Every July, people pack their bags to head to Dhofar Governorate in southern Oman, and enjoy what is known as the Dhofar Khareef, with its mild weather and green mountains, as such weather is rare in the Arabian Gulf at this time of year.
The capital of Dhofar Governorate is the city of Salalah, which is considered an ideal tourist destination throughout the year, as it witnesses a unique climatic change among the regions of the Arabian Peninsula during the period extending from June to September of each year, and is characterized by its foggy, cloudy atmosphere, and its green carpet extending as far as the eye can see.
Scientifically, the autumn season is a climatic phenomenon that affects Dhofar Governorate and is called “Monsoon”, as the monsoon winds on the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean cause light rain, intermittent drizzle, and the spread of fog on the mountaintops, which increases water in the spring areas, and the mountainous areas are covered with a green carpet throughout the season.
You can move around without the need for four-wheel drive vehicles, except for some difficult areas if you want to visit them, while the average rent is about $51 per day for cars other than four-wheel drive vehicles, and prices vary according to the type of car.
Resorts and Hotels
The luxury resorts and hotels offer a wonderful and comfortable atmosphere to ensure that you feel comfortable and luxurious, with their modern and international look inspired by the Omani Dhofari environment, especially those located along the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters and surrounded by seasonal trees such as coconut trees.
It also features recreational facilities, water activities, many restaurants, cafes and other recreational activities prepared to meet the needs of visitors.
The hotels and resorts include swimming pools, health clubs, spas, kids club, tennis courts, padel tennis, beach volleyball, beach tennis courts, many water sports, diving center, tennis and swimming lessons and a water park.
Natural landmarks
The natural landmarks in Dhofar Governorate are countless, combining water springs, archaeological sites and wonderful beaches.
Dhofar is characterised by water springs distributed along the mountainous strip and on the edges of the mountains. Most of the springs in Dhofar are considered to be constantly flowing throughout the year, while some are seasonal depending on the availability of the amount of groundwater reserves due to rain.
The autumn season represents the primary source of groundwater supply for these springs, with the accompanying seasonal rains. The estimated annual flow of water from the springs is about 10.38 million cubic metres.
Ain Arzat
It is one of the most prominent springs and is located on the left side at the beginning of the road linking the Wilayat of Salalah to the Wilayat of Taqah. It is one of the springs with the highest water levels throughout the year, and the most abundant. It contains some caves whose entrances are equipped with passages to facilitate access to them. It also contains a garden with lush trees, as the green color blends in its various shades on the peaks adjacent to the valley. It includes places for family recreation.
Ain Jarziz
It is located in the Ateen area, 15 kilometers from the city of Salalah. It is one of the most attractive springs for tourists throughout the year due to its proximity to the state of Salalah. It can be easily reached via the Ateen plain. It is characterized by a large water basin in the form of a deep swimming pool, where visitors can practice swimming. It is also surrounded by high mountain peaks covered in green and forests of trees.
Ain Sahlnout
It is approximately 15 kilometers away from the city of Salalah, and is considered one of the oldest springs in the Dhofar Governorate. Visitors can walk and wander on the sidewalks.
Red eye
It is located 14 kilometers east of Salalah. It is considered a natural and spacious outlet and has beautiful sites and green hills. It is distinguished from other springs by the abundance of trees found in the spring, such as doum, fig and coconut trees.
Wadi Darbat
The captivating valley, hidden in the mountains, is one of the most prominent and famous tourist sites in the fall. It is one of the amazing and eye-catching natural phenomena, covered with picturesque views of greenery, lush orchards, seasonal waterfalls flowing in the arteries of streams, and rocky curves. Within this valley lie a number of lakes that can be viewed from the overlooking side hills.
The valley is a natural park containing waterfalls, lush green areas, lakes, mountains, caves and wild animals. It is decorated with a seasonal waterfall 100 metres high that flows after the rains. The valley makes its way between the hills and plateaus until it flows into the Arabian Sea.
The valley hosts many recreational activities and events for adults and children alike, such as kayaks, rowing boats, and an adventure area.
Al Mughsail Beach
It is considered one of the tourist attractions in Dhofar Governorate, due to the fountains that were formed by erosion factors. They are small holes formed in the rock that allow water to gush out into the air when the sea is rough.
The Marneef Cave near the fountains provides a perfect place to enjoy the sea breeze and the stunning views, while Al Mughsail Beach extends over several kilometres of white sand, allowing families to spend a wonderful outing and relax with the enchanting sea view, while frankincense trees grow on the slopes of the mountains near the Al Mughsail area.
Al Balid Archaeological Site
Located on the edge of the Arabian Sea to the east of Al Hosn Palace and Al Haffa Souq, it was an important trading port from the 8th to the 16th centuries, which enabled the export of frankincense from Dhofar abroad. It was selected as a cultural and archaeological site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and includes both the archaeological site and the Museum of the Land of Frankincense. Visitors can view the site from a small boat that sails along the creek or by a private vehicle that tours them.
Mountains
The mountain overlaps with the sea in the Wilayats of Dhalkut and Rakhyut, and specifically in Aftalqut, forming a very beautiful natural scene that blends rain clouds and the blue sea with its white waves. Therefore, most visitors to Dhofar do not miss visiting those places and enjoying themselves there.
Beautiful view of Shat in Rakhyut #Dhofar_Autumn pic.twitter.com/nFMfnVrpFQ
— Haitham Al Farsi (@FarsiHaitham) July 19, 2023
The Wilayats of Mirbat, Taqah and Sadah remain among the beautiful coastal Wilayats in Dhofar Governorate, as they contain historical sites and soft sandy beaches that have been centers for the frankincense trade since ancient times. The mountains in the Governorate are covered in green during the autumn season, and embrace the clouds and mists as they rise to become a picturesque natural outlet for visitors with drizzle falling throughout the day.
These mountains are also home to many rare wild animals that attract photography enthusiasts, while the valleys are a wonderful place for walking and enjoying the most beautiful aspects of charming nature.
Samhan Mountain
The mountain extends to the east beyond Mirbat and continues its extension until its slopes overlook the rugged coastal plain. Dhofar is considered the original home of frankincense, which has played a prominent role in the cultures of peoples. Frankincense is extracted from the viscous liquid that flows when the branches of the frankincense tree are carefully cut. Frankincense is used in the manufacture of various types of incense, as well as in the manufacture of the most famous types of perfumes.
Tourism Festival
With the start of the autumn season, Dhofar Governorate organizes many activities and events distributed across its various states, which guarantees that you feel excited and thrilled through cultural, folkloric, artistic and sports events and programs. Marketing events also attract many traders and specialists in specific fields from all over the world, and offer visitors products that are not available throughout the year. There are also some events and activities that embody the Dhofari environments, such as the heritage village.
