Farafra Oasis (Egypt)

The Farafra Oasis is a must-see place for those travellers who love to go off the beaten tracks, during a trip to Egypt. The oasis is scattered with large palm groves geared towards growing olives, dates, apricots, figs and other citrus fruits.

The rhythm of life is very peaceful in the oasis, whose main town, Al Farafrah, is worth a stay there to discover its hand-crafted goods (woollen textiles: jumpers, blankets, socks and other scarves) and taste the traditional dishes of the region: I recommend a full meal with rice, salad, beans and tahini bread(sesame seed-based dough).

The springs of Bir Sitta, Ain Bishay and the little lake Abu Nus are dotted all around the Farafra Oasis. Bir Sitta is very popular in the region with its pools of warm water which are suitable for bathing. As for Ain Bishay, it's a spring which is known since Roman times and still active today: it plays an essential role in irrigating the crops in the oasis and the plantations of carob trees. Abu Nus Lake will let you admire the avifauna in the desert.