Nestled in the southern region of Oman, Salalah has the benefit of the annual Indian monsoon: locally known as the Khareef. This monsoon, which extends from early June to mid September, transforms the countryside into a veritable garden with tumbling waterfalls and meandering streams. The Khareef season is a good time to visit Salalah. In July and August the government plays host for the annual Khareef Festival, a cultural highlight of the season.
Situated on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman has a long and proud history that extends back to the earliest of civilizations. Because of its location on the Indian Ocean with a coastline that stretches over 1,700 kilometres, Oman has a rich heritage of traders and explorers. The Omani people are an intriguing mix of races, mostly Arabic with Asian and African undertones, making it one of the most varied cultures in the Gulf or Arabian Peninsula. This country combines luxurious comfort amidst rugged mountains, panoramic beaches and striking desert, while conjuring up legendary tales like The Queen of Sheba and Sinbad the Sailor. This is an ideal destination to combine with a visit to Egypt, Jordan or as a stayover enroute to Europe.