The Natural Wonders Of Salalah

If you love nature, Salalah in Oman is worth visiting for its natural wonders and captivating attractions, which include springs, waterfalls, caves, mountains, sinkholes, magnificent beaches, lush green forests, and valleys, located on the coast of the Arabain Sea. It has an amazing landscape and is an ultimate summer getaway during the ‘Khareef’ (monsoon) season from late June to September when the region is covered with mist and monsoon rain.

What to see in Salalah?

Find solace in the arms of nature as the temperature dips and the region becomes cool, foggy, and green, with seasonal waterfalls and picturesque spots of natural sites. Here are some breathtaking natural wonders I explored during my trip with my family in July 2024.

Marneef cave and blow holes

A gigantic cave with a perfect view of the turquoise blue Mughsail beach and blowholes or natural geyser was the first place we visited on reaching Salalah. It gave us an awe-inspiring experience of the mighty creation of God. The blowholes are covered with mesh through which jets of seawater shoot into the air.

Wadi Dawkah

Wadi Dawkah is a natural park of frankincense trees, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage site. It is located around 40 kilometers north of Salalah. It is one of the places on Earth where the Frankincense trees thrive naturally. From the sap of the trees is harvested, an aromatic resin, which has a distinct fragrance and is the highest quality frankincense. The site is also known as ‘The Land of Frankincense‘.

Ayn Sahalnoot

Ayn Sahalnoot is a valley with splendid natural beauty making it a favored tourist spot. We experienced tranquility in this breathtakingly beautiful wonder of nature, that helps you destress and find serenity.

Ayn Razat

Ayn Razat is a freshwater spring providing a spectacular view of nature’s beauty. Plenty of small fish can be seen in the clear water, along with water lilies. There is a small bridge across the water, that leads to a beautiful natural cave.

Wadi Darbat

Set in the picturesque bright green mountain landscape of Dhofar, Wadi Darbat comprises waterfalls and a scenic lake, that is located on the eastern side of Salalah. Taking a boat ride on the blue waters is a pleasant experience that gives a sense of calm. We enjoyed the zipline across the beautiful Wadi stream.

Khor Rori (Sumhuram Archaeological site)

Located on the hilltop overlooking a beautiful lagoon are the remains of the ancient majestic port of Sumhuram. These ruins date back thousands of years and hold profound historical significance, as an important harbor for the trade of Frankincense between the 4th century BC and the 4th century AD.

Ayn Athum

Multiple streams of water falling from the cliff make Ain Athum a spectacular natural spot. This breathtakingly beautiful waterfall is seasonal and is visible in the Khareef season.

Jabal Samhan

The majestic mountain range of Jabal Samhan has rugged terrains and panoramic viewpoints making it a natural wonder. We reached Jabal Samhan on a rainy afternoon. There was a blanket of clouds underneath the cliff and windy weather. Jabal Samahan has mountain passes that are deep and narrow. As fog covers the mountains, the view underneath gets obscure, and staying away from the cliff edges is better for safety.

There are many other attractions in Salalah such as the Ittin Cave, Al Baleed Archaeological Park, Ain Garziz waterfall, Anti-gravity point, Taqah Castle, Jabal-Al Qamar (Moon Mountain), and Ayn Khor waterfalls. The Khareef season brings occasional showers and drizzles with cool weather. It is the best time to stroll through the lush coconut, papaya, banana, and fig farms. Carrying a mosquito repellant is crucial as mosquitoes and small flies are in the mountain areas.

There are local fruit huts selling fresh fruits on the sides of the roads during the Khareef season. To sip fresh tender coconut water at these fruit stalls feels refreshing. Almost all the tourist attractions have small shops with fresh food, kites, umbrellas, and toys, with some places selling fresh sugarcane juice. Commonly found fruits are bananas, papayas, figs, dragon fruit, mangoes, jack fruit, sapota, coconuts, guavas, egg fruit, sugarcane, and avocados.

This green misty land of mountains, valleys, and farms is a natural wonder and we enjoyed every bit of the journey through the landscapes of Salalah.