Salalah mountains are embellished by fog and mist, and Dhofar is transformed beyond recognition during khareef season (read more about khareef season in this article: Day 3: Pristine Paradise — Fazayah Beach). The weather, however, as magical as it was, became unpleasant to me after a few days. Everything in my car was drenched, humid, and drying washed clothes outside during my overlanding trip was a near-miracle.
And, while I initially intended to spend one more day at Jebel Samhan (Day 5: Jebel Samhan — Where Arabian Leopard Wanders) the weather forced me to start searching for a drier spot to camp the upcoming night. The choice fell on Taqah Cliff (17.032300, 54.423250). On the way to Taqah Cliff, I visited Wadi Darbat waterfalls which turned out to be a huge disappointment.
OVERRATED WADI DARBAT CASCADE WATERFALLS?
As I drove down Jebel Samham, I chose to stop by the famous Wadi Darbat Cascade Waterfalls (17.081764, 54.436902). Despite the breathtaking beauty of this place – the watercolor is somewhere between turquoise and aquamarine, I spent there exactly 5 minutes. Why? The place is packed with people, in fact – masses of people and I am not really a fan of tourist places. If you wish to visit Wadi Darbat Cascade Waterfalls (this goes to all tourist attractions in Salalah as well) it is important to come as early as possible to avoid the crowds. It is not allowed to swim there, however, you can rent a boat.
THE “REAL” WADI DARBAT WATERFALL: TRAVERTINE CURTAIN
I left Darbat Waterfalls feeling unsatisfied. Earlier, a photo of a large waterfall in Wadi Darbat passed in front of my eyes somewhere on someone’s Instagram account, so after getting inside my car I decided to do a quick research and I managed to find it! The big waterfall was actually in close proximity to where I was, however, to reach there, I had to go back to the main road and take a different exit.
If you have an off-road car (you can walk up there, too) I strongly encourage you to drive to this hill: 17.073649, 54.434277. From this point, you can marvel at the majestic Wadi Darbat Waterfall or walk down a steep path between the bushes, down to the bottom of this amazing natural treasure.
There is also a way, on the other side of the valley – I have not gone through it but it looks like it is an off-road path, that will allow you to reach this point: 17.079747, 54.434164, right above Wadi Darbat Waterfall.
Alternatively, with a sedan car, you can drive to the parking (17.073828, 54.431864) and walk further along the river bed to reach the waterfall.
This turquoise color of the water and the charming waterfall humming nearby will certainly encourage you to dip in, but it is one of the worst ideas you can have in this place. I have heard that recently someone died taken by the torrent of water. The bottom is very tricky and additionally, the many camels are present here, as well as their… drooping.
Finally, schistosomiasis disease remains an important health problem in Oman. It is caused by vector snails that are endemic in Salalah, therefore never drink the spring water – it can be contaminated.
TAQAH CLIFF – SAVE THIS LOCATION FOR CAMPING
Taqah Cliff cannot compete with Fazayah Beach or Jebel Samhan as a camping destination, but it is still a great place to camp because the ground is flat and covered with gravel. The rocky shore spans for kilometers, providing plenty of room to pitch your tent.
The grandeur of Taqah Cliff is enhanced by the stormy seas pounding against the towering bluff, giving it a perfect opportunity to enjoy your morning coffee in the accompaniment of the sound of nature in all its glory.
Taqah Cliff turned out to be quite a distinctive location for camping. It is adjacent to Khor Rori, the lagoon where the life-giving mouth of freshwater meets the sparkling Indian Ocean. Khor Rori has been inhabited for thousands of years and, as evidence, nowadays we can admire the finding of Sumhuram’s ancient city ruins (17.038957, 54.434540).
If you would like to continue reading about my trip to Salalah, check the next article: Day 7: Frankincense: the Desert Tears, Sumhuram—Al Baleed Archeological Sites.
REMEMBER!
- Do not leave any garbage behind, including food. Even organic waste can take months to biodegrade and meanwhile, it will attract animals. It may make them stop eating their natural food and rely on what humans leave behind and make them sick.
- Have always a bag ready to collect trash left behind by other inconsiderate people – in the end, you are saving nature.
- Hike or camp over gravel and rocks. In some areas, the vegetation can take years to grow back.
- Leave natural and historical items where you find them.
- Minimize cooking over a campfire, use the stove instead – it is less impact on the wilderness.
UAE OFF-ROADER GUIDE
If you are looking for more off-road trails to discover around the United Arab Emirates, I can recommend this ultimate guide that is packed with many routes, giving very detailed information and answering all questions you could have about off-roading in the UAE.
You can get it from Amazon.
FIELD GUIDE TO EMIRATES
To learn more about UAE’s natural & archaeological treasures, check Amazon.
