Salalah: a lush oasis in southern Oman

Salalah is a place in Oman you won’t easily forget. From the tropical atmosphere in the city to the quiet desert surrounding it, this region reveals a completely different side of Oman. During the monsoon season (Khareef), the entire area transforms into a lush oasis with flowers, waterfalls, and natural springs.

Even outside the rainy season, Salalah remains a remarkable destination, with palm trees, papaya plantations, and expansive beaches. It almost feels like a spot on the East African coast—yet this is Oman. Curious about what to see and do here? Read on to discover the highlights.

The city of Salalah: fragrant and full of character

Salalah lies in the Dhofar frankincense region, where resin from the frankincense tree has been harvested for centuries. The scent is unmistakable—it fills the souq (market) and gives the city its unique character. Add the colorful houses and numerous fruit stalls, and it feels completely different from any other city in Oman. There is plenty to explore in and around the city center. The Al Husn Souq is a highlight, where frankincense sellers, silversmiths, and fruit vendors display their goods. Not far from there, you’ll find sprawling plantations of coconut palms, bananas, and papayas—perfect for a leisurely stroll and, of course, for tasting the fresh produce!

The Sultan Qaboos Mosque, with its white marble façade and serene courtyard, is a lovely spot to visit. You can also wander through the older Haffa district to catch a glimpse of traditional city life, or visit the fish market at the harbor, where fresh catch is sold each morning. For culture enthusiasts, the Museum of the Frankincense Land is a must-see. Located right next to the ruins of Al Baleed, it showcases Salalah’s historic importance in the frankincense trade.

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Excursions around Salalah

The city is surrounded by impressive natural landscapes and historic sites. You’ll need at least two full days to explore everything at a relaxed pace. Highlights include:

• Job’s Tomb (Nabi Ayoub) – a religious site offering breathtaking views over the Dhofar mountains. The road there takes you past camels, sandstone rock formations, and centuries-old trees. From the hilltop, enjoy a panoramic view of the landscape, often shrouded in mist during the khareef (monsoon) season.

• Wadi Darbat – possibly the most beautiful spot in all of Dhofar during the rainy season. The valley bursts into life with waterfalls, flower meadows, and grazing animals. Take a walk, a small boat ride, or enjoy a leisurely picnic.

• Natural springs (‘ayns’) – Salalah is rich in freshwater springs. Two of the most accessible are Ayn Razat and Ayn Athum, which are particularly scenic during and just after the monsoon.

• Mughsail Beach – a wide beach with dramatic cliffs and blowholes. At high tide, seawater shoots meters into the air through openings in the rocks. The sea is often rough, but on calm days swimming is possible.

• Sumhuram (ancient harbor city) – stroll among ruins overlooking the Khor Rori lagoon (UNESCO World Heritage), often visited by flamingos and other birds.

Other notable spots in the Salalah area include:

• The ruins of Ubar

• Mirbat

• Taqah & Taqah Beach

• Fazayah Beach

• Mount Samhan

• Tawi Ateer Sinkhole / Sheeheet Sinkhole

• Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve

➔ Discover these highlights as part of a guided tour or tailor your own adventure through southern Oman.

Best time to visit Salalah, Oman

Salalah is just over an hour’s flight from Muscat, making it easy to include in your Oman itinerary. During the summer months (particularly July and August), the normally dry Dhofar region transforms into a patchwork of green oases, blooming wadis, and flowing waterfalls. It is the only place on the Arabian Peninsula where this happens—a truly unique experience.

The best time to visit Salalah is during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. Compared to the rest of Oman, temperatures are relatively mild, ranging between 20°C and 30°C. This is also when the annual Salalah Tourism Festival takes place, featuring theatre performances, market stalls, and local delicacies.

If you have plenty of time (two weeks or more), it is highly recommended to include Salalah in your Oman journey. This adds a refreshing contrast to your trip and showcases a very different side of the country.

➔ Request a tailor-made travel proposal today and let Wadi Reizen help create your perfect Oman adventure.

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