Josh Brendon
Nature is a great escape for families as there is much to learn and enjoy for both parents and children from Mother Nature. Thus, Oman's beautiful city of Salalah has much to offer.
Travelling as a family is no reason to miss out on one of the amazing views from atop the Dhofar mountain region. Standing at an astounding 1200m above sea level, travelling to the top of the range will provide you with an amazing view of Salalah. Get on a four-wheel drive, pack a picnic lunch and blaze the trail for a family outing unlike any other. Do talk to your hotel about such plans, though, as some hotels such as Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara arrange special tours to the mountain range for their guests.
The site of the ancient port city Zafar, the earliest settlement at Al Baleed Archaeological Park dates back to about 2000 years BC. The area bears witness to the passing of time, with evidence to show its sustenance through the Bronze Age as well as Iron Age. The excavations at Al Baleed Archaeological Park took place mainly in the 1970s and is not so active today. A walking path over 2km wide allows the visitors to get around the 64 hectares of the site, viewing the City Wall, Citadel, and Grand Mosque. The perfect time for visiting would be late evening, as the flood light illumination of the site at night is a sight your family must-see at Al Baleed Archaeological Park.
Located near the sea, Salalah is one area where the sand and the water exists harmoniously. As such, it is a wonderful opportunity to let your family enjoy the best of both the worlds. Whether you are staying at one of the many Salalah Beach Villas or not, a day trip to the beach should be on your itinerary. Drive down to one of the many popular beaches of Salalah – Al Haffah beach is a popular choice – and enjoy quality time under the sun. While you enjoy the rush of the wind and the salty smell of the air, do make sure that the children or adults do not attempt to swim in the waters of the area, as it can be rather unpredictable. If Al Haffah is your beach of choice, you shall be able to do a spot of bird watching as well, as the beach is popular for it.
No trip would be complete without a bit of shopping, purchasing of some memorabilia and gifts for those at home. Salalah Gardens mall, located in the vicinity of Hamdan Plaza hotel is the first modern shopping mall in the area. With a range of shops – including branded shops – a cinema and a food court, this is the place to go when you and your family need a bit of time and space to stock up on worldly items. The children would enjoy the multitude of kid-friendly shops and local items while you will be able to not only witness and experience a bit of historical significance but also shop to your heart's content.
