ALL Fyom book.indd

Environmental Design Group, EDG
Environmental Consultants, Planners, Architects, Landscape Architects
Mustafa & Mohamed El-Khatib
www.edgegypt.com
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Consultants:
Mustafa El Khatib
Mohamed El Khatib
Dr. Mohamed Basiouny
Mohsen Rashad
Hani Zaki
Carman Kwan
Osama Yasin
Ahmed Abulela
Khalil Saleh
Mahmoud Nabet
Mohamed Hamam
Akram Husein
Mohamed Shepl
Architect and Head of EDG
Team leader, ecotourism planner and trainer
Ecologist, natural resources analysis
Local handicrafts and Socio economic analysis
Ecotourism Specialist
Editor
Map presentation
Architect and head of field work
Field researcher and Maps preparation
Field researcher and Maps preparation
Maps preparation
Maps preparation
Maps preparation
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Acknowledgment
The Fayoum Ecotourism Development plan 2005-2015 could not have been written without the
support of the Egyptian Italian Environmental Cooperation Programs- Wadi Rayan Protected
Area and Institutional support of SCA for Environmental Monitoring and Management, without
the collaboration of Marco Marchetti - Italian Coordinator of the Egyptian Italian Environmental
Cooperation Program-, of Carmela Grillone- CISS Project Manager, without the contribution
of CISS staff in Fayoum, and the support of Fayoum Tourism Authority – Governorate of
Fayoum.
The Ecotourism Plan was edited by EDG Consultants– Environmental Design Group- in
December 2006. Special thanks go to Mohamed El Khatib for his advice and expertise.
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1. INTRODUCTION
Fayoum is Egypt’s foremost rural vacation destination that offers visitors an authentic and memorable
experience. Fayoum uniquely combines spectacular lakes and scenery, history, culture and hospitality,
an array of attractions and living traditions that help shape us into an ecotourism destination like no
other.
The natural and cultural heritage resources of the Fayoum Governorate are world class. Fayoum’s
resources include rare fossil formations with international importance, extraordinary antiquities, unique
cultural heritage, important biodiversity especially along the lakes, and remarkable scenic beauty. This
region has the potential to attract a large tourist market and yet, the type of tourism that Fayoum currently
receives is not fulfilling this potential. The local population and governorate also have concerns of the
present minimal economic benefits of tourism. Appropriate access to these sites potentially offers a
significant departure from the conventional tourism development techniques currently being used by
existing tourism facilities now located along Fayoum. Traditional tourism and its diversification towards
ecotourism can become economically important to the Fayoum governorate.
Fayoum is one of the best destinations in Egypt for combining ecotourism with more popular forms of
tourism. Visitors could be overwhelmed by the splendors of some of the world's best fossils recently
designated in 2005 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Lake Qarun is also an Important Bird Area
(IBA), internationally renowned for its wintering waterfowl. At the same time, Birders would enjoy the
ancient pharaonic pyramids, tombs and temples nestled in the timeless scenery of this desert oasis.
Fayoum has experienced significant growth in the number of tourist visits in a short period of time after
the declaration of Wadi El Hitan (Whale Valley) as a World Heritage Site in 2005. This escalation of the
area’s popularity suggests that the urgency to study and implement the planning of destinations and
individual attractions in a comprehensive and sustainable manner is becoming a priority to ensure that
positive impacts from tourism are established for the people and natural resources of Fayoum.
The Ecotourism for Sustainable Development in the Fayoum Governorate Project has been initiated
to develop ecotourism in Fayoum based on the sustainable development of its natural, cultural and
human resources in order to contribute to the poverty alleviation of the Governorate. The Project aims to
preserve and increase the value of the environmental and cultural heritage of Fayoum while promoting
the area as an attractive destination for local and international visitors. The proposed Ecotourism
activities focus on sustainable tourism development in the Fayoum Governorate and will contribute to
the national efforts in promoting ecotourism and diversification of the existing tourism product of Egypt.
The main purpose of this document consists of following four areas:
1. To explore the constraints and opportunities related to ecotourism development within the territory of
Fayoum
2. To analyze priority fields of development
3. To plan appropriate implementation strategies
4. To provide a guidelines and regulatory framework for ecotourism development in Fayoum
The ecotourism plan is designed to provide the Fayoum Governorate with an overall assessment
of particular conditions relating to ecotourism development activity and to put forward major
strategies and action steps necessary to increase capacity in ecotourism development in Fayoum.
As a result, the Fayoum Governorate will have the necessary tools to plan and manage ecotourism,
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based on a broader understanding of the resources and existing constraints. This also implies that
appropriate forms of promotion and monitoring for the existing and planned ecotourism activities will be
developed, and that the overall management and conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of
Fayoum Governorate will be strengthened.
The project is implemented by the Italian NGO International Cooperation South-South CISS. The
Governmental counterpart of the project is the Fayoum Governorate, as represented by the Fayoum
Tourism Authority (FTA). The planning process is coordinated by the CISS and FTA Steering Committee,
and involves the efforts of more than 50 individuals representing stakeholders. These include the
Administration of Nature Conservation Sector, Regional Office of Tourism Development Authority,
municipal administrations, members of the Egyptian tourism federation, NGOs, entrepreneurs, Local
people, tourism businesses and investors.
The planning approach is based on the principals of participatory planning. Therefore, the project team
started the planning process with a workshop with the stakeholder representatives from local and national
levels. Extensive discussions were conducted with public sector and governorate leaders, including the
Governor and Secretary General of the Governorate. Key issues were identified, including the need
for an ecotourism plan infrastructure and service improvement, marketing support, and environmental
education for the local population. The participants agreed that more cooperative action by the public and
private sector is urgently needed. Also, the participants addressed recommendations for a sustainable
tourism strategy that could be incorporated into the ecotourism plan.
The Ecotourism Action Plan reflects the priorities and strategic goals for the development of Fayoum
as an ecotourism destination in general. The plan is a tool which local and regional authorities have the
opportunity to monitor and ensure implementation of the strategic priorities in the field of ecotourism. It
requires working in partnership with the interested parties such as: governmental organizations, NGOs,
businesses and local communities.
1.1 Value and Strategic Significance of Fayoum
Internationally Important Fossil Site
Fayoum contains globally important fossil deposits: one of Egypt’s most exciting and elusive treasures.
Mainly from the Eocene and Oligocene periods, they include shells, sharks, whales, marshland creatures
like sea-cows, giant turtles, crocodilians; trace fossils, and mammals, including primates. Most of these
fossils are found in the exposed strata of the hills and mountains within and surrounding Fayoum’s
depression. According to Elwyn L. Simons 1986, a leading authority in the field, Fayoum “provides us
with an unrivaled view of the evolution of Africa’s early Tertiary plants and animals.” Simons et al 1986.
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In July 2005 the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO nominated Wadi Al Hitan area as World Heritage
Site (natural) and recommended to extend in the future the heritage site to include Gabal Qatrani for its
rich mammalian fossils.
Internationally Important Bird Site
In 1999, Bird Life, an international federation for the conservation of bird species and their habitats,
recognized the international importance of the Lake Qarun and Wadi El Rayan for bird conservation by
including it on its list of Important Bird Areas IBA (Baha el Din, 1999). The latter are defined as places
of international significance for the conservation of birds at the global, regional or sub-regional level.
Lake Qarun is part of a Ramsar wetland sites and a Specially Protected Area, under the Barcelona
Convention, in Egypt and internationally renowned for its wintering waterfowl. More than 213 of resident
and migratory bird species have been identified in Fayoum.
One of the first settled communities in the world
The prehistoric people who lived in Fayoum were, at first, nomadic hunters and gatherers, but later began
harvesting plants near Lake Qarun. This developed into what is considered to be the earliest agricultural
area in the world dated to over 7000 years, where fences were erected and guarded warehouses built.
The basalt paved road in the northern part of Lake Qarun is renowned to be possibly the first paved road
in the world and dates back to over 4,500 years. Also, the world's first dam is speculated to have been
built here in order to control the Nile floods into the area.
In addition, the Greek mummy portraits found in Fayoum are globally well known as the world's first
true-life portraits. 146 Fayoum Portraits were found in the cemetery north of the pyramid of Hawara,
and examples can be seen at Kom Oshim museum and in the Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Cairo.
And finally, Fayoum is renowned for its special irrigation system served by numerous water wheels
introduced by the Ptolemy in the 3rd century.
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Accessibility
Fayoum benefits significantly from its nearby location to Cairo and its easy access along several well
paved highways for local and international tourists. Day trips for local expatriates and Egyptians are
a mere 45-60 minute travel time while the large numbers of international tourists arriving from Cairo’s
international airport can travel conveniently en route from the Giza pyramids plateau. Cairo international
airport which receive regularly scheduled commercial flights transport tourists from all over the world is
located approximately 90 kilometers north of Fayoum and this distance can be easily taken within one
hour.
An additional air route that is under consideration is the Kom Oshim military air base. There is intent
from the government of Egypt to allow public airlines to use this military air base when the numbers of
tourist reach the critical mass of economic operation. Kom Oshim military air base can easily receive
direct international flights with minimal costs (30 million Egyptian pounds) for improvements to the
runway and passenger reception buildings. This decision will enhance the accessibility of Fayoum as a
future active destination.
Diversity of resources
The diversity of Fayoum’s ecosystems provides huge potential for combining different types of tourism
products in the same area. A unique blend of climate and geology create a fascinating landscape in this
desert region where the sandy desert, lush green oasis and lakes of Fayoum meet. In fact, the lush and
varied life of Fayoum’s ecosystems far surpasses that of all other areas in Egypt.
The variety of ecosystems offers a good opportunity to diversify the tourism product of Fayoum to
include different types of unconventional tourism packages such as ecotourism, rural tourism, scientific
tourism, desert safari with more popular forms of tourism. Bird watchers, amateur archeologists and
paleontologolists, enthusiasts, adventurers could all find an aspect of Fayoum to enjoy and discover.
From pharaonic pyramids, tombs and temples to waterfowl in sensitive ecosystems and fossils unique
to Egypt, visitors will have many options of activities and discovery in Fayoum.
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In 1989, the government of Egypt declared Lake Quarun and Wadi El Rayan as protected areas to
conserve the unique resources of Fayoum. Now, the two protectorate areas offer a good opportunity to
support ecotourism development in Fayoum.
The Gateway of the North Africa desert Oases
Fayoum is a representative example of the Oases of the great North African Sahara desert in its form,
origin, geologic formation, culture and ecosystem. The strategic location of Fayoum as a separate Oasis
on the western boundaries of the Nile Valley give it the opportunity to be the gateway to the region of
the north Africa desert Oases extending from Egypt to Morocco. All trans-desert safaris for North Africa
Sahara can end or start in Fayoum. Fayoum can be part of one package regional trans-desert safari
exploring the Egyptian Oases (Baharia, Farafra, and Siwa), Libyan Oases (Gaghbob, Kofra) Tunisian
Oases (Metmata, Tataween, Doz, NAFTA) Algerian Oases (Wadi Mozab) and the Moroccan Oases
(Aghaylas, Fosht, Beir Anzran, Oyoun).
1.2 Previous Plans and Policies
One of the major objectives of the project is to assess, update and modify the previous tourism
development plans and policies created in the last decade. The team has reviewed the previous plans,
technical appendices as well as the work prepared for tourism development in the Fayoum Governorate
including the following studies:
• "Indicative tourism development plan for Lake Quarun and Wadi El Rayan" prepared by TDA, 1991
• "Horizon of the Development in the Fayoum Governorate" prepared by Cairo university, Fayoum
branch and Fayoum Governorate, 1998.
• "Ecotourism for sustainable development in the Fayoum Oasis" prepared by TDA and NSCE, 2000.
• "Preparatory phase for ecotourism in Fayoum", prepared by NSCE, 2004.
• Conservation management plan of Wadi El Rayan protected area, prepared by nature conservation
sector, EEAA, funded by the Italian Cooperation, 2001
• “The preparatory phase for ecotourism in Fayoum”. Prepared by Fayoum Governorate in
cooperation with North South Consultants Exchange NSCE, funded by the Royal Dutch Embassy
in Cairo, 2004.
• “Tourism Development Plan For the northern Coast of Lake Quarun”, prepared by TDA, 2004
Careful analysis has shown that very few of the above mentioned plans and its suggested approaches
have been implemented. Issues of the regional economic crisis, conflicts between relevant authorities,
lack of financial resources, environmental deterioration, language barriers, and availability of documents,
local awareness and lack of specificity can be seen as some of the reasons for the difficulty and inability
of implementation.
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In 1991 the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) prepared the tourism development indicative plan for
Lake Quorun and Wadi El Rayan areas to utilize the unlimited tourist potential of the region, and create
new tourism activities based on environmentally sound regulations to protect the environment of the two
protectorates. The indicative tourism plan provided a comprehensive list of guidelines and regulations to
control tourism development in Fayoum.
In 1995 a new accord was signed between the TDA and the Fayoum governorate under the request of
the governorate to change number of regulation items of the indicative plan to help the governorate to
attract more investors. These changes included:
• Reduction of the buffer zone and the setback line of the southern shore of Lake Quorun on the bird
habitat zones to 30 meters instead of 250 meters
• Permission for limited number of motor boats in lake Quorun (10 boats) in a certain period out of the
season of bird migration
These modifications caused a conflict with the protection status of Lake Quarun. The tourism activities
in the southern shore of the Lake caused a lot of damage to the bird habitats especially in the eastern
part of the lake which include the critical habitats for water birds. Unfortunately, no more investors came
to invest in Fayoum after these modifications in tourism regulations. Instead, a lot of damage to bird
habitats was the result.
In 2000, the Egyptian Tourism Development Authority and the Royal Netherlands Embassy commissioned
a study on the potential benefits of ecotourism in creating jobs and arresting environmental degradation
in Fayoum. The study showed that the potential for community, nature and culture based ecotourism in
Fayoum, with its lakes and bird sanctuaries, pristine desert areas that include fossil remains of world
importance, varied cultural heritage sites and rural quietude, is very high. Yet, the type of tourism that
Fayoum currently receives is not fulfilling this potential and the economic benefits of tourism are minimal
for the local population and the governorate.
