Joanna James
The capital city of southern Oman's Dhofar Province, Salalah, is well known for its lush green landscapes which is quite easily distinctive from the rest of the Gulf nation's dried and barren terrain. Among this serene nature are a host of stunning waterfalls, making for some exciting exploration.
Surrounded by a range of dramatic mountains, Wadi Darbat is arguably the most beautiful waterfall in all of Oman, inviting all nature lovers to savour a slice of the tranquil nature. Adding to the idyll of the waterfall are a lush green valley and a host of mini caves, which make for some adventurous hiking and trekking. Come the Khareef, the annual monsoon in southern Oman, the falls is at its most breathtaking but so are the crowds, who come to experience the mind-blowing serenity in droves. The trek to the waterfall is also dotted with a clutch of shacks and small restaurants to grab a quick bite as you make your way to the falls.
Nestled in Wilayat of Taqah in Eastern Salalah, in the vicinity and right ahead of the aforementioned Wadi Darbat, Ayn Athum is another stunning waterfall that is second to none. The falls has lush greenery sitting astride its cascading turquoise blue curtain of water — a sight that is absolutely unmissable on your trip to Salalah. At the base of the waterfall are a few alluring natural pools, ideal for taking a dip and cooling off.
Set in the western part of Salalah, Ayn Khor waterfall is only accessible on a 4x4 vehicle due to the rugged nature and the long distance of the road leading to the falls, treating you to a slice of both breathtaking nature and exciting adventure. The waterfall is in the vicinity of Oman's famous Raysut cement factory, which also has given the falls the moniker, Raysut Waterfall. Surrounded by forest-clad hills and a tall curtain of water cascading down to a turquoise huge natural pool — you are sure to be left amazed.
Unlike most other waterfalls in Salalah, getting to Ayn Gogub would involve a rather long 30-kilometre drive from Salalah, but as has been fortunate enough to lay their eyes on this marvellous waterfall would unhesitatingly agree, it is totally worth it. The waterfall also can only be experienced during the Khareef and there is almost no waterfall to be seen outside the monsoon.
In the vicinity of the aforementioned Ayn Athum waterfall, Ayn Tubrook Waterfalls might not be as big as all other aforementioned waterfalls but sure has been blessed with oodles of nature and beauty to savour. It may not be among popular Oman attractions but is definitely worth a visit. After a day of chasing waterfalls, retreat to one of the finest hotels or resorts in the city such as the Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.
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