Summary

• Farafra Oasis, located in Egypt’s western desert, is celebrated for its stunning natural attractions and unique geological formations.
• The oasis showcases a rich cultural heritage, including ancient Bedouin architecture and colorful drawings that reflect the local culture.
• Farafra experiences a hot desert climate and is home to a diverse ecosystem, including endangered species like the Rhim gazelle and the Dorcas gazelle.
• With a history dating back to prehistoric times, Farafra Oasis has played a significant role in various historical periods, from ancient Egyptian times to the modern era.
• Key attractions include the White Desert’s surreal rock formations, the Farafra Museum highlighting local history and culture, and the ancient Qasr El-Farafra fortress.

Farafra Oasis is a magical hidden gem filled with the most natural attractions in Egypt. The main purpose of this article is to offer every traveler all the facts and information about Farafra Oasis. This article was written by a group of very skilled team of tour operators, tour guides, and travel consultants who know all the details about Farafra Oasis.

Within the endless lands of the western desert of Egypt lies a miraculous phenomenon: the Farafra Oasis is one of the purest examples of natural beauty. It has acted as a habitat for some of the most hypnotic natural attractions in Egypt.

The oasis is incredibly beautiful as it has complete quartes of extraordinary architecture filled with incredible colorful drawings featuring the culture of the ancient Bedouin.

Location of Farafra Oasis

Farafra oasis is famed for its geographic location and geological formation, it is located in the western desert between Dakhla Oasis and Bahariya Oases inside the border of the new valley governorate. It is a 980 km2 (380 sq mi) geological depression, which is 170 km away from the Bahariya Oasis, 627 km away from Cairo, and 370 km southeast of the Mediterranean Sea.

Farafra Climate

Farafra Oasis is known for its hot desert climate, which is characterized by hot temperatures and very little rainfall. Where the average annual temperature in Farafra Oasis is around 23.9°C (75°F). The hottest months are July and August, with average temperatures of around 33°C (91°F).

The coldest months are December and January, with average temperatures of around 14°C (57°F). The climate offers the atmosphere to live the most ideal and memorable vacation across some of the most hypnotic locations and attractions across the oases of Egypt.

Farafra Oasis Ecolife

Farafra has a population of more than 20 thousand people. The capital and the most important town in the Farafra Oasis is the city of Qaser Farafra. The oasis is filled with endangered Rhim gazelle and rare Dorcas gazelle, as well as Barbary sheep; Rüppell’s, red and fennec foxes; jackals; and the sand cat.

The Oasis has become an irrigated grove of date palms together with citrus, olive, apricot, and carob trees and is a cool haven amid the arid landscape. In Farafra Oasis, Badrs Museum’s main goal is to shed light on Farafroni’s history, culture, and traditions.

The History of Farafra Oasis

The history of Farafra Oasis dated back to prehistoric times, it was mentioned many times in the ancient texts during the 21st century BC in the reign of the 10th dynasty. The Farafra was referred to as “Ana Akhet” which means “The Land of the Cow” as the cow represented the symbol of fertility in the image of the goddess Hathor.

It was known as the city of conquest & invasion due to its remoteness, Ramses (1279-1213 BC) imported stones from the Farafra oasis and used them in constructing his various temples in Luxor. The site was also the interest of the Romans as many grains were cultivated in its lands, there are also some ruins of some roman temples, tombs, and palaces.

The oasis was also the center for the Copts who escaped the aggressive roman rule. After the Arab conquest in 641 AD, The Farafra oasis flourished due to the trade of the dated and olives plus cloth, tea, and others between it and the Nile River. Throughout the modern era of the 19th and 20th centuries as the oasis served as a worship site until today.

The White Desert

The white desert of the Farafra Oasis is one of the most famous, popular, and interestingly enchanting locations in the western desert. It has a surface area of around three thousand kilometers and is located 5 km north of the town of Qsar El Farafra, which is part of the park in the Farafra Oasis and is found in the New Valley Governorate of Egypt. It is basically a bizarre rock formation that resembles animals, mushrooms, and other strange shapes.

Some believe that the white desert is the ultimate proof of All Might’s creative power. The entire area was once covered with seawater as some seashells are located in the halls of the rocks. One of the most well-known rocks is “The Finger of God” or “Al Qubar“, which is a 20 m high rock that resembles a huge finger rising from the sandy heart of the western desert.

El Qess Abu Said is the highest part of Farafra Oasis; 353 m above sea level and the lowest part is at Wadi Hennis which is 32 m. In the northeast of the white desert is the Aqabat or the obstacles as it is full of obstructions to whoever tries to enter. In the middle of the white desert is the infamous mountain of Twin Peaks.

Water Wells in Farafra

Farafra Oasis is a very important geological formation and geographical location, and it enjoys having a number of natural water wells. The area is filled with more than 100 wells spread all over Farafra, which are used in the aggregation of the cultivated land in the oasis.

