Desert · New Valley
Farafra Oasis
A small oasis in the heart of the Western Desert between Dakhla and Bahariya, known for its mud-brick architecture, hot springs and crystal mountains.
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The story
The Farafra depression in the Western Desert covers about 980 square kilometres, making it the second largest in the region by area and the smallest by population. It lies roughly midway between the Dakhla and Bahariya oases, some 627 km from Cairo. Most of its estimated five thousand inhabitants (2002 estimate) live in Farafra town and are largely Bedouin. Whole quarters of the town keep plain mud-coloured traditional architecture, and tourism has helped sustain local building methods.
Good to know
- The depression covers about 980 square kilometres.
- The hot springs of Bir Sitta and the El-Mufid lake are often grouped with the oasis, which is also known for its crystal mountains.