty of the cooling breeze with the blue waves.
The beach is found down, you can watch it from the cliff or hike down and walk on the shore. You will also find sheep, cows, camels, and modern homes that have a nice countryside character.
Eftalqout Beach Location
This place is easily accessible by saloon cars.
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Seventh Day
A Free Day…
Eighth Day
Al Qawf Street
Shopping at Al Qawf street is an amazing experience. It a lot of beautiful stores at which you can buy a lot of amazing souvenirs.
Salalah Grand Mall
You will have an unmatched shopping experience in the mall. It includes; Faby Land, Mamma Mia, Lulu Hypermarket, Amouage, Shosho, Arabian Oud, Salalah Gallery, Pappa Pizza, Oud Elite, Crazy Caravan, Steak House, and more.
This mall took the Salalah region to a whole new level from a tourism perspective.
Salalah Grand Mall Location
It is located on Al Rubat st. near to Al Saadah Al Janubyah Salalah Gallery Mall and Al Dahariz Al Shamalyah Indian School.
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Carrefour Salalah
Nearby Carrefour Salalah, you will also find SunMart Shopping Mall.
