Rijal Almaa lies 45 km from Abha, and the half day is a drive out, a couple of hours in the village and a drive back. Rijal Almaa Heritage Village is a cluster of stone buildings whose stories reach back more than 700 years, and it is walked rather than driven once you arrive.
The visitor centre covers the history and civilisation of the Aseer region from prehistory onwards, and it is worth the time before you walk the lanes rather than after. No ticket is needed to enter the village itself, and the pace is set by how long you want to spend with a camera.
Day by day
Morning
Pick-up from your hotel in Abha and the drive out to the village, with a stop on the way where the view opens up. On arrival you start at the visitor centre, which puts the region and the buildings in order before you see them, then move into the village on foot.
Late morning
The village is walked at a slow pace, with time in the lanes and between the stone facades. Your guide explains how the buildings were put up and how they were used, and points out which angles work at that hour of the day. You are back in Abha for the afternoon.
What is included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Abha
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- English-speaking guide for the half day
- Guided walk through the heritage village
- Visitor centre stop
- Bottled water in the vehicle
- Photography stops on the drive out
What is not
- Meals and drinks
- Crafts and souvenirs bought in the village
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Travel insurance
The places on this trip
Send us your dates
We come back with the itinerary written out and one clear cost.