The South of Oman is spectacular and hugely untouched. It seems a world away from the rest of the country but it is in fact very easy to reach with just a short flight from Muscat... or a two day drive taking in spectacular scenery for the more intrepid traveller.
Numerous attractions dot the hinterland of Salalah, enclosed by the arc of the scenic Dhofar Mountains, including the rugged Jebel Samhan and Jebel al Qamar dotted with wadis, gorges, sinkholes, blowholes and other geological curiosities.
Down at sea level, the coast is lined by huge, and largely deserted, strips of pristine white-sand beach, picture-perfect khors (creeks) and a string of further attractions including the quaint old town of Mirbat and the ruins of ancient Sumhuram.
Beyond the mountains you enter the vast sandy desert which stretches from here to Muscat, where you’ll find the slight remains of the legendary Ubar and, further on, the enormous dunes of the majestic Empty Quarter - the largest sand desert on Earth.
Apart from the obvious attractions, this area is one of the most beautiful empty yet staggeringly impressive regions in the country. There is nothing quite like a trip to the middle of nowhere, and this huge burnt red desert is nothing short of impressive and well worth a visit for any landscape lover with a dose of wanderlust and a keen sense of adventure.
For a summary of the
Best Places to stay in Salalah and the Empty Quarter, please follow this link.
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