Salalah & the Frankincense Coast

Leave Salalah and follow the coast east toward Taqah.

Visit Taqah Castle and explore the old residential quarter before continuing to the archaeological site of Sumhuram at Khor Rori. This ancient fortified port played an important role in the international frankincense trade.

Continue inland to Wadi Darbat, one of Dhofar’s most beautiful natural areas. During the Khareef season, the surrounding hills become intensely green and seasonal waterfalls may appear. Outside the monsoon period, the wadi remains an attractive area of limestone cliffs, vegetation and natural pools.

Later, continue along the coast to Mirbat, once an important centre for the export of frankincense and Arabian horses.

Overnight: Mirbat
Driving: Approximately 110–87 mi (140 km) / 68–87 miles
Driving time: Approximately 2½–3 hours, excluding stops

Spend the morning exploring Mirbat’s old quarter, traditional houses, harbour and waterfront.

Continue into the mountains toward Jebel Samhan. The plateau rises dramatically above the coastal plain and offers exceptional views across deep valleys, rugged limestone cliffs and the Arabian Sea.

Depending on weather and road conditions, stop at one or more marked viewpoints before returning toward Mirbat. You may also visit the nearby fishing village of Sadah or spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing at your hotel.

During the Khareef season, mist and low cloud can reduce visibility in the mountains. Travellers should only continue when road conditions are suitable.

Leave Mirbat and travel inland through the dramatic landscapes of the Dhofar Mountains.

Continue toward Thumrait, where the coastal vegetation gradually gives way to a much drier desert environment. Stop at Wadi Dawkah, a UNESCO-listed frankincense reserve where Boswellia sacra trees grow naturally in the rocky landscape.

These remarkable trees produce the aromatic resin that once made southern Oman an important centre of international trade.

Continue to Salalah and check in at your selected beach resort. Spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing beside the Arabian Sea.

Overnight: Salalah beach resort
Driving: Approximately 160–130 mi (210 km) / 99–130 miles
Driving time: Approximately 2½–3½ hours, depending on the selected route

Today, leave your rental vehicle at the hotel and join a professionally operated 4WD excursion into the Empty Quarter.

Travel with an experienced local driver through the desert toward Shisr, traditionally associated with Ubar—the legendary lost city of the ancient frankincense trade.

Continue into the Rub Al Khali, one of the largest continuous sand deserts in the world. Experience its enormous dunes, remote landscapes and extraordinary silence.

Depending on the selected excursion, the experience may include a picnic or traditional meal and the opportunity to watch the colours of the desert change during the late afternoon.

Return to Salalah in the evening.

Overnight: Salalah beach resort
Transportation: Guided 4WD excursion
Important: The rental car is not used for the off-road desert section.

Spend your final full day exploring Salalah at your own pace.

Visit Al Baleed Archaeological Park and the adjoining Museum of the Frankincense Land. Continue to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque, subject to opening hours and appropriate dress, before exploring the plantations surrounding the city.

Small roadside stalls sell locally grown coconuts, bananas, papayas and other tropical fruit.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for the beach, resort facilities or a final visit to Al Haffa Souk.

Overnight: Salalah beach resort
Driving: Approximately 30–37 mi (60 km) / 19–37 miles