A beautiful Arabian destination, Salalah, the capital of Dhofar – Oman, is a city that takes you back to a lost era, complete with mountainous terrain, majestic sand dunes and concealed beaches, all waiting to be explored. However, a trip to Salalah requires careful planning. If you travel at the wrong time, be prepared for intense heat and stifling humidity as temperatures soar as high as 109 degrees. The best time to visit this ancient city is during the monsoon season, when the rains turn the arid terrain into lush green landscapes, and cooler temperatures allow for comfortable exploration of the city and its landmarks during the day.
Comfortable accommodation includes budget hotels to a luxury beach resort in Salalah. If you’re looking for a unique experience, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, is located between the coast and a lagoon, offers villa-styled accommodation set amid private tropical gardens. There are plenty of interesting cultural and historical locations to see in Salalah, from the ancient forts that are scattered along the coastline and lively souqs, to its mesmerising ruins.
A notable attraction is the annual ‘Kharif ‘season which takes place during the monsoon period. Visitors flock from around the Arabian Peninsula to experience the fairs and festivities that take place amid the green countryside and cooler temperatures. The Kharif festival runs for six weeks, from June and through to end of August. Visitors can look forward to carnivals, shopping, and several cultural shows throughout the festival months. There are also several child friendly activities so the whole family can enjoy the season. The traditional festival is just one of many reasons to travel to Salalah, and if you don’t mind the heat, then there is nothing stopping you from enjoying the culture and history of this historic city.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.