Dhofar is Oman's southernmost governorate, and Salalah is its capital. In summer the monsoon, the Khareef, brings mist, drizzle and green hills to the coast and mountains around Salalah. It is the region's busiest season.
The ten wilayats
Dhofar is divided into ten wilayats: Salalah, Taqah, Mirbat, Thumrait, Sadah, Rakhyut, Dhalkut, Muqshin, Shalim and the Hallaniyat Islands and Al Mazyunah. Most hotels, apartments, car rental offices and services are in Salalah. Taqah and Mirbat to the east are quieter coastal towns.
Khareef: when to go
The official Khareef season opens on 21 June. The closing date is announced every year: it was 21 September in 2023, and in 2025 the season was extended to 10 October. Check the dates for your year before you book.
Khareef is peak season. Stays and rental cars in Salalah fill up early, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
Getting there from Muscat
- By air: there are direct flights from Muscat to Salalah International Airport, operated by Oman Air and SalamAir. The flight takes about an hour and a half.
- By road: Muscat to Salalah is roughly 1,000 km. Plan for a full day of driving, with fuel and rest stops.
What to see
- The Land of Frankincense (UNESCO World Heritage, 2000). Four sites tell the story of the frankincense trade: the ancient port of Al Baleed in Salalah, with the Museum of the Frankincense Land; Khor Rori (ancient Sumhuram), about 40 km east of Salalah; the frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah; and the desert oasis of Shisr (Wubar).
- Wadi Darbat, in the mountains above Khor Rori past Taqah. Its lakes fill during Khareef, and the grassy banks are a favourite picnic spot.
- Ain Razat, a spring on the Salalah plain.
- Al Mughsail beach, west of Salalah, with blowholes that spout when the sea is rough.
Getting around
Dhofar's sights are spread along the coast and up in the mountains, and public transport between them is limited. Renting a car, or hiring a driver, is the easiest way to see the region. Below you'll find stays and car rentals that our team has checked.
Stay in Dhofar
Rent a car in Dhofar
Frequently asked questions
When is the Khareef season in Salalah?
The official season opens on 21 June. The closing date is announced each year: it was 21 September in 2023 and was extended to 10 October in 2025. Check the current year's dates before booking.
How do I get from Muscat to Salalah?
Oman Air and SalamAir fly direct from Muscat to Salalah, a flight of about an hour and a half. By road it is roughly 1,000 km, a full day of driving.
Do I need a car in Salalah?
Most sights, such as Wadi Darbat, Khor Rori and Al Mughsail, are outside the city and public transport to them is limited, so a rental car or a driver makes the trip much easier. Book early during Khareef.
Is the Land of Frankincense a UNESCO site?
Yes. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2000 and has four parts: Al Baleed, Khor Rori, Wadi Dawkah and Shisr (Wubar).