Activities in Western Desert

Ramses II temple Egypt information, tours, prices and online booking

Ramses II temple located in fact about 24 km west of Marsa Matrouh, Egypt. In fact, you can explore the ruins of the temple there. The temple dates back to the 26th dynasty (1200 BC). Moreover, the site known as Umm Al-Rakhm. In fact it discovered by the Egyptian archaeologist Labib Habash in 1942. Moreover, it houses some admirable hieroglyphic inscriptions referring to the Ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Near the temple, you’ll also find ruins of the pharaoh’s fortress. In fact, they are in particular the remains of the surrounding brick wall. It in fact erected to protect Egypt from the attacks of Libyan tribes.

Moreover, this wall is 140m along each side. Ramses II temple site excavated by Steven Snape for the University of Liverpool since 1994. It is clear that this fortress town known to its occupants as “The Town (dmi) of Usermaatre-Setepenre”. In fact, it intended for long-term and extensive occupation. It is because of its size and the range of buildings within its massive mud-brick exterior wall. Inside the fortress-town, the Egyptian occupants erected a limestone temple. It houses a series of storerooms and a “governor’s residence”, which included a private chapel. . The temple has inscribed objects and other private chapels next to it. In fact, the fortress garrisoned by probably over 500 soldiers. Moreover, their commander was a senior military official called Neb-Re.

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The extent to which these soldiers brought their families with them to this most distant posting in the Egyptian empire. Moreover, the extent to which they might fraternized with the local population. In fact, it is one of the major research questions which studied by the Liverpool team. The life of the town was relatively short and abandoned. In fact, it is either before or shortly after the death of its founder, Ramesses II. The site briefly occupied by Libyan squatters, and then completely unoccupied until the present day. Ramses II temple town partly supplied by transport barges from the Nile Delta. In fact, it was in the early phases of its building and occupation. Moreover, the exotic foreign products such as olive oil, wine and opium arrived by sea courtesy of maritime traders.

They traveled between Crete and Egypt. However, the long-term survival of the town and its population relied much more on self-sufficiency. In fact, it was especially in terms of food production. Water  supplied by a series of wells and possibly, by the water-harvesting of rainfall in cisterns. Evidence for various types of production comes from “Area K”. In fact, it took up a substantial portion of the southeast corner of the town. Here are a series of granaries, mortars, saddle-querns and quern-rubbers. Moreover, there are also grinders and ovens (along with one of the wells). In fact, they provided all that was needed to turn grain into flour, bread and beer, the main dietary staples.

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The grain itself probably grown in fields on the fertile coastal strip outside the walls of the town. Moreover, it watered by winter rainfall. In addition, “Area K” also produced both spindle whorls and “spinning-bowls”. In fact, they associated with the spinning of linen and also sourced locally through the cultivation of flax. The beer and linen, as well as pottery and metal objects produced in other parts of the town. Moreover, they traded with local Libyan pastoralists in return for additional food. The site had goat bones and ostrich eggshells in large numbers.

Amun temple Siwa Oasis information, tours, prices and online booking

Amun temple Siwa Oasis in fact also known as Umm Ubaydah temple or Umm Ubayd temple. In fact, there are two temples dedicated to Amun in Siwa Oasis, Egypt. The most famous of these temples is Oracle Temple. The other one situated amidst a grove of trees a short distance from the rock of Aghurmi. In fact, the temple at one time joined to the temple of the Oracle by a causeway. Moreover, it formed an integral part of the rituals related to the Oracle and the god. Furthermore, the site marked by a large area of whitish ground. Only one wall stands today among these ruins, though near it is a number of huge stone blocks. All of these blocks seem to be inscribed, and in some places color remains visible.

In fact, the pyramid built in the 30th Dynasty. Moreover, it mentioned in the story of Alexander the Great’s visit to the Oasis. It was in fact after conquering Egypt. Until the beginning of the 19th century, a great part of the Amun temple Siwa Oasis still preserved. In 1811 an earthquake caused major damage to the site. Cailliaud, Drovetti and Von Minutoli visited the site between the years of 1819 and 1821. In fact, they found much of the temple standing. Though they recorded some blocks from the ceiling which fallen down and one of the temple walls leaning. Then, in 1897, one of the Ma’murs of Siwa placed gunpowder in the foundations of the temple. Moreover, he blew it up to obtain stones for the staircase of the police station. In fact, it was at Qasr Hassunah and for the construction of his own house.

