Oman · City Guide
Salalah
Salalah is the capital of Oman's southern Dhofar region, a remarkable destination that transforms during the khareef monsoon season from June to September into a lush green landscape of misty mountains, waterfalls and tropical vegetation entirely unlike the surrounding desert. Famous for frankincense trees, ancient incense trade history, beautiful beaches and the extraordinary seasonal transformation, Salalah provides one of the most unusual travel experiences in the Arabian Peninsula.
Elect's take
"Salalah during the khareef is one of the most extraordinary seasonal transformations I have witnessed anywhere. The combination of the green mountain landscape, the waterfalls and the ancient frankincense heritage creates something genuinely unlike anywhere else in the Middle East."
The khareef monsoon transforms the Dhofar mountains from June to September into a dramatic landscape of low cloud, flowing waterfalls, green meadows and cattle grazing that is completely at odds with the surrounding desert. Al Mughsail Beach and the Al Marnif Cave blowholes provide spectacular coastal scenery. The ancient ruins of Sumhuram (Khor Rori), once a major port of the frankincense trade, are an outstanding archaeological site. The Wadi Darbat, a beautiful valley with waterfalls and natural pools during the khareef, is outstanding. The frankincense market of Salalah provides excellent frankincense products from the Boswellia sacra trees that grow wild in the Dhofar mountains.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Khareef Monsoon
The extraordinary seasonal transformation of the Dhofar mountains into a lush green landscape.
Wadi Darbat
A beautiful valley of waterfalls and natural pools during the monsoon season.
Al Mughsail Beach
Spectacular coastal scenery with dramatic blowholes and pristine beaches.
Frankincense Heritage
The ancient frankincense trade route heritage including the ruins of Sumhuram.
Frankincense Trees
Wild Boswellia sacra trees producing Oman's most famous export in the Dhofar mountains.
Sumhuram Ruins
A UNESCO listed ancient port city of the frankincense trade route era.
