Rose harvest, Khareef, Turtles, Frankincense, camel racing & more
Encounter Oman by SEASON
Rose Harvest in Jebel Akhdar
Every spring, thousands of Damask roses cover Jebel Akhdar in shades of pink and turn it into a perfumed paradise. Witness traditional rosewater distillation, walk through fragrant rose gardens, and experience this time-honored ritual.
Khareef
When much of Arabia sizzles under summer heat, southern Oman transform into a lush, misty paradise. The Khareef monsoon cloaks Dhofar in cool fog, turns mountains green and fills waterfalls and springs, offering a magical escape.
Date Harvest
In summer, Omani palm groves come alive with the sweet scent of ripening dates. See locals hand-picking dates, taste different varieties, and learn how this iconic fruit has nourished desert communities for centuries.
Turtle Nesting
Each summer, Oman’s eastern beaches welcome thousands of sea turtles returning to nest under the moonlight. Witness this magical natural event as mother turtles dig their nests in the sand, laying eggs that will hatch weeks later.
Camel Racing
Oman's traditional sport is held across the country during the cooler months. These lively events combine speed, heritage, and local pride—offering visitors a vibrant glimpse into Bedouin culture and Omani passion.
Frankincense Harvest
In the Dhofar region, the frankincense trees of Wadi Dawkah begin to yield their aromatic resin. Meet the harvesters and observe how this “gift of kings” is collected and distilled into oil: a sacred practice that still defines Omani identity today.
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Rose Harvest
Every spring, the mountain terraces of Jebel Akhdar burst into bloom as thousands of Damask rose bushes awaken from their winter sleep. From late March to early May, local families harvest the delicate pink petals by hand in the cool morning air, continuing a centuries-old tradition. The roses are then distilled using fire-heated clay ovens to produce Oman's famous rose water, known for its frequence and purity.
Please note: the tours listed under this category can be booked year-round. Outside the harvest season, fresh rose petals may not be available, and the production process cannot be displayed in full, but the experience remains just as educational and immersive, offering insight into the region's traditions, landscapes, and rose water production process.
Khareef
Our Salalah and Dhofar tours run all year round: springs, mountains, blowholes, and coastal wonders are always worth a visit. But if you want to witness the full magic of Khareef, when misty rains transform the region into a lush green paradise and waterfalls appear in the most unusual places, plan your trip between mid-June and early September. Sometimes the greenery lingers into October, but after that, the landscape slowly returns to its golden desert hues.
Date Harvest
Every summer, Oman's palm groves come to life as the country enters Al Qaidh: the traditional date harvest season. Beginning as early as mid-May in some regions and extending through September, this is a time when communities gather to pick, sort, and process some of Oman's most treasured fruits. From early ripening varieties like Mabsili to premium dates like Khalas and the rich, sweet Khunaizi, each variety has its own harvest window and unique story.
Our date harvest tours offer a front row-seat to this seasonal tradition. You'll learn how dates are harvested, sun dried and sometimes boiled - a process that's as fascinating as it is delicious.
While the peak season for fresh dates is summer, our tours are available all year round. Outside the harvest months, the focus shifts to the processing, preservation, and cultural significance of dates, making for an equally immersive and educational experience.
Turtle Nesting
Between May and September, Oman’s coastline becomes a quiet stage for one of nature's most awe-inspiring performances: turtle nesting season. Ras Al Jinz, Ras Al Hadd, and Masirah Island are some of the best spots to observe green sea turtles coming ashore under cover of night to lay their eggs in the sand.
Our turtle nesting tours give you a respectful, guided opportunity to experience this magical event up close with licensed rangers ensuring that both turtles and habitats are protected. While nesting season is limited to the warmer months, year-round tours to nesting sites offer rich insights into Oman's marine life, conservation efforts, and coastal ecosystems.
Camel Racing
From October to April the air in Oman's desert regions crackle with excitement as camel raising season kicks off. More than just a sport, camel racing is a centuries-old Bedouin tradition where prized camels, remote racetracks, and proud local owners all come together in a unique cultural spectacle.
Join one of our camel racing experiences to visit a local racetrack, meet camel trainers and witness the action firsthand.
Outside the racing calendar, we offer a year-round tours into the world of camel breeding, training, and desert traditions, offering just as much cultural depth and discovery.
Frankincense Harvest
Each May to July, the slopes of Dhofar awaken with the ancient rhythm of frankincense harvesting. Locals carefully cut the trunks of the Boswellia Sacra trees to collect the prized resin once traded across empires. Today, this age-old practice continues, largely unchanged, in the dry, arid hills near Salalah. Our frankincense harvest tours take you into the heart of this sacred tradition, where you will walk among the trees, meet the harvesters, and discover the story behind Oman's white gold.
Tours run all year, and while the actual tapping and collection happens in summer, visits to the UNESCO-listed frankincense parks and museums offer immersive experience throughout the seasons.