Full Review: Salalah Lost City & Rub Al Khali Excursion

Thinking about booking a trip from Salalah out to the Lost City, then maybe over to the Rub Al Khali? So, actually, it can be quite the adventure. Very different from, like, lounging on a beach, right? We took that excursion just a bit ago and wanted to, you know, share what we experienced to give you some proper insights to what it is like. I mean, you could spend your vacation days catching some rays or maybe choose to get super off-the-beaten-path. This is kind of the latter.

What To Anticipate on Your Journey

Alright, so basically, the excursion is, you know, a full day. Too, it’s almost like a long one. This means waking up kinda early. Now, actually, depending on the tour company, pickup times can vary, yet you usually end up getting started before the sun gets too intense, typically around 8 AM or something similar. The ride itself will typically be in a 4×4 of sorts, is that it, so the vehicle will be solid.

You’re not exactly talking about a smooth highway here; much of it is getting off of, like, paved roads. Very, very soon, though, you’ll notice a switch from the landscapes along the Salalah coast as that fades and, rather, you move into the rugged, kind of rocky, and seemingly never-ending desert plains. I mean, just imagine mile after mile of sand. It’s, in a way, just awesome. So, in some respects, the drive itself could be an adventure; bumpy but with an experience of feeling free. Bring, definitely, some water and maybe a snack, you know?

The Lost City of Ubar (Shisr)

After that 4×4 desert experience, you actually come across Ubar, often called the Lost City. Allegedly. In some respects, it seems more like the previously fabled city found and restored. Then it is just lost forever! Now, really, what’s left of Ubar isn’t towering buildings or, like, grand palaces; still, actually, the archaeological site offers a unique glimpse into history. It shows trade routes of ancient times and a bit of the life that used to occur way out here.

Now, just a little, the story is that Ubar thrived on the frankincense trade, yet basically, it was swallowed by the sands, seemingly. Today, when out exploring the area, what there is to explore, you see remnants of walls, towers and other stone-built structures that hint at its, arguably, considerable past. The guides usually, typically, share stories and bits about Ubar’s past. You could be standing where caravan traders traded, could be. So, even in imagination, it’s neat to consider what transpired way back when.

Venturing into the Empty Quarter – Rub Al Khali

The adventure will, too, move to the famed Rub Al Khali, or the Empty Quarter. Just a bit different than the Lost City, arguably. It tends to be the biggest continuous sand desert across the entire planet! I mean, really! We, very, very, spent hours kicking through dunes seemingly towering, some reaching several hundred feet high. Seriously, it can feel as though you’ve touched down on Mars, just maybe without the spacesuit. That’s pretty cool, huh?

The silence can be amazing in the dunes. Very still. Just a little, we took some amazing photos, and very few tours just blow by it for fifteen minutes. We, at least, felt like we had a while. Actually, this provides, basically, some ample chances to capture memories and, maybe, a panoramic photo of these sands. Arguably, climbing the dunes can be a bit of exercise. So, basically, be geared up to hike! Be careful, anyway, the sand can get rather hot.

A Taste of Local Hospitality

Many tours do include a, rather, genuine experience to try the local flavors and feel that hospitality. Anyway, now and then, you can even visit a Bedouin community, or their settlement rather, where you are offered things. Often, actually, this may include traditional Omani coffee (Kahwa) or some fresh dates. It’s, very, a little, a chance to talk with locals and find out just a little bit regarding their customs, lifestyles and overall culture. Basically, don’t be scared to try stuff, they likely appreciate you trying.

The interactions and stories shared can add an awesome dimension to your day trip; yet some trips may rush this and other stuff. Just a little. If, really, interacting with the people and stuff is important for you, like your kind of trip style, then check before going to, at least, see if those interactions are a guarantee or not.

What To Bring With You For Your Salalah Day Trip

Before getting underway, remember a handful of the stuff. Very, very. First, you often, you should wear layered clothing, given, alright, temperatures can change quite a bit through the duration of the day. The desert sun, still, is really intense, but the early mornings may still be, too it’s almost, cooler, so pack clothes with those extremes in mind.

Sunscreen’s a great idea to protect you, alright, and shades (sunglasses) keep that glaring sunlight out. Very important! A hat really, is a good idea. Keeping hydration on point is quite essential. I mean, really, water, water and more water! Now, clearly, be sure to have a great camera, so, or even just the smartphone, since you can’t leave without awesome pictures, after all. A few tours, too it’s almost, will actually provide water; anyway, that’s never certain, basically, it is always best if you bring something, just for caution, you know?

Who is the Excursion Best Suited To?

So, typically, the ‘Lost City’ trip is amazing if you like adventures, so basically the desert. So, like your, really in the desert. Likewise, we actually thought it was neat to just kinda see something quite different. If, though, your goal, maybe, involves, usually, all that fancy pampering on beaches by some, too it’s almost, luxury hotel, it might not work the greatest.

The visit might also, might be, awesome for people having interests related to history. Especially old civilizations. Typically, what’s kinda neat about it too is, for example, something different than Muscat. You often get exposure and understanding of some historical Omani stuff as well. Plus, if you do not mind those longish rides on rough terrain it could easily provide an unforgettable experience for years to come.