This coastal city in southern Oman has lush green landscapes during the monsoon season. It's known for frankincense trees and ancient ruins like Al Baleed.
Salalah, the capital of Oman's southern Dhofar region, offers a unique experience in the Arabian Peninsula with its distinct climate and long history. This coastal city transforms into a green oasis during the annual monsoon season known as Khareef. In Salalah, you can explore the ruins of Al Baleed, sunbathe on Al Mughsail Beach, and learn about the frankincense trade at the Museum of the Frankincense Land.
Beaches and Natural Features
Salalah's coastline runs along the Arabian Sea, with several long stretches of sand. At Al Mughsail Beach, you'll find white sand and clear turquoise waters, bordered by tall limestone cliffs. Near the beach, you can visit the Marneef Cave and its well-known blowholes, where seawater shoots up through natural rock formations during high tide. For a quieter experience, drive to Fazayah Beach, accessible only by 4x4 vehicles. Inland, Wadi Darbat presents a different landscape from the coast, with its freshwater lake, waterfalls, and verdant surroundings.
Khareef: Salalah's Green Season
From June to September, Salalah undergoes a remarkable change during the Khareef monsoon. Light rains and cool mists cover the region, turning the typically dry landscape into a lush, green area. The mountains become covered in vegetation, waterfalls appear, and temperatures drop significantly. This climate change attracts many visitors from across the Gulf region. During Khareef, you can hike in the Dhofar Mountains or have a picnic near one of the newly formed waterfalls.
Culinary Experiences
Salalah's food reflects its location by the sea and its cultural influences. You can try local dishes like shuwa (slow-cooked lamb or goat), mishkak (grilled meat skewers), and harees (a wheat and meat porridge). There's plenty of fresh seafood, with kingfish and lobster being popular choices. For something different, you might want to taste camel meat, which is often prepared as a barbecue dish. At the Al Haffa Souq, you can find local spices, dates, and honey to take home.
Frankincense: Salalah's Aromatic Heritage
Frankincense has been important to Salalah's economy for thousands of years. The Boswellia sacra trees that produce this aromatic resin grow in the mountains around the city. At Wadi Dawkah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can see how these trees are grown and cared for. To see the modern frankincense trade, visit Al Husn Souq (also called the Frankincense Souq) in the city center. Here, you can buy different qualities of frankincense and other local products like traditional Omani textiles and silver jewelry.
Exploring Ancient History
People have lived in the area around Salalah for thousands of years, and it was an important part of the ancient frankincense trade. You can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Baleed Archaeological Park to see what remains of the ancient port city of Zafar. The Museum of the Frankincense Land, located at the site, explains the archaeological findings and the area's history. Another significant site is Sumhuram, an ancient fortified town that some researchers think might have been where the Queen of Sheba had her summer palace. These sites demonstrate the region's importance as a trading center connecting Arabia, Africa, and India.
Planning Your Visit
When you visit Salalah depends on what you want to do. If you want to see the green season, come during Khareef (June to September). For beach activities and warmer weather, the winter months (October to April) work better. You can fly to Salalah International Airport from cities like Muscat, Dubai, and other Gulf cities. In Salalah, renting a car will help you explore the region, as there isn't much public transportation. You can use taxis for shorter trips within the city.
