In southern Oman, where mountains meet the coast, Salalah and Dhofar offer an experience far deeper than “just nature.” In this travel story from Ibn Hattuta Travels, the real highlight is the people: communities in the mountains who may not speak Arabic, local traditions shaped by the land, and fascinating cultural details, from camel life to the resin story of the Luban tree.
Why Salalah (Dhofar) feels unlike anywhere else
At first glance, Dhofar is known for its landscapes, and the video certainly delivers that. But the journey quickly shifts from scenery to culture. The creator notes that some people in South Oman do not speak Arabic, including older generations, and that a distinct mountain language is widely used in mountain life.
This is the heart of the trip: stepping beyond viewpoints into daily rhythms, hospitality, and living traditions that continue generation after generation.
The language of the mountains: Shhri/Shehri in Dhofar
Dhofar’s cultural depth becomes especially clear through language. The video highlights that, in mountain areas, Arabic may not be spoken widely, sometimes only a few people understand it. Instead, residents use their own mountain language.
A key stop is a visit to Dr. Ali Al Shehri, who has devoted his life to studying the language and its history and has been recognised by the Sultan for his achievements. According to the video, the Shehri language is described as the “original old Arabic language,” preserved and tied to the region’s ancestry. The video also mentions that the language includes 39 letters, with 10 additional letters compared to the biggest Arabic language referenced in the video.
For travellers, this means Dhofar is not only a place to visit, it’s a place to learn how communities think, speak, and carry identity.
Wadi Duka: the Luban tree reserve
Dhofar’s identity is also written into its land. The video connects the province’s logo and reputation to a tree species associated with Luban, described as a product exported for quality. The setting chosen is Wadi Duka, a reserve for Luban trees, presented as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Within the reserve, the video states there are around 1257 Luban trees. It also describes the harvesting process of oleogum resin in April, when conditions begin to get hot. A sharp tool is used to hit the tree, prompting it to excrete white gummy material. The material is left to dry for two to three weeks, then harvested. The video describes repeating the process after the tree rests, noting that the later batches are of higher quality.
In the story, the resin is linked to uses such as treatments, incense, frankincense, and oils.
Camel life in Dhofar’s mountains
One of the most memorable sections of the video focuses on mountain communities who raise camels. The creator describes arriving in the mountains and being welcomed with warmth, then learning about life as camel raisers.
Camels are described as “family”, companions built through tenderness and time. Selling a camel is portrayed as emotionally difficult; the video says some people cry when they sell, even when money is handed over.
Osmanli tea and fresh camel milk
Tea plays a role in hospitality: the video mentions a tea called Osmanli tea. There’s also a visit to where camels are milked. The video states that camel milk is consumed more than cow milk in the area, and that it is taken fresh from the milking location to the houses.
Maajeen: dried camel meat cooked and preserved
The community invites visitors to Maajeen, described as dried camel meat cooked with fats and salt. In the video, the method is explained as preservation for extended periods, reported as 10 to 30 days, depending on salt quality and cleanliness.
“Halqadirya” and camel competitions
Language meets everyday life when the creator asks for a few words. One shared phrase is “Halqadirya”, explained as meaning to “go get this camel.” It’s presented as something a visitor could use if travelling elsewhere to retrieve camels.
The visit also includes a competition: camel wrestling. The video describes young camels, around one month old, wrestling with their owners, and suggests that strong young camels may grow up to wrestle other camels.
Heating milk with rocks: a Dhofari custom
Another custom appears during a visit to Uncle Said. The video describes heating milk using rocks instead of metal cookware. It mentions using locally made vessels called Khizaf and Saafiya, and explains that the milk is heated by placing hot rocks into the pot and repeating the process until it boils.
The creator notes they couldn’t try the milk personally, but that those who did described it as tasty and smokey.
Off-road adventure to bat caves near Taqah
The journey includes a wild nature day that moves into caves and wildlife. The video describes off-road driving through rugged terrain in the mountains, then heading towards a valley and cave systems.
Near Taqah, a coastal city, the video focuses on entering a cave where visitors encounter an astonishing number of bats. The creator describes the cave as holding bats in huge quantities, stating “at least thousands of bats”—and notes they are isolated and far from humans, with presence “for a thousand of years” in the video’s telling.
The atmosphere is unforgettable: the group exits because of the sheer number of bats and the fact they are “peeing” during the visit.
Note: The video includes curiosity about whether bats are edible, but the response given is that they likely are not eaten.
Sea views and sunset in Taqah
After the cave experience, the story returns to the coastline. Taqah is described as a flat coastal city near a fort, and the group goes to watch the sunset over the sea. The creator also captures drone footage, including an interaction with an albatross.
It’s a fitting finish: from mountain language and camel farms to the hush of a cave full of bats, ending with a farewell to the sun over the Dhofar coast.
Ready to experience Dhofar with Sakina?
If you’re seeking more than a typical holiday, if you want cultural encounters, local hospitality, and landscapes that come with stories, Salalah and Dhofar are made for you. At Sakina, we create curated journeys inspired by experiences like these: from Wadi Duka and Luban trees to mountain communities and unforgettable natural wonders.
- Curated routes focused on culture, not just sights
- Guided storytelling inspired by local traditions
- Time for sea views, sunset moments, and exploration
Contact Sakina Tours to plan your next adventure in Oman’s southern landscapes, where the mountains speak, the coast glows, and every stop feels genuinely personal.
