Salalah: With this year’s Khareef season only around for a few more weeks, if you don’t go to Salalah now to experience the wonder and magic of nature, you’re going to have to postpone your travel plans to the southern Dhofar region for another year.
The Khareef takes place every year between June and September, and it is when many tourists go to Salalah. With hotels and other tourist accommodation sites running at reduced occupancy, trips to Salalah need to be planned in advance, but here are five reasons that make travel down south worthwhile:
1 The rain
Unlike other parts of Oman (and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries), which are currently experiencing their peak summer months, the period from June to September in the Dhofar brings with it cool rains, pleasant mists, and refreshing breezes that make for an amazingly pleasant change from the rest of the region. Pre-pandemic, it was not uncommon to see vehicles registered in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and even the more distant countries of Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, on Dhofari roads, with people from these parts driving all the way to Salalah just to experience this amazing weather.
2 The greenery
Fly over much of the Middle East and you will fill a primarily brown coloured landscape, interspersed with the concrete, glass, and steel of cities. Not so in the Dhofar, where the rain leads to lush greenery carpeting the region. That’s not the only wonder of nature you’ll see there: the landscape of Salalah leads to the formation of many waterfalls that cascade down into the wadis. Together with the lush greenery, they make for a very pleasant, stunning sight for sore eyes. Visit Ittin and Jabal Samhan and be amazed at the greenery around you, or head to Wadi Darbat and Ayn Sahanlout to watch the wondrous effect serenely-flowing rain-fed rivers have on the surrounding landscape.
3. The culture
Salalah was the nexus of the Land of Frankincense, from where the precious resin was shipped as early as 400 BC to empires around the world, including China, Ancient Rome, and Egypt. Remnants of the sites where the Frankincense was stored, harvested, and packaged still stand today, and are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors to the Land of Frankincense can also visit the nearby museum, which tells of Oman’s storied past in the global frankincense trade. There are also a number of well-maintained forts in the area that are centuries old. Do stop by the ones at Taqah and Mirbat to delve into the region’s history.
4. The people
Omanis have a reputation for being some of the friendliest people in the world. Travel to the Dhofar, and you will experience the welcoming, hospitable nature of the locals. It is not uncommon to see locals voluntarily help those who need directions to a location, often driving with them all the way and then giving directions on how to return to their hotel. Should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a vehicle breakdown or a flat tyre, do not be surprised if an Omani stops his vehicle, drives you to the nearest station or garage, and stays with you until your ride is fixed. To help others in need is part of the Omani way of life, and makes visiting the country an absolute pleasure.
5. The respite
Many in Muscat and other parts of the country have been chafing under the heat, with daytime temperatures regularly crossing 45 degrees. The regular lockdowns and movement bans have also curtailed the opportunities people have to go outside and meet each other, while travel restrictions introduced means it can be challenging to return to Oman if you want to go overseas right now. This is where Salalah – which can feel like it is in a different world – really comes in handy, and provides an excellent break from our normal lives. Please note that local visitors to Salalah need to have been administered with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines, while overseas tourists must be fully vaccinated. Proof of vaccination and valid ID will need to be produced at airport check-in desks prior to departure.
