Oasis

The oasis in Egypt comprises the many depressions in the desert regions of Egypt. The desert regions include the Western desert and the Eastern desert, where the climatic conditions are very harsh throughout the year. The only places of relief in the deserts are these oases regions. Though these places are densely populated, it represents only a hundredth of the total population of Egypt. It is the Bedouin tribes in chief, who inhabit these oases regions. Agriculture is the chief means of occupation. Some of the Important Oases in Egypt

The Fayom Oasis


This oasis gets much of its water supply from the river Nile and is home to more the two million Egyptians. The depression region has artesian wells, getting their supply of water from the underground water reservoir. The region also gets water supply from irrigation canals.


The Siwa Oasis


The Siwa Oasis is famous for its hot water springs and the Berber culture, which has developed in the region, different from the rest of Egypt. The place is facilitated by an airport, but is rather a less frequented destination in terms of tourism. Other than the Fayom oasis and the Siwa Oasis in Egypt, the Bahariya oasis, the Dakhla Oasis, the Farafra oasis and the Kharga Oasis also deserve mention.


Siwa Oasis is situated between the Sand Sea of Egypt in the Libyan Desert and the Qattara Depression. The oasis covers a length of around 80 km and width of around 20 km. Located amidst the lovely natural setting, the Siwa Oasis offers a wide range of panoramic view to its visitors. This area is highly popular for its olive and date fruits. It is basically situated on the old date caravan route and receives a large number of travelers throughout the year. While talking about the Siwa Oasis, the three-day festival should also be mentioned


It is generally celebrated on the month of October. During this festive season, the people of Siwa try to settle all their conflicts of previous years. Apart from this, the other remarkable features of this area include the beautiful springs. The water of this region tastes sweet and believed to have medical properties. Currently, Siwa is considered to be a major traditional tourist destination in the country. It is also assumed that the traditional Siwan House museum is located in the town center and the area offers various craft works, specifically woven clothes that are unique in this country.


By taking flights, trains, buses and some other means of transportation, tourists can reach the territory of Siwa Oasis.


 

Bahariya Oasis


is one of the greatest attractions in Egypt. It is roughly 300 km away from the capital city of Cairo and is situated in the Giza Province. Here, tourists will find an art museum and the major agricultural products including mangoes, dates, guavas and olives. Bahariya comprises several villages of which Bawiti is the biggest one and also considered to be centre of administration. It is assumed that this Oasis had been a significant agricultural hub in the Pharaonic period and was highly popular for its wine.


Tourists, who are interested in the wildlife, should definitely visit the wonderful Bahariya Oasis in Egypt, since it offers a wide range of Wildlife variety to its visitors. Another tourist attraction that is located close to the Oasis is the Black and White deserts. The deserts will surely appeal to the tourists with its picturesque ambiance.

 

The Black Desert was mainly formed by the wind erosion when the volcanic mountains were ejected on the desert floor nearby. Apart from this, there are the remains of the temples and colonies of the 17th Dynasty. The graves where birds were entombed are also located close to this place. Bahariya Oasis is also easily accessible. By availing the flights tourists can get into this place from the major international destination. On the other hand, the local residents can take the assistance of bus or car services.

Farafra Oasis


is probably the smallest oasis situated in the Western part of Egypt. It is basically located in the desert of Libya, between the regions of Bahariya and Dakhla. Since a long time, this place has been entertaining a large number of international tourists, who come here to get a glance of the nearby hot springs at El-Mufid Lake and the Bir Setta. However, the main attraction of Farafra lies in its White Desert and Sahara el Beyda. This spectacular White Desert of Egypt is located about 45 km north to Farafra.



In the desert, there is a white, cream colored massive chalk rock formation that was formed by the sandstorms. The Farafra oasis also houses the Farafra Art Museum, which was established by the talented local artist Badr Abdel Moghny Aly. This museum basically exhibits a rich collection of his art works. The typical architecture of the buildings in this area will also draw the attention of the tourists. Here the houses are made of mud and brick and have doors made of wood. Often, some of the residences are decorated with the paintings of birds, animals, landscapes and the works of Badr, a local artist.


Apart from this, the museum and studio depicting his paintings and ceramics are located in a garden of sculptures. Excursions by camel treks and jeep safaris from this place to visit the magnificent White Desert, Dakhla, Bahariya and Siwa can be organized through the restaurant of Saad.


 

Kharga Oasis


is indeed one of the most wonderful places in Egypt as well as in the world. In Kharga Oasis, tourists can enjoy the breathtaking view of nature especially during sunset. El-Kharga Oasis is around 550 Km away from the Egyptian capital city of Cairo. The major attractions of this place include numerous monuments, the most important of which is the temple of Hebes. It is located around 3 Km north of the Oasis. The temple was devoted to the Triad of Amon, Mut, Thebes and Khonso of the 26th Dynasty.


Besides this, El-Zayan Temple is considered as another interesting site to visit in this area. It probably dates back to the Ptolemaic era and was meant for the cult of Amon-Ra, the God of El-Kharga at the time. Moreover, the El-Bagawat cemetery is also another attraction of the place. On some of the walls of this cemetery, there are colorful paintings, representing some religious figures including the Adam and Eve, Exodus and Prophets, the Virgin Mary, Angels and Jesus. Presently, Kharga Oasis has acquired international fame for the huge number of pigeon-houses, farms, fields, palm-trees, wells and traditional handicrafts, springs and honey-colored hilly lands. Here, the tourists can also enjoy camel riding.

Dakhla Oasis


is located to the northwestern part of Kharga and to the southeastern part of Farafra. This oasis comprises 14 settlements and enjoys an approximate population of 70,000 people. Dakhla is probably one of the most splendid oases of Egypt and of course the centre of attraction to the tourists visiting the country. Dakhla is encircled by pink cliffs. There are around 30,000 acres of cultivated landmass and a major part of these fields and gardens are filled with mulberry trees, figs, citrus fruits and date palms.


The specialty of this place is that in spite of its huge size it has still succeeded to retain its charms. Dakhla is the only Egyptian place where new water wheels (driven by buffaloes) are built. According to the historical evidence, this Oasis had been domiciled since the prehistoric era. There was once a huge lake over here. While taking a trip around the Dakhla Oasis, tourists can also find the magnificent Neolithic rock paintings which indicate that the buffaloes, elephants and ostriches used to come here often. However, since the lake dried, the inhabitants moved to the Nile valley. In the northern part of this oasis, there is a rose-Colored rock wall. The transportation facilities of this spectacular Egyptian destination are also well developed.