The Bahariya Oases are the least technologically advanced oases in Egypt, nevertheless, they accommodate a vast array of natural resources and a significant assortment of historical relics and monuments. They are situated in a depression about 300 Km away from Cairo, where Bawiti is the capital of the oases, occupying a hillside. Entirely enclosed by black escarpments, the valley grounds are coated with profuse palm groves, in addition to ancient springs, wells, and cone - shaped hills that are believed were responsible for the formation of islands in prehistoric times. The striking contrast between the charming orchards and massive sand dunes creates majestic, panoramic scenery unrivalled anywhere else. Bahariya Oases are renowned for approximately 400 mineral and hot sulphur springs, most imperatively of which are Bir Hakima, Bir Haifa, Bir Al Matar and Bir El Ghaba. Moreover, there are the exceptional springs of Ein El Bishmo that are exclusive in the flow of, both, cold and hot water from distinct sources to blend through cracked stones in a rocky creek. The oases, now recognized as the Northern Oasis, were originally known as Zis Zis in Pharaonic times. Most antiquities and relics belong to the 26th Dynasty, also known as the Saite Period. One of the major archaeological sites to visit is El Qasr that includes the Alexander the Great Temple and the Limestone Temple, next to which several antiquities could be found. Another monument is the largest Ptolemaic necropolis dedicated to the Ibis bird, an object of religious veneration in ancient Egypt. El Heez complex is eminent for a variety of ancient churches, palaces and Roman tombs, one of which is the Binantiew Tomb that embodies unique Pharaonic paintings. Recently, the Valley of Golden Mummies was unearthed in the Roman necropolis, 6 Km from Bawiti. Bahariya Oases are connected to, both, Siwa and Farafra Oases through a motorway, and safari trips could be arranged for visitors to give them a taste of the pleasurable experienced of Bedouin folklore nights. |