Khareef season in Salalah, Oman

Its 50 degrees outside, you feel like you’ve stepped into a Swedish sauna and your hair frizzy-ness level is akin to Monica from “Friends” in the one in Barbados. You’ve resorted to staying inside for the next 4 months, but what if we say that right here in the GCC there is a place where the temperature in August doesn’t rise above 27 degrees? The wadis are clothed in lush greenery and its hills surrounded by white fog. Light rains drizzle to cool the air. This is monsoon season in Salalah.

Hop on a 2 hour flight from a scorching hot Dubai to a green and cool Salalah and enjoy the amazing “Khareef” (meaning Autumn in Arabic ) season. The monsoon season is celebrated by the locals when the temperature drops to 23 degrees, while the rest of Oman and the Gulf countries are boiling. That causes lots of rain which turns Salalah into a complete green area. Omanis prepare cultural and traditional shows to celebrate this monsoon season and to welcome tourists and visitors from all over the world.

Here’s our top places to go and things to do in Salalah during Khareef.

Wadi Darbat

Wadi Darbat is one of the most beautiful wadis in Dhofar, southern Oman, and during khareef it’s transformed into a green haven. It has a big beautiful lake, green mountains that are surrounded with white fog, and amazing waterfalls. Visitors can take an unforgettable boat trip through the lake in Wadi Darbat, or stop off at the many stalls selling fresh fruit around the wadi.

Al Mughsail Beach

Another amazing place to enjoy the natural beauty of Salalah during khareef season is the beach at Al Mughsail. As one of the most spectacular beaches in Salalah, it has a dramatic coastline with crashing waves. The beach is liked by the locals and tourists alike. Al Mughsayl is a long stretch of blue water sea and white sand. The landscape is pretty nice and the beach has mountains on both the sides, which makes it’s a perfect photo spot!

Salalah springs

Dhofar has more than 360 natural springs in and around the mountains. The most beautiful and popular of these include: Ayn Arzat, Ayn Sahalnoot, Ayn Hamran, and Ayn Harzeez,  make sure to add these on your Oman bucket list!

Try the famous traditional Omani camel meat

One of the most famous dishes in Salalah is camel Meshkak, which is kebab made from camel meat. With special Omani seasoning, traditional Omani rice and Omani bread, this is an unmissable mouthwatering dish. There are lots of stalls and restaurants that serve this dish – however, the Sahl Ittin, or Ittin Plain, is the best-known place where there are lots of stalls that serve the dish, along with grilled chicken and beef, rice, bread and salads. It is located near the city centre, and visitors can enjoy their meal in the middle of beautiful views and fresh air.

Enjoy some fresh Coconut water

Coconuts, coconuts, coconuts! During Khareef season coconuts are everywhere in Salalah. The coconut palm trees are ripe, and with many fruit stalls in and around Salalah city selling the fresh fruit, make sure to make a pitstop to quench your thirst!

Where to Stay:

Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah (5*)

Offer: Buy 1 room night, get 1 room night FREE for up to 3 nights
Estimated Savings:
AED 621/ USD 169 per night

About the hotel: This is the ultimate hotel to stay at during Khareef season, this lush green five-star hotel is set in 45 acres of private tropical gardens and with its own stretch of pristine beach. The Crowne Plaza is the perfect location to explore the green paradise that this part of Oman transforms to during Khareef! Find the offer here!

Juweira Boutique Hotel (4*)

Offer: AED 544/ USD 148 per night
Estimated Saving:
Approx 17% off competitor prices!

About the hotel: This 4-star boutique hotel offers a variety of recreational facilities and services, including 2 large swimming pools, a state-of-the-art wellness centre and intimate guestrooms. Find the offer here!

Salalah Rotana Resort (5*)

Offer: AED 593/ USD 161 per night
Estimated Saving:
Approx 17% off competitor prices!

About the hotel: With 2 swimming pools, 2 tennis courts, a gym and a diving school, this is not a place to be bored. Stay here for the perfect night’s sleep while exploring the green wadis and the rainfalls of the Khareef. Find the offer here!

Hilton Salalah Resort (5*)

Offer: AED 660/ USD 179 per night
Estimated Saving:
Approx 5% off competitor prices!

About the hotel: With a beachfront pool with a waterslide to let your inner child come out to play, this hotel has 5 bars and restaurants and everything you’d want after a day exploring the beautiful green Salalah. Find the offer here!

With all the natural beauty surrounding Oman, there’s no excuse not to love it! And with a promised low of 27 degrees Celsius there is no reason why Salalah isn’t your summer getaway this year! Book through your ENTERTAINER app for great deals on hotels in Oman.

 

*Subject to availability. For illustration purposes, these prices are based on 2 adults, 1 room for 23 – 24 August 2019

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