In 2001, the Nature Conservation Sector of EEAA prepared the management plan of Wadi El Rayan
Protected Area (WRPA). The project supporting WRPA was funded by the Italian Cooperation with
technical assistance provided through the IUCN (The World Conservation Union). The management plan
defined the key resources and habitats of the Wadi El Rayan Protected area and the relative sensitivity
of its resources. Accordingly, the management plan defined the management of sub-zones according
to the IUCN categories and identified the acceptable uses and activities within these management subzones.
In 2004, the Fayoum Governorate in cooperation with North South Consultants Exchange (NSCE) carried
out a preparatory phase for ecotourism in Fayoum. The project was funded by the Royal Dutch Embassy
in Cairo and implemented by NSCE. The project aimed to test a number of ecotourism activities and
promote a number of micro enterprises for local people in addition to implementing training courses for
the local target groups.
The project successfully managed the following activities:
• Developed 4 different ecotourism itineraries that were handed over to the private sector
• Put the village of Nazla on the list of tourism attractions of the Governorate
• Developed services and itineraries to conduct 1 – 4 hour camel exploration tours through rural
Fayoum
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• Developed 2 nature-based tourism products inside Wadi Rayan Protected Area
• Developed a network of trained bird watching guides
• Developed a network of trained ecotourism guides
• Documented geo-paleontological heritage, mapped out and pilot tested tourism itineraries in Gebel
Qatrani/Wadi Hitan
• Mobilized and secured additional resources for ecotourism development in Fayoum
• Created awareness on what Ecotourism is and initiated improved planning and management of
potential tourism resources.
The project also addressed the challenges facing ecotourism development in Fayoum, but the project
didn’t give an answer for how to resolve these challenges and problems in a comprehensive approach.
The scope of the project was only to test the potentials of ecotourism activities in Fayoum and apply a
number of different activities with local people. The planning approach for ecotourism was completely
absent from the project components.
Map 1 the Tourism Development Centers in the northern coast of Lake Quarun, by TDA, 2004
In 2004, the Tourism Development Authority prepared a Tourism Development Plan for the northern
coast of Lake Quarun in order to realize the development potential of this area. The plan aimed to create
new growth centers and new investment Opportunities. The primary types of tourism development
encouraged for the plan were lake front resorts and “tourist villages.” The development plan of the
northern coast of Lake Quarun defined three Tourism Development Centers TDC, the first in the west,
the second in the middle and the third in the east. The total carrying capacity of these centers is 2850
hotel rooms, and 4200 tourist housing units (villas, chalets, and apartments as secondary housing units).
The target total investment will reach 4 billion pounds. The main target was poverty alleviation and job
creation for the local people. The total number of job opportunities targeted by the development plan is
40000 direct and indirect employees.
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One of the major concerns of the proposed development pattern is the target market. The target market
depends on mass tourism which its needs and interests do not match with the tourism product of
Fayoum. The product image of Fayoum is based on fossils, bird watching, lake activities, desert safari
and rural life. All of these resources may be of partial interest to the mass tourism market but not enough
to establish a new destination for the clientele.
The proposed mass development may result in significant environmental costs. The mass growth of
tourism development and natural resource utilization in the northern part of Lake Quarun will have a
variety of negative environmental impacts. For example, the tourism development pattern will alter the
shoreline, damage several fossil deposits of Gebel Qatrani in different locations, and reduce the land
habitats of many bird species. The environmental deterioration caused by this mass tourism development
demonstrates a pattern of unsustainable resource use that adversely affects both environmental quality,
and economic investment.
It is important and compelling to end on the note the international commitment and recognition of Fayoum
area’s environmental heritage significance. From 2005, the Nature Conservation Sector and the Italian
Cooperation in coordination with the National Commission of UNESCO prepared the nomination file
of Wadi El Hitan to be submitted to the International Heritage Center of UNESCO to nominate Wadi El
Hitan as a World Heritage Site (WHS.) In Durban, South Africa 2005, UNESCO declared Wadi El Hitan
as WHS and also proposed Gebel Qatrani as a potential site for WHS. This designation of Wadi El
Hitan and recognition of Gebel Qatrani by UNESCO is an opportunity for responsible and sustainable
ecological renewal of Fayoum.
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2. THE MARKET PROFILE
2.1 Current Demand
The existing tourism demand in Fayoum tends to be seasonal, with a peak period during the cooler
months between September and April. The demand essentially depends on short-staying and one-day
trips because of its close proximity to Cairo with less than 10% spending the night in the area. The
majority of visitors are domestics with foreign visitors forming a small fraction of the visitations. The vast
majority of visitors come mainly on weekends and public holidays. For example, over 25,000 entered
the Wadi El Rayan protected area during the one-day holiday of Sham el Neseem in 2000. Most visitors
come in small family parties or in groups of friends, but larger groups from schools, companies and other
organizations also visit the area. (Mindy Baha el Din 2001)
Visitors to the protected areas of Fayoum defined as Egyptian and foreigner visitors, in general, have
completely different interests. Egyptian visitors tend to engage in “beach” tourism and congregate in
the waterfall area, where they patronize the cafeterias, have picnics, engage in sports, fish, swim and
take boat rides. Foreigners, on the other hand, along with a small but growing number of upwardly
mobile Egyptian professionals, avoid the crowds and visit the more remote sections of the protected
areas. These individuals are more outdoors oriented - camping, hiking, watching birds, viewing fossils
and photographing nature. The table (1) representing the number of visitors to Fayoum in the last ten
years.
According to the statistics of the Fayoum Tourism Authority 2005, the German tourists come in the
first rate representing 13% of the foreign tourists in Fayoum, followed by the Italians and French with
the same rate 11%. The Americans represent 7% of the foreign tourists in Fayoum. These data are
presented in Table (2) below.
Table (1) visitors to Fayoum 1996-2005
Year
Foreigners
Arabs
Egyptians
Hotel guests
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
14974
17846
7091
14974
18261
16255
16473
13405
15364
18288
658
399
751
658
384
585
622
743
768
879
37448
65843
35132
37448
34195
37295
35696
47380
47315
56026
24741
29092
19488
24741
23656
28182
26279
27571
32281
32964
Source: Fayoum Tourism Authority FTA 2005
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Table (2) Foreign Visitors to Fayoum 1997-2005
Years
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
German
4777
1053
2304
3085
3264
2254
1228
2076
2345
French
1111
640
1631
1679
1475
2359
1888
1641
1923
USA
959
574
1000
1170
1193
852
599
1020
1387
British
527
367
492
425
720
581
588
614
800
Italian
1157
668
1774
1654
1189
1421
1098
1638
1951
Israel
1290
448
632
348
235
264
238
244
374
Others
8025
3341
7141
9900
8179
8742
7766
8121
9508
total
17846
7091
14974
18261
16255
16473
13405
15364
18288
Source: Fayoum Tourism Authority FTA 2005
2.2 Season of Use
It is critically important to accurately define the seasons of operation in Fayoum. The seasons of use
are normally defined as a high, low, and shoulder season. The high season consists of the months that
are most attractive to visitors. The low season is the least attractive time for visitation. And the shoulder
seasons are defined as brief time periods in which a specific tourist market may be attracted to the
region. The duration of the seasons has a direct effect upon the investor’s ability to realize a positive
return on their investment. Obviously, maximizing seasonal use of ecotourism facilities should contribute
to increasing the return on investment.
To improve the tourism industry, the shoulder and summer seasons need to be developed and enhanced.
Under these two seasons a number of development opportunities exist and have the potential of
increasing overall visitation, length of stay and tourism revenues.
Three elements define the seasonal attractiveness of Fayoum destination including:
1. Climate assessment by:
• Temperature
• Precipitation
• Hours of daylight
• Climatic hazards - e.g. flash floods, sand storms, etc.
2. Environmental attractions by type and abundance of the following:
• Wildlife migration events by species - land, bird, marine
• Botanical changes, e.g. Foliage, blossoms, crops, etc.
3. National/religious holidays, cultural/art events and traditional festivals
2.2.1 High Season
The high season in the Fayoum Governorate would extend from approximately November to the first
week of April. The most popular month for tourism in the region has historically been November because
of the favorable weather conditions and the greatest abundance of wildlife.
The high season for water based recreational activities could conceivably extend all year. Currently, the
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high season for water based activities throughout Wadi El Rayan and Quarun lakes is approximately
October through March. However, as the water based activities and facilities at the lakes become
operational and integrated with other ecotourism activities in Fayoum, the water based recreation
season will most probably lengthen in duration.
2.2.2 Low Season
As a result of the extreme heat and hyper-aridity during the late spring and throughout the summer
months, mid-May through mid-September, it would be extremely hot to conduct tours through dessert
areas generally.
The ambient temperature in the desert areas of the Fayoum depression average 40 to 50°C during
late June through August. The high temperature in summer makes it difficult for visitors to successfully
acclimate to these harsh conditions. The supply of water and medicines is another significant concern.
2.2.3 Shoulder Season
The very brief shoulder seasons would be springtime, defined as approximately mid- April through
mid-May, and early autumn, defined as late-September through October. These time periods may
be particularly attractive to landscape and nature photographers who wish to take advantage of the
extraordinarily pure light, tolerable temperatures and the absence of other people in the area.
2.3 Current Supply
The current tourism development in the Fayoum region is concentrated in the southern shore of Lake
Qarun and Fayoum City. At the present time, no tourism facilities exist at the northern shore of the
Lake or in Wadi El Rayan except the desert safari camp on the lower Lake of Wadi El Rayan. In the
last decade, the tourism pattern was depending on the market of secondary housing units for domestic
tourists especially from Cairo. This market has three primary areas. The first area stretches along
the eastern shore of Lake Qarun, the second area is located in the middle of the lake shore around
Shakshok village including Oberg hotel, military forces hotel, Panorama and new Panorama village,
and the third one in the western part of Lake Qarun including Tunis, Al Roboaa, and the village of Misr
company for construction.
There is a lack of objective data on customer satisfaction in terms of value for money, service quality,
safety and security, environmental conditions, health and sanitation, tour guide services, land and water
transportation, operation of cultural heritage sites and monuments, and similar concerns. International
best practices are not evident.
Fayoum has a limited number of accommodation facilities; (370 hotel rooms) many operate with relatively
low occupancy rates, or operating below their capacity especially during the shoulder and summer
seasons. This indicates that there is still capacity within the existing accommodations base to absorb
incremental demand, rather than building new hotels at least in the shoulder and summer seasons.
Table (3) representing the existing hotel rooms capacity in the Fayoum in 2005.
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Despite current vacancies in summer and shoulder seasons, the quality and quantity of existing
tourism facilities and accommodations are still inadequate to support the target tourism development in
Fayoum.
Table (3) the existing Hotel rooms in the Fayoum 2005
Hotel Name
Auberge Du Lac
Military Force Hotel
New Panorama
El Waha village
Selien Chalets
Duck Island
Honey Day
Queen Hotel
Montaza Hotel
Palace Hotel
Teacher’s hotel
Zad El Mosafer
Category
5 stars
5 stars
4 Stars
2 Stars
2 Stars
2 stars
2 stars
-
Total
Source: Fayoum Tourism Authority FTA 2005
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Location
S. Lake Qarun
S. Lake Qarun
S. Lake Qarun
S. Lake Qarun
Ain Selien
S. Lake Qarun
Fayoum City
Fayoum City
Fayoum City
Fayoum City
Fayoum City
S. Lake Qarun
No. of rooms
81
57
57
18
24
20
25
16
20
25
20
7
370
The existing land ownership and authority of the shorelines of Lake Quarun and Wadi El Rayan Lakes
in the Fayoum governorate are shared among several government jurisdictions and governed by
different laws, Ministerial and Prime Ministerial decrees including1 :
• Presidential decree no. 445 for the year 1992 for delimitation of the area 3 km wide of the coastal
lands around the shoreline of Lake Qarun for Tourism Development Authority TDA. This area is
primarily dedicated to the development of tourism projects under the auspices of the TDA.
• Prime ministerial decree no. 943 for the year 1989 according to law No. 102/1983 of the protected
areas in Egypt for declaration of Lake Quarun and Wadi El Rayan as multiple use protected areas
managed by Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency EEAA
• The decree of the Minister of Agriculture no. 1054, for the year 1986 for the allocation of 1000 feddan
in Wadi Rayan for land reclamation projects managed by Agriculture Development Authority ADA.
• Supreme Council of Antiquities SCA.
• The Fayoum governorate - Authority of state ownership
Previous experience proves that when an authority arbitrarily changes rules without consultation,
conflict results2 .
Map 2 Land Jurisdictions in the Fayoum
1 See the map named land jurisdictions
2 See the map entitled Land Jurisdictions in the Fayoum
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3. ENVIRONMENTAL AND CULTURAL SETTING
Essentially, the “products” that ecotourism offers are the unique collections of natural and cultural
resources offered by a particular area. Therefore, environmental information plays two vital roles in
ecotourism planning. First, an environmental inventory of natural attractions is essential for determining
an area’s potential for becoming a viable ecotourism destination. Second, environmental information
concerning the sensitivity or vulnerability of different areas to human activity identifies critical environmental
management issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve sustainability.
The extensive field work and literatures review identified, mapped, and researched Tens of unique
features. These features include:
1. more than ( 55 ) ancient heritage, sites
2. more than ( 10 ) cultural sites,
3. Tens of fossils, and geological feature sites,
4. Tens of critical wildlife habitats and rich diversity of wildlife species including :
i. More than (213) bird species.
ii. more than ( 36 ) native plant species, and ( 108 ) agriculture plants
iii. more than ( 38 ) land mammal species
iv. more than ( 37 ) fish and shrimp species
3.1 Natural heritage resources
3.1.1 Paleontology
“Wadi Al-Hitan is the most important site in the world to demonstrate one of the iconic
changes that make up the record of life on Earth: the evolution of the whales. It portrays
vividly their form and mode of life during their transition from land animals to a marine
existence. It exceeds the values of other comparable sites in terms of the number,
concentration and quality of its fossils, and their accessibility and setting in an attractive
and protected landscape. It accords with key principles of the IUCN study on fossil World
Heritage Sites, and represents significant values that are currently absent from the World
Heritage List.”