Some of the wells in Farafra have become a favorite tourist destination; Bir Sitta is called well number 6, Bir Sab’a is a well called number 7, and Bir Athnain wa shrine is the good number 22, which is known to be the most important well in the Farafra Oasis.

Due to the warm temperature and the slight percentage of sulfur in the water wells in Farafra, it is ideal to enjoy some swimming and relaxing time. Within the Farafra Oasis is a huge lake that is well known as Abu Nus, located 15 kilometers to the north of the Farafra Oasis.

Badr Museum in Farafra

Farafra Oasis is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, historical heritage, and cultural richness, which can be seen through the marvelous Bade Museum, which is able to shed light on the ancient Egyptian traditions and customs that date back centuries where everyone can enjoy the most amazing accessible and enriching experience. It is located about 3 kilometers east of Farafra town and was founded by Mr. Badr Abdel-Moghni who is a native artist of the Oasis, the museum showcases his remarkable sculptures, oil paintings, and watercolors depicting local life.

The museum is able to showcase the crafts and pastimes of the people of Farafra Oasis through artifacts that resemble a giant sandcastle, providing an immersive experience and presenting a collection of local objects alongside Badr’s distinctive figures carved from local sandstone. Visitors can gain valuable insights into the oasis’s life and culture through both the artworks and Badr’s wealth of information.

Farafra Old Village “Qasr El-Farafra”

Qasr El-Farafra is an enchanting ancient Roman granary situated in the El-Farafra Oasis of Egypt; it traces its origins back to the Roman period, spanning the 1st to 3rd centuries AD. The mystical ruins of this fortress offer a captivating exploration that features numerous forts strategically positioned to safeguard the camel caravan route connecting the oases and the Nile Valley.

It was constructed during the Roman era, which underwent expansion in the Middle Ages, with walls towering over 10 meters in height. It holds 125 rooms crafted from mud and rock bricks, and the structure serves various purposes, including economic, residential, and administrative functions. The fortress’s decline commenced in the 1950s, triggered by the impact of heavy rainfall on its ancient structure.

Hotels in Farafra

Farafra offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, from luxurious hotels to traditional Bedouin camps. Here are some of the most popular choices:

• Farafra offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, from luxurious hotels to traditional Bedouin camps. Here are some of the most popular choices:
• The blessed Westwind Desert Camp offers comfortable tents with private bathrooms, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. It’s a good option for those who want a more rustic experience but still want some amenities.
• White Desert Lodge is known for offering basic but comfortable rooms, a shared bathroom, and communal dining for budget-minded travelers.
• Rahala Safari Hotel is a heavenly 5-star hotel that features a swimming pool, restaurant, spa, and a variety of desert excursions. It’s known for its excellent service and comfortable accommodations.
• Badawiya Farafra Hotel is a blessed 4-star hotel that offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. It’s located in the heart of Farafra and is a good option for those who want to be close to the town’s amenities.

Around the ethereal Oasis are several camps found in the heart of the desert where everyone can witness some of the most incredible sights that were crafted by the heavenly forces of nature which include White Desert Camp that offers the chance to sleep under the stars in the heart of the White Desert and the Crystal Mountain Camp which offers stunning views of the magical surrounding landscape.

Farafra Facts

• Farafra is the smallest and most remote oasis among the Western Desert’s main oases, about 627 kilometers southwest of Cairo, amidst the vast expanse of the Egyptian desert.
• Oasis is actually a geological depression, the second biggest by size in Egypt’s Western Desert, covering roughly 980 square kilometers.
• Farafra experiences a hot desert climate with scorching summers and mild winters. Average temperatures are around 24°C, with highs exceeding 30°C most of the year.
• Farafra is filled with a rich history dating back thousands of years with Pharaonic settlements and Roman outposts across the landscape.The oasis is mainly inhabited by the Bedouin, who have preserved their unique culture and traditions for generations. Visitors can experience their warm hospitality and immerse themselves in their way of life.
• Traditional mudbrick houses with colorful decorations and intricate designs characterize the architectural style of Farafra, which adds to its magic, beauty, and authenticity.
• White Desert is one of the most famous attractions in Farafra is the White Desert which is characterized by surreal and otherworldly white chalk rock formations that was created by wind and sand erosion. The oasis is also home to the Farafra Museum that provides insights into the history, culture, and lifestyle of the people in the oasis through all the artifacts, tools, and exhibits.
• Al-Mufid Lake is a saltwater lake located in Farafra. It is an important water source for the oasis and supports some biodiversity in the region.
• Farafra Oasis is known for its hot springs, where visitors can relax in the warm, therapeutic waters. The Bir Sitta and El-Mufid hot springs are popular destinations.