Luxury Salalah and Empty Quarter
Tours made for you
On foot
Head out on walking and hiking trails
Cascading waterfalls
Discover lush scenery after the monsoon
Empty Quarter
Explore the sandy desert expanse of Rub al Khali
Nature, history and adventure combine in this captivating region
While away the hours exploring a quaint fishing town, welcoming the leisurely pace, soak up the rays on a pristine Arabian coast beach, the sun-toasted sands lapped by cooling waters, or head into the surrounding mountains to explore hiking and walking trails. The Khareef, the annual monsoon, transforms the desert here into a verdant landscape full of cascading waterfalls and lush hills. Salalah is the perfect destination if you’re looking for both nature and adventure.
Known for its ancient frankincense trade, with several sites along the Frankincense Road featuring on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Salalah has a rich and intoxicating history. Some interesting historical and cultural sites include the ancient settlements of Sumharam, Wadi Dawkah and Al Balid.
Known for its stunning landscapes, thick palm forests and beautiful waterfalls during Khareef, Wadi Darbat Reserve is one of the most picturesque places in Salalah. Head out onto Darbat Lake on a kayak or boat, or explore the trails on foot, discovering caves and natural springs.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Samharam was once a port which linked the Mediterranean and India. Take time to visit the castle to browse ancient antiques, see coins that date back some 2,000 years and study stone inscriptions.
Delve into Oman’s frankincense heritage by visiting farms and learning about its importance and varied uses.
Leave the verdant hills behind and discover the astoundingly beautiful ‘empty quarter’ – Rub al Khali in Arabic. This massive expanse of sandy desert sprawls across parts of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Known as the world’s largest sand sea, the dunes here are thought to move up to 30m every year and the region has historically a reputation for being inhospitable. However, look a little closer and you may spot Arabian wolves, red foxes, desert lynxes, sand cats and reptiles.
Highlights
Visit the charming fishing village of Mirbat to discover the secrets of Omani cooking.
Hike through Wadi Darbat to one of the stunning turquoise rock pools.
Enjoy a private dinner under the dark night sky.
Jack Beckford
Travel Designer
The little visited Salalah and Empty Quarter is one of our favourite locations. There are a range of wadis to explore, hidden beaches and an incredible amount of camels everywhere. Head out to the Empty Quarter, guided through the ever changing dunes by a Bedouin guide, and maybe spot the elusive black camel.
Jack Beckford
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Salalah and Empty Quarter
Trip inspiration
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Wahiba Sands
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When to Visit
Salalah’s moderate season, when the weather is most pleasant, is between October and February. The monsoon season (Khareef) begins around June and lasts until August. During this time Salalah transforms into a stunning oasis in the cool air. If you happen to visit over this period you may even get to join in some of the Salalah Tourism Festival activities, welcoming the monsoon. If you’d prefer to avoid the rain, plan your visit for between September and February – a great time of year for wildlife spotting.
Monsoon Oasis
June - August
Wildlife Spotting
September - February
Plan your trip to
Oman
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