The World Heritage Committee
Fayoum contains some of Egypt’s best fossil deposits laid down 30-40 million years ago, and marine
sedimentary cretaceous period 70 million years ago in the ancient Libyan River. This includes some of
international importance, which modern scholars have called "the best known Paleocene site in Africa".
The Eocene Birket Qarun formation yields a diversity of reptile and mammal fossils, and in the rocks of
the Pliocene are fossils of land animals, crocodiles and tortoises and petrified wood.
3 See annex (2) Ecotourism Resources inventory of the Fayoum
22
Fifteen types of animal trail fossils (ichnofossils)
has been identified and classified consist of
communal nesting social insects like termites
and ants, burrowing invertebrates, worms and
excavators. Gebel Qatrani contains the "most
important assemblage as yet described from
fluvial rocks of the world". Also, further evidence
that the area was a coastal plain at one time
is found along the base of the Gebel Qatrani
Formation at Madwar al-Bighal, consisting of
Mangrove rhizoliths.
Mangrove Fossil
The petrified wood is scattered in different areas in Fayoum. In particular, the north area of Lake
Qarun has very diverse and beautiful samples. This is certainly one of our clues that the region was at
one time a tropical climate.
Thirteen different bird fossil families have been identified in Fayoum, of which only two are extinct.
These birds include ospreys (Pandionidae) and the gigantic shoebilled stork (Balaenicipitidae). Other
bird fossils discovered include the jacanas, herons, egrets, rails (Rallidae), cranes (Gruidae), flamingos
(Phoenicopteridae), storks (Cinconiidae), cormorants (Phalacrocoracidae), and an ancient eagle named
Accipitridae.
There are at least twenty orders of mammal fossils in Fayoum. Some of these animals were natives of
Africa, while others migrated from Eurasia. While a large Hyrax (megalohyrax oecaenus) was probably the
most common mammal of the Fayoum, some of the most interesting animals included the Arsinoiherium,
various Elephants and mastodons, as well as the Zeuglodon, Fayoum's famous whale. Turtle fossils are
the most common reptiles found in Fayoum, including Testudo ammon. Other interesting reptiles are the
gigantic snake fossils, including Gigantophis, measuring some 9 meters (29 feet), found in the Qasr alSagha Formation with the sea snake Pterosphernus. Also, the Tomistoma, and crocodile type animal.
23
The remains of nine species of primate, including the
Dawn Ape discovered in 1965, have been found in the
Oligocene Gebel Qatrani formation and existed between
28 and 35 million years ago. These are the most
investigated fossils in the region. Fayoum’s primates
include Aegyptopithecus zeuxis and four species of
Propliopithecus, consisting of P. chirobates, P. ankeli, P.
haeckeli and P. markgrafi.
Fayoum’s fossils provide key insights into many aspects of mammalian evolution in the Old World. The
impressive list of Fayoum fossil vertebrates includes:
1. Anthracotheres - a group of artiodactyl (even-toed ungulates), hippopotamus-like ungulates,
2. Arsinِ itheres (Order Embrithopoda-extinct) - large, rhinoceros-like ungulates which have no
descendants,
3. Creodonts (Order Creodonta) - archaic, hyaena-like hunters and scavengers who constituted the
main predators during the early Tertiary, but which later were replaced by modern carnivores,
4. Giant hyracoid (Order Hyracoidean) - primitive ungulates, some attaining the size of boars
whose earliest representatives dated from the Fayoum Oligocene,
5. Proboscideans (Order Proboscidea) - including ancestral forms that shed light on the evolution
of the mastodons and the modern elephants;
6. Barytheres (Order Barytheria) - unusual elephant-like forms that left no descendants (their exact
taxonomic position is unknown but they are generally placed closest to the proboscideans);
7. Basilosaurs - ancestral whales with external limbs that link older land-dwelling ungulates to
modern cretaceans;
8. Sirenians (sea cows) (Order Sirenia), rodents (Rodentia), bats (Chiroptera), jumping shrews
(Macroscelidea),
9. Insectivores including the new order Ptolemaiida,
10. Marsupials (Diprotodonta), the first known from Africa,
11. Primates including the genera Apidium, Oligopithecus, Parapithecus, Propliopithecus, and
Aegyptopithecus
3.1.2 Geology
The present depression of Fayoum was formed at least 1.8 million years ago, probably by wind erosion
in the desert. The basin then subsided relative to the Nile, allowing the river to break through in flood
and deposit fertile alluvial sediments.
24
Fayoum’s depression is a closed triangular basin bounded by three faults. These faults are supposedly
found on both sides of the depression (East and West) and along Lake Qarun. The land between these
faults, dropped to form the depression.
The geologic map of the depression reveals the following features:
• The oldest rocks in the depression are the Eocene limestone found in the north and the south where
they are covered by blown sand.
• Oligocene deposits overlie Upper Eocene rocks at Qasr Al- Sagha.
• Pliocene deposits appear in several places on the western side of the Nile valley divided between the
Nile and the depression.
• Pleistocene formations are distributed in a band around the whole depression.
• Basalt formations appear in a broad sector extending from East to West along the Northern edge of
the depression. These formations are related to volcanic activities, which accrued in Egypt between the
Eocene and Oligocene Epochs.
The surface soils of Fayoum are heavy to light clays derived from Nile flood alluvium, with patches of
sandier soils towards the edges of the depression. Differences in soil type relate to topographic position
relative to the central alluvial fan deposited by Nile floods. Soil are generally well-drained slightly saline
calcareous clays on the upper slopes of the fan, and poorly-drained saline to highly saline clays on the
lower slopes and adjacent to the Lake Quarun.
Map 3 Geological Map of the Fayoum
25
3.1.3 Landforms
Fayoum is best characterized as a land of extreme contrasts. Most notably, this is one of the world's
most arid regions, but within it you can find three large lakes and green agricultural land covers large
portions of the region. High mountain peaks offer stark contrasts to the expansive coastal plains at the
edge of the lakes. The abundance of water coming from the Nile via Bahr Yousef contrasts sharply with
the hyper-aridity of the surrounding desert and its scarcity of biological species. The topography is a
maze of cliffs, depressions, escarpments, plains, dunes, lakes and oases. The animal species that do
inhabit Fayoum desert are exceedingly rare and therefore offer considerable attraction to tourists. The
biology of the area is further augmented by a remarkable diversity of botanical species that surprise
visitors with their bright colors and adaptability to arid conditions. Contrasts such as these have the
potential for providing genuinely unique ecotourism experiences.
Fayoum’s depression is similar in many respects to the other depressions of the northern portion of the
western desert. All are largely below the sea level, and they slope generally northward .The depressions
are bounded by scarps and plateaus in most parts and thus are basins of internal drainage. But the
Fayoum depression has a dual personality; it has the characteristics of a desert depression with no
outlet to the sea, and it shares as well in the characteristics of the Nile valley and Delta. It is joined to the
Nile via Bahr Youssef, which enters the depression from the east through the natural gap of Al-Lahun.
There are numerous isolated hills, such as the roundish Gabal el Medawara facing the lakes, and Garet
Gehannam, a good landmark on the way to Wadi el Hitan. There are many earth pillars and strangeshaped hillocks sculpted by the weathering action of blown sand and rain at Fayoum, such as Akhwat el
Talata (Three Sisters Hill), while curious huge globular masses are met with in many places, especially
Wadi el Battikh (Valley of Water Melons). These masses are weathered concretions that were worn by
the water of the prehistoric Lake Morris (ancestor of Lake Quarun) when its level was falling. A large belt
of longitudinal seif dunes occupies the floor of many parts of Fayoum. All of these natural and sculptured
landscapes are unique features for nature photographers and provide scenic value for the ecotourism
experience that can be offered to eco-tourists.
Among major physiographic features of Fayoum’s depression are the following three sub-basins:
• Fayoum’s depression covers an area of about 12,000 sq. km, the surface of the depression slopes
generally toward the north –west where Lake Quarun is located. Lake Quarun occupies its northwestern
section; the lake is 45m below the sea level. The rest of the depression slopes toward the lake from
an elevation of 33 m above the sea level.
26
• Wadi El- Rayan depression is an uninhabited desert depression that covers an area of about 706
sq. km. The depression lies southwest of Fayoum, and is separated from it by a limestone ridge.
A tunnel completed in 1973 transfers drainage water from Fayoum to the lower parts of Wadi ElRayan, forming the two lakes of Wadi El-Rayan, covering an area of about 200 square km. The
surface of the depression slopes generally toward the southwest where the upper and lower lakes
are located. The Lakes occupies the middle section of the depression and the upper lake is 5m below
the sea level while the lower lake is still filling.
• Wadi Muwellih depression covers an area of about 9.5 sq km. The depression lies south of Wadi El
Rayan and is separated from it by a dune field comprising of sand dunes up to 30 m high.
3.1.4 Climate
The climate of the Fayoum depression is fairly typical of hyper-arid desert climates: scanty winter rainfall,
hot and dry with bright sunshine throughout the year, extremely high summer maximum temperatures
and moderately low winter minimum temperatures.
According to climate norms from the meteorological stations in Fayoum, the average annual rainfall is
10.1 mm but this statistic masks great variability from year to year. In some years no rain falls, while
as much as 44mm has been recorded in one day. Temperatures in the rainless summer average 28
C but can reach nearly 48.8 C. A degree or more of frost is possible in winter nights. High rates of
evapotranspiration throughout the year make Fayoum one of the most arid places on the earth. The
prevailing winds are north-west, north or north-east, resulting in the formation of extensive sand dunes.
3.1.5 Flora
Fayoum is located in an extremely arid region and is characterized by plant life adapted to extreme
conditions. At least 36 native plant species and 108 agriculture plants have been recorded in the Fayoum
governorate. Fayoum contains several types of vegetative communities including:
Desert shrub community:
Occur on minor variations due to soil and moisture
conditions, throughout the area. Its plants share a number
of adaptations that enable them to survive in this hostile
environment. This community distributed as sparse desert
flora in small patches in the low lands of the interdune
and desert plain areas. The desert shrub and sub-shrub
plants includes: halfa, nitraria retusa, Tamarix nilotica,
Zygophyllum album, Phoenix dactylifera, alhagi maurorum,
and Desmostachya bipinnata.
27
Salt marsh community:
Along the adjacent lands to the shoreline of the lakes of
Qarun and Wadi El-Rayan and around the salt marshes
of Oyoun El Rayan springs, the wet Sabkha communities
of salt tolerant plants (halophytes) prevail. A characteristic
element of this community is the Tamarix species. The
Salt marsh plants includes: Phragmittes Australis, Typha
domingesis, Juncus sp. and Imperata cylindrica.
Agriculture plants: The agriculture land of the Fayoum Governorate covers an area of about 330000
acres. The agricultural production based on fruit trees represents 8.6% of the cultivated fruit land of
Egypt. The fruit trees in the study area include figs, olive, palm trees as well as the other traditional crops
such as vegetables, cotton, and wheat which are produced mostly for local consumption.
3.1.6 Fauna
A list of 38 land mammals was identified. (Basyouni
1992) Several are now very rare or extinct, including the
slender horned gazelle, Gazelles leptoceros leptoceros.
The Fayoum population of this sub-species may represent
the only survivors in the world and is now probably locally
extinct (IUCN, 2000). Other key wildlife species include
Gazelles dorcas (listed as an endangered species),
ubiquitous Sand fox, Vulpes rueppelli, and Fennec fox,
Vulpes zerda. The main factors of declining mammal's
populations are loss of habitat, hunting and the widespread
use of rodent poison.
28
Table (4) Threatened Mammalian Species in the Fayoum
Common name
Scientific name
IUCN status
National
Global
Habitat
Giant Musk Shrew
Crocidura flavescens
VU
Cultivated lands
Flower's shrew
Crocidura floweri
EN
Cultivated lands
Fennec Fox
Vulpes zerda
EN
Sand areas
Hyena
Hyaena hyaena
EN
Desert margins
Jungle Cat
Felis chaus
VU
Swampy and farmlands
Wild Cat
Felis silvestris
VU
Wadi and rocky areas
Dorcas Gazelle
Gazelles dorcas
EN
Wadi and rocky areas
Slender-Horned Gazelle
Gazelles leptoceros
CR
EN
Wadi and rocky areas
During the spring and autumn, a remarkable diversity of birds migrates along Fayoum’s lakes. This
migratory corridor represents a critically important primary route for birds traveling between the northern
and southern hemispheres. Large numbers of birds travel between Europe and Africa. International
recognition of the importance of this flyway has been established by Bird Life International, which has
defined 34 “Important Bird Areas” in Egypt. Fayoum wetlands, specially Lake Qarun has been described
as a wintering area of international importance for breeding, passing and over wintering migrating water
birds. Nearly 214 bird species have been recorded in the Fayoum area, three quarter of these are
migratory. Bird populations have been declining since the beginning of this century. The main reasons
are illegal falconry and hunting. In 1989, a prime ministerial decree made the areas of Lake Qarun and
Wadi El-Rayan as nature protectorates.
All the common aquatic species found in the Nile occur also in Fayoum’s waters, although Lake Quarun
has an impoverished freshwater fauna because of its high salinity.
29
Map 4 Wildlife habitats and bird watching spots in the Fayoum
3.2 History and Archeology
Fayoum has an extremely interesting history linked with its function as a “miniature Nile Valley”, a garden
in Egypt with an important agricultural function. Fayoum has seen human habitation since Neolithic
times, and a large number of significant antiquities exist in this important Oasis. In Neolithic times (c.
5500 to 4000 B.C.) two distinct groups existed around the lake shore: Early Neolithic Fayumian and Late
Neolithic Moerian. During these periods the first known agricultural communities flourished in Fayoum.
The history of Fayoum is closely connected to that of the earliest stages o f what now is Lake Quarun. In
the Pleistocene the lake was much larger than at present. Large basketry grain silos have been found to
the north of Lake Qarun, dating to a period in which the pharaohs did not even exist.
