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Bahariyya
From Wikitravel
Bahariyya is an oasis town in Egypt's Western Desert. As the closest of the five Western Oases to Cairo, it serves as a jumping-off point to other destinations in the desert. Bahariya Oasis is easy to reach from Cairo (you will pass through much desert), Bahariya is in the middle of Egypt's Western Desert, about 365 km south-west of Cairo and it is the best starting point for the Black and White Desert. Set in a depression covering over 2000 sq. km., Bahariya Oasis is surrounded by black hills made up of ferruginous quartzite and dolorite. The oasis is provided with water by many springs. The most famous of these, a thermal spring with medicinal and restorative properties, comes out in the Bedouin village of Bawiti. Wildlife is plentiful, especially birds such as wheatears, Bahariya Oasis might also appeal rock hounds. Golden Mummies were discovered - 'Valley of the Mummies' is the biggest of its kind. Estimates are the four-mile strip of desert holds 5,000 - 10,000 mummies. The mummies are covered with a thin layer of gold and wearing gypsum masks. Sumptuous gilded death masks depict lifelike faces of real people, rather than stereotypical images. They were found in four tombs in the town of Bawiti in Bahariya Oasis.
[edit] Get in
By bus
There are regular bus services from Cairo to Bahariyya and back. Buses start from Turgoman Square bus-station in Cairo. Buses start early in the morning (7:00am/8:00am) and also during afternoon. It typically takes about 5 hours by bus for the Cairo-Bahariyya trip. One way cost is typically about 30 LE. Seats are numbered but Egyptians regularly will take your seat or demand that you get up from where you're sitting if you're in the first row. On some buses they will have the TV blaring. Sometimes all speakers don't work. If you end up sitting near a speaker that does work or the only one that works, don't be afraid to ask to switch your seat. Be firm and demand it.
By microbus
It is also possible to rent a microbus privately to go to Bahariyya. Microbuses are available at the same place (El Moneeb bus-station). A one-way trip costs about 300-400 LE. Time taken is about 3.5-4 hours depending on breaks.
[edit] Get around
[edit][add listing] See
The Black Desert
This is located about half an hour's drive away from Bahariyya. It consists of an area of the Sahara Desert which consists of small mountains and hillocks which are sooty black in color. The combination of the black stones covering the hills along with the orange/ochre ground of the desert makes for dramatic viewing. A climb up one of the hills rewards the visitor with an excellent view of a fascinating landscape. The sole method of visiting the Black Desert is via a guided tour in an SUV.
White Desert National Park
This is a large expanse of the Sahara Desert characterized by white chalk formations. Centuries of erosion have moulded the rock into fantastic shapes and has resulted in a spectacular sights which have become extremely popular with visitors. The White Desert National Park is located about 100 km from Bahariyya off the road that goes to Farafra. The usual way to go there is via a 4X4 SUV - though there is also the option of going on a walking tour once you reach the place. More adventurous travelers can pack a sleeping bag, food and a lot (a lot!) of water and ask the driver of some Bahariyya-Farafra bus to stop in the middle of the desert (there are at least two Upper Egypt buses daily plus a variety of local transports). This should be arranged in either of the oases before the bus takes off, as the driver will probably require a consent of the Tourist Police first (they cannot "loose" a foreigner between checkpoints without one). After one or two days in the desert, you will run out of water - just return to the road and hail another bus (if you are spotted by the police, you may be taken to the nearest checkpoint for your safety, do not worry).
[edit][add listing] Do
Visit the Oasis Heritage Museum.
Go on a desert safari in the Sahara. It includes camping overnight in the desert and driving to the sights in the desert by 4X4 SUV (Toyota Landcruiser) - with all meals being cooked on site. A typical trip can last anywhere from 1-4 days and covers the Black Desert, the Aqabat range and the White Desert National Park. Cost: About 100-120 Euros per day all inclusive.
Go on a guided walking tour of the Sahara. These can last up to a week - typically provisions will be carried separately on camels. The White Desert is a popular place for such tours.
[edit][add listing] Buy
[edit][add listing] Eat
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[edit][add listing] Sleep
- Alpenblick Hotel Oasis, Bawiti , Bahariya Oasis (Western Desert), ☎ +20 2 38472184, [1]. Established in 1984 as first hotel in Bawiti and the oasis of Bahariya to serve adventure seeker from all over the world The view on the surrounding mountains inspired a Swiss traveler from the earliest guests to give the hotel the name Alpenblick "Alpine View", as the prospect was reminding him of his homeland on the Alps. And he persuaded the owner to call the hotel Alpenblick. With the participation of a German partner, the hotel was completely reconditioned and brought up to the latest modern standards. Beside the spacious dome shaped rooms of the old building, the new extension adds a whole new dimension to the hotel, allowing guests to feel at one with nature and rejuvenate their spirits more : info@alpenblick-bahariya.com edit
- Minamar Hotel, ☎ +20122553510, [2]. Stay on the A lake that is created from the natural springs,The hotel is nestled between the majestic pyramid mountain of the Western Desert and the beautiful Bahariya Lake. All rooms overlook Bahariya Lake. edit
- Qasr El Bawity Ecohotel, ☎ +20 2 847 1880, [3]. This hotel is set up like a small village, with 28 comfortable rooms built entirely from natural materials indigenous to the oasis. edit
- Old Oasis Hotel, Bahariyya Oasis (Western Desert), ☎ 847 2038, [4]. The hotel is spread out over a nice area with palm trees and provides spacious rooms with attached bathrooms. It has a small pool fed by a hot spring. There is also a restaurant serving full meals. edit
[edit] Budget
Desert Safari Home, ☎ +847 1321, [5]. Price depends on dormitories, air-conditioning, private bath, double, triple etc. Dinner costs about 15 pounds. A far walk from the city centre though. 10-75 pounds. edit
[edit] Get out
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