East Salalah Mountain Safari: Experience Jebel Samhan, Darbat Waterfall, and Baobab Trees
4.9
117 Ratings
Taqah
Embark on an 8-hour mountain safari in East Salalah and discover the breathtaking landscapes of Jebel Samhan, Darbat Waterfall, and Baobab Trees. Explore ancient sites, visit sinkholes, and marvel at the stunning views from the highest point in Dhofar.
Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Taqah Beach - Although Taqa is famous for its castle but Taqa has a great beach also and is a great spot for birds watching. The view of Taqa city is great from the beach side.
  • بيت كوفان التراثي Koofan Heritage House - This is old house, entrance inside is optional if you want to pay. It is good from outside as well. The place has a souvenir shop as well.
  • Taqah Castle - Taqa Castle is one of Dhofar’s most distinguished landmarks, which was built in the 19th century. Its walls were constructed from solid blocks of ‘Taqa Stone’, a local limestone material composed chiefly of fossilized shells and corals. You can see the well, roofless jail, formal sitting area also known as majlis, bedrooms, kitchen and stores. In these areas you will see traditional weaponry, jewelry, every day household items and fascinating traditional colorful pieces of clothes.
  • Wadi Darbat - Here you will be seeing the seasonal waterfalls (if its there at the time of your visit), a spring where you can do pedal boating, kayaking and motor boating (boating at own cost) overlooking the mountain of Jabal Qara series. A trip to Salalah is incomplete without visiting this beautiful valley and it is one of the most visited place in Dhofar Region. You can do trekking from one point of the valley to another.
  • Teeq Cave and Tawi Ateer Sinkhole - Tawi Atair Sinkhole Oman is the most famous sinkhole in the Dhofar (Dofar) governorate. There is a trek to go to the down side of the sinkhole, but requires you to be physically fit to go down. The upward trek needs good health.
  • Jabal Samhan - Jabal Samhan is the highest point in Dhofar region, which is above 4000 feet. From here the view is amazing and if you are lucky, you will see mountains passing below you. It’s a perfect place for a recording timelapse and taking photographs of clouds being over it.
  • 3J35+J7M - Wadi Hannah (also called wadi Hinna) has Baobab trees, natural water pool and waterfall of Ayn Hasheer.
  • Earth Gravity Controversial - This is a magnetic hill in Dhofar, commonly known as Anti Gravity Point, where car travels up hill on Netural Gear
  • Sumhuram Old City - Sumhuram Archeological site is an ancient city, which was once used to trade Frankinscene to the world. The ruins sit atop a small hill above the tranquil waters of Khor Rori and was build in 3rd century BC. This is also known to be a place of Queen Sheeba Palace.

There is a walking track to cover the site on foot. It’s a great walk and you can see the birds and water at Khor Rori, which is visible from this area.

There is also a gallery - Sumhuram Archaeological Galley where the artifacts excavated from this site are displayed.

  • Khor Ruri - This is a fascinating place, where you can see the water and birds from Sumhuram Archaeological site
What's Included
  • Transport by private vehicle: 4x4 AC Car for up to 6 PAX, Mini Van / Coaster for 7 or more adults
  • Bottled water
  • Pick and Drop from Hotel or Airport or Seaport
  • Experienced Omani guide who can speak English and Arabic
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
  • Boating (Paddle & Kayak 3 OMR for 2pax / Motor 5 OMR for 6 pax)
  • Entrance fees to Sumhuram Archaeological site (OMR 3 / Person) and / or Taqa Castle (OMR 3 / Person)
  • Entrance fees to Koofan House and / or Burj Al Aksar (OMR 1 each per person)
Additional Information

Embark on an enchanting 8-hour journey through Dhofar mountains, heading to the eastern flank of Salalah where breathtaking Middle Eastern landscapes await your discovery.

Our first destination is Wadi Darbat, the most sought-after valley in the Dhofar region. Here we’ll marvel at a seasonal waterfall and a lively spring where you can enjoy boating activities (kayaking/paddle boat/motor boat) with a picturesque view of the Jabal Qara mountain series.

Witness one of Dhofar’s iconic historic landmarks, Taqa Castle, constructed in the 19th century. The tour also includes an exploration of the Taqa beach and city.

Sumharam Archeological site is next, where we’ll discover remnants of an ancient city and pay a visit to an onsite museum.

Explore the majestic Tayq and Tawi Attair (bird well) sinkholes.

Jabal Samhan, towering over 4000 feet and the highest point in Dhofar, promises panoramic views that might even include mountains passing below if fortune smiles upon us.

The tour rounds off with visits to the Anti Gravity Point and Wadi Hanna, home to charming baobab trees, as part of the all-day safari.