30
During the Old Kingdom (c. 2686-2181 B.C.) Fayoum
was known as Ta-she or She-resy (the Southern Lake)
and was dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek. The first
real pyramid of Egypt was built at the border of Fayoum
in Medium and several Middle Kingdom kings built their
pyramids in the shadow of this great example. The Middle
Kingdom saw an enormous bloom of life in Fayoum. Efforts
to control the swampy area resulted in some magnificent
buildings and statuary. Today there are only traces of the
pedestals of two giant statues that once stood in Biahmu.
During the 12th Dynasty's King AmenemhetI's rule, the area's importance was elevated because of his
ingenious scheme to regulate the Nile floods using Fayoum as a regulator reservoir. At that time there
was a natural canal between the Nile and the lake of Qarun, Muslims believe that it was the biblical
Joseph who widened the canal (Joseph's Canal or Bahr Youssef), and built the world's first dam at
El Lahun to regulate the flow of water. During the Pharaoh time, Fayoum became Egypt's most fertile
agricultural area and Amenemhet III loved the region to such an extent that he abandoned his pyramid
at Dashur to build his colossi at Biahmu, Narmuthis, a temple dedicated to Sobek, and at Hawara, his
new pyramid and the famous and then very popular Labyrinth 4.
During Greek times (332-30 b.c) Fayoum was known as "the Marsh," before it was named the Arsinoite
nome by Ptolemy Philadclphus in honor of his second wife (and sister). It was divided into a number of
merides (districts), including Heracleides in the north. Themistos in the west, and Polemon in the south.
New settlements grew throughout Fayoum including Karanis, Bacchias. Philadelphia and Dionysius.
Under Greek rule there were 114 villages in Fayoum (only sixty existed in 1809). There was rivalry
between villages and sometimes open hostility. They stole crops, good soil, and water rights from each
other, just like Greek city states, medieval European towns, and modern nations everywhere. By the
time of Ptolemy Euergetes II, Fayoum was in decline. The land was being reclaimed by the desert as
canals clogged and the population diminished. The Greeks, under Ptolemy II, populated Fayoum with
Greek veterans, Macedonians and other foreigners who began systematically improving the irrigation
methods. They used Greek inventions such as the Archimedes’s screw and the sakiya to irrigate the
farmlands.
4 See the map entitled Ancient Pharaoh and Greek-Roman sites in the Fayoum
31
During the Roman Period (30 b.c.-a.d. 323), Egypt had to produce one third of the grain needed by Rome
each year and Fayoum, with nearly ten percent of the cultivable total, earned the epithet "breadbasket of
the Roman empire." Eventually Rome exacted too much from the farmers of Fayoum. Always rebellious,
its population declined and the people, unpaid and overtaxed, were forced into serfdom. In 165, a plague
descended on Egypt and the major villages in Fayoum suffered considerably. By the third and fourth
centuries, communities like Philadelphia and Bacchias stood abandoned. By the middle of the third
century (323-642) there was a large Christian community in Fayourn. Thirty-five monasteries existed
during the middle Ages, many secluded in the surrounding deserts.
The “Fayoum Portraits” are the first known art of Portraits discovered in Fayoum. These globally renowned
paintings are life-like and once bandaged in place over the faces of mummies, dating usually between
the 1st and 3rd centuries A.D. Most of these portraits have now been detached from their mummies.
Yet, they provide a wealth of information about the clothing, adornment and physical characteristics of
Egypt's wealthier inhabitants.
Many ancient mosques and water constructions (i.e. bridges) were built in Fayoum during the Islamic
era (642-1798). The hanging mosque and Qaitbay Mosque are good examples for the Islamic building
style in Fayoum. Two major ancient routes have been identified in Fayoum, the first is oldest paved road
in the world dated as Old Kingdom, with a possibility of a Neolithic age and the second is the route of the
Alexander the Great to Siwa passing through the western desert oases via Wadi Rayan, Baharia, Bahr
Balama, Qasr, Zabu, and Sitra 5.
5 See the map entitled Ancient Coptic and Islamic sites in the Fayoum
32
More than 55 ancient heritage sites have been recorded in Fayoum. Fayoum has made a significant
contribution to our understanding of the history of ancient empires of Fayoum such as Pharos, GreekRoman, Coptic and Islamic empire.
Table (5) Major periods in human antiquity in the Fayoum 6.
Human period
Pre-Acheulen
Acheulen
Pleistocene
Holocene
Terminal Paleolithic
Neolithic
Bronze
Pharaonic
Old Kingdom
Middle Kingdom
New Kingdom
Late Period
Greek period
Roman period
Christian Era
Islamic Era
French occupation
Rule under Muhammad Ali
British Occupation
Years ago
900000
50000
10000
9000
6000
2000
B.C.
B.C
B.C
1570-1070 B.C.
B.C
B.C
30 BC to 323 A.D.
323 A.D. to 641 A.D.
641 A.D. to 1798
1798-1811
A.D.
1811-1848
A.D.
1882-1954
A.D.
6 Modified from (Vivian, 2000)
33
Map 5 Ancient Pharaoh and Greek- Roman Sites in Fayoum
Map 6 Ancient Coptic and Islamic sites in the Fayoum
34
3.3 Handicrafts and Local Culture
Fayoum offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Egyptian rural life style with rich and complex ethnic
cultural groups containing farmers, Bedouins, and fishermen living together in the same region. The
tour programs can combine the experience of local lifestyles and its related types of products and
activities such as poetry, basketry, traditional storytelling, falconry exhibitions, and traditional fishing.
Many villages in Fayoum have outstanding traditional handicrafts expressive of the history and traditions
of local people in Fayoum. The abundance of palm trees and clay found in Fayoum are the reasons how
the basketry industry began here. Travelers will visit local villages such as Nazla, and Tunis the master
craft centers of pots and open heritage museums that explains the culture, traditions, and many uses
of pottery.
Intensive field investigations have been carried out with the craft producers in Shakshok, Tunis, Kahek,
El-Nazla, Fedimin, El-Agamyin, El-Nassariyah and El-A'lam. Also, many vendors in various locations in
the road of Lake Qarun, Fayoum city and in Ein-Elsellin were investigated during the field visits.
Investigations with the individuals and groups have been carried out using the participatory strategic
planning methodology. This approach helps the crafts' producers to effectively propose many ideas
focusing on the development of the crafts in the context of planned ecotourism development in the
Fayoum. The Fayoum governorate has long been known for its distinct handicrafts and specifically the
following products 7 .
3.3.1 Basketry and Palm Products
Since the beginning of history, Palm trees played an important role in the life of the Fayoum farmers.
Some call it "the life tree" due to its various uses specifically to farmers. The farmers use the palm trees
in making many products. The areas planted with palm trees in Fayoum reach 7500 feddan. These areas
contain almost 1.7 million fruitful palm trees spreading in most of the villages of Fayoum especially those
in the villages of Snnores, Ebshuay, Etsa and Tami. During the long life of the palm trees, the farmer
trims them to help them grow. The harvesting of the trimming process is used in basketry products.
Made of rice straw and date palm leaves, the coiled baskets of Fayoum come in a large variety of shapes
varying from large laundry baskets to dainty ones for little trinkets. This basketry technique has been
found in Fayoum since the Neolithic period, long before the pharaohs came into power. The baskets are
made by women working at home. El-Alaam and El Kaabi villages are centers of the famous Fayoum
basket making tradition.
7 See the map entitled handicraft community centers in the Fayoum
35
3.3.2 Pottery
Pottery has a long history in the Fayoum since the pharaonic times. Abu Ballas, Father of Pots, was
an important center of pottery history in the Fayoum. Located on the caravan trail that linked Wadi
El Rayan and points south with Wadi Natrun and points north, Abu Ballas was a major station where
caravans stopped to rest. The pots scattered around this area date from the Roman era and consist
mainly of smashed amphorae. The pottery encountered there can be dated back to the Roman times.
Pottery art continued in the Fayoum history and now is reinterpreted in two great pots centers, El Nazla
and Tunis.
In the small hamlet, “Tunis”, there is Evelyn, a Swiss potter who decided to live and work from around
40 years. She uses a variety of different clay types and glazes. Evelyn, exports her art around the world.
She has established a pottery school for children who make beautiful designs, primarily of animals in
warm earth tone glazes. The school teaches many of the local village youth pottery as an art, and not as
a craft. Some of the pottery school students have even displayed their work outside Egypt. The school
attracts and hosts potters from Egypt and all over the world. The Tunis pottery is more “up market” and
“arty”. It is sold in galleries and craft shops in neighborhoods of Cairo where there is a high concentration
of well to-do Egyptian and foreign residents.
Potters of Nazla use a very particular technique to make a spherical pot based on a combination of
wheel-thrown and hammer-and-anvil. Work is carried out according to very old and traditional methods
of producing pottery that have not changed much since Pharaonic times. The potters’ village at Nazla
itself is built completely out of pots. Inside the 20 workshops, there is a hole, a kind of hemispherical
scoop in the ground. Straw and clay are mixed together, sometimes with ash. The material is in the
hole, and it is hammered and turned at the same time to make large globes. The big pots are allowed
to dry a little, and it is only then that the vessels are finished on the wheel. There is no wheel involved,
no mechanical process. Only the rims of the large round pots are made on the throwing wheel. These
vessels are not a result of mechanical turning but of the turning of the body, the rhythm of the body
and the hole in the ground. The pots of Nazla are archetypes, and are therefore living history. Here the
history is walking alongside the vessel, on a different but parallel path. At present, the pots from El-Nazla
are sold in Cairo at the pottery centers like that of Fustat.
36
3.3.3 Handmade Textiles
Textile manufacturing was known 5000 years B.C. in Fayoum. The instruments vary from very
complicated machines to very simple manual looms. There are three kinds of fabrics: the first is Natural
fibers taken from plants and animals like the fibers taken from linen, Jute and Calyx. Other fibers are
taken from animals such as: wool, the hair of the camel, goats and rabbits. The second is the Synthetic
fibers like copper silk and the synthetic silk. The third is fibers made from natural and synthetic fibers
mixed together.
The textiles' manual instruments for making traditional carpets “Seggad”, mats “Haseer” and rugs
“Keleem” are mainly used in the rural areas of Fayoum. Rug making, carpet making as well as mat
making are considered traditional crafts that depend on simple looms. This is popular in many villages
in Fayoum such as "Desya", "Sonbat", "Fedemeen" and "Tatoon".
3.3.4 Rowboat Construction
Kahk is one of the known places of constructing the small ships that ranges from 8-10 meters. Only
three families from the village are involved in this activity. They suffer from the lack of demand for
their products due to poor fish production from Lake Qarun in the last decade. Many of the fishermen
complain about the lack of funding from the Fishermen Co-operative of Kahek.
The Construction of each ship takes from one to two months. Wood from berry trees is used in
manufacturing the ships. This kind of wood costs about LE 600/ton. As for the eight-meter ship, it requires
approximately 2 tons of wood. Bani-Suef, about 85 km from Fayoum, and 135 km from El-Minya, are
considered the main markets for this wood resource.
3.3.5 Fishing nets manufacturing
Many fishermen of Kahk manufacture the nets they need themselves. Women and children participate in
this process in their houses. They get the raw fiber materials from Cairo or Fayoum. Funding concerns
regarding the Fishermen Co-operative of Kahk are also raised by those making the fishing nets.
3.3.6 Mats made from El-Samar plant
The Fayoum governate has two kinds of Samar Plant; the sweet Samar plant which is used in making
mats and the Sour Samar plant which has no use in Fayoum till now. Samar plant is a local cheap and
available resource. Samar grows along the banks of the water canals, swamps and ponds in different
places in the Fayoum. Not only are mats are made from Samar plant but the containers of the "karesh"
cheese are also produced, which is an ancient product. This is popular in many villages in Fayoum such
as "Agamiein", "Al Nasaryyah", and "Sobeihy".
37
3.3.7 Cordage (Dobarah) made from flax plant
Garfas village is famous for its production of the cordage (rope) made from the flax plant. This craft is
threatened to disappear due to the increase of the prices of the flax plant and also because few leaders
control the linen trade. Simple tools are required and can be made mainly inside people’s houses.
These tools consist of a wooden frame and three long nails fixed in one of the walls. Only two members
of the family can participate in making these cordages.
3.3.8 Handicraft assessment in Fayoum
Significant decline in the production of crafts in Fayoum has taken place during the last century.
Craftsmanship has ceased to be a public need and has become a tourist industry. Due to the decrease
in demand of the handicraft products, many of the crafts' producers have abandoned their profession.
This led to the loss of many job opportunities in the crafts. Crafts were also a part of the structure of
society in some locations where the whole family; children, women and old men practiced handicrafts.
Most of craft producers are poor, low skilled, and live in rural areas. The women and children represent
a large percentage of craft producers. They are increasingly marginalized due to the social, economical
and cultural changes through the last decades. They have no strong channels to financial, human and
social support. The low sales of the products cause low income, causing in turn a drain on the time of
the producers in terms of further deterioration of their income and their skills. Except the handicraft
producers in Nazla and Tunis, they earn an average of LE 1600 - 1000 per year. Most of the men are
involved in practicing the handicrafts activities as a secondary job, while many are mainly farmers or
have other jobs.
The decreasing of the local demand for their products is due to their lack of capital, knowledge and skills
to access new markets. Although the local private traders help in linking the producers to the markets,
their concern is to maximize their own profits at the expenses of the already marginalized producers.
Most of them work in informal work places which are not subject to health laws and standards. They
are not organized enough due to the shortage of participation in the representative organizations. Job
opportunities created in the handicrafts field are decreasing due to the deterioration of the profession in
general.
The main weakness of the recent status of the handicrafts in Fayoum is that the products are unfit for
sale due to the lack of quality assurance. In addition, the producers' skills in management, production
process, trade, marketing, pricing and decision making are very weak.
Small investments in quality control and promotion can help improve the success and revival of
handicrafts in Fayoum. Creation of job opportunities and resultant income generation for thousands of
people that at present do not have access to market or alternative income sources can be harnessed
through handicrafts. Handicrafts are a dynamic industry with relative advantages for the poor people
of Fayoum. Developing the handicrafts of Fayoum is a strategic option for poverty alleviation of this
ecotourism plan for the following reasons:
• Most handicraft activities can be carried out at the household level, or at the community level
benefiting the social relations existing in such rural areas.
