Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Wadi Shuhram
Ancient rock formations such as blue-green algae (the earth's original animate form) in the lam-
inations of Wadi Shuhram (near Shital).
Duqm
Wind-eroded sandstone in the rock garden at Duqm.
Ras Madrakah
Superb shells and cosy camping in the coves of this headland.
Al-Kahil
Pink lagoons and flamingos.
Shwaymiyah
Basket-weaving and a long bay: under the looming presence of Jebel Samhan, lair of the leopard,
this is one of the most beautiful sights in Oman.
Top Tip:
Try to time your arrival in Salalah in daylight. If you drive either route in summer (between July and mid-
September) you will enter Salalah on Hwy 31. There is a point along that road, just after Thumrait, where you
will notice something quite remarkable: the jebel, suddenly, unexpectedly and with rulerlike precision, turns
green. After 10 hours or three days of hard desert driving, it is an unforgettable, almost Zen-like experience that
can only be fully experienced through the force of contrast. In the words of the Bedu, 'There's nothing sweeter
than water after drought.'
TOP OF CHAPTER
Around Salalah
Salalah is sandwiched in the middle of a plain between the mountains and the Indian
Ocean. This plain, with its horseshoe crescent of hills, extends east towards Jebel Samhan,
and west towards the Yemeni border. For a day trip, it's feasible to go east or west, but not
to tackle both!
The hillsides at any time of year are a fascinating product of human interaction with
centuries of livestock grazing (mostly camels, cows and goats) helping to shape the con-
tours, while nature takes care of the rest. Ancient trees and striking limestone formations
are just some of the unique natural wonders of the region.
Many facilities at Dhofar's sights, such as restaurants and teashops, are only open in the
khareef
.
Beaches & Springs
There are glorious white-sand beaches along the entire coastal plain of Salalah, extending
from the corniche in the heart of the city. Beware of strong currents anywhere along the
coast during the
khareef:
swimming is prohibited at this time and challenging for weak
swimmers at any time of year.