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Hence, what time and nature could not do, accomplished by an ignorant government official in a few minutes. Mostly, we know the plan of this temple from those made up by its 19th century visitors. It faced north, and surrounded by two girdle walls, the enclosure wall was square in plan. Though many parts of the temple already fallen by the early 19th century. Yet, the pronaos and the sanctuary still existed and in front of these there was a pillared hall. Within the enclosure wall, and in front of the Amun temple Siwa Oasis was an elevated area built of alabaster blocks. One of these, either an altar or a pedestal for a statue of the God Amun, decorated on its four sides. In fact, it is with a representation of Amun in the form of a human head with ram’s horns.

We have some idea of the arrangement of the scenes on the wall of at least the sanctuary. In fact, it is thanks to Von Minutoli. The opposite wall in the same chamber as the one still standing much resembled it. From his drawings, we know that the builder was King Nectanebo II, the energetic ruler of the 30th Dynasty. In fact, he is one of the most active builders in the late period of Egyptian history. On the wall which still stands, there is a long text at the top. In fact, it consists of fifty-one lines and three registers where various deities are depicted. In Von Minutoli’s drawing of the wall, we find a decoration which served as an upper frieze. It in fact is above the text. At the top was a repetition of the king’s cartouche which protected by the vulture goddess Nekhbet.

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Under it, a number of figures perform some of the ceremonies of the rite of “Opening of the Mouth”. It is in sunken relief. In fact, it is the beginning of the text of the same rite. Under the inscriptions there are three rows of figures. In fact, they all carved in high relief, and at the top we see the actual builder of the temple. His name was Wenamun, who was “The Great Chief of the Desert”. He wears an ostrich feather in his hair. On fact, it shows that he was of Libyan decent, and he was the ruler of the Siwa. In fact, it was when Amune temple Siwa Oasis built. Moreover, in the depiction he kneels before the god Amun, who sits inside a shrine. In fact, behind the ruler are seven deities.

Moreover, on the middle register nine deities once appeared, but now there are only eight. On the bottom register there are now only three deities depicted. Though in 1820 more figures were preserved. What most notable in these inscriptions is the text of the Rite of the Opening of the Mouth. It is more frequently found on papyri, on coffins or sometimes on the walls of tombs. In fact, it is since it connected with the burial ceremonies. However, the text does appear on mortuary temple or chapel walls. Therefore, Amun temple Siwa Oasis may served in some way as a funerary monument for Wenamun. In fact, his burial may not be far from this site. The inscriptions that Von Minutoli provides to us from now destroyed sections of the walls.

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The upper part of Wenamun with a feather in his hair, stands in front of a deity inside a shrine. In fact, the deity also wears a feather in his hair. It might suggest Libyan origin or at least a Libyan appearance. This might lead us to believe that this was probably the ancient god. In fact, the god who worshipped in Siwa before the supremacy of Amun. Unfortunately his name not preserved and there are no other similar scenes to find in the Siwa. It is unfortunate that Amun temple Siwa Oasis so destroyed today. In fact it obviously closely connected with the Temple of the Oracle. Doubtless, more information will one day surface about these two ruins. It is when Egyptologists finally decide that they are worth completely to excavate.

Siwa Olive and Palm Groves information, tours, prices and online booking

Siwa Olive And Palm Groves cover in fact the most of Siwa oasis area. Surrounded by lakes that are too saline to support fishing, Siwa is famous for its olive groves and palm gardens. In fact, it is since ancient times. Siwa Oasis boasts more than 300,000 palm trees, 70,000 olive trees as well as many fruit orchards. The area thus became very attractive to different sorts of birds. In fact, the birds are such as falcons and quails. That is why it is a very important destination for Bird Watching. Strolling through the rich palm groves, you will soon be convinced that Siwa’s main attraction is its serene ambiance.