38
• Most of the handicrafts are often linked to the agricultural production cycles and contribute to
strengthen rural economies.
• Handicraft activities indirectly stimulate the production of locally available raw materials needed for
craft products.
• It triggers processes of socio-economic awareness and independence for women who represent big
percentage of the producers.
• By providing an additional income source for the family, handicraft activities could facilitate access to
better education and healthcare services for children, hence improving their quality of life.
• It plays a valuable role in functioning the spare time of the families' members in a creative and
profitable work.
• Traditional handicraft activities contribute to the preservation of the cultural heritage and identity of
producers.
• Handicraft activities are often environment-friendly as they are characterized by very low energy
consumption and often use scrap materials of other productions.
Map 7 Handicraft Community Centers in the Fayoum
39
40
4. CONTEXT ANALYSES: OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS
The Fayoum Governorate offers significant opportunities for tourism development because of its
unique natural and cultural attractions. The beauty and recreational opportunities created by the diverse
character of Fayoum's environment also constitute substantial concerns and constraints for tourism
development. With careful planning and consideration, all of these challenges can be successfully
accommodated. The purpose of this summary is to provide valuable information to decision makers
about the opportunities and constraints of the ecotourism development that accurately characterize the
facts about the Fayoum Governorate.
4.1 Constraints
4.1.1 Land jurisdiction issue
One of the major issues facing tourism development in Fayoum is the conflicts between the governmental
authorities on the local and national level on land jurisdiction. There is difficulty to proceed in tourism
development in Fayoum without resolving the problems of jurisdictional and licensing issues between
different Ministries (e.g. Tourism, Environment, Agriculture, Irrigation, Antiquities, Security, and the
Fayoum governorate).
The land jurisdiction among several authorities with different purposes, managerial targets, fees and
process make development incompatible, contradictory and sometimes has irreversible impacts. This
situation does not help the development in Fayoum and continue to increase the obstacles and difficulties
facing investors due to the contradiction and multi-process for different authorities.
4.1.2 Intrusive security management
Security restrictions are currently a major challenge in developing ecotourism in the Fayoum. Before
reaching the Fayoum on the desert road from Cairo, foreigners are asked to wait and often outnumbered
by the police escort and are made to wait until police escorts are ready to leave and for the rest of the
day they are accompanied by police car. For most visitors it is enough to turn around and cancel a visit
altogether. Others overcome the problem by turning off the road into the desert before reaching the
police post. All foreigners visiting the Fayoum find that their visit is hampered by the police protection.
Both international and local tour operators complained that the intrusive security management and one
of the British tour operators stopped their trips to Fayoum for the same reason. However, it is important
the tourism protection should be carried out in a non-intrusive manner and is well coordinated.
The Fayoum Governorate now is seriously planning to allow entry of foreigners into desert region of
Fayoum. Security issues need to be resolved in order to realize the region’s tourism potential and
introduction of less intrusive security management is needed.
4.1.3 Water pollution
Water pollution by agriculture land drainage and sewage drainage in Lake Qarun can cause irreparable
damage to the lake’s ecosystem. Agriculture drainage water reaching Lake Quarun and Wadi El Rayan
is loaded with chemical pollutants. Huge quantities of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and some
41
industrial chemicals end up in the agricultural drainage system and eventually in Fayoum’s lakes. In
addition, partially treated and untreated sewage is known to drain into the agricultural drainage system
and eventually in the lakes. The extent and effect of this type of pollution on the lakes and their biota is
not clear.
Environmental pollution of the lakes, however, may possibly have contributed to the gradual decline in
the fisheries, at least in Lake Qarun. In addition, this pollution greatly impedes the use of the lake for
water sports or swimming and reduces the chances of success for tourism development of the southern
shore of Lake Quarun.
4.1.4 Negative impact on critical habitats
Major alterations in the natural habitats and biota of the unique and scientifically important areas of the
Fayoum Governorate have already taken place causing serious deterioration of the fragile environment.
The over-exploitation of limited natural resources and uncontrolled development of large sectors of the
southern shore of Lake Quarun has resulted in the destruction of extensive areas of salt marshes and
mud flats which are important habitat for a variety of birds and breeding areas for commercially important
fishes and crustacean.
Although, the eastern and western tips of Lake Quarun are specially designated as core zones of the
bird sanctuary, tourism facilities and other buildings have been constructed directly on the shore line of
the lake within the declared buffer zone. The construction work, site clearing, on-site wastewater and
solid waste disposal, noise, obstruction of view to the lake causes a lot of damage to the bird habitats.
In addition, these pollutants spread into the shallow water of the lake. Critical Habitat should be identified
and environmental education techniques should be implemented to prevent further destruction of the
Fayoum critical habitats.
4.1.5 Fossil and Heritage Sites excavation
There are literally tens of Pharaonic, Greek/Roman, Coptic and Islamic heritage sites as well as fossils
and prehistoric remains located throughout Fayoum. Many unexplored ruins from Pharaonic, GrecoRoman and Christian eras, especially in the parts of north Lake Quarun and Oyoun El-Rayan, are
under threat by the illegal excavation by visitors and people from neighboring areas in Fayoum. For
example, people come to the Fayoum fossil beds on the weekends and cart away enormous quantity
of fossils and prehistoric artifacts. These actions are devastating the area while scientific study is still in
progress (Cassandra 2002). All of these sites must be protected and remain undamaged to preserve
the historical resources of Fayoum.
Digging for fossils
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4.1.6 Modern Mines and Quarries
From the perspective of ecotourism development, there are several concerns about mining activities in
the desert areas and its impact on the quality of the ecotourism product of Fayoum. The impact of air
and noise pollution and disturbance of truck traffic produced by mining operations are incompatible with
the tourism activities. Mining and quarry operations remain very active in the Fayoum Governorate.
Numerous mines and quarries are located in the north of Lake Quarun to approximately Wadi El Rayan
in the south.
It is acknowledged that the mines and quarries represent a continuation of approximately 6,000 years
of economic history in this region. The ancient quarry landscape north of Lake Quarun including the
Ancient Quarry Road and the harbor at Qasr el-Sagha, Widan el-Faras are large archaeological sites
that can only be properly understood and appreciated as an integrated ancient quarry zone. The site
bears witness to one of the most important traditions in Egyptian Antiquity – the procurement of massive
amounts of stone for the building of lasting edifices in the 3rd millennium BC. The modern quarry
industry represents one of the major threats to both ancient quarries as one of the major attractions and
ecotourism activities in the desert areas of the Fayoum.
4.1.7 Traditional Use Areas
Both the people and the livestock of the Bedouin, farmers and fishermen in Fayoum depend upon
their marginal and scarce resources for their subsistence. Consequently, no competitive use of these
resources will be allowed with tourism activities. Access to lakeshore and open water, vegetation
essential for grazing livestock of the local people in the marginal areas must be respected.
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4.1.8 Potential threats to humans
The potential threats to human in the Fayoum desert
areas include: extreme heat, scarcity of water, sand
storms, poisonous insects/snakes, and roughness
of the terrain. Most of the threats to humans result in
medical emergencies in the Fayoum desert area that
present many challenges.
These risks can be reduced by effective communication
systems with medical personnel and the strategic
stationing and mobilization of emergency response
vehicles. Anti-venoms must be refrigerated to maintain
their effectiveness due to the extreme temperatures.
Horned Viper
4.1.9 Human resources and local work force
One of the main challenges facing ecotourism development in Fayoum is the limited human resources
capacity to meet the requirements of quality ecotourism product. There is a gap between the needs of
tourism employers and the supply of personnel trained including private training providers, colleges and
universities. The high illiteracy rates, minimal well-trained staff available locally for guidance and hotel
services, limited number of multi-lingual people, deterioration of the quality of handicrafts are all major
concerns regarding the human resources that can serve ecotourism in Fayoum. For these reasons, the
local communities in Fayoum still have not benefitted substantially from the tourism development in their
region. Ecotourism seems to offer more opportunities for the direct involvement of local communities,
especially as ecotourism establishments are often more willing to invest in local development.
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4.1.10 Quality and quantity of the tourism services
Both the quality and quantity of the tourism facilities in Fayoum are still under an adequate standard
for success. Lack of services is one of the major problems confronting ecotourism development in
Fayoum these include inadequate health/emergency services, inadequate accommodation, lack of
tourist facilities, informal urban growth around tourist sites, hygiene and sanitary problems and solid
waste in the street. Ecotourism development in Fayoum needs overall improvement of basic services.
All of above mentioned concerns\problems about the current context create a negative image for the
visitors and investors of Fayoum. This can explain the reason for the lack of investment and financial
resources.
4.2 Opportunities
4.2.1 Diversity of resources\attractions
The tourist's personal experiences include some combination of nature, culture, and heritage-based
activities that are further reinforced by accommodations that accurately reflect the culture and heritage
of the locality, cuisine, amenities, and various personal services that characterize the host community.
The ecotourism attractions of the Fayoum Governorate can be divided into three categories: focal,
secondary, and supporting attractions.
The focal attractions of the Fayoum Governorate refer to distinctive features of the local and regional
natural and cultural heritage; they are the basic assets of Fayoum that the local community can offer to
tourists and are attractive enough to motivate a tourist to come to visit. The focal attractions in Fayoum
include the following:
• Scientific excursions to the world heritage site of Wadi El-Hitan and fossils of Gabal Qatrani and
petrified forest north Lake Qarun to explore its international significance
• Bird watching around the lakes and in the agriculture lands
• Desert safari activities (mountain climbing and hiking, desert trekking, trails, horse and camel
riding, etc.).
The secondary attractions also refer to the natural and cultural heritage elements, but do not possess
the degree of distinctiveness of focal attractions. In other words, they alone are not enough to motivate
a tourist to visit the Fayoum. They constitute reasons for further interest and added value to the tourist,
contributing to richer and more diverse tourism experiences (Saballous 1997). The secondary attractions
in the Fayoum include the following:
• Wildlife observation (fauna and flora).
• Direct contact with communities’ lifestyles (i.e. the Bedouin, fishermen and farmers).
• Water sports activities in the lakes (small sailboats, feluccas, kayaking, single-line fishing, and
swimming in the lower lake of Wadi El-Rayan).
• Strictly regulating duck hunting in the fishery ponds.
45
• Tours to the ancient quarries of north Qarun
• Visitation to the archeological sites (Qasr El Sagha, Madinat Madi, Demieh, etc.).
• The geologic and geomorphologic features of the desert areas are especially appealing to nature
photographers and geologists.
The supporting attractions are man-made elements (facilities and services) that serve specific needs
of tourists and satisfy practical requirements of eco-tourists. The existing tourism facilities include
local handicrafts, existing accommodation facilities in the southern shoreline of Lake Qarun such as
Auberge, Panorama and New Panorama hotel, Zad El Mosafer lodge in Tunis, and Safari Camp in Wadi
El Rayan.
4.2.2 Accessibility
Fayoum’s close proximity to Cairo, which is a central transportation and destination hub in Egypt, can
benefit substantially as a desert escape complete with an experience of village lifestyle away from the
bustle of the urban density of Cairo. With local and international tourist markets available to Fayoum,
air and ground transport makes Fayoum an accessible and potentially attractive destination. With the
improvement of highways and mass transit over the last few years in Cairo, Fayoum is only a short
distance away from the city’s centre.
4.2.3 Willingness of the host community
There is a good opportunity to involve local people in the ecotourism process in Fayoum and the
Fayoum people are interested in participating in ecotourism activities. The areas of participation include
producing and market handicrafts, cooperating with hotels in tourism activities, guiding tourists through
the region, hosting visitors to their communities, willing to learn foreign languages, and acquire skills
related to tourism, marketing, and environmental awareness.
4.3 Ecological zones and critical habitats
The environmental characteristics that are unique to Fayoum need to be defined and understood in
terms of complete ecosystems or key habitats. This need exists because the natural environment of
Fayoum is the foundation upon which ecotourism experiences rely. Successful ecotourism development
will, therefore, depend upon sustaining the area’s environmental integrity and preserving its cultural
resources. Consequently, the eco-tourist plan begins with an evaluation of the environment in terms of
viable habitats and ecosystems.
Four ecological zones and key habitats have been identified based on extensive field research. These
zones are distinguished by the ways in which topography, climate, and geology influence the development
and prosperity of plant and animal populations within each zone. Each of the ecological zones requires
ecotourism development and environmental management techniques that are best suited to protect
their unique conditions. The following are the main ecological zones/critical habitats of Fayoum. The key
habitats are illustrated by the map entitled Ecological Zones and Critical Habitats of Fayoum
46
4.3.1 Zone One: Desert areas
The desert ecosystem has always had a romantic appeal due to its extreme living conditions and has
become an attractive ecotourism destination. Fayoum contains almost all the main land form features of
the western desert including, the Hamadas (rocky desert), Ergs (sandy desert), Regs (gravel desert), as
well as the natural desert oasis.
The Rocky Desert “Hamadas”
The Fayoum depression is bounded from the northern side by Gebel Qatrani sandstone escarpment
running parallel to the northern shore of Lake Qarun and bounded from the south west side by Monqar
El Rayan cliffs. The escarpment is strikingly beautiful with rich fossils and unique geological formations
and phenomena.
Vegetation cannot survive the extreme temperatures, unstable soils, and aridity of the upper
elevations.
The desert lands of the Fayoum is Characterized
by two main rocky mountains formations :
The first is Gebel Qatrani to the north-west part
of Lake Quarun. This formation of Eocene and
Oligocene limestone deposits, as well as the Qasr
El-Sagha formations, is famous for its wealth of
terrestrial and marine mammalian fossils, including
those of mammals and the earliest known ape.
The second is Gebel Minqar El-Rayan bounded on the south and south-east. Wadi El-Rayan depression’s
vertical scarp rises to 184 m above sea level. The eastern flank of the scarp is carved just south-west of
the depression into a hollow forming the area of Oyoun El-Rayan.
