Bahariya
Major Cities and Towns
Bawiti
See also:
- The Bahariya Oasis, Part I: The Western Desert
- The Bahariya Oasis, Part II: El Haiz
Description
Set in a depression covering over 2000 sq. km., Bahariya Oasis
is surrounded by black hills made up of ferruginous quartzite
and dolorite. Most of the villages and cultivated land can be
viewed from the top of the 50-meter-high Jebel al-Mi'ysrah,
together with the massive dunes which threaten to engulf some
of the older settlements.
The Oasis was a major agricultural center during the Pharaonic
era, and has been famous for its wine as far back as the Middle
Kingdom. During the fourth century, the absence of Roman rule
and violent tribes in the area caused a decline as some of the
oasis was reclaimed by the sand.
Wildlife is plentiful, especially birds such as wheatears;
crops (which only cover a small percentage of the total area)
include dates, olives, apricots, rice and corn.
There are a number of springs in the area, some very hot, such
as Bir ar-Ramla but probably the best is Bir al-Ghaba, about
10 miles north east of Bawiti. There is also Bir al-Mattar,
a cold springs which poors into a concrete pool
Otherwise near the Oasis is the Black and White deserts, though
traveling to the White desert seems not practical from the oasis.
The Black Desert was formed through wind erosion as the nearby
volcanic mountains were spewed over the desert floor.
Finally, there are the ruins of a 17th Dynasty temple and settlement,
and nearby tombs where birds were buried.
How to get to the Bahariya Oasis
:
From outside Egypt
International flights direct to Cairo, then either an internal
flight (see below) or overland by bus or by car.
From Cairo
Overland
You may like to book a tour through a travel agent or hire your
own transport. Bear in mind that desert driving has special
requirements and be sure to get a suitable vehicle and guidance
on possible hazards. 0therwise you can travel to each location
by bus or service taxi and arrange trips from there.
Bahariya
Service taxis from the Wahia Cafe, Sayeda Zeinah or buses from
the Al Azhar terminal, near Midan Ataba.
|
