Oman’s Dhofar Region, Where Precipitation Is The Attraction
 
Dhofar is a world apart.  A 90-minute flight southwest from Muscat, historically linked closely to former Omani colony Zanzibar, Dhofar attracts European visitors in winter eager to escape the cold and grey at home; in summer, it is the cold and grey of the misty khareef season that is the star attraction, especially during the months of July and August when the annual Khareef Festival is in full swing. 

Dhofar is famous as the source of Oman’s precious frankincense, which grows on gnarly trees best seen along the beautiful mountain road beyond Al Mughsayl, whose coastline looks more Irish than Arabian.

At Al Husr souq in Dhofar’s capital, Salalah, exotic and fragrant perfume ingredients are displayed for customers to select their favourites to be blended and bottled to order.  The souq is a lot of fun, but the most impressive sight in town is the dense vegetation in the farming area between the sea and the city centre.  You'd be forgiven for thinking you are in a produce wholesaler’s warehouse instead of on the Arabian Peninsula, what with the bounty of coconuts and tropical fruits spilling forth from the roadside stands.  Locals and visitors alike revel in the cornucopia while it lasts. 

In Salalah's vicinity are several wonderful excursions into the high mountains along the coast to the city's west, to the cool mist of the khareef to the north, and to the archaeological sites of the ancient trading cities Sumharum and Al-Baleed to the east.  The Al-Mughsayl Blowholes are a famous attraction; be spry or sprayed.  Similarly wondrous is the antigravity road to Tawi Attir; along one stretch, cars put into neutral accelerate as they go uphill—an optical illusion which never fails to delight.

Oman welcomes curious travellers intrigued by Islamic culture in a threat-free society; Oman has one of the lowest crime rates in the world, which doesn't surprise anyone who has interacted with the friendly and hospitable Omanis.  Oman is an automobile society, and the independence of your own vehicle allows to save time and gives the ability to visit many of the places which are not accessible by public transportation.

To read more on Oman, click here to read our OBrochure Experience Guide - Oman