Oman: Extension Option Dhofar

Self-Drive Tour in Southern Oman (in combination with Northern Oman Self-Drive Tour)

The Land of Frankincense

Southern Oman, the fabled land of Dhofar, was once one of the most important centres of the global frankincense trade. In the valleys of the Qara Mountains, away from the sea, the legendary frankincense trees flourished—said to have been guarded by winged serpents. Near today’s Salalah lay the ancient port of Sumhurum, once the starting point of the incense route leading through Yemen all the way to Petra. Even today, you can still find rare specimens of the Boswellia carteri tree in the inland valleys, while the souk of Salalah evokes the scents that once surrounded emirs, sultans, and European rulers alike.

Discover Dhofar by Car

Travel at your own pace with a rental car: admire spectacular mountain and coastal panoramas, meet shepherds with their herds, and immerse yourself in the world of the incense trade. Seek out frankincense trees, marvel at the blowholes and natural fountains of Mughsail, and breathe in fine fragrances at the bustling souk of Salalah. As with our Northern Oman self-drive tour, good physical condition, confident driving skills, and basic English knowledge are required. On request (for an additional fee), a driver or driver-guide can be arranged.

Best Travel Season

The most popular time to travel is October through March/April, with daytime temperatures between 20–30°C and clear skies. From May onwards, the region becomes very hot and humid, while in June, July, and August the Khareef monsoon transforms Dhofar: misty clouds cling to the mountains, a fine drizzle fills the air, and the entire region turns lush green—imbuing the landscape with an almost mystical aura.

Detailed travel description available soon

Discover the Northern Oman Self-Drive Tour!

Travel Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Dhofar

• Arrival at Salalah airport, transfer to the hotel

• Leisure time

• Premium: Overnight at Al Baleed Resort by Anantara***** 

• Deluxe: Overnight at Crowne Plaza**** Salalah 

Day 2

The Mountain World of Dhofar

• Pick up rental car at the hotel

• Visit the fortress in Taqah

• Explore the ruins of Sumhurum (UNESCO World Heritage)

• Walk through the green Wadi Darbat

• Tawi Attair “Bird Well”

• Panoramic view from Jabal Samhan (1,700 m)

• Scenic villages and landscapes in the Qara Mountains

• Premium: Overnight at Al Baleed Resort by Anantara***** (B)

• Deluxe: Overnight at Crowne Plaza**** Salalah (B)

Day 3

Frankincense Trees & Camel Herders

• Lagoon and beach at Mughsail

• Coastal views from Jabal al Qamar

• Walk among frankincense trees

• Highland pastures with camel herders

• Baobab tree at the fishing village Dhalkut

• Blowholes and birdwatching at Mughsail

• Overnight as above

Day 4

Frankincense & Myrrh

• Visit Al Balid Archaeological Park (Museum of the Frankincense Land)

• Enjoy fresh coconut water

• Photo stops at Sultan Qaboos Mosque and Al Husn Palace

• Stroll through Salalah’s incense souk

• Return rental car at the hotel

• Overnight as above

Day 5

Leisure & Farewell

• Leisure time until check-out at noon

• Transfer to Salalah airport

B=Breakfast

• Departure
  Flights are not included. We will be happy to prepare an offer and book the suitable flights for your journey. For travel to/from Muscat, we recommend direct flights with Oman Air.
• Prices per person
  Premium Option (Al Baleed Resort by Anantara*****):

  Double room 1.795 €

  Single room (Double room single use) 2.920 €

  Deluxe Option (Crowne Plaza**** Salalah):

  Double room 1.095 €

  Single room (Double room for single use) 1.590 €

  Minimum number of participants: 2 paying guests required

  Christmas/New Year surcharges on request

  Child discounts (ages 2–11, sharing with 2 adults): 10–25%
• Included

  Option Premium

  • 4 nights at Al Baleed Resort by Anantara*****, incl. breakfast

  • Airport–hotel–airport transfers

  • 4WD rental car (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar), unlimited mileage, CDW & PAI insurance, local mobile phone with key information preloaded

  • 100% CO₂ compensation via Atmosfair

  Option Deluxe

  • 4 nights at Crowne Plaza**** Salalah, incl. breakfast

  • Airport–hotel–airport transfers

  • 4WD rental car (Toyota Land Cruiser or similar), unlimited mileage, CDW & PAI insurance, local mobile phone with key information preloaded

  • 100% CO₂ compensation via Atmosfair

  Not included: international & domestic flights, fuel (approx. €65), entrance fees (approx. €25), parking, fines, optional chauffeur, meals not mentioned, drinks, tips, personal expenses, insurance.

• Entry

  Entry (as of 05/2025): For Luxembourgish nationals, no visa required for stays up to 14 days. Passport valid 6 months beyond departure.

  No mandatory vaccinations (except yellow fever if arriving from an affected area). Standard vaccinations recommended.

• Note

  Driver requirements: min. age 21, max. 75, valid international driver’s licence, and credit card.

  Wi-Fi available in most hotels, though coverage may be limited.

  Travel insurance incl. Covid-19 coverage is mandatory.

  This trip is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.