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Discover the enchanting Faiyum Oasis, Egypt's hidden gem with a rich history and natural beauty. Explore ancient ruins, enjoy lush landscapes, and relax in diverse accommodations. Unveil the secrets of this unique destination!
| Overview | |
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| Location | Southwest of Cairo, Egypt |
| Area | 1,270 - 1,700 sq km |
| Population | 2.5 million |
| Importance | Popular tourist destination |
Faiyum Oasis is one of Egypt's most kept hidden secrets offering the chance to enjoy the enchanting natural wonders of Egypt. The goal of this article is to offer every traveler all the information and facts about Faiyum Oasis. This article was written by a team of very skilled team of tour operators, tour guides, and travel consultants who know all the details about the marvelous Faiyum Oasis.
Faiyum Oasis is famous for being the only artificial Oasis in Egypt and one of the most enchanting natural spots in the country. It dates back to ancient Egypt when its name was Shedet. The Greeks called it Koine Greek (Crocodile City), while the Romans referred to it as Arsinoe and, during biblical times, as Joseph's Canal.
The city holds a number of scattered pyramids around it that were built in Egypt's middle kingdom (2040-1782 BC) at Tahun, List, and Hawara and are in very bad condition.
The city was known as Shedet, a.k.a Crocodilopolis, Karanis, and Kahun. In the Old Kingdom of ancient Egypt (c.2613-2181 BCE), Faiyum was known as Ta-She, "Land of the Lakes" or "Land of the Southern Lakes" by the kings of Memphis. In the middle kingdom (2040-1782 BC), it was given the name Pa-Yom, which means "The Sea" or "The Lake" as mentioned in the book of Exodus.
The city was able to play an important part in shaping the culture of Egypt during the 12th dynasty of the golden age known as the middle kingdom but declined in the new kingdom of ancient Egypt (1570-1070 BC). The city experienced a source of revival in the Ptolemaic dynasty (323-30 BC) and the Roman period (30 BC-646 CE) and unfortunately declined again. Faiyum was the center of the cult of the crocodile god Sobek.
Faiyum was very popular to the ancient Egyptians as the twenty-first nome of Upper Egypt under the name Atef-Pehu that means (Northern Sycamore). In ancient Egyptian times, the capital of Faiyum was "Shedyt", and the ancient Greeks called it Crocodilopolis, under the rule of Ptolemy II as Arsinoe.
Faiyum is the earliest and oldest evidence of farming in Egypt, as it was the center of the royal pyramid and tomb-building in the Twelfth dynasty during the Middle Kingdom and the Ptolemaic dynasty as it became the breadbaskets of the Roman world.
The city is famous today as Faiyum Portraits for containing a collection of beautifully enchanting rendered mummy masks created in later time periods. The masks were painted on wood in a pigmented wax which represents the greek settlers in Egypt. It served as a center for trade during the 7th century in the Islamic periods. Today, the city is rich in agriculture and culture, and it contains a number of incredible ancient Egyptian ruins.
Al Faiyum is located in middle Egypt, just 100 km (62 mi) southeast of Cairo (Memphis). It stretches from the Nile to the lake of brisket Qarun, which is a very famous spot for duck hunting as Winston Churchill and King Farouk.
Faiyum City started as an arid desert basin that transformed into a lush oasis when one of the Nile branches silted up and diverted the water to it. The cultivated green land of Faiyum Oasis is formed due to the Nile mud brought down by the Bahr Yussef, which is a canal 24 km (15 miles) in length that connects Faiyum with the Nile River.
One of the most famous destinations in it is the Faiyum Oasis, which is located to the west of the Nile on an estimated area of 1,270 km2 (490 mi2) and 1700 km2 (656 mi2); it is historically known as the Garden of Egypt for its abundance of wildlife and production of fruit and vegetables.
