©
Zadjali
Oman Travel Guide
©
Zadjali
The town of Salalah, in the south of Oman, is a town which has kept its traditional feel, whilst opening up to the international community with its huge industrial and commercial port. The town is known for its frankincense, but also for its buildings.
Salalah is still a conserved town, which is full of traditions. It's the starting point of the Frankincense Trail. In effect, the frankincense tree, the boswellia, has been growing there for over 7,000 years. Its harvest takes place between May and June; in September, you can browse the frankincense market in Salalah. Frankincense is always present during the remainder of the year, whether it's in Salalah or the rest of the country. To get hold of it, it's best to visit the souk in Salalah. This traditional place will surround you with a thousand fragrances and sights. Between gold and frankincense, don't miss out on this place which is full of secrets.
The plantation district is not to be missed in Salalah. Here, it's the "green lung" of the region, with a tropical oasis right in the heart of a desert. Skilled scuba divers will be able to admire numerous species of fish in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Trekking lovers will also be able to scale the mountains of Dhofar, which reach over 1,400 metres at the highest point.
Wadi Darbat is located in the south of Oman, approximately one hour's drive from Salalah. It's an exceptionally green area for nine months of the year and where the monsoon sets in from June to September.
So it's advisable to go there out of monsoon season, in order to take full advantage of this invigorating, green scenery. Wadi Darbat is an area where'll you surely have the opportunity to come across camels quenching their thirst in the springs.
