Hello Everyone,
Almost every year I used to try to join the Salalah trip but unfortunately, it never materialized. However, this year I got lucky and managed to escape from work for a week to see the world of wonders
. Our travelling preparation started just a week before the departure date and my wife, and I split into two teams to complete it on time and on the departure day, we were all set to go. The hotel was arranged easily, e-visa was also done, and it was a nice and easy experience crossing the border.
The meeting point was strategically chosen to fill up the fuel and grab some snacks if needed. The place had a mandi shop as well if someone wanted to have a proper dinner after entering Oman. We did not eat over there so; I don’t know the taste and hygiene condition. Once we all gathered, Bu Salem called for the briefing and told us about the plan to reach to Salalah. The focus was that we should drive safely, respect the timing, stick to the convoy - if someone loses the way then he/she can still follow the route and catch the convoy on the way to Salalah. The convoy order was told by Bu Salem, and we started the journey.
Since it’s a long way from the border to Salalah therefore, Bu Salem held the convoy before Haima for a couple of hours of sleep when one of the members announced that he is feeling tired and sleepy – as a leader Bu Salem was very responsible, accommodative, and understanding to the needs of the convoy. We stopped at a layby in the middle of empty quarter, and I realized that its pitch dark here and I should try to see if the milky way is visible from here (I have seen it twice before and I know what is needed to get lucky to see it). Well, it was visible to the naked eye up to a certain extent so, I went to my wife and asked her to come out of the car. She has never seen one before and it was an unbelievable experience for her to see it live with her eyes. That was a bonus
!
After completing the journey, entering Salalah was an event, in itself. You are welcomed by a mountain and once you climb you find yourself in dense clouds with almost zero visibility on the road as if you are entering into another world
. Before reaching Salalah, Bu Salem took us to a view point on the same mountain and he found it is too slippery and risky. So, we stopped and took pictures from a good big balcony and when we had to turn around and return back on the road then Vika’s car started slipping and it became a rescue situation. The viking rope came out on Day 0 and Bu Salem pulled her up to save the day
.
After reaching Salalah, we headed to the famous restaurant No. 8 and had the mouth-watering
lunch over there. Post lunch, we all left to search for our hotels and take the needed rest for the next day. On the same day in the evening, I went to Salalah Gardens Mall and the Chinese Village as they were near my hotel and family had a fun time there shopping.
Day 1
Bu Salem used to announce the plan for each day to give you a heads up to prepare yourself. Day 1 plan was to visit the Koor waterfall after a family hike, then reaching the Aishat springs with an intermediate hike and in the end going to Al Shadelf Aftelqoot to have the abandoned ship view.
It was the first day and the excitement was reaching the sky. As per the plan, we reached Koor area, and the cars turned into boats to go through flowing water streams to reach to a stop where we parked our cars and started the hike. As it was the first experience for my family therefore, this family hike was still quite adventurous for them, and I had to make sure that we enjoy it to the max without any risk. The Koor waterfall is a spectacular place with abundant place to picture taking. A perfect spot for insta people
Next was the Aishat springs and now I feel that visiting Koor before was a good idea as we got into the mindset of hiking with it, and it helped us a lot in Aishat hiking. It just so happened that Kimoz and I were having slower hiking pace than others as we were helping our families to go though all those places and we became like to family combo (which lasted till the last day of the trip
) to hike together to reach to the destination of Aishat springs pool. As I was helping my wife and daughters to cross the water areas especially therefore, I used to step into water first to check the depth and then used to help them cross it. There was one nasty spot on the way where you had to go down into the water and then climb up the rocky stairs against a strong flow of water. This is where I damaged my phone (one of speaker stopped working due to drowning in water – supposedly it’s a waterproof phone
). When we reached to the pools at the end of hiking, we found out that Paddy was almost sucked in into a pothole under the pool and was saved by Bu Rashid - he got a 2nd life.
By the way, the same area which damaged my phone, proved to be even more difficult to cross on the way back because this time we had to go downward along with the strong flow of water. I knew that was the only way to cross to the other side, but everyone refused to take that path and started searching for an alternate route. Kimoz found a way but when he stepped into the water then it was too deep for the families and the water flow was strong as well so, even though he crossed but told his family not to come from that route. Now, I brought everyone back to the original route and had to cross that section multiple times until everyone reached to the other side with Kimoz standing on the other side receiving the parcels from this side
. It was quite an adventure for everyone and brought a sense of accomplishment after crossing it safely.
The last part of the day was to visit the abandoned ship. Things were going fine until I saw Bu Salem started a mountain climb on a wet muddy path and experienced his car getting skid badly with almost no traction
. He immediately alarmed the convoy to stop as it was too slippery. Tom was behind him and had to abort and come back after engaging 4L. Bu Salem turned around somehow and even on the way back I saw him skidding but alhamdulillah he returned safely. So, we could not see the abandoned ship on Day 1 due to unavoidable circumstances.
Day 2
The day started in an interesting way to visit the Marnif Cave. A good walk of 10 min from the parking area till the cave site followed by a beautiful scenery of sea hitting the mountains. For a very long time, I wanted to go and see that place where you stand over the grill and the sea water burst out from it and on this day the dream came true
. We had taken many pics there and collected a lot of good memories to cherish.
