Things to do & places to visit in Dhofar Governorate, Oman

Dhofar Governorate #4 destination in Oman 2023. The average rating score is 4.18 based on 5.199 traveler reviews, of 42 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Muscat, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 21:11.

Top things to do (33)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Al Fizayah Beach (207 reviews)
- Spectacular beach within driving distance from Salalah. Picture perfect. Need a 4x4 to reach. Good swimming
Spent 2-3 hours Beaches

This is a spectacular beach within driving distance from salalah. One needs a 4X4 vehicle to tackle the last part of the way, off road. There were a few small groups of tourists and locals, each mini group taking “ ownership “ of a small sandy part. These “ entrances “ are separated by large and impressive boulders. In the background one can see the mountains. The current wasn’t strong but the waves are somehow.. temperatures of the water were very good. Visibility not so much. I got there with a local guide ( Waif - can be contacted via WhatsApp at +968 9981 9722) Not far from there, on the highway towards the Yemen border, just past the security checkpoint, there is a small strange area that apparently grows the dragon blood trees ( of which I knew they only grew in Socotra ) See more..
5.0 ABT Divers (104 reviews)
- Great diving experience with ABT divers Salalah
Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Swim with Dolphins • Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching

We did 6 dives with ABT divers Salalah and it was a great experience for us as a family. Everything was perfectly organized, the equipment was in good condition, and Rabieh and our guide Eliska were extremely helpful, friendly and experienced with the diving sites. We saw plenty of great corals, fishes, and turtles. For the birthday dive of our 12 years old son they even organized a birthday party at the base!!! Thanks so much to the whole team- we felt perfectly at home and had great dives with ABT divers! See more..
5.0 Anantara Spa at Al Baleed Resort Salalah (46 reviews)
- 5 Star Massage Experience of another Level
Spent 1-2 hours Yoga & Pilates • Spas

Indulge in treatments inspired by the traditions of Arabian culture and Thai hospitality. Soothe aching muscles and cleanse body and mind with a traditional Moroccan Hammam experience. Lavish your skin and awaken your senses with therapeutic elixirs infused with precious oils and other rare indigenous elements. See more..
5.0 Salalah Exkursion (7 reviews)
- Wonderful place
Private Tours • Day Trips

I loved my visit to Salalah - a beautiful heavenly place hidden in the Middle East. It is difficult for one to imagine such natural beauty in a region known for its deserts. I had a wonderful guide by name Isaa Ali (Ph: +968 99679933) to take me around. He wasn't as expensive as the other guides I enquired about, and he took me to beautiful places in both East and West Salalah. What I learnt from him is that the khareef season (Jun-Aug) is the best time to visit East Salalah (to see the beautiful greenery and waterfalls), and Sep-Feb is the best time to visit West Salalah (to see the beautiful beaches and mountains) See more..
5.0 Souq Al Hafa (2 reviews)
- Mercato dell’incenso
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The traditional heritage souq (Souq Al Hafa), is one of the most important landmarks of the Dhofar Governorate and one of the country's leading tourist attractions. The New heritage market (Souq Al Hafa) is inspired by the old style of the Al Hafa market. The ancient architectural character was adopted during the construction of the market with modern design elements to support the tourism sector in the Dhofar region. Souq Al Haha contains a walkway With multiple shops to meet the needs of the visitors of this souq. See more..
5.0 Arabian Sands Tours (2 reviews)
- A night in the Empty Quarter Desert
Deserts
Had a fantastic overnight camping trip to the Empty Quarter. On the way visited the Frankincense tree farm, saw the rocky desert and visited Ubar before heading the rest of the way to the Empty Quarter. Mussalem found us a great spot for overnight camping with no one else around surrounded by the sand dunes. He has a superb knowledge of the region. He also cooked us a fantastic dinner and breakfast and we enjoyed the night in the desert. A great experience that we would highly recommend for anyone travelling to Salalah. See more..
5.0 Nabi Ayub Stream (1 review)
- Living History
Bodies of Water
Prophet Nabi Ayub أيّوب is also known as Job to Christians and אִיּוֹב – ʾIyyōḇ to Jews. This stream is believed to be where God cured him of a long life of illness, when he bathed in the water. The water flows from the side of the hill into a small bathing area and into the larger pool. From the car park, follow the paved walkway down the hill. When you arrive at the stream, walk past the high wall and climb the steps to the bathing area. See more..
4.5 Al Mughsail Beach (751 reviews)
- Nice nature on beach
Beaches

