Western Desert Oases
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1. Antiquities Office
The local antiquities office sells a combination ticket that includes admission to the five major sights—the Mummy Exhibit, the Tombs of Zed Amun Ef Ankh and Bannentiu, the Tomb of Amenhotep Huy, the Temple of Alexander the Great, and the Temple of Ain al-Muftillah. The Mummy Exhibit at the Antiquities Office displays some of the finds from the Valley of the Golden Mummies including several gilded mummies. In a typically provincial style, the Greco-Roman mummies are plastered, gilded, and decorated with scenes from the underworld. These mummies were not prepared in the same way as those in the Valley of the Kings, resulting in some degradation. The heat and humidity in the rather makeshift museum is also not helping to preserve them either.
Bawiti, Giza, Egypt02-3847–1900Sight Details
Rate Includes: Combination ticket for Mummy Exhibit, the Tombs of Zed Amun Ef Ankh and Bannentiu, the Tomb of Amenhotep Huy, the Temple of Alexander the Great, and the Temple of Ain al-Muftillah £E45, Antiquities Office Sat.–Thurs. 8–5; Mummies Exhibit Sat.–Thurs. 9–4 -
2. Black Desert
South of Bawiti lies the Black Desert, a Martian landscape of orange sand and black peaks formed by a string of ancient volcanoes. Off-road travel is possible for short distances in a regular car, but a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required to climb the sand dunes and explore at length; so is a guide, who can direct you to the desert's less obvious sights. Visitors can climb one of the scorched peaks, or arrange a trip to dunes where some outfitters offer sand surfing. Toward the southern end of the oasis, the Black Desert yields to a series of springs that provide enough water for small-scale agriculture projects, including an experimental cactus farm, and tiny frontier settlements.
Bawiti, Giza, Egypt -
3. Oasis Heritage Museum
Local artist Mahmoud Eid opened the museum to display his interesting and extensive works of art, which depict scenes of traditional oasis life. The large castlelike mud-brick structure is filled with clay sculptures, sand paintings, and traditional objects of rural life. Village scenes, including a barber performing a circumcision, are expressed in clay. Most of the works have been relocated from Mahmoud's old studio and museum in Bawiti, which can also be visited upon request. The museum is usually locked, so call for an appointment or check with Camel Camp next door.
Bawiti, Giza, Egypt012-710–7965Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free; donations welcome, Hours vary -
4. Temple of Ain al-Muftillah
Once thought to be four separate chapels, this temple was built during the 26th Dynasty by the governor of the oasis (his tomb was among those uncovered in the Valley of the Golden Mummies); it was expanded over the centuries. The sandstone complex has well-preserved colorful bas-reliefs and four sanctuaries dedicated to, among others, Horus and Bes. One panel depicts 12 of the panoply of Egyptian gods, a who's who of the ancient deities. The surrounding extensive mud-brick ruins are storerooms and living quarters. The high ground behind the temple provides a panoramic view of the oasis.
Bawiti, Giza, EgyptNo phoneSight Details
£E45, combination ticket for all local archaeological sites Rate Includes: Daily 8–5 -
5. Temple of Alexander the Great
Surrounding this desolate ruin made of sandstone are more ruins of mud-brick storerooms and living quarters. The sanctuary contains the eroded reliefs of Alexander the Great depicted in pharaonic garb. His face and cartouche have, unfortunately, been obliterated by the elements.
Bawiti, Giza, EgyptNo phoneSight Details
£E45, combination ticket for all local archaeological sites Rate Includes: Daily 8–5 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Tomb of Amenhotep Huy
If you've seen the tombs of Saqqara or Luxor, this one is likely to disappoint; the few reliefs are in very poor condition, and you will need a car (preferably a guide) to find the tomb. Still, if you have come all the way to the oasis, it is usually included on guided tours.
Bawiti, Giza, EgyptNo phoneSight Details
£E45, combination ticket for all local archaeological sites Rate Includes: Daily 8–5 -
7. Tombs of Zed Amun Ef Ankh and Bannentiu
These 26th-Dynasty tombs are proof that in ancient Egypt if you had enough wealth you could buy eternity. The wealthy merchant and his son, who appear to have made their fortunes in the wine trade, are interred in tombs with all the hallmarks of royal burials. The style is charming and informal, and the colors are vivid. The Tomb of Zed Amun Ef Ankh has the unique feature of painted papyrus columns, an element normally found only in temples. The grander tomb of his son, Bannentiu, elaborately depicts scenes from the Book of the Dead including the solar barque traveling to the underworld. The descent to the tombs is difficult because of the steep, narrow stairs.
Bawiti, Giza, EgyptNo phoneSight Details
£E45, combination ticket for all local archaeological sites Rate Includes: Sat.–Thurs. 8–5
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