Dhofar

Introducing Dhofar

The southernmost province of Oman is a world away from the industrious north and separated geographically by an interminable gravel desert. With its historic frankincense trade, great beaches, a laid-back atmosphere and an interesting ethnic mix, it’s a fascinating place to visit, particularly during or just after the khareef.

There are many intriguing sites to visit as day trips from Salalah, including Job’s Tomb; the heroic town of Mirbat with its beautiful beaches; and Mughsail, famed for the violent blowholes in the undercliff and for nearby groves of wild frankincense.

If you are travelling during the khareef and can put up with the unremittingly tedious journey from Muscat or Nizwa, it is worth going overland to Salalah across the largely featureless Al-Wusta Region and returning by plane. This is the best way to sense the full spectacle of the khareef across the top of the jebel; after eight hours of gravel plains, Dhofar seems like a little miracle.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009