The beach is a unique place for natural fountain resulted from weathering and created a fountain. Nice cave also in same attraction you can visit as well. The beach is not far away from the area and can spend the day and enjoy the place. See more..
4.5 Wadi Darbat (421 reviews)
- Worth it. Must visit. Family, alone or for a date.
Bodies of Water

If you don’t visit this waterfall there’s something wrong with you. Make sure you visit darbat waterfall. I went in November, it was not busy at all and the water was calm enough for us to swim in. They say it’s not as green or there’s no waterfall in this season. The truth is if you are coming from a country without nature, coming to Salalah this season will still be fulfilling. See more..
4.5 Sultan Qaboos Mosque (398 reviews)
- A Stunning Mosque
Religious Sites

Our first port of call in Oman whilst on our cruise to Dubai was Salalah. A visit to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque is a must. Stunning both outside (beautiful gardens spread over a very large area) and beautiful inside, with the interior being covered in one piece of carpet! Timing is critical as the Mosque is only open to the public for a short time during the day. See more..
4.5 Sumhuram Old City (339 reviews)
- A different view on Oman
Ancient Ruins

Mocha City See more..
4.5 Empty Quarter (44 reviews)
- .
Deserts

My guide Selim was a very honest and kind person. He answered all my questions very nicely and always treated me with respect. His knowledge of philosophy, history and region is very good. He is also very good offroad driver and has a very safe and fun driving technique. Thank you Selim. See more..
4.5 Al Forsan Horse Riding (24 reviews)
- Best cruise excursion in the Salalah heat
Spent 1-2 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Camel and Horse Riding Available: Dhofar Waves Equestrian Club is a one of a kind non-profit horse riding school in Salalah,which operates solely with rescued horses. All money coming in is used for the care of our rescued animals, and we offer the following: Beach Rides (max 10 riders): Beach rides are available for Adults and Children of all ages. (Riders with very little to no experience will be assisted by a handler / instructor.) Lessons (max 11 riders): Lessons are being offered for adults and children of all ages. Group and Private Lessons. Training and entering Endurance Races. Horsebox Hiring: 2 x berth horse box for rent. Includes vehicle and driver. Farrier service - both barefoot trim and shoeing. Pony Parties - Let our little Coconut come and visit your home/venue to entertain the kiddies. See more..
4.5 Jabal Samhan (24 reviews)
- Being above the clouds
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Lookouts • Scenic Walking Areas

Jabal Samhan is arguably one of the locations not to miss when you are in Dhofar. Located at around 50km from Salalah, it is the highest peak in the Governerate. As you drove to the point, you feel like that little by little, you are moving above the clouds, and once you are there, the view is truly incredible. You can begin going through the tracks to explore much further in the mountain, though it is recommended that you go in a group, have enough provisions and where sturdy shoes. See more..
4.5 Hawana Aqua Park (21 reviews)
- Lovely must visit water park at Salalah during Khaleed season
Water Parks

We as a family enjoyed this aqua park. Nice activity with adequate safety and friendly staff. It’s real break from routine, you enjoy during khareef season See more..
4.5 CityCinema (4 reviews)
- superb multiplex
Spent 1-2 hours Movie Theaters
well organized.it is located inside a mall. Good quality and service. Good location. Prior bookings will be good option See more..
4.5 Shaat View Point (4 reviews)
- Hidden Gems of Salalah
Lookouts

Such an adorable place! Shaat sea overlooking point in Shaat, it’s like hidden paradise. You will have great experience of driving as well. See more..
4.5 Dhofar Bowlingظفار بولينج (3 reviews)
- good bowling ally
Friday: 4:00 PM - 3:00 AM Bowling Alleys

10 lanes bowling center in Salalah other branch in Saada Alrabat Street also have snooker and billards See more..
4.5 Empty Quarter (44 reviews)
- .
Deserts

