This summer ECC Adventures offers you an exclusive hiking adventure of Salalah where you have the freedom to customise your itinerary based on your budget and time. Choose from either the ‘2-day’ or the ‘4-day’ adventure package, as nature unravels all around this coastal oasis in Oman. An itinerary that is not offered by any other tour group with stop-overs at famous natural and man-made landmarks, you can definitively say “I’VE BEEN TO SALALAH!”.
2-Day Adventure itinerary - 1450 AED
Day 1 – Saturday
Ain Gheidh Waterfall Trek, Fazayah Coastal Hike & Mughsayl Blowholes
Waterfall trails and cliff-top ocean spectacles.
- Morning Half-Day: Hike to Ain Al Gedh waterfall, a hidden gem where you can cool off in the refreshing waters.
- Late Morning: Continue to the dramatic Mughsayl Blowholes, where crashing waves surge through natural vents in the rock.
- Afternoon Hike: Head to Fazayah Beach and hike along its stunning coastal trails—towering cliffs, hidden coves, and endless sea views await.
- Evening: Return to Wyndham for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Sunday
Darbat Valley Discovery, Tayq Cave Hike & Jebel Samhan Balcony Walk
High-altitude panoramas and lush green valleys.
- Morning: Explore the cascading waterfalls and emerald pools of Wadi Darbat, the infamous Baobob trees, and finish with sweeping views from the Tayq Cave Hike.
- Lunch: Lunch at Tayq Cave parking.
- Afternoon: Drive up to Jebel Samhan and hike the breathtaking Balcony Walk, with expansive views of the Dhofar escarpment.
The 2-Day Weekday Adventure takes place Saturday to Sunday, but to suit flight availability you have the option to extend your trip to 3 days (extra night's stay from Friday night onwards or include Sunday night accommodation).
4-Day Adventure Itinerary - 3000 AED
Day 1 – Friday
Wadi Garziz & Ain Roob Infinity Pool
Lush valleys, hidden springs, and serene mountain pools.
- Morning: Begin your adventure at Wadi Garziz, where dramatic rock formations and cool water channels create an immersive hiking experience.
- Midday: Stop for a scenic break with refreshments.
- Afternoon: Continue to the Ain Roob Infinity Pool, a secluded spot perfect for a refreshing swim with panoramic mountain views.
- Evening: Return to Salalah and check into your hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 2 – Saturday
Ain Gheidh Waterfall Trek, Fazayah Coastal Hike & Mughsayl Blowholes
Clifftop trails and ocean spectacles.
- Morning Half-Day: Hike to Ain Al Gedh waterfall, a hidden gem where you can cool off in the refreshing waters.
- Late Morning: Continue to the dramatic Mughsayl Blowholes, where crashing waves surge through natural vents in the rock.
- Afternoon Hike: Head to Fazayah Beach and hike along its stunning coastal trails—towering cliffs, hidden coves, and endless sea views await.
- Evening: Return to Salalah for dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 – Sunday
Darbat Valley Discovery, Tayq Cave Hike & Jebel Samhan Balcony Walk
High-altitude panoramas and lush green valleys.
- Morning: Explore the cascading waterfalls and emerald pools of Wadi Darbat, the infamous Baobob trees, and finish with sweeping views from the Tayq Cave Hike.
- Lunch: Lunch at Tayq Cave parking.
- Afternoon: Drive up to Jebel Samhan and hike the breathtaking Balcony Walk, with expansive views of the Dhofar escarpment.
Day 4 – Monday
Shalal Al Sheikh Waterfall & Darbat Valley Hike
Verdant forests, hidden waterfalls, and mysterious caves.
- Morning: Hike from the base of the mountain towards Darbat Falls, heading upwards through pastures and panoramic views.
- Lunch: Picnic in the shade of towering trees and cool mountain breezes.
- Afternoon: Trek along the valley to reach Shalal Al Sheikh, a tranquil waterfall hidden in the Dhofar hills.
The 4-Day Weekday Adventure takes place Friday to Monday, but to suit flight availability you have the option to extend your trip to 5 days (either from Thursday night onwards or include Monday night's accommodation).
Accommodation is included for both the 2-Day Weekend Adventure and 4-Day Weekday Excursion. Latter includes a camping night as indicated on the itinerary.
- Original Passport
- Clothes for trekking (can get wet), swimming, and change for two days
- Sunblock
- Water and snacks for hiking
- Comfortable clothing for hiking
- Shoes for hiking (Keen water sandals)
- Snacks
Optional:
- Waterproof camera case
- Riverbag (waterproof)
Why Salalah?
Nature
Dubbed as the ‘ Caribbean of the Middle East’, or even 'Ireland of the East', Salalah is the real-life definition of an oasis.
Though surrounded by arid deserts from both east to west, due to its unique geographical location, Salalah effuses a magical terrain unlike anywhere else in the Arabian Peninsula. This is evident during the monsoon season, or “Khareef”, when for a brief three months of the year, this southern tip of Oman’s coast enshrouds in otherworldly mists that create such abundant pastures of greenery in the flourishing wadis that one might mistake them for the rolling hills of Ireland.
Protected by the looming Jebel Samhan mountain plateau to the north and northwest, and the wind patterns brought over by the Indian ocean, beginning in July the rains drizzle and dazzle over the coastal city, signaling the start of Khareef season. The transformation from desert plains into paradise begins almost instantly. With its overhanging cliffs peering upon the rough ocean swells, famous frankincense trees, and occasional caravan of camels adding to the exotic wonder, Salalah comes to life like a fairytale, reverting to its former self once the clock finally strikes September.
Culture and history
Salalah is the historic center of Dhofar, was once a prosperous city renowned for its frankincense, even earning a mention by Marco Polo in the 13th century. Dhofar is enclosed by the “Qara Mountain Range”, named after the tribe of Al-Hakli (Qara) that mostly controlled the area. With its sovereignty declining over the years, Salalah came under Omani rule in the 1800s. From 1932 until 1970, Sultan Saʿīd ibn Taymūr governed the country, then known as Muscat and Oman, from Salalah. Notably, it is also the birthplace of former Sultan Qaboos bin Said.
Accessibility
Salalah is only 2 hours away by air and with regular and budget friendly flights offered by Air Arabia and Fly Dubai, it is a far more affordable and easy holiday option for UAE residents.
Without having to travel too far for too long and without spending tens of thousands of dhirams for summer breaks, Salalah offers a truly tropical feel for anyone looking to get away from the Arabian heat.
