Frankincense Trail (West Salalah)

Salalah is steeped in myths and legends that date back to biblical times. Visit the tomb of Nabi Ayoub (Job’s Tomb) perched high up in the Qara Mountains on Jabal Ittin. It is a lovely drive and (weather permitting) you should enjoy a superb view of the city.

Drive on, to the unspoiled beach at Mughsayl that boasts over four kilometers of idyllic beach outlined by sculpted cliffs with blowholes formed in the limestone rock, where plumes of seawater can reach a height of 30 meters or more. Visit the nearby sanctuary where you may see flamingos at rest.

Along the way you pass Frankincense trees that dot the otherwise arid mountainside. Once traded as a commodity more precious than gold, the frankincense harvested in this region is rated the best in the world. You will find more information at https://www.ub-cool.com/adventures/oman

Archaeological Adventure (East Salalah)

Your trip begins with a visit to the picturesque and quaint village of Taqah which has a hundreds of years old fort which is well stocked with authentic decorations and appointments. Continue to Khawr Rhori once an important port for frankincense trade which is now a nature reserve with a huge spectrum of migratory birds. Here lie the ruins of the palace reputed to be that of the Queen of Sheba. On the surrounding mountain sides grow the Frankincense producing trees. Excavations here have produced evidence of the ancient city of Samhuran, which had trade links by sea to the Far East, Egypt and Greece.

Not far away is Mirbat, the ancient capital of Dhofar, which was famed for breeding horses and in the 9th century, traded in frankincense, horses and slaves. It has a spectacular landscape, from its coastline to the impressive peaks of Jebel Samhan, the highest of which stands at 4754ft. Here you visit the 11 th century tomb of Bin Ali, a fine example of medieval architecture. Bin Ali was an eleventh-century Indian sailor who settled in the area and rose to political prominence. Take time to relax at the Ain Razat gardens which is the location of several natural underground springs. For more interesting tours browse UB-Cool Tours.

 

“Lost City” Of Ubar And Rub Al Khali

Visit the “lost city” of Ubar, an ancient site where remains of the city were discovered in 1992 by archaeologists using remote sensing equipment. Ubar is believed to have been populated from about 2800 B.C. to about 300 A.D. and to have been at one time an important trading centre for frankincense before it was buried in the rising dunes. There is a small museum at the site displaying archaeological discoveries.

The bleak, arid desert of Rub al Khali or Empty Quarter stretches from the foothills of the mountains to an enormous sandy plain, which covers much of the area. The region is known for oil and archaeological sites.