Marneef Cave, Salalah, Oman - Things to see, Timings and More

Marneef Cave, Salalah Overview

Located in Shatti Al Mughsayl area, which is about 40 km from Salalah in the Governorate of Dhofar, Al Marneef Cave is ranked among the top 10 most popular tourist attractions in the Indian Ocean. It overlooks the Arabian Sea and Al Mughsayl Fountains (which also happens to be the most preferred picnic spot by locals and tourists).

Al Marneef Cave doesn’t qualify as a cave due to the absence of any opening (or hollow space), yet the symbolic cave-like look lets it qualify as a cave. Al Marneef Cave is a large rocky structure which faces a mountain. Several smaller caves are also present on Al Marneef making it a popular rock-climbing spot. Another reason which makes Marneef Cave a popular tourist attraction are Al-Mughsayl Blowholes (natural fountains). There are three of these which are at proximity to Al-Mughsayl Beach. The sound of water gushing through rock cavities and hence emerging out as a natural fountain altogether makes up for a marvellous sight.

Attractions at Marneef Cave

The Al Marneef Cave is a couple of feet above the ground. Hence, there is a sharp ascend which you have to go through. Although there are stairs or a walkway (which is both wheelchair and stroller accessible). There are quite a few old engravings as well as picturesque sights which one can enjoy once at the top of the cave. Some of them are mentioned below.
While you enter the Marneef Cave, you would see some golden words engraved on a marble piece. These words are “Take nothing but memories”, “Leave nothing but footprints”, “Enjoy your visit to the Marneef Cave”. Leave nothing but footprints to provoke people to not litter waste around.
You can enjoy the breath-taking views of Al-Mughsayl Beach once you are at the top. There are protective fences on the sides (where the cave overlooks the sea) as well as seating arrangements like benches where tourists can sit and enjoy the natural view of the sea. There are also corridors, walkways and bridges which lets you immerse into the serene atmosphere.