Fayoum Oasis: Egypt's hidden jewel

It’s hard to believe that a desert oasis featuring a mystical lake, flowing waterfalls, and a valley of ancient whale fossils isn't among the top attractions of any destination.

However, in a country like Egypt, with its iconic pyramids and pristine beaches, the competition for attention is intense.

Just under two hours southwest of Cairo, Fayoum Oasis stands as one of Egypt's best-kept secrets.

With its network of lakes and canals, this vast region offers the perfect escape for a weekend or day trip, providing a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

"Cairo is bustling and noisy. But as you approach Fayoum, the atmosphere shifts – it becomes calmer and cleaner," says Federico Corno, an Italian cinematographer based in Cairo. "And then, out of nowhere, you start seeing patches of lush green everywhere."

"Many people picture Egypt as nothing but sand, pyramids, scorching heat, and the Red Sea. They don’t think of green farmlands, local art, pottery, or places for relaxation and meditation."

"In Fayoum, everything just slows down, returning to the natural pace of life as it should be."

Chasing waterfalls

Wadi El Rayan, a protected national park spanning nearly 700 square miles, is one of the standout features of Fayoum.

It consists of two human-made lakes – an upper and lower lake – with Egypt's largest waterfalls nestled in between.

The waterfalls can be hard to spot from the upper plateau since they are slightly smaller than other famous falls.

The best way to appreciate their full beauty is from the lower plateau, where you can enjoy a refreshing shower amidst the desert's serenity.

This site tends to be overcrowded on weekends (during times of unrestricted travel), so it's better to visit on weekdays.

During Ramadan, the area is almost empty, though a few locals rely on the catch from the lower lake to break their fast.

The vast park is home to a range of unique natural attractions, including shifting sand dunes, natural sulfur springs, rugged mountains, and its hidden gem, Wadi Al Hitan.

Walking whales

A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2005, Wadi Al Hitan is an open-air museum that offers a captivating glimpse into the evolution of life on Earth.

The desert valley, known as The Valley of Whales, is filled with the remains of giant whales, sharks, and countless fossils, painting a vivid picture of the magnificent creatures that roamed this region 40 million years ago.

From a distance, the exceptionally preserved bones appear like winding teeth rising from the desert floor.

The valley is also home to the educational Fossil and Climate Change Museum, which blends harmoniously with the natural landscape and could easily be mistaken for a set from a 'Star Wars' movie.

The highlight of the museum is the prehistoric Basilosaurus.

This remarkable 60-foot fossil, believed to be the largest complete specimen of the ancient whale, is just one of the many extinct Archaeoceti fossils found in the region.

The Basilosaurus had tiny hind limbs, thought to be nonfunctional, protruding from its sides, providing crucial evidence of whales' evolution from land-dwelling creatures to marine animals.

Magic Lake

The lake earned its name because its waters change colors depending on the time of day and the amount of sunlight it receives.

Getting to the lake’s shores is just as thrilling as swimming in its enchanting waters, as it requires dune ing across the desert in a 4x4.

From the top of the dunes, the view of the lake is surreal, with its still waters acting as a perfect mirror, reflecting the sky above.

The dunes are large and steep enough to enjoy some thrilling sandboarding.

Many visitors choose to camp here overnight to witness the breathtaking celestial show that only the Milky Way can offer.

"The stark contrast of the raw sand and towering dunes against the sky creates some amazing photographs. In summer, the Milky Way is exceptionally clear, almost as if a carpet of stars has been laid across the sky," says Egyptian travel photographer Amr El Hadeka.

Water wheels of life

Bestselling author Paulo Coelho famously wrote about the allure of Fayoum’s oasis in his classic novel 'The Alchemist,' yet Fayoum isn't a true oasis.

Unlike a true oasis, which gets its water from an underground spring, Fayoum’s water comes from the Nile, delivered by a network of canals known as Bahr Yussef, built by ancient Egyptians.

Approximately 200 waterwheels are scattered throughout the region, distributing water from Bahr Yussef, which sustains the area's fertility and defines its identity.

These iconic waterwheels were introduced in the third century B.C. by Ptolemaic engineers, who harnessed the natural flow of fast-moving streams to lift water into irrigation canals.

Located in the heart of Fayoum’s vibrant downtown, these historic waterwheels have become a key landmark, especially for history enthusiasts.

Birdwatching at Lake Qarun

In ancient times, Lake Qarun was called Lake Moeris, a vast freshwater lake that once covered the entire Fayoum region.

Now connected to the Nile by Bahr Yussef, this protected wetland is a small remnant of the once expansive Lake Moeris.

Lake Qarun, the world's oldest known lake, is not a spot for swimming, but it remains a must-visit for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Home to large flocks of flamingos and various duck species, Lake Qarun supports over 88 bird species and serves as a vital sanctuary for endangered creatures like the slender-horned gazelle.

Fayoum is also known for its connection to a local culinary tradition—stuffed pigeon, a delicacy enjoyed by Egyptians, thanks to the abundance of birds in the region.

While stuffed pigeon is a beloved dish in Egypt, it’s unlikely to feature on a gourmet magazine cover.

With a flavor similar to chicken but darker and gamier, stuffed pigeon offers a small portion of tender meat.

What truly makes this dish irresistible is the perfectly seasoned rice, which soaks up all the rich flavors, making it so popular that people often find themselves reaching for more.

Tunis Village

Nestled above Lake Qarun, this vibrant village, surrounded by rich plant and animal life, offers one of the most breathtaking views in Fayoum.

Beyond its stunning natural surroundings, Tunis Village is renowned as a vibrant cultural center, with its talented residents shaping the village’s identity through their exquisite pottery and handcrafted artworks.

In recent years, Tunis Village has become increasingly popular among both Egyptians and tourists, largely due to its annual Pottery Festival.

Amr El Hadeka shares with Dinogo Travel, 'I adore this festival because it's a great opportunity for anyone involved in the arts to showcase their creations side by side with local artisans.'

Amr El Hadeka adds, 'The festival is buzzing with workshops and performances, creating a wonderful atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.'

'People come from all over to immerse themselves in the local culture and leave feeling inspired,' says Amr El Hadeka.

The family-oriented festival typically takes place in the first week of November, making it an ideal time to witness a variety of birds migrating to the area for the winter season.

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, art, or history, Fayoum offers something for every type of traveler.

For those looking to explore the region's main attractions, a 4x4 desert safari day trip is a convenient way to visit several nearby sites in one go.

It's only a matter of time before Fayoum is recognized as one of Egypt's must-see destinations.

For now, Fayoum remains a hidden gem, teeming with life and natural beauty that predates the pyramids by millions of years.