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Dhofar

The southernmost governorate of Oman is a world away from the industrious north and separated geographically by an interminable gravel desert. Edged by the sand dunes of the Empty Quarter to the north and an escarpment encircling the main city of Salalah in the south, this region is a fascinating place to visit, particularly during or just after the khareef (rainy season) when mists and light rains transform the hillsides from desert brown to luscious green.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Al Baleed Archaeological Park
Salalah
Well-labelled and atmospherically lit at night, the ancient ruins of Al Baleed belong to the 12th-century trading port of Zafar. Frankincense was shipped…
Wadi Darbat
Dhofar
A popular picnic site during the khareef and a great place to enjoy the jebel in any season, Wadi Darbat is a grassy plateau in the hills marked by Oman's…
Sumhuram Archaeological Park
Dhofar
Looking across one of Dhofar's prettiest bays at peacefully grazing camels and flocks of flamingos, it’s hard to imagine that 2000 years ago Khor Rori was…
Jebel Samhan Viewpoint
Dhofar
The upper plateau of Jebel Samhan suddenly ends in a vertiginous drop more than 1000 meters to the coastal plain below. Barely a ledge interrupts the…
Empty Quarter Viewpoint
Dhofar
The sands of the Empty Quarter begin to curl around the road on the approach to Al Hashman, then very quickly coddle into small mounds and ergs (wind…
Mughsail
Dhofar
Oman’s most spectacular bay ends in a set of sheer cliffs that reaches towards the Yemeni border. Immediately below the start of these cliffs the rock…
Ayn Razat
Dhofar
The most striking of all the springs scattered across the Salalah Plain, Ayn Razat flows copiously from the hillside at all times of year and rolls across…
Rock Formation
Dhofar
This remarkable rock formation affords the opportunity of seeing a living stalactite in the making without having to clamber through a cave to do so…

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targeting:

{
  "destination": "Dhofar",
  "region": "Arabian-Peninsula",
  "continent": "Middle-East",
  "country": "Oman"
}

Articles

Latest stories from Dhofar

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Beaches

10 must-see natural wonders in Oman

Jan 20, 2022 • 6 min read

Oman's natural wonders are surprisingly easy and inexpensive to explore. These are the 10 best.

Beaches
Underwater oasis: where to dive in Oman
Aug 9, 2018 • 5 min read
Art
Desert tears: exploring southern Oman’s land of frankincense
Jul 3, 2018 • 5 min read

Dhofar and beyond

Beyond Dhofar

Salalah