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TABRUK
It is a lovely picnic spot where there is running water all year long and now the road is tarred all the way there. Take the road to Taqah and after about 30 km there is a sign to Nashib towards the mountains (there is also a green sign with 2 Arabic words “Tabruk” & “Athum”). Folowing the paved road you will reach an intersection with 2 sign boards in Arabic Tabruk to the left and Athum to the right (the last still under construction).
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ZEEK
This small water fall is more difficult to find. Taking the road to Thumrait turn to the right towards Zeek and then again to the right on the next paved road. After 1 or 2 kms there is a dirt road on the right side that takes you to a small town and the water fall is a little further.
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GOGUB
It is another waterfall worth to look at (if there has been good rains). Unfortunately the picture showing the waterfall was not clear due to the fog, so I didn’t include it. To get there take the road to Thumrait and about 10 to 15 km you will see the sign on the right side. It is a well maintained dirt road, but during Kharif season it could be slippery. The waterfall is on the left side of this roar, but a little hard to spot from the top if you don’t know the place. Following this road all the way down to the wadi you can see the waterfall and if you want to reach the base of it, you have to walk about 1 km. (Do not forget a good mosquito repellent).
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HASHIER
This is a water-spring half way uphill from the place known as "The Antigravity Point" about 10 km before Marbat.
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DARBAT
After Taqa cross the Khor Rouiri Wadi Bridge and there is a road on the left side to Tawi Atair. About 3 km from there (uphill) the road to Darbat is on the left side.
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SALALAH PUBLIC PARK
This huge public park is great for kids and families. There is a selection of playgroud equipment for the children to enjoy and the large areas of grass make for a relaxing day in the fresh air. There are plenty of trees for shade.
Head towards Sultan Qaboos hospital from the Auqad roundabout. At the next roundabout take the road toward the city centre. Just before the old power station, turn left (between two small parks). Not too far along on the left will be a large walled off area with very ornate doors. Park outside and walk in.
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SA'DA
I went fishing in a town called Sa'da (population: 300) where we camped over, under the stars, on the beach and spent the whole day on a small but reliable local fisherman's boat. Sa'da is about 180km's from Salalah. There is now a tarred road all the way from Salalah to Sa'da (head towards Mirbat and turn left at the new road, just before the town). While we were fishing, we were lucky enough to see many turtles, dolphins and a whale!
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AYN HAMRAN
Plenty of shade is provided by the large trees lining the small stream which seems to flow almost all year round.
Head towards Taqah and at the Mamourah round about, turn right. Turn left following the sign.
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AYN SAHNAWT
A beautiful, serene gem in the middle of the desert! When we visited this spring not too long after the Khareef, the bird life was incredible. Well worth the visit.
Drive towards Thumrait, past the ROP Headquarters. At the base of the mountain turn right and further down the road you will see a sign directing you to 'Ain Sahalnoot' (the spelling may be different but it is pronounced the same).
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MUGHSAYL
We took a drive along the coast, past the Port and towards the Yemen border. We stopped for brunch at one of the chalets right on the beach - beautiful. We visited the blow holes but they weren't very active but we have been told that during the Khareef it is quite something. As you drive further along the road it winds up and down the mountain. On a clear day, this area makes for fantastic photos. After Mughsayl, you can go through the police and military checkpoints - as an expat you need to have your labour card (and maybe passport) and they will record your details before letting you carry on. This is done to ensure your safe return.
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AYN RAZAT
This is a great picnic spot, 16km northeast of Salalah. The manicured garden is open on Thursdays and Fridays only while any day of the week you can relax in the shade near the natural spring found here.
Head towards Taqah. At Mamourah round about, turn left. Follow the signs.
There is no entrance fee and bird life is abundant.
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