Sahara Desert
There's something magical about the desert that captures the imagination of children and adults alike. Have you ever dreamed of riding a camel across an endless sea of sand or counting the stars, in absolute silence? Have you ever pictured yourself sitting by the fire, in the company of weary travelers dressed in long robes and turbans, or sleeping in an authentic nomadic tent? All are possible in the Sahara. And because the environment is sterile, there are no particular health risks to inhibit family travel here.... Read MorePolitically divided, the Sahara Desert is a single environment that is best characterized by the complete absence of water. And it is the best place from which to fully appreciate the nature of water as an element. Here, one can witness the small miracle that takes place each time it appears: Life both plant and animal.
Yet this harsh, inhospitable environment is hauntingly beautiful. Wadis (rivers) snake at the foot of sand covered mountains and plateaus. Elegant and engaging sculpted rock adorns the horizon. The splendor of the continuously changing shape of the dunes. All are the result of the wind and become almost insignificant when compared to what has occurred over the centuries. At one time, the Sahara was fertile and populated by the large animals of Africa. Giraffe, lions, rhinoceros and even crocodile once roamed here.
But there is more to a trip to the Sahara than nature and the elements. Experiencing the desert through the eyes of a Tuareg provides an additional dimension to any journey. Kids will find mystery in their traditional way of dress and watch spellbound as they pour tea. Their knowledge of animal tracks and the many usages of desert plants will keep even the youngest children engaged throughout any trek. And those old enough to follow the eyes of these men of the desert will be dazzled by their keen sense of observation. Accustomed to an unmoving and completely mineral landscape, the Tuareg are able to detect even the slightest movement and least significant variation on the horizon.
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Sahara Desert hotels and accommodation
Qasr El Bawity (Lodge)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
Qasr El Bawity is by far the best choice in Bahariya. Not only does this 24-room ecolodge boast large comfortable rooms it is set in a lush palm grove. But as with all things simple, expectations should be unassuming. Qasr El Bawity is built with traditional methods and local materials and is simply furnished ... Read More
Qasr El Bawity is by far the best choice in Bahariya. Not only does this 24-room ecolodge boast large comfortable rooms it is set in a lush palm grove. But as with all things simple, expectations should be unassuming. Qasr El Bawity is built with traditional methods and local materials and is simply furnished. It has a small restaurant and small, spring-fed pool. There's no WiFi or room service.
Shali Lodge (Hotel)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
This 7-room boutique hotel offers the best value in Siwa. The spacious rooms are tastefully decorated. The hotel is quiet and rooms clean. Breakfast is served in a charming courtyard. The restaurant is hailed as the best in town. Shali Lodge is within walking distance of the fortress and main square. And while not cheap for Egypt, this mud-brick hotel is reasonably priced for S ... Read More
This 7-room boutique hotel offers the best value in Siwa. The spacious rooms are tastefully decorated. The hotel is quiet and rooms clean. Breakfast is served in a charming courtyard. The restaurant is hailed as the best in town. Shali Lodge is within walking distance of the fortress and main square. And while not cheap for Egypt, this mud-brick hotel is reasonably priced for Siwa.
Adrere Amellal (Rural Tourism)
Hotel Reviews
| Review
Adrére Amellal is an eco-hideaway. But that doesn't mean its for everyone. The rooms and suites are simply furnished. Adrére Amellal doesn't offer room service nor does it have air conditioning, WiFi connection or even electricity. So why stay here? Adrére Amellal is part of the Siwa experience. It is made of local materials and built by local labor. The lodge is stylis ... Read More
Adrére Amellal is an eco-hideaway. But that doesn't mean its for everyone. The rooms and suites are simply furnished. Adrére Amellal doesn't offer room service nor does it have air conditioning, WiFi connection or even electricity. So why stay here? Adrére Amellal is part of the Siwa experience. It is made of local materials and built by local labor. The lodge is stylishly decorated and incredibly comfortable. The food served in the restaurant is grown in the lodge garden. The setting is spectacular.
