Located in Dhofar, 1000 km South of Muscat, Salalah faces the expansive Indian Ocean. The region is dominated by Jebal Samhan, one of the highest mountains in Oman. This colorful region is known for its subtropical climate, banana plantations and striking scenery. Once a year the coast undergoes an amazing transformation as monsoon clouds from East Asia engulf Salalah mid-June, turning the city into an oasis. This rainy season known as ‘Khareef’ is the reason Salalah is home to more wildlife than anywhere else in Arabia.
Husaak Adventures has partnered with Sama Resorts & Spa to open SAMA Jabal Samham Hotel. Located on the eastern side of Salalah just past the Wilayat Taqa, at an altitude of 2000 m, the property has unobstructed view of the coastal plain and Dhofar mountain range. The hotel boasts 16 spacious air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. For more information on the resort or to book please email Jabalsamhan@samaresorts.com or call +968 95288559.
The property is conveniently located nearby the Leopard Trail hike start point. Explore the amazing, rugged terrain and get back to nature as you go off in search of wolves, hyenas, eagles, ibex, mountain gazelle, rock hyrax and the elusive Arabian Leopard.
Salalah Wildlife
Mountain Gazelle
The mountain Gazelle is one of few mammals in which both sexes have horns. Males have significantly larger horns with rings around them. Females horns are thinner, smoother and shorter. Mountain gazelle can reach running speeds of up to 80 km/h (50 mph). Grasses and shrubs are the gazelle's most frequent source of food, they browse on low-hanging branches of the acacia tree.
Arabian Wolf
Canis lupus arabs otherwise known as the Arabian Wolf is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf. Unlike other wolf species, they don't travel in packs but in small groups of 3 or 4 and their ears are proportionally larger than their bodies in order to deal with the Middle Eastern heat! Their numbers have grown significantly in Oman since hunting was banned in 1976. The Arabian wolves are omnivores, eating small to medium-sized prey.
Striped Hyena
Hyenas have long black muzzles and large pointed ears. This nocturnal animal, typically only emerges in complete darkness, and is quick to return to its lair before sunrise. Both males and females assist one another in raising their cubs. Predominantly a scavenger; its diet consists of human refuse, fruit, insects, and occasionally small animals like rodents, reptiles, and birds.
Arabian Leopard
Of the world’s eight leopard subspecies, the Arabian leopard is among the rarest. There are less than 200 in the wild, and according to studies conducted in Oman, 44 to 58 of these live within the Dhofar mountain range. These elusive creatures are shy and are rarely seen in the flesh. Oman is leading the way in conservation, as a team of 20 rangers monitor the species in the Jebal Samhan reserve.
Rock Hyrax
Found in areas with rocky terrain and moderate vegetation, up to 4,200 m above sea level, the rock hyrax may look like oversized rodents but the tiny tusks hint at their closest living relative — elephants! Hyrax feed on grass, fruit, leaves, small lizards, insects, and eggs of birds. Their hardy three-chambered stomach allows them to eat plants too dangerous for other animals to eat!
Nubian Ibex
The Nubian ibex is a desert-dwelling goat species and the smallest of the Ibex species. Male horns are thicker than female horns, and grow large bulges which prevent the horns from sliding while the males are locked in combat! They live in rough, mountainous terrain, where they eat grass and leaves. They often rear up on their hind legs to reach leaves in Acacia trees.
Birds
The diverse landscapes, natural greenery and pleasant temperatures in Salalah, make this lush city home to many birds. In fact there are over 500 bird species found in Salalah, of which we have highlighted some of our favorites below:
Eagles
Salalah is home to a vast variety of bird species including Steppe Eagles, Greater Spotted Eagles, Short Toed Eagles & Bonellis Eagle. The Steppe Eagle spends the winter in southern Arabia such as Oman, Yemen and Saudi Arabia and Summers in Central Asia. This endangered bird of prey consumes a wide variety of prey including mammals, such as rodents, birds, reptiles and insects.
African Paradise flycatcher
This medium-sized bird has a harsh scolding call and can be very noisy. The two central tail feathers of the male are extended into streamers that commonly are more than twice as long as the body. The female tail feathers are of moderate length and without streamers. It is insectivorous, often hunting by catching flies on the wing, and eating eggs, larvae and adults.
Bruce’s Green Pigeon
Known as the yellow-bellied fruit pidgeon, unlike other pigeon’s Bruces Green Pigeon does not coo, instead it sputters, whistles, and cackles. This bird's diet is almost entirely made up of figs and other fruit. This species is found in wooded habitats North of the Equator throughout sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal through Somalia and all the way into the Arabian Peninsula.