East Salalah Highlights: Half-Day Heritage & Scenic Countryside
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East Salalah Highlights: Half-Day Heritage & Scenic Countryside

Active
(17 reviews)
4h - 5h
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

Experience the enchanting beauty of the East of Salalah on a half-day tour that showcases the region's stunning landscapes and rich culture. Begin your journey at the breathtaking Darbat Oasis, where lush greenery and serene waterfalls create a picturesque setting. Explore the charming countryside, dotted with traditional farms and vibrant flora, as you make your way to the captivating Sinkhole of Tawi Attair, a natural wonder surrounded by steep cliffs and abundant wildlife. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you visit nearby cultural sites and experience the unique heritage of this beautiful area. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, revealing the hidden treasures of East Salalah.

Available options

East Salalah Highlights: Half-Day Heritage & Scenic Countryside

Pickup included

What's included

2 WD 1-3 adults, 4-6 adults 4WD, and 7-9 adults two 4WD (1 guide 2 drivers)
Bottled water
Fuel Surcharge
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Local Arabic/English speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

First stop will be at Taqah Castle, (passing by Taqah sandy Beach) your guide will drive you inside this old angling town of 'Taqah'. This excellent fishing town is known for the production of 'Dried Sardines', numerous rural harvests and its conventional old Dhofari Mud Houses. Your stop will be at the exceptionally old 'Taqah Castle', the previous authority home of the 'Wali' (Governor), which is as of now utilized as historical centre with bunches of displays and get a look into the rich history of the city and local people's antiquated way of life. You will get the opportunity to pass by the close by ignoring monitor tower (old Fort) on slope alongside the manor (see the photos).

2

Then, you will experience the spectacular rocky cliff situated at the end of Taqah coastline. The cliff is around 15 meter height and beautifully overlooking the Indian ocean and Taqah city. It is simply a breath-taking view point, where you will be as you reach to the top feel the refreshing ocean breeze, have some mind relaxing moments and of course capture a memorable photos at this astonishing view point. Additionally, there is a high chance of spotting the aquatic mammals of Dolphins plying underneath the cliff in an amazing view. Superb Place.

3

Next visit will be to Wadi (valley) Darbat. This valley is the most well-known, delightful and grand nature spot in the region. It is among the best 2 spots visited by travellers every year in Dhofar and an ideal spot for a vital day, particularly, with your family. The valley is celebrated with its spring that has a characteristic underground water shaping a lovely lake. There are numerous occasional engaging water exercises, particularly after monsoon time, like, pedal kayaking, speedboats and kayak pontoons. The spot has a rich environment, numerous wonderful little regular falls and a lovely climate where you can have magnificent crisp loosening up time. Likewise, Many local people's herds can be frequently observed around, such as, camels, caws and goats.

4

Your following visit is 20 minutes' drive up from Darbat valley and through the field open countryside to the sinkhole marvels of Tawi Attair, known by locals as “well of birds”. It is an impressive topology karst of limestone formation with a 211 m depth – like 60-floor high building. Your guide will explain to you about it and take you to the view point spot, where you will notice many flying birds echoes and Twitters around the opening as there a big number nestling in the walls of this giant limestone plateau. This place is just a natural miracle.

5

Situated at the middle of Wadi (valley) Hinnah at Samhan mountain, your next stop is to experience the unique giant Tabaldi Baobab Trees, also "scientifically known as dansonia digitata”. With its rare unique giant form, baobab tree, locally known as Ankiji or Al Mashwa, is definitely an interesting type of tree. There are about 200 Baobab trees in Dhofar, which can get up to 25 m tall and a width of diameter up to 2m. These amazing trees are usually seen in Africa (mostly in Madagascar). Get your chance to take memorable photos and experience such rare type of habitat.

6

Your next stop is 15 minutes away down the hills of Samhan mountain to the controversial gravity point. Experience a natural mystery phenomena that will will astonish you. A bleak stretch of road that go against gravity as you put your car in Neutral gear it will simply appear moving uphill, in a mind blowing scene. A real phenomena to experience yourself.

7

Your last stop will be at the World Heritage site of Sumhuram, a registered site under UNESCO, where you will see the preserved remaining's of the ancient Sumhuram city sit at the top of a small hill overlooking the Indian ocean. This city narrates a 5 BC history of human settlement and stories of the place being an important port for the unique Dhofari frankincense trade in years after. The information centre of the site provides the visitors with a 06 minutes video clip about the city ruins and gives a historical framing about the site.

What's not included

Gratuities
Anything else not mentioned in inclusion

Available languages

Guide guide
AR EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
15 reviews
5★
15
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Taqah Castle site is currently under maintenance, Thus, customers will be offered extra time at the nearby Taqah Cliff view point a cliff view.

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.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-90
1
Childs
Age 3-12
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 9
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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