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Where it's at
The Western Desert covers two thirds of Egypt and is one of
the most arid regions in the world. Hardly any rain falls
here and if you're looking for the classic Sahara sand dunes
and atmospheric oases, making a trek to explore this vast
empty quarter of Egypt will be an unforgettable experience.
Planning your trek
While the whole area was once a lush tropical forest, sources
of water are rare, and the oases are the only refuge for the
nomadic tribes here. Heading west out of Cairo, Siwa
is a large oasis not far from the Libyan border. Trekking
to the south of Egypt from here, away from the Nile delta,
makes an interesting alternative way to get around the country,
although the harsh conditions here make it imperative that
careful preparations are made.
As a traveller, joining an organized tour isn't difficult
and is a wise choice to make the experience safe and comfortable.
For about $80 US per person per day, you can get a seat in
a convoy heading out of Siwa towards Luxor. The price includes
drinking water, food, accommodation, transportation, and the
expertise of people who have survived here for centuries.
Before you agree to leave, carefully check the vehicles condition,
whether there is adequate water for each person, etc. Sunglasses
and light cotton clothing are essential to protect eyesight
from the harsh glare and the intense heat.
The best months to make a trek is in the late fall (October/November)
after the summer season where temperatures can pass 50C) and
in the spring (March to May), where daytime highs are in the
low 30's. The winter months are often too cold at night to
enjoy the experience: with overnight temperatures as low as
2C are common, warm gear like jackets, sleeping bags and other
cold weather gear are absolutely essential.
Things to see and do
Along your journey you will visit some of Egypt's most interesting
and rarely visited sites, including the 1800 year old Coptic
tombs in Bagawat that offer a fascinating glimpse
into the lives of Christian Egyptians that predate the Islamic
religion prevalent today. You can tip a local resident to
open the doors to see the frescoes painted on the ceiling
of the tombs here that depict scenes from the Bible and Christian
mythology.
Other sites include the White Desert, a 16 mile (25
km) stretch situated about 120 miles (200km) south of Bahariyya.
The area gets its name from its landscape of huge naturally
formed chalk towers carved over centuries by wind and sand,
and make an interesting stop along the journey south.
The Black Desert is also an interesting place to visit,
marking the location of a small fault that splits the desert.
Trekking Tips
All around the Western Desert, long sand dunes as long
as 400 miles (700 km) can prove impassable for cars. These
iconic formations constantly change and make interesting visits,
though four-wheel drive vehicles are required to safely navigate
the shifting sands. Like the whole of the Western Desert,
extreme care must be taken not only with food and water, but
security: areas are often off limits and local tourist offices
or consulates should be consulted to find out the latest security
situation.
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