Black Desert in Egypt
Just when you begin to notice the change of the sand color from Paige to black, it is when you know that you are about to see one of the most unusual deserts in the world, the "Black Desert" in Egypt. Formed by a volcanic activity that took place in this area thousands of years ago, the Black Desert is covered by black stones and hardened lava giving it its name.
About 4 to 5 hours drive from Cairo is the location for the Black Desert in Egypt. Situated close the the White desert, it is a region most popular with tourist looking to escape the usual sites in Egypt for an adventure of a different kind. The landscapes in this region are most spectacular.
Climate and Location:
The Black Desert is a part of what is known as the Western Desert region, it is an uninhabited area due to the dryness of the desert plains with intense summer temperatures. Accordingly, if you are willing to visit this region, the most suitable time would be early spring or late fall so you can avoid the high temperature of summer and the freezing nights in winter. The Western Desert lies to the west of the Nile River till the Libyan border, and in the south of the Mediterranean Sea to the border with Sudan. It covers about 700,000 square kilometers. There are seven important depressions within this area and they are all considered as oases, and they are: Siwa, El Faiyum, Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla, Kharga) except the largest, Qattara. The Black Desert is located on the north of Frafra Oasis in the Western Desert, and on the south of Bahariya Oasis (about 160-kilo meters from it), very close to the White Desert. Accordingly, the White and the Black Deserts are usually combined in one tour with Bahariya Oasis. The Black Desert is about 4 to 5 hours- drive from Cairo.
Black Desert:
Unlike its neighbour the White Desert, the Black Desert is in stark contrast with volcanic shaped mountains often resembling a scene from a Star Wars movie. The mountains and floors are scattered with small volcanic black stones lying on the orange and brown coloured sands. it is possible for people to climb the soft peaks with lovely views across the desert area and take some picturesque photographs. The Black Desert is a ‘passing through’ point due to no facilities around as it is totally uninhabited The landscape is of secluded plains with the dunes (small mountains) being of different sizes and formations. Rather than being considered as mountains, they are more like volcanic cones rising out of the desert.
The Black Desert Mountains:
As mentioned before, the area is rich with conical volcanic hills that many years ago erupted volcanic materials called “dolerite”. The area is famous for its unique hills and golden mountains topped with black dust and rocks such as: The English Mountain, Mountain of Crow, and The Pyramid Mountain and Mountain of the Ladle. The English Mountain or “Williams Mountain or Gabel Al-Ingleez” is considered the highest point in the Black Desert from which you can catch the amazing panoramic view of the whole area. The Mountain got its name from World War I, as on it its top; a lookout post was positioned where Officer Williams, a British Officer, could mention the movements of the Senussi tribesmen coming from Libya. Though the ruins of the lookout post are still there, its panoramic view of the whole desert is the real reason behind climbing that mountain. Additionally, The Pyramid Mountain or “Gebal EL- Dist” is a pyramid-shaped mountain that can be seen from most of Bahariya Oasis. Besides being known as a natural pyramid, it is mostly known also for having fossils and dinosaur bones which were mainly found in the 20th century, opposing the story that claims that dinosaurs only lived in South America. What is most attractive about this mountain is its golden color rocks that catch the eyes of the visitors especially in the later afternoon. Last but not least, Mount of the Ladle or “Gebal Maghrafa” that is 50 meters away from the Pyramid Mountain also contains some of dinosaur bones. The theory claims that the bones belong to a dinosaur called “Paralititan stromeri or Stromer's Tidal Giant”. It is given this name because it lived along the shores of an ancient sea and for being the largest and heaviest dinosaur known. Also, it was named after Scientist "Ernst Storme" who first found it in Bahariya Oasis. Modern scientists have found in this area five tons of fossils including 16 bones of the giant dinosaur and the rest were for fish, crocodiles, and turtles, indicating that the area was once subtropical. Moreover, the region also includes “Gebal Az-zuqaq” that is well known for its red, yellow, and orange stones and dust in its base. The Mountain has an easy to climb- path that leads to its top. Along with those mountains, there are others such as Gebal Ghaba, Gebal Hafuf and Gebal Ghurabi.
Activities:
The Black Desert has been a famous destination to those who are looking for a different kind of experience and adventurous activities. It is a ‘passing through’ point due to no facilities around as it is totally uninhabited. The landscape is of secluded plains with the dunes being of different sizes and formations. You can enjoy many different activities there such as climbing one of the previously mentioned peaks which will give you a wonderful view of the whole region. The marvelous mixture of the black, red, yellow and brown sand make you feel as if you are an astronaut sent to another planet. Ordinary vehicles can drive you at the beginning of El Bahriya Oasis, however only 4W Jeep safari cars can go deeper into this area through the dunes and the rock formations. Additionally, if you got the chance to stay till night time, be prepared to witness the breathtaking stars shining bright in the sky.
