Bahariya

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-metre-high Jebel al-Mi'ysrah, together with the massive dunes which threaten to engulf some of the older settlements. Wildlife is plentiful, especially birds such as whiatears; crops (whic only cover a small percentage of the total area) include dates, olives, apricots, rice and corn.
Bawiti is the largest village in the oasis; its picturesque hillside quarter overlooks lush palm groves irrigated by the Ain al-Beshmo, a natural spring hewn from the rock in Roman times which gushes water at 30 C The neighbouring village of al-Qast was built on the remains of a 26th dynasty temple-nearby, at Qarat Hilwah, you can still see tombs with paintings dating from the same period. Famous for its mineral and sulphur springs, including Bir Mathar and Bir al-Ghaba, Bahariya is also Known amongst local Bedouin for informal nusic and poetry recitals. Go on desert excursions by day and spend your evenings relaxing in the cafes smoking shisha, playing backgammon and listening to authentic Bedouin music. Travellers can now go on eiter to Siwa, via a new road, or to Farafra, taking in a night in the White Desert en route.