"An Oasis hanging on the cliffs" Al Hamra' by DSwede

Al Hamra' Travel Guide: 14 reviews and 26 photos

Al Hamra is gently sprawling on the valley floor surrounded by moonscapes and mountains.

Winding up the rocky hillside about ~8km past Al Hamra, the small hamlet of Misfat Al Abriyyin (many alternative spellings exist). Hanging on the rocky cliffs, Misfat is a unique oasis, built on the steeps of the rocks with terraced crops.

Arguably one of the more unique and picturesque places I've been to. Upon arriving and starting my walking tour, some of the old locals came out, greeted me with the few words they knew of English and walked with me partially through the town to make sure I got on the right path.

Moonscape of Al Hamra

It was here hat I opted to have another 'virtual' meet with PALS.

I came here via car from Bahla. I continued on my way to the areas around Nizwa.

For more thoughts on my time in passing through, feel free to visit my Oman page.

(for more pictures, feel free to visit my Oman Gallery. If you enjoy the pictures, please leave a comment.)

Misfat is hanging on the cliffs

Pros and Cons

Pros:If you can bear the heat, you can walk the entire area in a day.
Cons:Paths and corridors are steel and have many steps. Those with mobility problems may only get a small flavor.
In a nutshell:This is a live example of an oasis perched on a cliff.

Intro Updated Apr 4, 2011
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Reviews (2)

Walking tour of Misfat Things to Do (1)

Entrance is free. Opening hours are daylight. There is no guard, no official notices or placards. When you arrive at... more travel advice

Appropriate Conduct and Dress Local Customs (1)

Al Hamra and more specifically Misfat Al Abriyyin are conservative Muslim towns. The people are wonderfully polite and... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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MikeBird Aug 5, 2010 at 9:27 AM

Sounds just the sort of place I'd love to explore. Thanks for sharing, Mike
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Andrew_W_K Jul 7, 2009 at 12:17 AM

What an interesting tip. I love "Do not walk into peoples homes without permission" :)
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SLLiew Jul 6, 2009 at 8:55 PM

Hospitality.... wow.