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Photo: Snickeringshadow, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the ancient city of Khor Rori, which flourished in the frankincense and copper trade between the 3rd century BCE and the 5th century CE. It was the most important pre-Islamic settlement on the Arabian Peninsula and a center for trade with India, China, other Arab civilizations, and Mesopotamia.
Khor Rori is a bar-built estuary at the mouth of Wādī Darbāt in the Dhofar Governorate, Oman, near Taqah. It is an intermittently closed/open lake/lagoon, with an inlet from Arabian Sea that is usually disconnected. It is a major breeding ground for birds, and used to act as an important harbour for frankincense trade when it was an open estuary. The area represents a popular tourist spot within Oman and since 2000, is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Land of Frankincense.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
This estuary is a protected area for migratory birds, including flamingos during the winter months.
A 150-m-high escarpment marked with unusual geological formations, formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from seasonal waterflow. During the khareef all of the water from Wadi Darbat empties over this cliff face creating a spectacular seasonal waterfall. During the dry season the geological features can be more fully appreciated. To best see this, take the (unsigned) road immediately to the left of the road to Wadi Darbat; this leads to a car park, with a footpath heading through the trees to a better viewing area.
Taqah Castle
A fully restored 19th-century mudbrick fort, formerly the residence of the wali (governor). The building now houses a small museum.
Wadi Dirbat
This is a lush green wadi with a river running through it, even during the hottest months (May/June). To reach the wadi drive into the mountains and then take a turn off for Wadi Darbat. The winding road leads you to a lush oasis, with picnic spots shaded by large trees. The hills surrounding the wadi are full of caves, many with cave paintings as yet undated and within easy hiking distance. At the end of the road is a small cafe offering drinks and snacks.
Khasbar Fort
An old ruined fort with commanding views of the surrounding area. The fort and the ruins scattered around it have been tentatively dated to the Sumhuram period, although no excavations have been carried out. The site was later occupied by the Portuguese, and used again during the Dhofar Rebellion. A well-worn footpath leads to the fort from the dirt road; plan on about 2 hours for the round trip hike. Note: this hike is best done in the dry season when there is no grass, as the area is known for Arabian cobras.