Visiting Sarfayt, Dalkut and Rakhyut (where we enjoyed the camel milk bought earlier
) was enjoyable and scenic but the highlight of the day was the Climb To The Heaven. An awesome experience full of excitement. Even though it was a long day, but we still visited Fazayeh beach in the evening and stayed till late. It’s a beach where you will feel like you are in a fantasy world – it’s unreal.
Day 3
I survived the first two days without getting bitten by mosquitoes but on this day, I got bitten by thousands of mosquitoes and insects in Attir Sink hole and had to return
. So, as per the plan we reached to the sink hole parking, and I started hiking down the sink hole with my daughters after everyone had left (Kimoz left behind – he knew about the mosquitoes down there I think
). We were able to see the team first, then we stopped seeing them, but they were still hearable and then we stopped hearing them as well. But we kept going down until we got hit by army of mosquitoes and my daughters asked me to leave and go back up
. I could not resist, and we started climbing back up to find ourselves bitten everywhere. We sat down at the parking area to enjoy some coffee and snacks with Kimoz family until the warriors came back from the sink hole.
Taiq cave was skipped due to advanced hike and rainy weather, and we went straight to the Jabal Samhan view to enjoy the scenery. The next point was the Bobaab tree with a family hike followed by a scenic view off the cliff – and to find the spiders webs.
We also visited the Gravity Point and Shabon spring and park in the later part of the day and Bu Salem pulled out a surprise in the form of a live BBQ in the evening on Alhafa beach. AhmedtoDXB executed the plan flawlessly and we enjoyed a lot of fresh BBQ on the beach. I think I ate the most!
Day 4
This was the
Yellow day. The day when we visited the famous Darbat Park and Lake. My wife had seen many videos of this place on social media before coming to this trip and always used to ask me when we are going to Darbat.
The walk to the lake was entertaining. Pedal boating in Darbat lake with that surrounding view was priceless. I took a boat for 4 with me and my daughters pedaling (they kept switching while I was not allowed to switch
). I think we pedaled for good 20 minutes from one end to the other and later came out and enjoyed some ice-cream and potato on the cob.
The next stop was the travertine curtain waterfall which was equally beautiful. Later we visited the feeder cave – it was slippery. I tried to go down to the front of the cave to take a group picture from a bit far but aborted after Bu Salem’s advice
. Visiting the athoom spring and the tabriq spring was relaxing and interesting. After that we closed the day with a lot a beautiful memories.
Day 5
The adondoned ship view which we could not have on Day 1 was made possible this day when we went back to Al Shadhelf Aftelqoot
. This time it was possible to drive up with caution and witness the ship and the canyon fire sounds (those who read this and have never been there can ask me about it
)
The plan was to visit Al Hoota beach, Al Hoota waterfall – hike & Swim and my family decided to stay behind and not to go for the hike this time. So, I stayed behind with them and was joined by Kimoz and Phoenix families as well. We took out our chairs and found a good place in the flowing water to place our seats and sit and chill for the next couple of hours until the rest of the group come back from the hike. Believe me, it was so relaxing to sit in that cold water.
The next point was Shaat view park but the highlight of the day was to visit the hidden Ifalqqot beach. It was a ride through the jungle with muddy track where @AhmedtoDXB was honored to open the door for us and I closed it behind me. However, the patch towards the end of the track got dangerously slippery and Bu Salem told us to stop and turned around immediately
. I was sweeping the convoy and now became the lead car to take the convoy out. On the way back, I opened the door again and this time Bu Salem closed behind him. After reaching back the Shaat park, I called it a day as the family was not feeling well, while other continued the day and went to the Fazayeh beach to spend the evening.
Day 6
The day started by visiting the Hazrat Imran’s tomb. The grave holds the record for the longest tomb in the world, with a length of 41 feet (12.5 meters) – and incredible sight.
We visited Razat and Salhoot springs, but the highlight of the day was the Jojib big waterfall with hiking. I think there was no other better way to close the trip than this hike.
So, we went through a muddy and slippery area, then entered the jungle and then reached to the foot of this waterfall. The plan was to reach to the cave which was hidden behind the waterfall curtain. We started climbing in the water stream which kept getting difficult as we go up until we reach to the point where the water was coming directly on our heads. However, with Bu Salem leading we kept going and reach to the cave
. It was spectacular and unbelievable – a lifetime experience that can never be explained.
Day 7
Now this was the last day in Salalah, and we were supposed to head back home. However, to add more colours to the trip, Bu Salem added some more points on the way back before Haima through the coastal line. Though it costed us 2 extra hours but for me it was worth passing by those areas; including but not limited to the oasis, witch rock, grand canyon.
I crossed the border by 1030pm and reached home by midnight safely.
Million thanks to @alshamsi_m who planned this incredible trip and executed with perfection. Also, hats off to the crew members who put in their efforts around preparations and made it a joyful experience for everyone.
PS: Its not possible to capture and justify the experience in the trip report unless you go there and feel what Salalah is!
Cheers,