Mist, Mountains, Monsoons: Salalah beckons

Muscat Daily

8 hours ago

A group of domestic tourists from Muscat took up the 'My Wings Holidays' offer by Majan Travels a week ago to enjoy Salalah amid the Khareef Season. Anirban Ray joins the group to share his own experience
Sometimes a quick trip isn't just about escaping the routine — it's about rediscovering life, love, and the beauty of nature. And in Oman, few places capture that magic better than Salalah during Khareef — the season when desert hills turn emerald, the air is cool with mist, and waterfalls tumble down ancient cliffs.
Spotting this irresistible pull, Majan International Agencies Travel and Tourism, through its wing My Wings Holidays, has crafted group trips to Salalah with an exclusive promotional offer that's ideal for families and groups. Led by General Manager Shahas Haneef, the journeys promise not just sightseeing but a truly memorable experience – complete with spacious apartments in the coastal town of Taqa, friendly Omani guides, and a hassle-free itinerary.
I joined one such trip over a weekend, to enjoy this hectic, yet interesting, experience which leaves one rejuvenated and refreshed. Here's how it unfolded:
The road to rain
With over 50 fellow travellers, our air-conditioned bus pulled out of Muscat at exactly 6pm on Thursday. The headlights carved through the twilight as we settled into the rhythm of an overnight journey, and after due stops for meals and rest room visits, all awaited the 'paradise' at the far end.
Spirited conversations soon faded into snores, roadside lights flickered by, and the low hum of the engine became a soothing lullaby. Twelve hours later, we awoke to a different world.
Friday
At dawn, I pulled back the curtain and there it was – Salalah wrapped in mist, with droplets of rain clinging to the window glass. The city felt like a dreamscape, fresh, green, and otherworldly as we drove to our hotel in Taqa.
The big GTC bus stopped in the apartment where the sleepy eyed but excited tourists slowly made their way to their designated rooms. The Majan team was fast and prompt to assist families and children with smiles and speed. Lakshmi, our team head, gave us instruction to be in the lobby in a few hours. Hot breakfast was served in our fully furnished apartment.
After a hearty breakfast and a quick fresh-up in our cozy 2BHK luxury apartment, we were ready to explore east Salalah. Our English-speaking Omani guide, dressed in a crisp white dishdasha, welcomed us with a warm 'Marhaba!' before we set off.
Two buses with tourists made our way to the different sites. The Omani driver played Dhofari music as it swayed with the clouds. A child pleaded with the driver to take a picture with the camels and he happily obliged. The Majan team also kept a sharp eye both, on the people and the clock, and attended to everyone while strictly adhering to the itinerary.
First up was Ittin Mountain, where winding roads took us through rolling fog and cliffside vistas. Ayn Jerziz offered a tranquil spot where water seeped through moss-covered rocks, creating miniature waterfalls. The journey then took a spiritual turn at the Prophet Ayub Tomb, a serene place steeped in history and faith, surrounded by quiet hills.
After a long coastline drive, we arrived at Mughsail Beach – waves crashed dramatically against the shore as the turquoise waters promised a more refreshing experience. Just a short walk away, the famed 'blowholes' alongside Marneef Cave put on a spectacular show — each wave forcing water and air through the crevices in the rocky seafront, shooting salty sprays several meters high. Standing there, with the wind tugging at my clothes and the ocean roaring yonder, I felt both tiny and infinite.
One of the challenging parts of any group travel is returning to the bus after a halt at any destination. The Majan team set up a WhatsaApp group wherein all movements were coordinated. They took headcounts twice before heading out after a halt. Occasionally, they had to call out to those lost in selfie acts. En route to destinations, lunch was served in warm packs while halts were made at beaches or parks for people to settle down to have their meal. Vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian meals and water was provided.
Saturday
The day began with Wadi Darbat, perhaps the most iconic image of Khareef. Waterfalls tumbled down limestone cliffs, and the wadi floor was carpeted in green. Families picnicked under wide canopies, their laughter mixing with the murmur of flowing water. It was alive like a carnival carved into the green hills. The air smelled of rain-soaked grass and sizzling shawarma from the food stalls scattered along the stream. Beneath the shade of ancient frankincense trees, families sat cross-legged for Quran reading sessions, their recitations blending softly with the laughter of children.
Just beyond, the heart of the wadi pulsed with activity. The gentle waters sparkled under the morning sun as tourists queued for boat rides — some opting for small paddleboats, others hopping into cheerful yellow kayaks. Nearby, the rhythmic clop of hooves echoed along the riverbank as riders guided sturdy horses past picnicking families.
Above all, the faint whir of a zip line sent adrenaline-seekers soaring over the water, their delighted screams fading into the hills. Kids darted between water balloon stalls, squealing when a balloon burst mid-throw, sending droplets across their faces. Vendors shouted deals — 'From just one rial!' — tempting visitors to try every ride at least once. The energy was infectious, pulling even the most hesitant tourists into the fun.
Safety here was as much a part of the scene as the rides themselves. A team from the Royal Oman Police (ROP) moved steadily along the paths, chatting with visitors and keeping watch. Aymaan, a firefighter on duty, leaned against a fence as he surveyed the crowd.
'On weekends, we get nearly a thousand tourists here,' he said with a smile. 'It's always busy, but people are careful. Only once did we see a boy splash into the water — we rescued him immediately. No casualties other than that.'
From there, we headed to Tawi Attair Sinkhole, a colossal cavity in the earth whose scale left me awestruck. Just a short drive away, Jabal Samhan Viewpoint offered an endless panorama of clouds drifting over jagged cliffs — it felt like standing at the edge of the world. One of my favourite stops was Wadi Hinna, where ancient trees stood like silent giants, their swollen trunks and twisted branches telling stories centuries old in the secret pool.
By afternoon, we were strolling through Taqa Castle, exploring its mud-brick walls and peeking into rooms once used by governors and merchants. Just beyond, lay Taqa town and beach, where fishermen tended their nets against a backdrop of silvery waves and monsoon skies.
As the sun began to dip, we returned to Salalah city, gathering our bags and souvenirs — frankincense, and fresh fruits down the beach. Our bus pulled out, retracing the long road to Muscat. The city lights of Salalah faded into the distance, replaced by the quiet darkness of Omani skies.
A few of us were disheartened that we could not make halt at the popular fruit market. But, Majan did not let us down. Despite time constraints, the bus did make a 30-minute halt to enable participants to buy fresh papayas, coconuts, mangoes and other fruits.
Looking back, Khareef in Salalah wasn't just about seeing green hills in a desert land. It was about the feel of rain on your skin in August. Salalah during Khareef is a reminder that sometimes the most magical places appear when you least expect them.
The next trip will be on September 3 to 6 or 4 to 7 (as per public holidays).