Luxury Salalah and Empty Quarter Tours made for you
From lush hills and sparkling waterfalls to desert expanses
Nature, history and adventure combine in this captivating region
While away the hours exploring a quaint fishing town, welcoming the leisurely pace, soak up the rays on a pristine Arabian coast beach, the sun-toasted sands lapped by cooling waters, or head into the surrounding mountains to explore hiking and walking trails. The Khareef, the annual monsoon, transforms the desert here into a verdant landscape full of cascading waterfalls and lush hills. Salalah is the perfect destination if you’re looking for both nature and adventure.
Known for its ancient frankincense trade, with several sites along the Frankincense Road featuring on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Salalah has a rich and intoxicating history. Some interesting historical and cultural sites include the ancient settlements of Sumharam, Wadi Dawkah and Al Balid.
Known for its stunning landscapes, thick palm forests and beautiful waterfalls during Khareef, Wadi Darbat Reserve is one of the most picturesque places in Salalah. Head out onto Darbat Lake on a kayak or boat, or explore the trails on foot, discovering caves and natural springs.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Samharam was once a port which linked the Mediterranean and India. Take time to visit the castle to browse ancient antiques, see coins that date back some 2,000 years and study stone inscriptions.
Delve into Oman’s frankincense heritage by visiting farms and learning about its importance and varied uses.
Leave the verdant hills behind and discover the astoundingly beautiful ‘empty quarter’ – Rub al Khali in Arabic. This massive expanse of sandy desert sprawls across parts of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Known as the world’s largest sand sea, the dunes here are thought to move up to 30m every year and the region has historically a reputation for being inhospitable. However, look a little closer and you may spot Arabian wolves, red foxes, desert lynxes, sand cats and reptiles.
From our experts
Experiences picked by our Salalah and the Empty Quarter specialists
Learn Omani cooking in the fishing village of Mirbat
Visit the charming fishing village of Mirbat to discover the secrets of Omani cooking.
Hike Wadi Darbat to a turquoise rock pool
Hike through Wadi Darbat to one of the stunning turquoise rock pools.
Dine privately under a dark desert sky
Enjoy a private dinner under the dark night sky.
A word from one of our experts
The little visited Salalah and Empty Quarter is one of our favourite locations. There are a range of wadis to explore, hidden beaches and an incredible amount of camels everywhere. Head out to the Empty Quarter, guided through the ever changing dunes by a Bedouin guide, and maybe spot the elusive black camel.
Rosie Beckford
Luxury accommodation in Salalah and Empty Quarter
There are many incredible places to stay in Salalah and Empty Quarter. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
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Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
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Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
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Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Oman example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
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Musandam
Entirely cut off from the rest of Oman by the surrounding United Arab Emirates, the Musandam Peninsula extends into the Strait of Hormuz. K…
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Muscat
Set on a cove fringed by volcanic mountains and stark desert, Oman’s port capital Muscat is an intriguing blend of modern city architecture…
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Nizwa and the Hajar Mountains
The ancient city of Nizwa, in northern Oman, is known not only for its historic buildings, but also for its silversmiths and handicrafts. T…
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Ras al Jinz
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Meet your Middle East team
When to Visit
Salalah’s moderate season, when the weather is most pleasant, is between October and February. The monsoon season (Khareef) begins around June and lasts until August. During this time Salalah transforms into a stunning oasis in the cool air. If you happen to visit over this period you may even get to join in some of the Salalah Tourism Festival activities, welcoming the monsoon. If you’d prefer to avoid the rain, plan your visit for between September and February – a great time of year for wildlife spotting.
Monsoon Oasis
June - August
Wildlife Spotting
September - February
When Is the Best Time to Visit Oman
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Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.