Birkat Al Mauz is a village at the base of Jebel Akhdar. Misfat Al Abriyeen is one of the oldest and most unique settlements in Oman. The village name come from the Al Abri tribe, who came from this area.
Getting there:
The only feasible way to get there is by motor vehicle (either by hiring a car or a drive/guide) as there is no public transport available. Due to Oman is a mountainous country, I would recommend to hire a 4x4 vehicle if you plan to get there on your own.
It is about a 3-hour drive from Oman’s capital city, Muscat.
I hired a tour guide for a 3D2N tour from Muscat.
My first stop over is this viewpoint over Birkat Al Mauz. This ‘viewpoint’ isn’t exactly a tourist viewpoint as per say. It is actually a small hill with a water tank on top. The area on top is so small that only a vehicle can park on top at any one time and you definitely need a 4x4 to climb up the steep and narrow path leading to it. I doubt it is on Google Map and only a local guide would know where to stop.
It amazed me to see villages nestled among a sea of greenery which is in sharp contrast to the naked scorched mountainsides all around.
I was visiting Oman during the Eid holidays in June this year and the summer heat during noon was almost unbearable. I quickly took a few photos and left.
My next stop is a quick stopover at the date palms plantation surrounding the village. The abundance of spring water and the ancient Omani irrigation system of Aflaj has made the agriculture in this village possible. The Aflaj irrigation system is listed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage.
My tour guide parked his car at the highest point of the Misfat Al Abriyeen Village and we descended on foot to the entrance of the village.
These are some rules to be followed when visiting the village. Respect the locals and ask for permission before photographing people or entering private property.
The mud houses and colourful painted doors of Misfat.
We walked through a network of tiny narrow streets and houses.
Spring water is abundant. In fact, there is so much water in the village that local children use the pool for diving and swimming.
My son wanted to jump in and join the fun too.
Ladies can go to the public bath reserved for ladies only which is hidden from public eye.
My tour guide carrying my son back to where he parked his car.
Accommodation option is quite limited if you want to stay in the village. The tower building right beside the entrance is actually a hotel and you can pay some money to enjoy the view from the hotel terrace.
Next, we headed to the nearby Al Hamra to see its ruins (approximately 6 km from Misfat).
Overall, the rich greenery of Misfat is a nice change of scenery from the dry dessert and mountains. Since it is nearby Al Hamra, Jebal Shams, Nizwa and other attractions in Al Dakhiliyah region, I would recommend a visit if you’re visiting the region.
Birkat Al Mauz Ruins
Misfat Al Abriyeen Village
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