Farafra Oasis is one of the most fabulous Egyptian oases in the western desert, as Egypt contains six oases El Fayoum Oasis, Bahariya Oasis, Farafra Oasis, Kharga Oasis, Dakhla Oasis, and Siwa Oasis.
Farafra is located on the southern road between Cairo and Bahariya. Farafra Oasis is affiliated to the Al-Wadi Al-Gadid governorate in Southern Egypt, the largest governorate in Egypt in terms of space.
The history of Farafra Oasis As other Egyptian oases, Farafra Oasis was an important stop point on the trading route between the Western Desert and the Nile Valley.
Farafra Oasis had a great position during the ancient Egyptian civilization, especially during the reign of the 10th dynasty, as it was named (Ana Akhet), meaning the land of the cow referring to the goddess Hathour.
During the Roman period, Farafra and other oases were famous for growing grains.
During the Coptic period, the Egyptian Copts escaped to Farafra and other oases due to Roman persecution.
This oasis is considered partly isolated what explains why its community still committing to its old traditions and customs. It is famous for growing dates, olives, and apricots.
The attractions in Farafra OasisFarafra is the start point for tours desert safari in the western desert to visit the white desert, the black desert, and the Crystal Mountains.
- The Qaser Al Farafra or the Farafra Palace is a roman monument.
- Qaser Abu Monqar is a roman attraction.
- Farafra Oasis houses other roman attractions as some rock-cut tombs and ruins of a Roman Temple.
- The White Desert is divided into two deserts: the old white desert, where the Mushrooms and tents area, and the new white desert with its limestone formations. In ancient times, this desert was covered with the sea leading to its rocks contain some seashells. It is located on the road between Bahariya and Farafra.
- The Black Desert contains mountains formed from black stones and rocks created due to volcanoes.
- Badr’s Museum: it is a mud-brick house owned by Badr Abdel Moghny, who is a local artist. It displays the customs and traditions of the Farafra community.
- Farafra distinguishes with its geographical location and geological formation, so it contains natural water wells using in therapeutic tourism as it has sulfurous wells for treating some respiratory diseases.
