07 Nov 2022
Last October, my boyfriend and I visited Salalah for the first time. We both live in Dubai but we never really thought of Salalah until we found these very cheap tickets (aed 100/$27) and it's only 3h so very convenient. Actually 3 days is absolutely perfect and you don't need more which allows you to go there for a short weekend. We are quite demanding people in general when it comes to travel in the sense that we want the best programme while optimising time and costs. I can tell you that we had the best time ever and I can guarantee you the same if you choose the same guide. One sure thing, you won't be disappointed with Abdul! Before we started the trip, I was in contact with different agencies, and after a few days customising the itinary, I noticed they were starting to say "we will try but", we don't recommend", "we're not sure". And then one day I contacted Salalah4Tourist and Kate was so nice, enthusiastic, positive and flexible. Everything seemed to easy. I told myself straight away let's go with them because at the end of the day, it's a question of feeling. So with no doubt we booked with Salalah4Tourists. Abdul came to pick us up from the airport, at the moment we met we felt warmly welcomed. Wide smile, nice perfume, perfect English, super clean car. He took us to visit the West Side on the first day (half day) and we visited East Side on the 2nd day. The 3rd day we, we visited the city centre on our own. We were not too sure about the season since usually you should come between June and August to enjoy the mansoon season and its green sceneries. In August a few spots are closed because of floods risks and the visibility is less because its humid. The best season to visit Salalah seems to be September. However we were pleased to see that in October, it was still wild with perfect weather and mind-blowing landscapes.
Abdul was more than a guide, he treated us like friends. We went extra mile to create a memorable experience and thanks so him, we really had a blast! The experience wouldnt have been the same without him. He took us to the most beautiful and secret places, he drove tirelessly and went extra hours. He told us his stories and listened to ours. He was very open minded, fun, relaxed, patient. He was speaking perfect English and was able to share so much about his country, history, culture and people. We learned a lot and we could feel his pride and passion for the country he calls Home. He accompanied us in camping mode, hiking, and driving for hours. Plus he is a talented photographer and will take beautiful photos throughout your trip.
We left 3 days and it felt like 2 weeks. We felt completely recharged thanks to the variety of landscapes, animals we saw, pure and fresh air we breathe, pristine and wild see we jumped in.
As a short recap, this is what we visited:
1-Ayn Jarziz spring: nice Waterfall, a bit dry after the Khareef season. Children were playing inside.
2- Mughsail Beach. Beautiful white sand beach
3- Secret Beach view point. Postal card hidden beach.
6- Fazayah Beach. Beautiful beach, with mountains in the background. We found a crab and swam with dolphins. Breathtaking!
7- Frankincense tree trail. Abdul explains the unisco heritage tree and its benefits. The valley looks like Africa.
8. Marneef cave and sunset
East tour
1- Sahlniot spring water. Nice green spring water. On the way we saw cows, hundreds of camels.
2-Taqah village and ocean view with landscape that remind Scotland.
3- Darbat water falls: Wonderful oasis, looks like a mirage, a mix of mini jungle with waterfall (mini Niagara falls). This was insanely gorgeous.
4- Ayn Razzat: relaxing Lake between mountains. There is a cafe where you can sit and enjoy the view and you can also enjoy boat/pedalo ride.
5- Tawi attair Sinkhole. Massive hole with wild jungle. We saw eagles and small birds. So calm. So relaxing. So perfect.
5- Samhan mountain: 2120 m altitude overlooking the plane never ending surface. It was impressive and inspiring. Could have stayed for hours.
6- Gravity point fun fact where we defy gravity in our car because of magnetism mechanisms.
9-Ayn Hasheer another Waterfall because we sat on the dunes next to Mirbat and enjoyed stargazing.
We recommend Salalah4Tourist and Abdul big time! Shukran Abdul for your hospitality, we'll be back!
Have fun ???? ????