The Faiyum oasis is known for its rich history that dates back to around 3000 BC. The region is known to have held Neolithic settlements lined the lake's shores, and the city of Crocodilopolis has emerged on the southern ridge. In 2300 BC, a canal which is known as the Bahr Yussef, was created to connect the Nile River to the natural lake. During the 12th dynasty of ancient Egypt, at the total might of the middle kingdom, pharaohs used Faiyum's lake as a reservoir for water storage. They undertook extensive waterworks to transform the lake into a massive reservoir, leading observers to mistakenly believe it was artificially excavated. The lake of the oasis was abandoned around 230 BC due to the shrinking size of the nearby Nile branch. Faiyum Oasis was known by ancient Egyptians as Atef-Pehu, which served as the twenty-first nome of Upper Egypt. Its capital was called Shedyt or Crocodilopolis, which was later referred to as Arsinoe by Ptolemy II.
Faiyum was a crucial center for farming, royal pyramid building, and tomb construction during the Middle Kingdom and the Ptolemaic dynasty. During the Roman period, Faiyum became a major agricultural supplier. The people of Faiyum practiced a unique burial tradition that combined mummification with portraits placed over the mummy wrappings. These Faiyum portraits, preserved by the dry desert, offer a remarkable glimpse into the diverse society of the time, featuring Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Syrians, Libyans, and others. In the late 1st millennium AD, the arable area of Faiyum decreased, leading to the abandonment of settlements around the basin. Despite this decline, Faiyum's archaeological sites, including well-preserved remnants from the late Roman Empire like Karanis, plus all the mummy portraits and papyrus fragments with literature and documents in Latin, Greek, and Egyptian scripts that provide valuable insights into this ancient society and its history.
The archaeological wealth of Faiyum Oasis is truly priceless, and many ruins of ancient villages and cities can be explored near the site of the epic city of Crocodilopolis/Arsinoe. One of the most majestic natural attractions in the oasis is Birket Qarun Lake, or Lake Moeris as the Greeks & Romans called it, it is where everyone can enjoy the most enjoyable and enriching fishing trip, which includes a variety of fishes that plays a great role in the Cairo fish trade.
Lakes in Egypt are known for their crystal water and their ability to reflect the amazing natural beauty of Egypt. Check now the list of 13 lakes in Egypt.
Read MoreThe Oasis is blessed with incredible archaeological gems as it was known as the cult of the crocodile god Sobek, which held temples that were dedicated to local manifestations of many gods and their associated divinities. The cult held the priests of Sobek, who were key players in every part of the economic and social life, by buying goods from local producers and organizing religious festivals. Everyone will get a tour of amazing attractions, which include Tebtunis, Narmouthis, Soknopaiou Nesos, Bakchias, and Theadelphia, where many papyri, ostraka, and inscriptions are found there that shed light on the daily life of the priests during the early 3rd century and 4th century.
Fayoum Oasis is a truly magical and beautiful wonder filled with a magical combination of lush greenery, stunning lakes, and ancient ruins. It's a popular destination for both Egyptian and international tourists, offering a variety of activities and attractions, from water sports and hiking to exploring archaeological sites and relaxing in luxurious spas.
When it comes to hotels, there are several varieties, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. The most recognized hotels and resorts include Lazib Inn Resort & Spa, a marvelous 5-star resort which is located on the shores of Lake Qarun and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert. It has a variety of amenities, including a private beach, swimming pools, a spa, and several restaurants. It's perfect for a relaxing getaway. Palm Shadow Resort is a beautiful 4-star resort located on Lake Qarun and is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional Egyptian architecture. It has a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant serving Egyptian and international cuisine. It's a great option for families or couples looking for a romantic escape.
Byoum Lakeside Hotel is a blessed budget 4-star equipped hotel that is located on the shores of Lake Qarun and offers comfortable accommodations and excellent service that provide the most delightful time. Norias Hotel & Resort 3-star resort is located in the heart of Fayoum Oasis and is surrounded by lush greenery. It has a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar, which is a good option for travelers who want to be close to the action. Helnan Auberge Hotel is a magnificent 3-star hotel that is a good option for travelers who want to be close to the shops and restaurants. It will guarantee everyone enjoys the most amazing swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.
The city of Faiyum is one of Egypt's most majestic and hidden destinations, so if you ever find yourself in Egypt, don't miss the chance to explore this hidden gem with one of our Fayoum day tours & packages. Also, don't miss the chance to discover the history of the beautiful cities Cairo and Alexandria through our Egypt vacation packages and witness the ancient artifacts in Luxor & Aswan while boarding a Nile River cruise.