Siwa House Museum information, tours, prices and online booking

Siwa House Museum located in fact in a traditional Siwan house in Siwa Oasis Egypt. In fact, the museum boasts traditional Siwan objects such as silver, jewelry and music instruments. Moreover, the museum also houses wedding costumes, baskets and ceramics. The museum inspired by a Canadian diplomat. In fact, he feared that Siwan culture and its mud-brick houses would disappear someday. The small but interesting museum built to preserve and display artifacts depicting the various aspects of the Siwan life.

Siwan Crafts Egypt information, tours, prices and online booking

Siwan Crafts Egypt are in fact traditional crafts. In fact, they still flourish in Siwa Egypt. Though some designs and materials are new. In fact, the crafts include Authentic wedding dresses embellished with antique coins. Moreover, they also include shells or beads, and black robes with orange or red piping. Furthermore, they have narrower braiding than the versions made for the tourist market.

Women also weave carpets and all sorts of baskets made from palm-fronds. The largest is the tghara, used for storing bread. The smaller kinds include the red and green silk-tasseled nedibash or platters like the tarkamat. In fact, they used for serving sweets. They also mold pottery and fire it at home in bread-ovens. Moreover, they also create robust cooking and storage pots,. Furthermore, they delicate oil lamps and a kind of baptismal crucible called the shamadan en sebaa. Popular buys include the adjra which used for washing hands and timjamait, or incense burners.

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Unlike the gold-loving Egyptians, Siwans traditionally preferred silver jeweler. In fact, they served as bullion for a people mistrustful of banks and paper money. The designs are uniquely Siwan, influenced by Berber rather than Egyptian heritage. Local silversmiths once produced most of it, but in modern times it has largely come from Khan El Khalili.

Broad silver bracelets and oval rings wrought with geometric designs are the most popular items with visitors. It is while Al Salhat, with its six pendants hung from silver and coral beads. In fact, it is the easiest type of necklace to identify. You’ll also recognize the tiyalaqan, a mass of chains tipped with bells and suspended from huge crescents. The qasas is an ornament for the head consisting of silver hoops and bells suspended from matching chunks of bullion.

Gebel Dakrour Siwa Oasis information, tours, prices and online booking

Gebel Dakrour Siwa Oasis located in fact around 3 km south east of the oasis. In fact, Gebel Dakrour (Dakrour Mountain) renowned for the healing qualities of its hot sands. It is since ancient times. The hot sands in fact is the major source of the red pigment used in Siwan pottery. People come from all around Egypt and the world during the summer months to be interred in sand baths. In fact, they have properties of healing rheumatism. The sand bath lasts approximately 20 minutes and you will be buried up to your neck in the hot desert sand. The process is usually repeated for any aching part of the body for 3 to 5 days.

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The therapy indeed is stunning as it has almost a magical effect. In fact, rheumatic and arthritic pains will be greatly dissipated. After the heat of the sand you will need a few hours to recover. In fact, it recommended that you sit in a shady place and drink tea. Many of those who experience the healing properties of Gebel Dakrour’s sand baths return time and time again to heal their pains.

Siwa Protected Area information, tours, prices and online booking

Siwa Protected Area located between the Libyan border and the Qattara Depression in northwest Egypt. In fact, the area designated as a protectorate for its faunal and cultural diversity. Siwa Oasis has many lakes and over a thousand springs. But the water is very saline and supports little agriculture except dates, olives and a few vegetables. The oasis supports the endangered Slender-horned Gazelle, Gazella leptoceros, Fennec Fox and Vulpes zerda. It may still be home to the Cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus, one of the most threatened cats in the world.

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Typical birds include the Turtle Dove and Streptopelia turtur can found there either. During your stay in Siwa Oasis, it would be a great idea to spend your free time observing the surrounding nature. Get in contact with a Bedouin guide, the locals being the people who know most about their oasis. Don’t forget to act responsibly in order to keep Siwa Oasis as beautiful as it is today. In fact, you can contact us to arrange a day tour to this area.

