Salalah is easily amongst the most breath-taking locations in the entire Arabian Peninsula. The scenery here is in stark contrast to the rest of the region with its lush Dhofar Mountains as the centrepiece. These mountains are flanked by the pristine Dhofar coastline to the south and the enormous dunes of the Rub al Khali to the north. While the beaches and the dunes attract their share of visitors, it is the mountains, together with its accompanying wadis, springs, gorges, valleys, sinkholes, caves and more, that truly draw people to Salalah. This is especially true during the Khareef season when the beauty of its mountains increases tenfold, and it’s the springs and wadis come alive with flowing water. This same flowing water also reveals one of the most beautiful, yet often overlooked, attractions of in Salalah – the waterfalls. The city is home to several during the Khareef Season, most of which are relatively easy to access. Here are five such waterfalls that you must not miss during your next trip to Salalah during Khareef.
Wadi Darbat Cascades
Wadi Darbat is by far one of the most popular locations in all of Salalah, and with good reason. It is quite easily one of the most scenic spots in the region complete with beautiful valleys where you can trek with family and friends, caves to explore, a large lake for boating, and more. However, it is the cascades of Wadi Darbat that are one of its most spectacular features. These cascades truly come alive during the Khareef season complete with gorgeous rockpools, and depending on the amount of rainfall, these cascades can last long after the season has ended.
Wadi Darbat Waterfall
This is the second and larger waterfall at Wadi Darbat but is far more seasonally dependent than the cascades. Its intensity varies vastly based on the amount of rainfall received and there is a chance you may not get to see it, even during the Khareef season. But if you are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of it, you won’t be disappointed.
Ayn Athum Waterfall
This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Salalah and viewable only during Khareef. It is located to the east of the city, about a 30min drive away. However, given its popularity, beauty, and ease of access, you can expect it to be quite crowded when you get there. You will also find several stalls dotting the area with locals seeing their wares and food for you to enjoy.
Ayn Khor Waterfall
This is another seasonal waterfall, but this time to the west of the city, very close to the Raysut Cement Factory. It is however, significantly harder to access than the one at Ayn Athum, given that you can only reach it with a 4×4, followed by a short trek on foot. It is however, well worth the trip. The cascading waterfall is simply stunning with a crystal-clear pool at the bottom.
Ayn Tubrook
Ayn Tubrook is located close to Ayun Athum on the road to Nashib. While not quite as grand as the other waterfalls on this list, it is still worth a visit even if only to enjoy the beautiful scenery and capture a few nice photographs.