Bahariya (Egypt)

The scenery around the el-Bahariya Oasis is fascinating, with its high peaks which link the oasis, its date plantations and its amazingly refreshing springs. El-Bahariya is also known for the archaeological discoveries which were identified over these past years, with the famous "golden Mummies". Since 1996, excavations have meant that over 205 mummies have been uncovered, as well as intact accounts of a Bahariya person during the Greek-Roman era and of the fight between Ptolemy and the Romans for the control of el-Bahariya.

I particularly enjoyed my stopover in Bawiti, the administrative capital of Bahariya: a quiet agricultural village with its sandy alleyways. Bawiti hosts treasures to be discovered: magnificent fertile palm groves and invigorating hot springs. I advise you to stay a bit longer at the el-Beshmo Roman springs for their panoramic view over the gardens of the oasis and the desert, and at the Bir al-Ramla spring, north of the village, which is a sulphuric spring, with hot baths of over 40°C. Then continue your excursion to Qarat Qasr Salim: a small mound in the centre of Bawiti, where the remains of two ancient tombs from the 26th dynasty were unearthed.

During your holiday, I also advise you to visit the Oasis Heritage Museum for its clay model scenes of life in a traditional village.