In western Egypt you will find majestic desert landscapes complete with green oases and warm-water springs. This vast region stretches from the Nile to the Libyan border.
You can explore the historic sites here on foot, by car or on camel-back, the main caravan routes are the best to take. Whichever form of transport you chose, you should never miss an opportunity to watch a sunrise or sunset or to camp out overnight.
FAYOUM
The city of Fayoum is located southwest of Cairo and occupies part of the ancient site of Crocodilopolis. It is not a true oasis as it depends on Nile water instead of underground springs or wells. Fayoum is noted for its moderate climate, abundant water wheels, wonderful scenery, bird watching opportunities and lush agricultural land, on which fruit, cotton,tomatoes
and medicinal plants are grown. The souk here sells gold, copperware and spices and holds a special pottery market once a week. Fayoum is steeped in Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic history.
BAHARIYA
This is the smallest oasis, made up of sand, volcanic black rock and warm springs, complete with orange trees. Guavas, mangos, dates and olives are also grown here.
SIWA
Siwa is the most northerly oasis, here you will find the ancient village of Shali, the famous Cleopatra Bath and the temple where Alexander the Great consulted the oracle of Ammon in order to seek confirmation of his divine status as the son of Zeus.
FARAFRA
The villages here have quaint narrow streets and are surrounded by palm groves and magnificent gardens.
DAKHLA
This is Egypt's largest western oasis, stretching for over 44 miles. Here you will find the medieval village of El Qasr.
KHARGA
The Kharga oasis has narrow interlocking streets, period houses and a bustling souk. Situated nearby is the neocropolis of Al-Bagawat which contains 200 tombs dating from the 2nd century AD. This oasis is also home to the Graeco-Roman villages of Douch and Ain Umm Dbadib, the latter being famous for its trapezoidal towers.
These desert places are home to the nomadic Bedouin people and should not be missed on your Egyptian holidays.
Cheap package holidays to Egypt are always available throughout the internet.
Emma Healey is the co-founder and owner of holidayholidayholiday.co.uk, specialists in bargain holidays and package holidays to worldwide destination. Thanks for taking the time to read my article and be sure to watch out for more of my articles as I'm writing many travel blogs and have some great topics coming soon.
It might be memory from your past life. When you saw a place and you remember deep inside of your heart that it resonate with you, it usually means you are carrying a happy/fun or tragic memory.
ReplyDeletestation minicabs