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The Enviroment:
OMAN - Tropical Paradise Salalah
Dhofar (in Southern region) with its green and tropical coastline challenges many perceptions of Arabia. The coast has a rich history, from the beginning of human migration from Africa, the home of ancient trading villages and frankincense, to present day activities that include a growing tourism industry. Its capital, Salalah is a popular destination during the monsoon (Khareef) season from (July to September) which sees the mountain ranges covered in vegetation and many waterfalls. This is a special part of Arabia.
Being Responsible
NTT Tour offer guests the option to donate to the Ras al-Jinz Scientific & Visitors Centre in Oman. Ras al–Jinz houses one of the largest nesting areas for Green Turtles in the Indian Ocean.
The Ras al-Jinz Sea Turtle and Nature Reserve and the Ras al-Hadd National Scenic Reserve were combined to better protect Oman’s turtles and their natural environment. The total area now protected is 120kms, with 45kms of coastline, extending for 1km into the sea.
NTT Tour strive to provide to their tourist guests with “real life” and meaningful connections with local people in various parts of Oman, leading to a better understanding of the country’s cultural, social and environmental challenges and issues. They suggest to their guests about making some souvenir purchases of locally made products direct from the local people in the various souks.
Responsible tourism elements in the itinerary
• Your guide will point you to places where locally produced products are sold.
• Dhofar is famous for Frankincense, guests can buy best quality ones from Al Husn Souq or Al Balid
• Taqa castle has local handicraft shop run by Omani ladies.
• Salalah is well-known for producing Coconut and other Fruits, guests can buy fruits and coconut water from shops run by local farmers.
Day 1 Muscat/ Salalah
Afternoon visit the fishing village of Taqa, an old town with an interesting castle surrounded by watchtowers and Taqa stone houses. Proceed onward to Khor Rori creek, the site of the ruined city of Samhuram and capital of ancient Arabia’s frankincense trade. Excavations have produced evidence of an ancient city with trade links by sea to Far Eastern destinations and with even distant Greece. Then visit Wadi Darbat Natural Part Nahiz, Mirbat, the ancient capital of Dhofar, was an important town as early as the 9th century for it’s trade in frankincense, horses and slaves. See some of the old houses famous for its woodcarvings. If lucky see boatloads of fish arriving into the harbor. One of Dhofar’s best-known historic sites is Bin Ali’s Tomb. The twin domed structure; tomb of Mohamed bin Ali who died in 1135 AD is a fine example of medieval architecture.Visit of Al Husn Souq where the colorful stalls are heaped with mounds of frankincense, myrrh, incense, bottles of fragrant perfume oils and a large variety of fascinating artefacts.
Day 2 Salalah
Visit the Biblical “Nabi Ayoub” Prophet Job’s Tomb, perched high up in the “Jebels” (mountains). Enroute are spectacular views of plains, mountain landscape and emerald green pastureland. Proceed to Mughsail Beach where Blow-holes”- (perforations in the limestone rock) through which sea water gushes during high tide. Experience the Hairpin Bend Roads for approximately 15/20 kms, which will take you to a Wadi. The views are breathtaking due to heights involved. This is the road that takes you to the Yemen border. At the nearby bird sanctuary, one may see seasonal birds. Enroute, the stark shape of leafless Frankincense Trees dot the landscape. Once traded as a commodity more precious than gold, frankincense harvested in Dhofar is rated the best in the world.
Day 3 Salalah / Muscat
City tour Salalah, the “garden city” of the south, is a tropical paradise. Visit a Garden Farm, which has groves of coconut, banana, papaya and vegetables. View the Old Ruined Houses still in existence today. Visit the site of Prophet Saleh’s Sacred Camel Footprint. See the clear camel footprint on the rock. Visit Al Husn Souq where frankincense crystals of Dhofar and typical Dhofari frankincense burners are sold. Witness the sale of cattle and guns in the market. Walk along the city’s promenade (waterfront corniche) where single storeyed houses are dwarfed by tall, swaying palms. Al Husn Palace, summer residence of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos stands at one end of the promenade.
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