Salalah East Coast Tour: Khor Rori, Mirbat & Ain Razat

Khor Rori was the frankincense hub of an ancient kingdom, and you stand in its ruins.

A half-day private tour from Salalah heading east to three stops: the Taqah Castle and Royal Farm, the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of Khor Rori (Sumhurum) on the ancient incense route, and the coastal town of Mirbat with its 14th-century tomb and merchant houses, ending at the natural spring park of Ain Razat in the Qara foothills. Includes a driver-guide in English, hotel pickup, national park fees and bottled water. The route follows the coast and covers the major sites in a single afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore eastern Salalah and historic sites

• Drive towards east passing Royal Farm and Marmura House
• Visit Taqa village and see traditional houses
• Tour Taqah Castle, former governor's residence
• Visit ruins of Sumhurum (Khor Rori) UNESCO site
• Drive along coastal road to Mirbat
• Photo stop at Bin Ali tomb
• Pass by Mirbat Castle and Old Merchant Houses
• Stop at Ain Razat natural spring park

The experience

If you've just arrived in Salalah or have a free afternoon, this tour moves through the region's layered history in one drive. You start by heading east toward Taqa, passing the Royal Farm and traditional Dhofari houses known for dried sardines, then stop at Taqah Castle: the former residence of the village governor, now a window into local governance centuries back. The castle sits on the route itself, so the stop is brief but concrete.

The centerpiece is Khor Rori (Sumhurum), the ruins of an ancient port city that once anchored the incense trade between the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf and India. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and believed by some to be connected to the palace of Queen Sheba. The site sits east of Taqa on the coast, and you'll have time to walk the ruins and absorb the scale of what was once a major trading hub. From there, the tour continues along the coastal road to Mirbat, the old city known for Arabian horses and its role in the slave trade. You stop for photos at the Bin Ali tomb (14th century), pass Mirbat Castle and the Old Merchant Houses, then head back west toward Salalah.

The final stop is Ain Razat, a natural spring surrounded by hills at the foot of the Qara mountains: a park setting that breaks up the driving and offers a quieter moment before returning to your hotel. The whole route is covered by private vehicle with your guide, so the pacing is steady and the stops are planned. National park fees and bottled water are included, and the tour works for families with children (infant seats are available) as well as solo travelers or couples.

What’s included

• The tour includes round-trip private transfer from your hotel or port with a driver-guide who speaks English.
• bottled water throughout the afternoon.
• national park entry fees.
• and all local taxes and fuel surcharge.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 40 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Oman Day Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're free for an afternoon and want to see the east coast's major sites (Khor Rori, Mirbat, and Ain Razat) without starting early or committing a full day.

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Top questions

What is Khor Rori and why does it matter?

Khor Rori (Sumhurum) is the ruins of an ancient port city on the coast of Dhofar that was a major hub for frankincense trade between the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf and India along the historic incense route. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and believed to have been connected to the palace of Queen Sheba.

How much driving is involved in this tour?

The tour is a half-day itinerary covering the east coast from Salalah to Taqa, Khor Rori and Mirbat, then back to Ain Razat. You travel by private vehicle with your guide, and the stops are spaced along a coastal route, so the day is a mix of driving and walking at each site.

What happens at Mirbat?

Mirbat is an old coastal city known historically for Arabian horses and the slave trade. You stop for photos at the Bin Ali tomb, which dates to the 14th century, and pass by Mirbat Castle and the Old Merchant Houses as you move through the town.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes. Specialized infant seats are available, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and a child rate applies when a child shares the booking with two paying adults.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes a private vehicle and driver-guide in English, hotel or port pickup and drop-off, national park fees, bottled water, local taxes and fuel surcharge. Gratuities are not included.