Salalah , Oman

Empty Quarter & Lost City from Salalah

Active

(3 reviews)

7h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Drive across the Qara Mountains and on to the Nejd area of Dhofar. Dhofars most remarkable and popular site with its unspoilt and magical sand dunes. We recommend it highly among Salalah Tours and Oman Day Tours as a whole and you will take an unforgettable memory to share with your family and friends back home. We make a brief stop at Thumrait which was famous as a Bedouin settlement. We drive further to the daunting Empty Quarter or Rub Al Khali. Here we find high sand dunes that rise to a height of 250 metres and above. From here, we drive to the lost city of Ubar, According to myth, the desert swallowed up Ubar.
Quite literally, it sank without trace -becoming the fabled Atlantis of the
Sands. This once buried city, which was spotted by satellite, gives you a glimpse of the value of work carried out by a team of explorers in 1982, led by Sir Ranulph Fiennes. We will have lunch at Thumrait. On our return to Salalah, we pass by Frankincense trees.

Available options

Empty Quarter & Lost City from Salalah

Pickup included

What's included

Private tour

Bottled water

National Park fees

Round-trip private transfer

Driver/guide

Local taxes

Fuel surcharge

Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

Transport by private vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We make a brief stop at Thumrait which was famous as a Bedouin settlement.

We drive further to the daunting Empty Quarter or Rub Al Khali. Here we find high sand dunes that rise to a height of 250 metres and above.

From here, we drive to the lost city of Ubar, According to myth, the desert swallowed up Ubar.
On our return to Salalah, we pass by Frankincense trees. Return to hotel.this one of the highly recommended tour among Oman Desert tours.

Quite literally, it sank without trace -becoming the fabled Atlantis of the

Sands. This once buried city, which was spotted by satellite, gives you a glimpse of the value of work
carried out by a team of explorers in 1982, led by Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Infant meals not included

At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time

May be operated by a multi-lingual guide with Extra charge

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

About Salalah

Salalah is a beautiful coastal city in southern Oman, known for its lush greenery, historic sites, and unique climate. It's a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, offering visitors a rich cultural experience.

Top Attractions

Al Baleed Archaeological Site

This UNESCO World Heritage site is an ancient city that dates back to the 4th century BC. It features ruins of palaces, mosques, and residential buildings.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate

Al Husn Souq

A traditional market where you can find a variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and handmade crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and buy souvenirs.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Al Mughsail Beach

A beautiful beach with white sand and clear waters. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

Beach Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Shuwaa

Slow-cooked marinated meat, traditionally cooked in an underground oven. It's tender, flavorful, and a must-try in Oman.

Main Course Contains meat

Harees

A porridge-like dish made from wheat and meat, often served during special occasions.

Main Course Contains meat

Halwa

A sweet, gel-like dessert made from sugar, ghee, and nuts. It's a popular treat in Oman.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Wadi Darbat Exploring ancient ruins Beach lounging at Al Mughsail Beach Picnicking in Wadi Darbat Visiting Al Husn Souq Exploring Al Baleed Archaeological Site Swimming at Al Mughsail Beach Not applicable

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the monsoon season, bringing heavy rains and making the landscape lush and green. The weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the city's natural beauty.

25-35°C 77-95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Omani Rial (OMR)

Time Zone

GMT+4

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Salalah is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, travelers should always be cautious and aware of their surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid using them at night.
• Use reputable tour operators and guides.

Getting there

By air

Salalah Airport • 10 km from city center

By bus

Salalah Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus service is affordable and covers most parts of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, but schedules can be irregular.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Careem

Rentals

Car

Neighborhoods

Al Husn Al Baleed Al Mughsail

Day trips

Sumhuram (Khor Rori)

30 km from Salalah • Half day

An ancient port city that was part of the frankincense trade route. It features ruins of buildings, a mosque, and a fortress.

Wadi Darbat

30 km from Salalah • Full day

A beautiful wadi with lush greenery, waterfalls, and pools. It's a popular spot for picnics and nature walks.

Festivals

Khareef Festival • June to September

Pro tips

Visit during the Khareef Festival to experience the lush greenery and cultural events.
Try traditional Omani dishes like Shuwaa and Harees.
Explore the historic sites of Al Baleed and Sumhuram for a glimpse into the past.
Enjoy the natural beauty of Wadi Darbat and Al Mughsail Beach.
Shop for local crafts and spices at Al Husn Souq.