Although little food is available for animals, the rocky outcrops of cliffs, ridges, caves, ledges and
boulders provide shade. Shade is an extremely important commodity in a hot desert environment,
and it acts as day-time shelter for certain nocturnal animals, such as jackals, various bats and horned
vipers (Cerastes cerastes.) These rocky outcrops also offer secure nesting sites for the Sooty falcon,
the Brown-necked raven and probably Pharaoh’s eagle owl Bubo ascalaphus. Moreover, they are home
to Anderson’s fan-toed gecko Ptyodactylus (guttatus) siphonorhina and the Egyptian gecko Tarentola
annularis. (Baha el Din 1999)
Over much of the Sahara, rocky outcrops provide the only shelter available for migrants on their long
trans-Saharan journey. Thousands of migratory birds descend to rest under any object that provides
some shade, and large outcrops. In the shade among the rocks lie the Saharan sand snake Psammophis
aegyptius and the horned viper, awaiting the next reckless migrant to come their way. (Baha el Din
1999)
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The sandy desert “Erg”
The erg is a fine sand formation with rich environment in water compared with the hamada and reg.
Desert sand plains are extensive flat areas covered by sand. The mobile and abrasive nature of sand
plains means that few organisms can live on them. The sand plains act as running and linking corridors
for wildlife between different ecological zones. The sandy formations are distributed in the Fayoum
region in three main areas:
1- A gently sloping sandy plane extends parallel to the Northern shoreline of the Lake Quarun.
2- The areas around the lakes of Wadi El-Rayan are among the important sites for the deposition of
eolian sand in the western desert.
3- Extensive dune fields and a series of longitudinal parallel sand dunes running from North-West to
south-East direction in the South-western part of Wadi El-Rayan depression. The dunes vary in
length from few hundred meters to thirty km and may reach the height of 30 m.
Sand dunes are one of the most distinctive
ecological and morphological features of desert
ecosystems. In hollow inter-dune valleys that vary
in width from less than 100 m to more than two
km, evidence of moisture is found at a depth of
only of a few centimeters, and on the slopes at
approximately 80 cm. There are a few annual
plants in inter-dune areas where the superficial
stratum is always powdery. The uniqueness of the
sand dunes habitat type is illustrated by a host
of animals and plants that have evolved special
adaptations to life in sandy biotopes and are often
confined to this habitat type. Adaptations include
morphological features that facilitate movement
in or on loose sand, such as the wedge-shaped
snout and highly polished skin of Audouin’s skink
Sphenops sepsoides and the Sand fish Scincus
scincus (for sand swimming) or the
Padded soles of the Fennec fox Vulpes zerda (for more efficient locomotion on sand). Baha el Din
1999
The distribution and density of various flora and fauna on dunes are closely related to their morphology.
Saleh et al. (1988a) noted that little vegetation is found on top of larger mobile dunes. Faunal diversity is
similarly low in such places. Much of the vegetation is confined to inter-dune troughs and sand sheets,
where sand often accumulates around shrubs and bushes, forming phytogenic mounds. The mounds
formed around Nitraria retusa and especially Tamarix nilotica bushes sometimes reach remarkable sizes
(over 10 metres high). They represent an important structural component of the desert ecosystem of Wadi
el Rayan and provide crucial microhabitats for numerous invertebrates and vertebrates. Characteristic
fauna of sandy biotopes in Wadi el Rayan include domino beetles (family Carabidae), the Saharan
fringe-toed lizard Acanthodactylus longipes, the lesser sand viper, the Hoopoe lark Alaemon alaudipes,
the Fennec fox and the lesser jerboa Jaculus jaculus. (Baha el Din 1999)
Plant cover in the desert plains is poor and there are sometimes large areas with no vegetation at
all. Unlike many other desert regions in Egypt, no ephemeral growth has been observed in these
48
plains, obviously due to the scarcity of rainfall. The species that do occur in these desert plains include
Haloxylon salicornicum (rimth), Hyoscyamus muticus (sakaran), Salsola imbricata subsp. gaetula
(kharit), Cornulaca monacantha (haad) and Stipagrostis ciliata (hmeira), as well as some individuals
of Zygophyllum coccineum (balbal), Zygophyllum album (rotreit) and Nitraria retusa (ghardaq). Loutfy
Boulos 1999
The gravel desert “Reg”
The Reg is desert pavement formed by gravels, cobbles, and stones accumulated on some areas of
Fayoum’s desert areas. Temperature extremes cause fracturing of solid materials from which all the
finer dust and sand has been swept away, leaving a stone veneer overlying hard backed sand. The
stony residue material usually varies in size from 0.5 to 20 cm. These materials generally are cemented
together, or encrusted with various salt, gypsum, lime, and silicate, and often coated with dehydrated
ferric hydroxide and manganese that give them a “desert varnish“lacquered or polish appearance.
Reg is generally barren and constitute the poorest environment in the study area. In fact they can be
considered as a biotic. The eco-tourist trips on Reg are easy and rapid, and wheel tracks and camel
tracks remains visible for many years on this surface. This habitat is a prime site for ecotourism routing
and proposed outdoor activities.
The Reg formations are distributed in Fayoum in two main areas:
4- Around the upper and lower lakes of Wadi El Rayan , specially to the south – west of the lower
lake
5- Parallel to northern shore of Lake Quarun on the highlands of Gebel Qatrani
The most commonly encountered species in the Reg are the Changeable agama Trapelus mutabilis, the
Red-spotted lizard Mesalina rubropunctata and the Desert mantid Eremiaphila sp. The Elegant gecko
Stenodactylus sthenodactylus can be found at night, wandering slowly on extended legs in search of
insects. (Baha el Din 1999)
The uninhabited natural desert oasis “Oyoun El Rayan Area” (Springs Area)
This area is a shallow sandy depression located west and southwest of the lower lake, and extends
westwards to the escarpment of Monqar El Rayan. It is surrounded by a limestone escarpment on all
sides except the east, where it is closed off by a series of high longitudinal dunes. The area is covered
with sand forming extensive fields of sand dunes with vegetated inter-dune valleys in between.
Four natural sulfur springs are found in the area and
drive their brackish water from remotely charged Nubian
sandstone strata. These springs form permanent pools and
relatively extensive affluent channels that are generally
chocked by dense growth of marsh vegetation. A superficial
aquifer supports fairly dense and varied natural vegetation,
dominated by Alhagi graecorum, Nitraria retusa, Calligonum
polygonoides and Tamarix nilotica. There are small reed
swamps and scattered date palms surrounding the springs.
49
The area is known for its rich and diverse wildlife which includes 14 mammals, 16 reptiles, over 100
migrant and resident bird species and numerous insect and other invertebrate species. The two species
of gazelles inhabiting the area are listed in the IUCN red data book as endangered species, with one of
them; the slender-horned gazelle, found nowhere else in the world. The other, dorcas gazelle, is highly
threatened throughout its range.
Most of the locally breeding birds of Fayoum’s desert are confined to, or dependent on, this oasis. Birds
typical of this habitat are Pharaoh’s eagle owl and the Palm dove, the Olivaceous warbler Hippolais
pallida, the Southern grey shrike Lanius meridionalis, the Hoopoe lark and the Rufous bush robin
Cerotrichas galactotes, a summer visitor. Jackals and hares are moderately common. Though rarely
seen, the Desert monitor Varanus griseus is a fairly common diurnal predator that roams widely in the
springs area. This habitat is a prime location for bird and animal watching with strict regulations.
4.3.2 Zone Two: Lake’s areas Deep water Lake Qarun
Lake Quarun is the remainder of the ancient freshwater Lake Morris which covered a substantial portion
of the Fayoum depression in Pharaonic times. Lake Qarun occupies an area of about 230 sq. km. The
lake has a length of 40 km and is shallow, with an average depth of 4.6 m and mean altitude of 43.36
meters below sea level. The difference between high and low level is not more than 70 cm. The volume
of the lake when at 45.4 m. below sea level (its average level) is 719 million cu. m. About 365 million cu.
m of water reach the lake annually. This means that an amount equivalent to that is lost by evaporation
or by outward seepage.
The source of the water of the lake is the agricultural
drainage water from the Fayoum Governorate and
groundwater which appears to be continuously
seeping from the lake bottom. Any increase in the
agriculture lands of the Fayoum depression would
mean an increase in the area of the lake. The
Lake Qarun is a salty lake having about 34.6 g /
l means total dissolved salts. The amount of salt
differs from place to place and from time to time.
The Southern and eastern parts of the lake are
less salty than the northern and western sections.
The least salty period is the month of March; and
the highest percentage of salinity occurs during
August and September.
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Wadi El Rayan lakes
The Wadi El Rayan lakes began forming in 1974 when drainage water of Fayoum’s agricultural lands
was channeled to the depressions of Wadi El Masakheet and Wadi El Rayan (the upper and the lower
El Rayan Lake respectively.)
The upper lake covers a total area of 5,090 hectare and an average depth of 10.7 m and the water level
is stable at –5 m MSL since 1980. The water of this lake is slightly brackish (total dissolved salts 1.5g/l)
and is being constantly flushed by fresh drainage water into the lower lake. The lake shores are densely
vegetated with marsh vegetation and halophytes with a climax vegetation of Tamarix trees appearing at
some localities.
The lower lake began forming in 1980 from water flooding from the upper lake. At present the lower lake
has an average area of 7,000 hectare and an average depth of 11 m. The area of the lake decreased
dramatically in the last years due to the decline in the level of water. The water is brackish (total dissolved
salts 3.0 g/l )and its salinity is rising at a rate of about 0.25 g /l / year the shores of the lake are vegetated
with marsh vegetation.
The Waterfalls
The upper and lower lakes are connected together by a narrow and deep canal. This canal reaches
the northeastern edge of the Wadi El Rayan depression where a waterfall is formed at this vertical
escarpment. The area around the waterfall is densely vegetated with marsh plants.
The Golden Heron Island
The Golden Heron Island of the Lake Qarun has been declared as a core of the protected areas. The
island is in the middle of the lake, about five kilometers from the shore. The island has a long sandy
beach. Being acceptably protected from predators, the island is a haven for breeding seabirds, and is a
resting and feeding post for winter visitors and passage migrants.
The Island is known for its globally significant
breeding population of splender-billed Gull.
Accordingly, visits to the island are not permitted
during the breeding season, between April and
August. The island, along withal of Lake Qarun
has been classified as an "Important Bird Area”
by Bird Life International and similarly renowned
environmental organizations.
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Shallow areas and mudflats
The shore line of Lake Quarun and Wadi El Rayan contain numerous shallow areas and mud flats, as
well as several protected embayment and sheltered areas. These areas receive the slightly brackish
water from main drainage canals and consequently have considerably lower salinity than the rest of the
lake; as a result, these areas are rich in vegetation and appear to be more productive.
The major element in the vegetation bordering the shallow mudflat areas is the common reed Phragmites
australis (bous, hagna or ghab), which varies from dense, almost impenetrable thickets to thin rows lining
the lakeshores. Some areas around the lakes remain without any conspicuous vegetation. Thickets of
Tamarix nilotica (abal or tarfa), tufts of Juncus rigidus (samar murr) and clumps of Pluchea dioscorides
(barnouf) and Typha domingensis (deil el-qut, dees or bardi) grow here and there on the border of the
Rayan’s lakes. Loutfy Boulos 1999
Large numbers of wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and other water birds both resident and migratory
are attracted to these areas. The mud flats are important habitat for a variety of birds and breeding areas
for commercially important fishes and crustacean. The shelter areas, reed beds and mudflats areas in
Fayoum include:
• The eastern and southeastern tips of the Lake Qarun
• The area of Raas Abu Neema and Botnet Hafez in the south middle section of Lake Qarun
• The shallow areas and reed beds of Wadi El Rayan, south of the lower and upper lakes
• The sheltered areas and salt pans of the north shore of Lake Quarun especially on the western tip
of the lake at Um Zalat.
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4.3.3 Zone Three: Lakeshores
Coastal Sand Plains
The contrast and beautiful combination between the lakes, the farm lands and surrounding wide desert
sand plains make Fayoum one of the unique places of natural beauty in Egypt.
Coastal sand plains are a dominant geomorphologic feature that covers a large portion of the coastal
area around the lakes and extends along flat lands. They vary between 3 to 15 kilometers from the lake
shoreline. Close to the water’s edges, however, sandy areas are regularly left wet and dry and are able
to support a number of burrowing mollusks and crustaceans. These lower shore invertebrates are an
important food source for wading birds.
The increased presence of vegetation and wildlife along the coastal plains demonstrate a less hostile
environment that can support a wide variety of plant and animal communities and also provide a stable
breeding environment for several bird species, and suitable resting, roosting, and feeding places
for thousands of migrating birds. Gerbils (Gerbillus pyramidum and Gerbillus gerbillus) are the most
commonly found herbivore mammals in the lowlands and on the coastal plain. Carnivores include the
sand fox, Vulpes rueppelli, and sand cat, Felis margarita.
Salt Marshes
The shoreline of Lake Qarun is extensively covered
with wet sand and mud salt marshes. There is
brackish, saline, subsurface water support a rich
variety of halophytic plants and native western
desert vegetation. These low-lying areas are
generally considered transition zones between
marine and land habitats.
Salt marshes are important elements of the coastal
wetland communities and support a rich diversity
of vegetation types. Their vegetation is adapted
to life in salty and saturated soil conditions and
produces surplus organic matter that is a food
source for many species. The most significant
salt marsh is distributed along the southern shore
of Lake Qarun and El Rayan lakes.
4.3.4 Zone Four: Agriculture lands
The Southern shore of the lake is characterized by the extensive agricultural environment and its rural
life. The land in this area is slightly higher than the water surface in Lake Quarun. Coupled with the very
high ground water table, the agricultural lands in this area are suffering from major drainage problems.
Any rise in the water level in the lake results in the inundation of lands in this area with the salt water of
the lake.
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An area of about 5000 acres, west of the lower lake of Wadi Al Rayan, has recently been reclaimed
for the benefit of young graduates and their families living in two villages near the reclaimed land. Drip
irrigation is used throughout the area, where live (zaitoun) is the main cultivation. A few other cash crops
such as Hibiscus sabdariffa (karkadé) and Zea mays (durra) are also cultivated.