  • This is a private tour DAILY and if you need a group tour, that is available once a week.
  • Guide availability in some European languages, such as German, Italian, French, and Polish, are limited in numbers and might not be available for your tour date. In such situations, an English-speaking guide with an Omani license will be arranged for your tour.
Location
Taqah Beach
Unnamed Road
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(117 Ratings)
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Alexb469
Mar 28, 2024
Informative and beautiful day - A fantastic day with our brilliant tour guide Abu Salim. He was knowledgeable and informative, without being overbearing , sharing interesting information about the specific sites on our tour and also the Dofar region in general. The Taqah fort, although needing extra payment to go in, was interesting to see the historical way of life. The Wādī Darbaat as the final stop was absolutely breathtaking and has sold us on returning in the Khareef season!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Camper532620
Mar 9, 2024
Best way to experience Salalah - Great day trip to discover all of Salalah. We saw beautiful landscapes, culture, and history! The guide Ali Qahoor has been amazing - highly recommended
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Falknera
Feb 27, 2024
Experience of the real DHOFAR - The nature of the wadi darbat and sinkhole were ashtonishing Thanks to a super kind guide of Salem were we able to take full of amazing footage and we had very good conversation about the history and traditions and culture of Dhofar in Oman WELCOME IN THE LANDS OF ALL SEASONS AND FRANKINSINS!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jose_jose_dubai
Feb 25, 2024
Dhofar Tour Review - Family of 4 - Our family's day tour in Salalah was nothing short of magical, all thanks to Ali Qahoor. His enthusiasm and depth of knowledge about each place we visited turned our trip into a journey through time and culture. Ali's storytelling brought the landscapes to life, making every moment memorable. His life stories and history were the highlight of the experience. For anyone visiting Salalah, having Ali as your guide is the key to unlocking the true beauty of the area. 10/10 Highly recommended for an unforgettable experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andreagr729tm
Feb 25, 2024
Highly racommended tour - My three friends and I had a wonderful hike; our guide was very helpful and incredibly kind in explaining the various places we visited. He took us to a very good restaurant for lunch and was accommodating to all our requests. A very beautiful tour and highly recommended to everyone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daen8
Feb 24, 2024
Great private tour to East Salalah with Ali Qahoor - Wonderful excursion to the East of Salalah. We were able to see many beautiful and impressive places in a short time. From a long deserted beach with countless birds and some dolphins to historical buildings and ruins, a beautiful wadi, a deep sinkhole and wonderful views from a mountain; everything was there. The Wadi Darbat was beautiful even in the dry season (February). Our guide Ali Qahoor looked after us very well and led the trip perfectly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Scenic11260935660
Feb 13, 2024
Hidden beauties among the mountains of East Salalah - Our prepared local guide, Hamed, put together a tour for us that we will remember for the rest of our lives. After we discussed what we were really interested in, he led the tour in such a way as to introduce us to the sights that really interested us. We all really enjoyed watching the millions of seabirds at Takah Beach. Or the Burj Al asker fortress in the city, where we could even dress up in the local costume. Although we were here in the middle of the dry season, the waterfalls and oasis of the Darbat Valley were still spectacular. It was very enjoyable boating on one of the lakes and admiring the rock formations formed by the water from the emerald green water. At Tawi Attair Sinkhole, we all really enjoyed watching the many native birds. From the highest peak of the mountain range (Samhan mountain peak), a fantastic view opened before our eyes. Below is Salalah, and in the background is the blue water of the Indian Ocean. Then the baobab trees of wadi hasheer also remain very memorable. A large valley full of African baobab trees. As if we were not in Arabia, but in the savannahs of East Africa. The 200 baobab trees in the rocky valley are simply breathtaking. And this amazement only increased not far from here, in wadi hasheer, where the antigravity point is located. If we don't experience it personally, we won't even believe that there is a point on our planet where the laws of physics don't work and the car rolls up the slope on its own, idling, with the engine stopped. Mirbat and the local tea consumed there, admiring the sunset from the top of a steep rock face, were the crowning jewels of this all-day experience. And what cannot be missed: wherever we went outside the city, there were camels everywhere. Camels are in the mountains, on the beach, and even on the roads - sometimes resting and warm up a bit on the asphalt . Hamed's very engaging personality only enhanced the experience this tour gave. He is very prepared, speaks English very well and is very helpful. It was one of the best private tours of our lives. We felt that Hamed was not our tour guide, but an old, local friend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fadi
Feb 11, 2024
Salalah east trip - Great tour and great guide. Mohammed was outstanding. Extremely knowledgeable about Salalah, it history culture and all.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reii2024
Feb 11, 2024
Good view, good ride. - Tour guide Mohammed Ali was very friendly and spoke good English which made it very easy for us to communicate. The ride was comfortable as well. The best part of the tour was the view from the cliff, about 1200m above sea level.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K_p
Feb 15, 2024
Nice to see east Salalah. - Muhammad Ali was great! I’d highly recommend him. Helpful to see Mountains, waterfalls, and lots of camels along the way.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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