Less than a two-hour drive from Cairo resides an oasis filled with ancient treasures and unique charm, Al-Fayoum. The enchanting oasis got its name from the Ancient Egyptian name that means “sea” or “lake”. The name refers to the time when Al-Fayoum was covered with water. Nestled in the Nile Delta, this colourful and rich town has one of the most diverse ecosystems. It is the perfect destination for local tourists. From large green fields to wonderous golden deserts, from zen activities to adrenaline-filled adventures, Al-Fayoum has something for everyone.
Tunis Village
A piece of Tunisia in an Egyptian land, Tunis Village is a must when visiting Al-Fayoum. You can simply admire its beauty or enjoy the many activities this village offers. The village’s architectural style draws from the oriental vibes of the Arab region. Amongst the vast green landscapes and the olive trees, you will find the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic. The village is famous for its pottery and ceramic industry. While visiting, you must take pottery or a ceramic class to create a masterpiece to keep as a souvenir from your trip.
Wadi El Nazla
Wadi El Nazla is home to many cinematic masterpieces, most notably, the cult classic film Doa Al-Karawan, starring the actress Faten Hamama and directed by Henry Barakat. One of its many unique features is that it is about 30 meters lower than all the cities of the governorate, which is how it got its “El-Nazla”. It is also famous for being one of the only places in the governorate where pottery is made. In fact, the pottery industry goes back hundreds of years and it is a trade that is passed from one generation to another.
Magic Lake
The Magic Lake is considered the perfect place for sand boarding, mountain climbing, swimming, and parachuting. The locals gave this lake its name because it is surrounded by high mountains and sand dunes on all four sides. The Magic Lake is located in Wadi Al-Rayyan. Also, the colour of the water changes its colours based on the time of day. Due to the reflection of the sunlight on the water, it ranges from scarlet, true blue, and greenish-blue.
Fayoum Waterwheels
The Fayoum waterwheels is one of the oldest and most well-preserved waterwheels. These waterwheels are powered by the water flow. They push water from a lower ground level to a higher ground level. Also, they are distinguished by their distinctive relaxing sound, which visitors really enjoy. Learning about their history, visitors are able to learn about the genius of the Egyptian man in solving irrigation problems.
Wadi El-Hitan
Registered by UNESCO, Wadi El-Hitan is a natural heritage site, as it contains fossil remains of whales that lived in the area 40 million years ago. It offers a truly unique, and one-of-a-kind experience that does not exist anywhere else. Seeing the skeleton of a whale in a desert, you are able to imagine the area was covered with water and the animals that once swam in it.