How to Explore Salalah – A Guide to an Arabian Oasis

Sitting in Oman’s southern reaches, Salalah is a gem that stands out in the Middle East with its eclectic mix of historic and natural treasures. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that it’s just another stop on the map; it’s a world of unique weather patterns and rich historical details waiting to be uncovered. Here’s your detailed guide to exploring this amazing city to your heart’s content.


Image via Al Baleed Resort Salalah

Best Time to Visit

Visiting Salalah during the Khareef, or monsoon season from June to August, is the best way to explore everything that the city has to offer. This is when Salalah turns into a green haven, offering a refreshing break from the usual dry heat with cooler air and sporadic rain showers. The city comes alive even more with the Salalah Tourism Festival from July 15 to August 31, where you can enjoy cultural shows and delicious food. If you're more of a fan of sunny weather, September to February is ideal for outdoor adventures with fewer tourists around, which makes it easier to explore.

Getting In and Around

Salalah is easy to reach by plane, thanks to Salalah International Airport. The airport handles flights from major cities across the Middle East and further afield. If you're up for an adventure, driving from Muscat or nearby Gulf countries can be a fantastic journey, filled with stunning views of Oman's natural beauty. Once you're in Salalah, renting a car is your best bet for getting around while sticking to your own schedule. This is especially handy during the Khareef season when the mist rolls in and you'll want a safer and more flexible mode of transportation to navigate the lush, rain-soaked landscape safely.

Places to Stay

In Salalah, there's a spot for every kind of traveller to lay their head, no matter the budget. If luxury is what you’re after, there are Salalah resorts that offer lavish comforts along with direct access to sandy beaches. If you visit during the Khareef season, places like Al Baleed Resort Salalah offer special accommodation packages with discounts and benefits. Planning your trip at least a month in advance and booking your accommodation early on is a must to avoid missing out on the best experiences and accommodation deals.

Things to Know

Here are some things you ought to know for the best Salalah experience:
  • Climate: Salalah stands out in the Arabian Peninsula with its weather twist, thanks to the monsoon season that cools things down a notch. Even if it isn’t the Khareef season, the city experiences milder temperatures compared to other destinations in the region.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Oman is a bit on the conservative side, culture-wise. So, when you're stepping out and about, especially beyond the resort life, think modest when it comes to your dress code.
  • Safety: Khareef season means beauty in full swing, but it also brings trickier driving conditions – think less visibility and slick streets. Keeping it safe means driving with extra care and sticking to the local road rules and conditions

Top Attractions

Salalah features a varied collection of attractions and experiences, ensuring that everyone has something to do during their holiday. These attractions make Salalah a top destination in Oman:
  • Wadi Darbat Reserve: A must-see for those who love the outdoors, Wadi Darbat transforms into a green wonderland when the Khareef rolls in, complete with waterfalls, natural pools, and lush scenery perfect for picnics.
  • The Ancient City of Samharam: Sitting within the UNESCO recognised Land of Frankincense, this historical spot offers a sneak peek into the old trading lanes and the wealth that frankincense brought to the area.
  • Frankincense Farms: Frankincense and Salalah go hand in hand. Complete with demos of the age-old harvesting techniques, frankincense farms showcase the cultural and economic role this aromatic resin has played.
  • Mughsail Beach: Famous for its smooth white sands and the spectacle of its blowholes, Mughsail is the place to take a break.
  • Al Marneef Cave and Blowholes: Just a stone's throw from Mughsail Beach, this spot gifts you breathtaking ocean views and the remarkable performance of the blowholes – it’s not something you’d want to miss.