Dakhla

Dakhla Oasis is a collection of fourteen different settlements, dominated on its northern horizon by a wall of rose-coloured rock. Fertile cultivated areas growing fice, peanuts and fruit are dotted between sand dunes along the roads from Farafra and Kharga in this area of outstanding natural beauty.

The capital, Mut, named after the ancient goddess of the Theban Triad, houses the Museum of the Inheritance, a traditional house, with and intricate wooden combination lock. Rooms, with sculpted clay figures , are arranged to show different aspects of Dakhlan culture and family life. Al-Kasr, about 35 km. fron Mut, was originally a Roman settlement which later became the medieval capital of Dakhla. The old town is a labyrinth of mud-walled alleys narrowly separating houses with elaborately-carved wooden lintels; there is also an Ayyubid mosque. Climp to the rooftop of the 10th century madrassa for wonderful views of the surrounding area. Bir al-Gbel, a palm-fringed salt lake where you can camp and picnic, is on the road back to Mut.

Other day trips from Mut coul include the 1st-century al-Muzawaka tombs and Deit al-Hagar, a temple which was originally dedicated to the Theban Triad and later rebuilt by the Romans. After exploring the temple, bathe in the hot sulphur spring nearby. Visit Bashendi to see Roman tombs and a factory where carpets are still woven with scenes of Dakhlan life. At nearby Balaat village, a trading post with ancient Nubia, archeologists are still uncovering dozens of 6th dynasty mastabas.