“Oman is like stepping into a dream — the scent of frankincense, the warmth of its people, the beaches and the silence of the desert... We fell in love instantly.” So says Andrea Habenreich, who, along with her husband Frank, visited Salalah for the first time in November 2024. The couple from Quedlinburg in Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany were drawn to Oman after seeing glowing reports in newspapers and on travel TV shows.
“Our European winters can be gray, rainy and uninspiring,” says Andrea, who works as a customer advisor in health insurance. “We wanted sunshine, nature and a new cultural experience — and Oman gave us all that and more.” Frank, a site worker, agrees, saying, “We planned for ten days but left with memories for a lifetime.” Their journey through Dhofar was nothing short of cinematic — from the turquoise shores of Fazayah and Mughsail beaches to the mystical Marneef Caves and the lush greenery of Wadi Darbat. They wandered through mountain villages, explored the serene Jabal Samhan and discovered the charm of historic towns like Mirbat and Taqah. One of their most adventurous drives took them to the remote village of Dhalkout, located over 150 km from Salalah via dramatic mountain roads.
A standout moment was their overnight stay in a Bedouin desert camp.
“The starry sky, endless dunes and peaceful silence made it surreal,” Andrea recalls. “It was our first time experiencing the desert this way — unforgettable.” During a city tour of Salalah, they marveled at the grandeur of Sultan Qaboos Mosque. “Our guide Abdullah explained the customs of Islam, the significance of prayers and the beauty of the hand-woven carpets and chandelier,” Frank says. “It gave us a deeper appreciation of Oman’s spiritual side.” Abdullah, who runs Subah Tours Salalah, says, “We had the pleasure of accompanying the German couple, Andrea and Frank, on our diverse excursion programme. Eager to explore, they showed a deep curiosity about Omani traditions, customs and local cuisine. They were especially captivated by the country’s stunning and varied landscapes.” Their cultural immersion continued in a mountain village, where they were welcomed with Omani coffee, dates and even gifted traditional attire. “The hospitality was humbling,” Andrea reflects. “It’s the kind of welcome that makes you feel truly at home.” The couple eagerly sampled local cuisine — from camel milk and meat to the richly brewed karak tea. Andrea now plans to recreate the spiced tea at home in Germany. “The flavours here are unforgettable,” she says.
Their travel companion, Corrina Hartmann — also from Quedlinburg and a Salalah regular — said the couple’s enthusiasm was infectious. “We explored so much together and their curiosity about Oman’s culture was genuine,” she shares. Corrina, who has been introducing friends to Oman for years, felt proud to witness Andrea and Frank connect so deeply with the country. “Their amazement was heartwarming. We want to introduce our European guests to this diverse country and the warmth of its people in Oman,” she adds.
Even their return suitcase told a story, filled with Omani garments, handmade perfumes and premium frankincense from Wadi Dawkah.
“The aroma now fills our home and brings Oman back to us,” Frank smiles.
Already planning their next trip in April, the couple will drive from Muscat to Sur, Nizwa, Jabal Shams and back to Dhofar via the coastal route. “We came for sunshine and adventure,” Andrea says. “But we found something deeper — a timeless country that feels like home.”
BLURB:
Once in Oman, Always in Oman: A German couple from the medieval town of Quedlinburg were inspired to explore the Sultanate of Oman after reading glowing travel features and watching captivating TV documentaries that portrayed Oman as a hidden gem of the Arabian Peninsula
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