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With only 4,000 inhabitants and about 200 km to the
first neighbour settlement, Farafra is among the
most isolated places in Egypt. It is part of the
Western Desert circuit, so it still gets many
visitors. And the place has a number of attractions,
of which the adjacent White Desert is one of Egypt's
most famous nature sights.
The architecture of Farafra is the old and ingenious
one, where mud brick houses stand close together,
with narrow roads with roofs. Many of the houses
have painted exteriors with murals.
Many traditions live on in Farafra — traditions that
die when locals in towns like this move into
nondescript "modern" box houses. Dresses and shirts
have beautiful embroidery, but little is available
for visitors with hard cash. Of products for sale,
olives and olive oil are of high quality here. In
addition, there is a rich output of vegetables and
fruits, including bananas, mangos and guavas.
Most visitors to Farafra take at least one swim in
the many hot springs in town. Female visitors should
respect local traditions, and bathe only in the
afternoons.
While there isn't much of hotels to choose from,
Bahariya has got exactly what a true oasis should
have: A delicate hotel built according to local
traditions. It even has a swimming pool, which at
least resembles some of the pools built around the
natural wells of Farafra. And there's nothing wrong
with the price either. The Badawiya is highly
recommended!
Food is better in Farafra than in the other Western
Desert oases, but not great. The best meals are at
the Badawiya, and at least they try to make an
effort, and serve with friendliness and an attempt
on elegance. In town food is cheaper, but boring.
There are fair connections with Bahariyya and Cairo
in the north, and Dakhla, Kharga and Assyut from the
southern bound road. But the pavement is often in
bad condition, so you should be careful if you drive
yourself.
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