The second-largest of all of the Omani cities is situated along the coast of the country as well, as is the case with the capital. In Dhofar Governorate, in the most southern and coolest parts of Oman, lies the city of Salalah, a rather lush and palm-filled place. It is the birthplace of Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and the traditional city of residence of the Omani rulers. This is one of the most famous tourist spots in the country, and with good reason: boasting a well-developed city centre and a gorgeously verdant landscape rather unlike the rest of the generally arid country. It is reminiscent of East Africa at its best, with leopards and baobabs in the wooded areas near the mountains, and a seemingly near-perpetual spring.
This far into the south, the monsoon is more felt than in other areas of the country. It blows in from the months of May to September, …