The agriculture land of Fayoum surrounds Lake
Quarun from the south by miles making itself
a great migrant trap. Birders never know what
they'll find here on a given day. Breeding species
include Black-shouldered Kite, Turtle and Palm
dove, Barn and Little Owl, Little Green Bee-eater,
Hoopoe, Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Common
Bulbul, Rufous Bush Robin, Mourning Wheatear,
Fan-tailed Warbler, Graceful Warbler, Olivaceous
Warbler, Great Grey Shrike, Hooded Crow, House
Sparrow, Avadavat, and Goldfinch.
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5. ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
5.1 Vision and objective
5.1.1 The Vision
• Make Fayoum a world class ecotourism destination by 2015 by promoting it as a dynamic and
competitive destination based on its unique resources as international attractions.
5.1.2 Objectives
• Contribute to sustainable development and poverty reduction though generation of ecotourism
based economic activities undertaken by the local population.
• Transform environmental, social and cultural resources and heritage of Fayoum into sustainable
economic assets.
• Diversify Fayoum’s tourism industry and tap into the fast growing international ecotourism market
• Empower the local population through direct participation in generated local economic activities.
Emphasize the qualitative economic impacts of ecotourism and how the poor and other segments of
Fayoum society can profit from increased tourist activity.
• Develop a handicrafts industry that will allow rural people to participate in ecotourism revenues.
• Provide a sense of local identity and character of the Fayoum through ecotourism development.
• Ensure economic development for the poor as well as the protection of traditional values, cultural
and natural environmental protection.
5.1.3 Planning Objectives
The following are the main planning objectives of the ecotourism plan:
• Designing and establishing a database system for the Fayoum ecotourism resources that will
serve as a reliable statistical database and enable the planning of growth and marketing strategies.
Provide tourists with accurate data for their itinerary planning.
• Define policy and implementation strategies for new destinations with an emphasis on poverty
reduction issues.
• Identify destinations areas within Fayoum and their management, particularly the attractions that
are presented to the visitor.
• Define how sustainable forms of tourism can create higher levels of income in Fayoum.
• Define the nature of the visitor’s experience foreseeable in Fayoum, in general and for various
destinations in particular.
5.1.4 Strategy
• Develop local public and private capacity to design, implement and manage ecotourism services.
• Support the development of a satisfying win-win relationship between tourists and local communities.
• Facilitate the creation of ecotourism based economic activities led by the local population in Fayoum
• Diversify Fayoum’s tourism product away from other areas of Egypt.
• Ensure that ecotourism attractions adopt a more businesslike attitude towards their management.
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5.1.5 The Guiding Principals: (Overall Project Orientation)
The issue of poverty reduction is the overarching theme of this ecotourism plan. The project is based
on the premise that there are important social, heritage, economic and cultural needs in Fayoum’s
communities that can be met through ecotourism.
The guiding principles of the project provide the conceptual framework for the actions and strategies.
The work of the team has also been guided by sustainable tourism planning and development principles
accepted by United Nations as well as the World Tourism Organization. These principles include:
• Within a social planning and development context concern for poverty alleviation and achieving
gender and social equity.
• The protection of heritage in all its dimensions (natural and cultural heritage as well as the
traditions and values of the Fayoumi people).
• Revenue capture by the local community.
• Effective monitoring to ensure that community plans as well as national policy objectives is met.
• Local involvement in both planning as well as economic activities is ensured. Capacity building and
the creation of mechanisms for supporting small and medium enterprises will be explored
whenever appropriate.
• Ensure that development policies are supportive of protecting and promoting the various attractions
in Fayoum.
• Recognition of the need for many stakeholders to be involved in decision-making and resource
allocation.
5.1.6 Stakeholders
• Local communities
• Local, national and international businesses
• Travel and tour organizations
• Businesses organizations
• Governmental agencies
• Local government organizations
• Central government organizations
• Bilateral and international agencies and donors
• Tourists and visitors
• Universities and educational institutions
• Civil society and NGOs
• Media (Information organizations, magazine and publications)
• NGOs
• Media
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5.2 The target market
The target market that would be attracted to the Fayoum Governorate is complex. This market comprises
several distinct categories of persons pursuing various recreational activities characterized by levels of
expenditures and visitor behavior.
The targeted travelers to Fayoum are not necessarily eco-tourists, and not every person is interested
in a product or service that is geared towards an ecotourism. Generally, ecotourists are individuals who
can appreciate the experiences, respect the environment and culture, and are open to the adventures
offered by unfamiliar circumstances. It is essential to define what types of people would like to purchase
Fayoum’s ecotourism product or service. It is also important to consider that there is range of visitors at
sites from the very young to the old, from the physically able to those with restrictions of mobility. Visitors
also may have varying levels of knowledge of the local language. Some tourists seek a backcountry
form of tourism that allows them to commune with nature in a solitary way. For others a walk in the
countryside on a paved pathway is the type of nature experience that they are seeking.
It is therefore important to first begin to understand the motivations behind this popular form of tourism.
The market plan must provide visitors with different experiences to meet different client profiles. The
market strategies should understand the nature of the potential visitors to Fayoum and what their needs
to develop tourism products that provide visitors with different experiences to meet the different client
profiles and marketing strategies. For example, bird watching is a very popular ecotourism activity
all over the world and interest in bird watching is growing rapidly. Fayoum is one of the internationally
recognized bird station located on one of the most important bird migration route. This fact makes it one
of the potential destinations for birders. The first step to establish and promote bird watching programs in
Fayoum, is to understand the demographic profile of the bird watchers and to meet their needs through
the Fayoum ecotourism product.
The demographic profile of the ecotourists is characterized by the following features:
• Expenditure: willing to spend more than general tourists, (26%) prepared to spend $1,001-$1,500
per trip
• Trip duration:
(50%) preferred trips 8-14 days.
• Education:
82% were college graduates
• Age:
35 - 54 years old
• Gender:
50% female and 50% male
• Party composition:
A majority (60%) are couples, 15% staying with their families, and 13%
preferring to travel alone.
Once we know the characteristics of the potential customer, the promotion efforts and contacts with the
target market must be established as a second step to make sure that they know about Fayoum. The
third step is to assess and observe our competitor's product, customers and business environment in
Egypt and in the Middle East.
In summary the potential clients to Fayoum may be characterized by the following:
1) Expatriates living in Cairo who seeks weekend trips, day trips and short vacations close to their
homes.
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2) Birders who are drawn from a broad spectrum of business occupations and often spend more
than 100 days a year in some leisure-time activity. The average age of this niche market is 45
with $40,000 average household income. This category are highly educated (61% have a college
degree) and their hobbies include: reading, gardening, hiking, traveling, and photography.
3) For clienteles of those Fayoum could be interesting - if combined with one of their recreation tours
around Egypt “especially Red Sea, Sinai and western desert oases”. For them, Fayoum can best
be combined with beaches and outdoor recreation. The clientele has a high interest in nature (birds,
wildlife, oasis and desert) but much less in culture and history.
4) Scientific excursion and missions for researchers, and colleges
5) The high-end ecotourism market which is characterized by persons who are approximately 50
to 65 years of age with high educational attainment, considerable discretionary income, and an
inclination for recreational activities conducted by well-trained guides and naturalists.
6) The mid-range ecotourism market which typified by persons who have a substantial desire to
pursue their specialized, nature-based recreational activity. For example, this individual typically
saves their scarce financial and time resources to participate in nature-based activities in unique
and remote locations.
7) The low-end ecotourism market which those persons whose primary motivation is to
inexpensively experience nature. This market segment is generally characterized by young people
with few financial resources, but a willingness to “rough it” via camping or working temporary jobs
in order to pursue nature-based recreation activities such as hiking, backpacking, and mountain
climbing. Successfully attracting this market segment can potentially lead to potentially long-term
visitation.
5.3 Visitor Experience
5.3.1 Proposed Ecotourism Themes and Activities
Eco-tourists seek high quality recreational, cultural and educational experiences. One of the purposes of
this Plan is to define the types of the visitor experiences and ecotourism activities that will be provided to
the visitors. The quality of the guidance services, visitor facilities/services, accommodation, emergency
services, and appropriate infrastructure are vital elements in the delivery of those experiences. The ability
to provide those unique experiences and appropriate services and facilities is based on the creation of
a comprehensive Ecotourism Program Plan.
The Fayoum could potentially host a large number of ecotourism activities. The implementation of these
activities would provide economic revenue, generate income for local people, host unique experiences
for tourists, and create unique ecotourism products for the Fayoum Governorate 8.
Visitors can enjoy the beauty and variety of Fayoum’s outdoor experiences. From the scenic views of the
rural trails to the hiking trails to wilderness camping in north Qarun and Wadi Al Rayan protected areas,
Fayoum offers something for everyone. Outdoor product is a vital part of how we position Fayoum in
the market.
The following types of recreational themes and activities can successfully be implemented in the Fayoum
Governorate.
8 See also Annex (1) The Sample Itineraries
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Tracing Fayoum's fossils and historical heritage sites
There are many resources in Fayoum that reflects its nature and historical heritage. A number of
opportunities were identified based on the culture and heritage for which Fayoum is best known. Fayoum
is steeped in culture and its thousand year history, with its numerous settlers from varied lifestyles has
given us unlimited possibilities. Fayoum offers exciting and engaging history, from prehistoric fossils to
our diverse cultural heritage to the natural wonders of the world. Culture addresses the beliefs, customs,
arts and institutions of a society at a given time and heritage deals with culture as it is passed down from
generation to generation.
Tourists will have the opportunity to visit and explore international heritage sites of fossil remains in the
Valley of the Whales and Gebel Qatrani. Both sites are internationally famous for their numerous fossils
and unusual geological formations, dating back to 40-60 million years.
Pharaonic temples, cemeteries, old Greco-roman villages, museum, and old desert tracks could all
be tied together as part of a package to promote this theme. Guided tours to heritage sites such
as Ancient Egyptian, Ptolemaic, Roman, Coptic, and Islamic archeological sites can successfully be
implemented in Fayoum as part of ecotourism packages. Many of these resources, however, have
limited or no public access. Facilities such as parking areas, toilets, and good signage are lacking.
Consequently, immediate action is required to provide these services before these activities can be
marketed or businesses built.
Birding, riding, biking, and hiking
Fayoum has good bird life. Because Fayoum is comprised of varied habitat-types and is protected by
strict regulations, birding in Fayoum is very special. The migration of shore birds is unrivaled in all of
Egypt. Raptors, songbirds, and water fowl are prominent among the bird species of the Governorate.
The construction of bird watching nature trails, observation hides and observation platforms can help to
enhance the birding industry in Fayoum. There is a need to develop these types of facilities by promoting
this development on non-profit and protected owned lands; the birding theme is one that can be easily
and effectively marketed.
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Visitors can enjoy discover Fayoum on camel, the so-called charismatic ships of the desert. Tied
together in caravan style one can enjoy the spectacular scenery and relaxed rhythm of ancient times.
Tailor-made itineraries can be successfully promoted in Fayoum with daily distance and duration of hikes
and rides dependant on weather conditions, fitness of hikers / riders and the length of stay.
Till now, Fayoum still lacks biking and hiking facilities. However, there are very few trails where hiking
can occur in a well managed and safe environment within the protected areas of Fayoum. Wildlife
observation and photography near in the natural areas could include the construction of an observation
platform at the water fowl/shorebird areas; observation blinds at selected sites, car parking areas,
informational kiosk, information panels and toilets. Many trails can offer good opportunities for hiking
and trekking but need to be upgraded and improved in certain portions to provide access to the main
natural and historical attractions in the remote areas of Fayoum. Fayoum can provide opportunities for
the following land based tours:
• Guided hiking and trekking tours.
• Nature guided tours including: Geology/fossils, Wildlife viewing and photography, Botanical studies,
Hydrology
• Nature Photography Tours including: Landscape photography, dramatic vistas, rock formations,
sunsets, and sunrises.
• Night camps that teach stellar navigation
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Boating, Kayaking and Fishing Activities in the Lakes
Boating on Lake Quarun and El Rayan lakes is a good opportunity for
ecotourism activities. This opportunity can easily be included in Fayoum’s
promotional material. No promotion is occurring for such activities till now.
The principal issue associated with this theme involves resource protection.
Ensuring that the lakes are not overused is important for the proper use of
these resources.
The Lake Quarun and Wadi El Rayan protected areas may be able to sustain
greater levels of public access. Nonetheless, there are a wide variety of
potential improvements that can enhance fishing, kayaking and boating in
Fayoum. The Plan outlines areas where infrastructure might be needed to
advance boating and fishing opportunities. Additional access for both boat
and bank fishing should be developed on Shakshok and the waterfalls which
are the suitable sites for access. A road, boat ramp, and parking area could
be developed for this purpose.
Fayoum's lakes provide the basis of the following water based tours.
• Non-motorized recreational activities including: sailing, lake kayaking/felucca, fishing, rowboats,
canoeing in calm water
• Bird watching activities including: The water body, islands and shorelines of Lake Quarun and Wadi
El Rayan provide critical habitat for migrating and resident bird species as attractions sought by
eco-tourists.
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The heart of Farming in the Oasis
The heritage of the agriculture industry in Fayoum is a long and varied one. But agriculture land in
Fayoum is more than just a pretty landscape. It represents more than 60% of the governorate economy
as well. Fayoum has one of the oldest and unique irrigation systems that cannot be found anywhere
else in the world. By comprehensively marketing the roadside stands, “pick-your-own and other farming
operations in Fayoum, the agricultural industry and the farm lands can benefit.
Countryside vacations are increasingly popular
ways to experience farm living. They can also
provide from 10 to 30 percent increase in farm
income. (American Agriculturalist, September
1995). This is clearly a natural resource theme in
the Fayoum that could be promoted as part of an
ecotourism program.
On horseback, camels, and donkey across the
oldest fertile land in the world, tourists could
enjoy the spectacular and fascinating lush green
valley in the central agriculture land of Fayoum.
“Masraf El Wadi” is farming territory with farmers
going about their daily work. Visitors can watch
the birds of the farmlands while enjoying a picnic
lunch at a rest hut with the farmers.