My guide Selim was a very honest and kind person. He answered all my questions very nicely and always treated me with respect. His knowledge of philosophy, history and region is very good. He is also very good offroad driver and has a very safe and fun driving technique. Thank you Selim. See more..
4.5 Shaat View Point (4 reviews)
- Hidden Gems of Salalah
Lookouts

Such an adorable place! Shaat sea overlooking point in Shaat, it’s like hidden paradise. You will have great experience of driving as well. See more..
4.0 Museum of the Frankincense Land (623 reviews)
- Museum must see
Speciality Museums

A must for lovers of history and culture! This museum features various halls with exhibitions about Oman's history, culture and its famed francincense. While you're there, make sure to touch the meteorites on display. See more..
4.0 Marneef Cave (462 reviews)
- Beautiful nature
Caverns & Caves

The rock formation as part of the cave structure is truly magnificent to look at. The place is very close to Mughsail beach and you can explore it when you are visiting the beach. I was here during the not very touristy period and found the place even more peaceful. See more..
4.0 Taqah Castle (278 reviews)
- Fairly interesting ...
Castles

We reached the 19th century Taqah castle to find out it could only be seen from the outside, which was a pity. It sits on a small hill and is said to have been the Sultan Qaboos grandfather's private residence. Once we climbed a number of fairly steep steps we made it to the castle yard from which we had a very interesting view over the city. See more..
4.0 Earth Gravity Controversial (130 reviews)
- Awesome experience - Car moving in Neutral uphill.
Spent 1-2 hours Mysterious Sites

If you reach the right spot , it surely exists. We went there twice and drove up the hill and later part of the flat road many times. The 4x4 we were driving went uphill at around 10-15 kmph , but on reaching the flat area picked up speed and reached upto 60 kmph in neutral gear. Truely awesome experience . But no sign boards or location details around the spot indicating the same. The location is on Taqah - Mirbat road , you need to take the left if you are coming from Taqah or right if from Mirbat - around 10-11 kms before Mirbat . It is on the route to Tawi Athir . You need to drive in around 1 km and not enter into the mountainous road. You need to turn around (u-turn ) and just before you reach the flat road put your car into Neutral and enjoy this unique feeling . See more..
4.0 The Frankincense Trail (125 reviews)
- very chilled and memorable
Ancient Ruins

An ancient trade route with remains of the caravan oasis and trading ports. See more..
4.0 Teeq Cave and Tawi Ateer Sinkhole (85 reviews)
- Big hole in the eath and lots of camels.
Spent < 1 hour Geologic Formations

Place to see but if you have high sikness be careful. No railings and few hundrets meter deep. Place is ocupied by camels. See more..
4.0 Al Balid Archeological Site (70 reviews)
- Best part was the beach!
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water • Parks • Gardens

I wandered toward the main site & was not sure I was in the fith place as I could not see any other tourists. But as you walk the trails, you run into signage describing what you are seeing. There were men working on the main site, and as I walked the trails, I did find others at the location. It would be miserable doing this in the summer, but I think I read something about carts to take you around. The best part was wandering past the new buildings to the beach. It was beautiful and quiet; I could have spent a long time there, but there were too many other things to see! See more..
4.0 Ain Razat (54 reviews)
- Beautiful place to visit
Bodies of Water

Ain Razat (water spring) is one of the must see destinations in Salalah. It is a beautiful area and not far from the city (about 20 Kms from Salalah city) where you can enjoy the waterfall and greenery area and enjoy few very old trees nearby. The best time to visit it, is from June to September when the weather is nice and more of rain falls on these months. See more..
4.0 Mirbat Castle (45 reviews)
- Great Travel Back in Times
Castles

Small compact historic building the lady at reception was very knowledgeable so.e interesting facts shame there is no mention of the historic battle that took place in the area. Fabulous visit the Municipality should have nominal charge and sell souvenirs and DVD's regarding the history of the area. See more..
4.0 Khor Ruri (8 reviews)
- Historically important ...
Historic Sites

The Khor Rori early South Arabian archaeological site, which has become a UNESCO site spread over a fairly wide area close to what once was an estuary. It is a restored fortified town, at the mouth of Wadi Darbat. Said to have been founded as an outpost and important harbour for the frankincense trade around the 1st century and eventually abandoned throughout the 7th century. Learning about the former transport and protecting strategies was quite interesting See more..