Oman’s Regions
Summer rain drenched mountains in Salalah, coastal Wahiba Sand Desert and Nizwa's History all invite exploration.
SALALAH OMAN and other regions
Nizwa the northern Mountains and East Coast Oman
Salalah Oman and Dhofar
SALALAH Oman can be enjoyed either as part of a holiday in all Oman or as a holiday with Arabesque only in Salalah enjoying the comforts of the Crown Plaza Hotel Salalah.
Famed in the Arabian Peninsular for its summer monsoon, in the south of Oman, Salalah is certainly different. In history, it was part of Arabia Felix 'Happy Arabia'. Of course, it has a desert; in fact, the Rub Al Khali is the largest sand desert in the world; we can offer a single day excursion or an overnight visit where you can enjoy silence and the majestic canopy of stars overhead. Certainly, it has soft white sandy beaches but it also has mountains, which during the summer months receive the mists of the Monsoon creating the lush green of some well-watered country while nearby regions sizzle in the heat. We can offer a selection of tours that include these mountains.
Salalah the main town of the region of Dhofar is fringed by these mountains, which in summer change like a chameleon into an emerald green land. Instead of date, the palm in Salalah is the sub-tropical coconut and the town is intersected by palm groves, which contain a variety of sub-tropical fruit.
Salalah’s' fame is enhanced by the Frankincense tree which provide the sap that was so sought after in the ancient world. Arabesque can make certain that you see Frankincense trees on most tours through the region around Salalah.
The best place in Oman to buy Frankincense is Haffa (Al Husn) Souq where you can chat with people who can speak one of the ancient languages that are spoken domestically here instead of Arabic.
The culture in the mountains around Salalah is animal husbandry much the same as when the Bible describes Job with his renowned animal wealth and patience. The tomb reputed to be his is set overlooking the town of Salalah.
During the winter months, Oman hosts a remarkable variety of migratory birds creating vast flocks of tern and gulls on the coasts and fewer but still numerous raptors, especially around Muscat and Salalah. Over 460 species of bird have been recorded in Oman. We can provide a variety of Bird Watching opportunities.
Out of town, there are the UNESCO World Heritage sites associated with the Frankincense trade. Perhaps the most attractive is that of Samharam set in the picturesque Khor Rori a creek opening out into the sea. We provide tours that take in both the frankincense areas and Khor Rori.
Arabesque can help you enjoy Nizwa and other areas of Oman’s Northern Mountains, which are dramatic, reaching over 3000meters above sea level. They form the ancient heartland of northern Oman geographically, physically and socially. The slopes can be intimidating in their steepness but here and there, access routes allow Arabesque to provide you with a chance to stroll through a souq or walk in a Wadi in northern Oman.
Set around the base of these mountains are some of the most historically important locations in Oman.
UNESCO World Heritage
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bat, with its graves and buildings dating back almost 5,000 years, was flourishing at a time when Oman was a key player in the ancient world’s trade.
The ancient towns of Bahla, Nizwa, Rustaq and Nakhl overlooked by both mountain and forts have attractions like bustling goat auctions; traditional potteries and popular hot water springs. Tours into many of these towns can be provided by Arabesque as a single day excursion or included in a more in-depth several day tour.
Perhaps the most delightful places in these mountains can be found in the small villages of the plateau and slopes. These are places where the skilled use of water has enabled the villagers to create small oasis with fruits and crops often set in dramatic surroundings. Visit these places with Arabesque and enjoy the scenery while taking a sometimes energetic walk.
BUSTLING SOUQS
On the edge of this mountainous region, small towns are active hubs for the Bedouin of the desert. Sinaw and Ibra (both set between the desert and mountains) have a once a week souq (market) that is as attractive to a visitor as to a resident. Bustling with activity as traders sell their products and villagers engage in gossip with friends these interesting towns can be included by Arabesque as part of a several day tour.
Oman’s coast runs down its eastern side. Creating both dramatic fjord like areas and kilometre after kilometre of deserted sand beach.
In the far north of Oman, the mountains of Musandam plunge down to the sea creating a sheer wall of mountain backdrop to mirror like inlets from the sea. Here and there small villages have found space between rock and water to develop and grow. Musandam is a great area for scuba diving and sea based activities. Ask us for an overnight cruise package in this region.
South of Muscat in the central region the Wahaiba Sand Desert cascades into to the sea while stretched along Oman’s length are kilometres after kilometre of empty sandy beach.
The Sharqiyah region with the famed Dhow (wooden boat) yards of Sur and scenic mountain valleys fringed with date plantations is perhaps the most compelling area in the north of Oman. Include the wonderful Wahiba Sand desert their inhabitants and this is a "must see" region.
Some of the coastal areas can be reached in a days turn-around from Muscat; to make the most of their charms most demand that you take a more leisurely journey.