El Arag Siwa Oasis information, tours, prices and online booking

El Arag Siwa Oasis is in fact an uninhabited area in the midst of magnificent dunes. In fact, it hidden from the south by massive limestone cliffs. Quench your thirst after a long safari in the charming spring located in the middle of Siwa Oasis. In fact, the site has breathtaking views of the surrounding desert. Moreover, the oasis also boasts rich archaeological remains and artifacts. Furthermore, it also has shards of pottery and two rock-cut tombs that have astonishing engravings. Note the Ancient Egyptian frieze of a cobra and sun disk on a tomb, the plant designs on the wall and the stars on the ceiling.

Quad Biking Siwa Oasis information, tours, prices and online booking

Quad Biking Siwa Oasis is one of the most familiar activities while you are in Egypt. Take a quad bike tour across a beautiful landscape surrounding Siwa Oasis. You’ll find several places in the oasis that rent out quad bikes. Take a ride around and watch the sun set or rise and change the colors of the desert terrain.

No experience needed for this fun activity. Just make sure you take a scarf and sunglasses or goggles to protect your face from the sand. In fact, a qualified guide will accompany you throughout the tour. Contact us to arrange you a quad biking Siwa tour.

White Desert Farafra Oasis Egypt tours, booking, prices, reviews

White Desert Farafra Oasis located to the north east of Qasr Al Farafra in the Western desert, Egypt. In fact, the desert is famous for its spectacular scenery. There, the chalk white landscape strewn with alien shapes. Moreover, boulders of brilliant white thrust up from the surface of the desert. Furthermore, they intensify by the clear light of noon and shine like the gold at sunset. They also blacken and shrink in a cloud filled sky. The White Desert Farafra Oasis comprises many of the formations which given descriptive names. The formations sculpted by the harsh desert winds into weird shapes. In fact, these shapes change over time. The shapes include monoliths, mushrooms, ice cream cones and tents. They also include crickets, as well as the majestic conical flat topped inselbergs .

The White Desert was a sea-bed and the sedimentary layers of rock formed by marine fauna. In fact, it was when the ocean dried up in the remote past. Later, the desert had savanna with lush green areas and lakes full of fish. In fact, it was ideal hunting ground for pre-historic man. And that is why it was a habitat for many roaming herds of elephant, giraffe, gazelle and other animals. Today, the landscape of the desert formed by the plateau which broke down. The plateau left harder rock shapes standing while the softer parts eroded away by wind and sand. In some parts the chalk surface still has the appearance of delicate wind ruffled waves on water.

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The desert became a natural wonder of Egypt. Moreover, it became a protectorate which known as the White Desert Park. The desert has designated routes which must followed when driving in 4WD vehicles. The outer parts nearest the road known as the Old Desert and can reached in a normal vehicle. If you would like to visit the White Desert, then you must choose an overnight camping Safaris. You will witness the drama of both Sunset and dawn. The new tracks laid out to guide vehicles through the most famous desert landmarks. In fact, the first field is a giant of mushrooms which followed by an ancient lone Acacia tree.

The White Desert has another famous area which known as “The White House”. In fact, it is an enclosure of rocks which surrounded by gleaming white chalk fields. Nearby, there is a narrow entrance to a deep cave which penetrates the rock. Beyond this in the “New Desert”, the landscape becomes even whiter. In fact, the New Desert only accessible by 4 WD or camel. The boulders which crowd together, are higher and larger. Moreover, the weird shapes appear everywhere. In fact, they might remind you of a chicken or a hawk. They also may remind you of a troupe of dancers or an old men who wear a hat. The shapes change constantly as the light changes and you move around them. Once the sun begins to set, they turn a softly glowing pink.

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A night under the stars in the White Desert indeed is an unforgettable experience. As the sky turns pink, then the deepest fiery orange of the rock shapes fade. Moreover, the silence will be all around. Sit around a small fire and enjoy a meal of chicken, rice and vegetables. You will really feel like nothing has ever tasted so good. If the moon is near full, the white chalk rock shapes glow. It is like ghosts in the darkness under a sky which still filled with bright stars. In fact, there will be no need for artificial lights. The silence is immense and there is a feeling of unreality as though walking on the surface of Mars.

You roll out a sleeping bag on the soft sand and crawl inside. Lie side by side with your companions. Do like a row of mummies gazing at the brilliant stars tracking their path across the skies. A desert fox may drop by to clear up scraps of food. He will vanish again into the darkness an leave only paw prints as evidence.