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Dakhla Oasis Maps and
Destination Data and Information:
With
a population of about 23,000, Siwa, the most inaccessible of all Egypt's
oasis until very recently, is also one of the most fascinating, laying
some 60 feed below sea level. On the edge of the Great
The
Dakhla Oasis lies to the northwest of Kharga and is also about 310 km to
the southeast of Farafra. This oasis consists of 14 settlements and has
a population of about 70,000 people. Dakhla is the farthest oasis out of
Cairo and is considered one of Egypt's most beautiful oases.
Dakhla sits in a depression surrounded by pink cliffs. There are
about 30,000 acres of cultivated land. Most of its 70,000 or so
residents are farmers who constantly fight the battle of the dunes that
threaten their fields and orchards. The fields and gardens are filled
mostly with mulberry trees, date palms, figs and other citrus fruits.
Dakhla has retained most of its culture and charm even though it has
increased in size by about double and government funding and technical
training has revitalized the economy. Dakhla is the only place in Egypt
where new water wheels which are driven by buffaloes are constructed.
They are made of palm timber and clay jars and are called saqiyas. The
oasis is connected to Kharga by a 120 mile (200 km) road that has buses
running daily.
Research has found that the Oasis has been inhabited since prehistoric
times, and that there was once a huge lake here. There are neolithic
rock paintings that indicate that the lake was frequented by elephants,
buffaloes and ostriches. As the lake dried up, the inhabitants migrated
to the Nile valley and were probably some of its first settlers.
Dakhla Oasis is dominated on its northern horizon by a wall of
rose-Colored rock. Fertile cultivated areas growing rice, peanuts and
fruit are dotted between sand dunes along the roads from Farafra and
Kharga in this area of outstanding natural beauty. The capital, Mut,
named after the ancient goddess of the Theban Triad, houses the Museum
of the Inheritance, a traditional house, with an intricate wooden
combination lock. Rooms, with sculpted clay figures, are arranged to
show different aspects of Dakhlan culture and family life. Al-Kasr,
about 35 km. from Mut, was originally a Roman settlement which later
became the medieval capital of Dakhla. The old town is a labyrinth of
mud-walled alleys narrowly separating houses with elaborately- carved
wooden lintels; there is also an Ayyubid mosque. Climb to the rooftop of
the 10th century madrassa (school) for wonderful views of the
surrounding area. Bir al-Gabel, a palm-fringed salt lake where you can
camp and picnic, is on the road back to Mut.
Other day trips from Mut could include the 1st-century al-Muzawaka tombs
and Deir al Hagar, a temple which was originally dedicated to the Theban
Triad and later rebuilt by the Romans. After exploring the temple, bathe
in the hot sulphur spring nearby. Visit Bashendi to
see Roman tombs and a factory where carpets are still woven with scenes
of Dakhlan life. At nearby Balaat village, a trading post with ancient
Nubia, archeologāts are still uncovering dozens of 6th dynasty mastabas.
How to get to the Dakhla Oasis
Driving from Cairo, Overland, Renting Taxi or From Bus station
You may like to book a tour through a travel agent or hire your own
transport. Bear in mind that desert driving has special requirements and
be sure to get a suitable vehicle and guidance.
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