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Faiyum is located in Upper Egypt, in the great depression of the Western Desert 130 km southwest of Cairo. The basin area is estimated at between 1,270 km2 (490 mi2) and 1700 km2 (656 mi2).
Faiyum is a city in Middle Egypt, was founded in around 4000 BC, located 130 km southwest of Cairo which making it the oldest city in Egypt and one of the oldest cities in Africa.
Faiyum Oasis is a region in Egypt known for its fertility and the abundance of plant and animal life. The basin area is estimated at between 1,270 km2 (490 mi2) and 1700 km2 (656 mi2). Faiyum Oasis dates to 7200 BCE that attracts wildlife and rare plants which drew human beings to the area which lead to the establishment of a huge city that still exists today.
Faiyum is the source of some famous death masks or mummy portraits painted during the Roman occupation of the area. The Egyptians continued their practice of burying their dead, despite the Roman preference for cremation.
Every traveler should wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable light cotton or linen clothes, some cash money, a water bottle, and don't forget light shoes.
Everyone can swim at the Magic Lake which is a beautiful lake located in Wadi El Rayan in Fayoum that is an amazingly enchanting place surrounded by desert and an amazingly delightful weather.
Krokodilopolis is a real place that was an ancient Egyptian city located in the Faiyum Oasis, just west of the Nile river.
The entire country of Egypt deserve to be explored with its every heavenly detail but there are places that must be seen before any other such as the breathtaking Hurghada's red sea, The wonders of Cairo the pyramids of Giza, the great sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili Bazaar, the wonders of Luxor like Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Hatshepsut temple and the wonders of Aswan such as Abu Simbel temples, Philea temple, Unfinished obelisk and The Wonders of Alexandria like Qaitbat Citadel, Pompey's Pillar and Alexandria Library. Read more about the best places to visit in Egypt.
If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries, have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD in cash, as for the E-Visa for 30 day you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could also be one of the lucky ones who can obtain a free visa for 90 days. Read more about Egypt travel visa.
Egypt has a variety of delicious cuisines but we recommend “Ful & Ta’meya (Fava Beans and Falafel)”, Mulukhiya, “Koshary”, a traditional Egyptian pasta dish, and Kebab & Kofta, the Egyptian traditional meat dish.
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a little tropical accompanied by a magical atmosphere of warm weather with a winter breeze. You will be notified in the week of your trip if the Climate is unsafe and if any changes have been made.
You should pack everything you could ever need in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.
We have been creating the finest vacations for more than 20 years around the most majestic destinations in Egypt. Our staff consists of the best operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort to make you have the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time consultants to fit your every possible need during your vacation. It doesn't go without saying that your safety and comfort are our main priority and all of our resources will be directed to provide the finest atmosphere until you return home.
You will feel safe in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is quite peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt. Read more about is it safe to travel to Egypt.
Wear whatever feels right and comfortable. It is advised to wear something light and comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the terrain of Egypt. Put on sun block during your time in Egypt in the summer to protect yourself from the sun.
The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.
There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve. Read more about festivals & publich holidays in Egypt.
Egypt is considered to be one of the most liberal Islamic countries but it has become a little bit conservative in the last couple of decades so it is advised to avoid showing your chest, shoulders or legs below the knees.
Arabic is the official language and Most Egyptians, who live in the cities, speak or understand English or at least some English words or phrases. Fewer Egyptians can speak French, Italian, Spanish, and German. Professional tour guides, who work in the tourism sector, are equipped to handle visitors who cannot speak Arabic and they will speak enough English and other languages to fulfill the needs of all our clients.
The fastest way is a car, of course, a taxi. If you are in Cairo ride a white taxi to move faster or you could board the fastest way of transportation in Egypt metro if the roads are in rush hour.
The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot but sometimes it becomes cold at night and winter is cool and mild. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and the average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.
It is the home of everything a traveler might be looking for from amazing historical sites dating to more than 4000 years to enchanting city resorts & beaches. You will live the vacation you deserve as Egypt has everything you could possibly imagine.
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