The picturesque Masraf al-Wadi cascades down in banks in the southwest section of the Fayoum
depression. Often it is covered with flowers and makes an interesting contrast to the usually flat
depression floor. This Wadi (valley) can provide spectacular experience by implementing trips by horses
or camels along the trails of the Wadi which end up by the pottery area of Nazla village.
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Local Lifestyle, Basketry and Pottery
Fayoum offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Egyptian rural life style with rich and complex ethnic
cultural groups including farmers, Bedouins, and fishermen living together in the same region. Cultural
tours that may combine experienced local lifestyles and its related type of products and activities such
as poetry, basketry, traditional storytelling, falconry exhibitions, traditional fishing can successfully be
implemented in the Fayoum ecotourism program. Many villages in Fayoum have outstanding traditional
handicrafts telling the history and traditions of local people in Fayoum. This story would be enhanced
significantly if the history of the natural resource could also be told. The abundance of palm trees and
clay found in Fayoum are the reason that basketry and pottery industries got its start here. Designation
of the old villages such as Nazla, Desia, and Tunis as open heritage museums would be living examples
of the culture and traditions. Demonstrations of the many uses of pottery, carpets, and basketry would
also be great attractions for inclusion in an ecotourism program.
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One of main tourist attractions of Fayoum is the local lifestyle of the local people who has preserved their
unique way of life through the centuries. The Bedouins tend their livestock and move for good pasture
all year around. The fishermen weave their hand made nets and search for good fishing spots by local
rowboats while farmers go about their daily work in the lush fields. Fayoum gives the visitors an amazing
chance to experience the local culture, traditions and hospitality by living in their way of life in wool tents,
reed huts or mud brick houses for a few hours and share their own and unique happiness.
Direct contact between visitors and local people is a big contribution in poverty alleviation and economic
empowerment of the local and indigenous people of Fayoum. The everyday life of Bedouins, farmers
and fishermen is a maze of activities including: camel, goat or cow milking, herding sheep, sheep wool
harvesting, camel taming, training for camel racing, harvesting, dairy production (yogurt and dried curds)
drinking camel milk which is very healthy, local entertainment and traditional celebrations and so on.
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5.3.2 Proposed Ecotourism Visitor Experience Zones
The ecotourism zoning plan for the Fayoum Governorate must be a positive model for an ecologically
sustainable and unique example of combining environment, local people, and development. Given
the sensitive ecosystem of Fayoum, there is an opportunity and an obligation to create a showcase of
sustainability and build a development pattern that is socially and economically viable within a framework
of strict environmental control. This will include different grades of development and preservation
programs to comply with ecological sensitivity.
In general, the resources that the visitors want to see are often those that cannot withstand the impacts
of use. The challenge facing all zoning schemes are to accommodate use near or in the resources while
minimizing or eliminating the impacts.
An ecotourism zoning system for the Fayoum Governorate has been created, with the purpose
of complying with the conservation management plan of Lake Qarun and Wadi El Rayan protected
areas. This zone system aims to identify, evaluate, and classify the visitor experience according to
levels of sensitivity and corresponding suitable activities for each zone, such as traditional tourism,
ecotourism, nature conservation and research, etc. Each zone also specifies a particular combination of
physical, biological, social, and management criteria. Each type of zone indicates where and what type
of ecotourism infrastructure and services should be provided. A clear categorization of modality and
intensity of land use is needed to minimize negative impacts on the natural and cultural environment, as
well as to optimize the ecotourism experience.
The proposed zoning plan identifies the following essential criteria for zoning classification:
• What must be preserved and what degree of protection is needed to accomplish this
• Types and amount of experiences, uses and activities to be offered to tourists
• Location of and concentration of physical facilities
• Opportunity for solitude
• Areas where facilities are prohibited
• Current resource conditions
Zoning Principles
A set of planning principles to identify the zones of the planning area were developed as follows:
• The zoning scheme should be as compatible as possible with the conservation zoning plan of the
protected areas as well as the land use pattern and future plans/policies in the Fayoum
Governorate.
• The zoning scheme should be based on a detailed understanding of the ecosystems and the
natural resources of the Fayoum Governorate.
• The zoning scheme must keep typical and characteristic landscape features in their structural and
visual appearance intact within the development itself and the surrounding landscape.
• The zoning scheme is designed to avoid massive development areas, using instead a system of
structuring landscape and open space features that serve as buffer and transition zones between
development areas and existing communities to keep a sense of “place,” with accessible beaches
and natural bays.
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• Defining zone boundaries must involve consideration of biological, landscape, ecological, and
political factors that can easily be distinguishable in the field.
• Drainage areas, topographic features, landforms, roads and other identifiable features are used as
zone boundaries.
Descriptions of Experience Zones
The following are narrative descriptions outlining the general characteristics associated with each class
of ecotourism visitor experience zones 9 .
A. Wild (special protection zone) and (strict natural zone)
The wild zone represents areas of very high sensitivity that could be easily disturbed or areas where
the presence of people would significantly impact important visual resources. This zone contains high
paleontological values with an enormous number of vertebrate, marine \ terrestrial mammalian fossils of
the old cretaceous, Eocene, Pliocene periods and the unique ecosystem, which is used by key wildlife
species. The wild zone represented in the management plan of the Lake Qarun and Wadi el Raiyan
protected areas as zone a category includes (special protection zone) and (strict natural zone).
Access to wild areas would be restricted with permitted access only for the purpose of research,
traditional cultural activities, or other well-justified uses with a limited number of visitors accompanied by
a guide or park ranger.
These areas would provide maximum preservation of fragile and/or unique resources, endangered
species, fossils and archeological sites, etc.
This zone mostly provides the greatest opportunities for solitude.
No structures of any kind, including toilets, are permitted.
• The probability of encountering other visitors would be minimal.
• The number of visitors is limited and monitored, and impact is minimized through regulations
and pre-entrance orientations.
• No paved roads are permitted, and off-trail use of the park is prohibited.
• Public access is prohibited except for scientific activities with written authorization from Nature
Conservation Sector. No agriculture or livestock is permitted
• Public access is prohibited except for visitors viewing wildlife and landscapes.
• Scientific activities with written authorization from NCS
• Navigation with any kind of boats (with or without engine) is prohibited, except for scientific
activities authorized by NCS
• All kinds of fishing activities are not allowed
• No floating structures are allowed.
• No agriculture or livestock is permitted
Proposed wild areas include:
The International heritage site of Wadi El Hitan
The fossil area of Gebel Qatrani and Birqet Quarun formations.
The heritage site landscape including Demieh, Qasr El Sagha, the ancient basalt road, and Wedan El
Faras.
Natural Springs of “Oyoun Al Rayan Oasis”
9 See map (9) entitled Visitor Experience Zones in the Fayoum
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B. Primitive (Reserve Protection Zone)
The primitive zone represents areas of high sensitivity and is managed for low to moderate use. This
zone includes the areas of special importance for resident and migratory birds, and characteristic
landscapes that have been classified as zone B in the management plan of the protected areas. This
zone is under high control and total protection of the natural resources. The primitive zone areas would
offer visitors a fairly structured experience with on-site interpretation and education. The following are
the main characteristics of the primitive zone:
• The opportunity for isolated and remote experience, independence, closeness to nature, tranquility,
solitude, and application of outdoor skills would be common.
• The probability of encountering other visitors would be medium.
• This zone gives a sense of being in wild lands with trails, with minimal maintenance facilities.
• The number of visitors is limited and monitored, and impact is minimized through regulations and
pre-entrance orientations.
• No paved roads are permitted, and off-trail use of the park is prohibited.
• Campsites may be temporarily designated in very rare cases for resource protection.
• Toilets are not common and are installed only as a last resort to correct human waste problems.
• Other structures are generally not permitted except temporary structures that are not visible and do
not leave permanent impacts.
Proposed primitive areas include the following:
• The strip around the shoreline of the shallow areas, salt marshes and mud flats of Lake Qarun and
Wadi El Rayan, the Golden Heron Island as well as the protected embayment and sheltered areas
in the eastern and western ends of Lake Qarun are critical habitats for migratory and resident birds
(nesting, resting, feeding, breeding areas).
• The area around wildlife habitats of Oyoun El Rayan Area including the Spring Area walking trails
and view sites are also included. This area extends from the visitor car park north of the spring area
to the first spring and the sand dune area and Monqar El-Rayan cliffs.
C. Semi-Primitive (Recreational Ecotourism Zone)
This zone represents peripheral areas, with moderate-to-low levels of environmental sensitivity and
is managed for moderate to high levels of use relative to wilderness. Visitors to this zoning level are
encouraged to carry out diverse activities compatible with the natural and cultural environment through
environmental education and ecological awareness programs.
The area of this zone is designated for:
a)
b)
c)
d)
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Eco-tourism and environmental education activities (visitor center tracks & bird watching sites)
Recreational uses (safari camp, cafeterias & camping site)
High landscape values
Lesser impact activities (ex. traditional boat fishing)
The following are the main characteristics of the semi-primitive zone:
Areas in this zone may have limited low-impact tourist services (mainly of an interpretive nature). The
main ecotourism facilities will be concentrated in the transition zones, i.e.
Visitor centers and interpretive stations
Ecolodges
Campgrounds
Toilets
Heavily used trail corridors.
• Camping can be established in designated sites and composting toilets may be installed if required
to deal with unacceptable concentrations of human waste
• Visitors to this zoning level are encouraged to carry out diverse activities compatible with the
natural and cultural environment via environmental education and ecological awareness programs
• This zone primarily accommodates four-wheel drive experiences. Vehicles allowed in this area
must be low-impact and low speed, with primary mobility achieved on foot, camel, bicycle, or
horseback.
• Only infrastructure for educational and ecotourism purposes after approval from EEAA
• Only infrastructure for the protected area management or for educational and ecotourism purposes
are permitted.
• No floating structures are allowed
• No commercial fishing closer than 150 m from the lake edge
The semi-primitive recreational zone includes the following areas:
• Archeological sites
• Bird watching activities in the coastal strip surrounds Lake Qarun and El Rayan lakes
• Sand plains and the sand dunes of Wadi El Rayan and Wadi Muilah
• Western area of Demieh Al Sebaa
• Rocky mountains of Monqar El Rayan
• Water mass in the middle sector of Lake Quarun and Wadi El-Rayan
D. Threshold (Development Zone)
This zone represents low levels of environmental sensitivity and is managed for a moderate development
area with mixed traditional tourism and ecotourism facilities. The southern road of Lake Quarun and
Wadi El Rayan road provide access from these developed areas, and act as thresholds to the wilderness
areas.
This zone encompasses existing tourism development areas south of Qarun which include major tourism
facilities (lodging, services and infrastructure). This zone will provide many social experiences, with a
high rate of encountering other visitors. The buildings, structures, sights and sound of human activities
and vehicles are predominant.
The areas of this zone are designated for different kinds of activities that are fully under official license: oil
extraction, agriculture, land reclamation areas, fish farming, infrastructure for ecotourism and recreation.
All the activities must be licensed by EEAA after submission of an exhaustive Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA).
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Zone Rules:
• The licensee must strictly follow the terms of the EEAA license;
• Infrastructure, including roads, should be compatible with the environmental needs
• Solid wastes have to be regularly collected and delivered to the nearest authorized waste disposal
facility
• Sewage must be collected into septic tanks and the tanks must be cleaned regularly.
Map 10 Visitor Experience Zones in the Fayoum
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5.4 Proposed Ecotourism Facilities and Services
The study team has explored and evaluated a series of routes and candidate sites for gateway and
backcountry ecotourism facilities within the Fayoum Governorate. Based on this research a routing
and facility sitting plan has been created. This development plan is illustrated by the map entitled
Ecotourism Development Plan. Given the scarcity of quality of ecotourism facilities and services such as
interpretive, lodging, signage and rest stops in Fayoum; there is a need to provide the following facilities
for quality ecotourism product.
5.4.1 Visitor Centers
Two visitor centers that are represented within the Fayoum Governorate provide central points for
visitors to obtain information about the protected areas of the governorate. The first one located in Wadi
El Rayan protected area, completed in 2001. The second is proposed in the southern shoreline of Lake
Quarun. These visitor centers can actively promote sustainable development and provide visitors with
enjoyable, interpretive, educational and informative opportunities of the Fayoum’s protected areas that:
1. Emphasize the unique environmental and cultural attractions of the region
2. Describe the appropriate and safe methods for touring the region
3. Promote extended visitations by describing numerous attractions
4. Promote return visits to view the attractions that were previously unknown
5. Provide visitors with information about obtaining guide services to provide them safe and
knowledgeable entry to the region
6. Provide visitors with the information and/or equipment they may need to tour the region
7. Distribute for sale field guides, brochures, maps, books, video, and other information
8. Purchase or lease field equipment and supplies
9. Exhibit and sell artwork and other locally created products may be sold at the center
The Fayoum Governorate, EEAA and TDA will be represented at Lake Qarun and Wadi El Rayan’s
visitor centers and would have the opportunity to describe conservation endeavors and solicit support.
The Visitor Center may also serve as a base for search, rescue and emergency medical response
services that are required 10 .
5.4.2 Interpretive stations
One off-site interpretive/information station is proposed in a location proximal to Kom Oshim museum as
a main gateway to the Governorate and fee collection station for Lake Quarun’s protected area. Visitors
could also receive additional information after paying entrance fees. This information station will provide
an additional location for visitors to obtain orientation and interpretation information for Fayoum once
they arrive. The objective of supporting this offsite facility will be to better prepare visitors for their visit
to Fayoum.
Interpretive services will be provided wherever park staff could effectively connect with the visitors
to increase their understanding and appreciation of Fayoum’s resources. A panel kiosk with basic
information, parking area, and book/map sales will be provided in all the information stations and at
major interpretive facilities. Sales items at the interpretive facilities will be directly related to the themes
presented at that site.
10 See the map entitled proposed Interpretive Facilities in the Fayoum
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The on-site interpretive and observation stations will provide additional locations for visitors to
obtain orientation and interpretation information on specific sites within the Fayoum in both rural and
desert areas. Twelve sites with prime resources have been identified to allocate the interpretive and
observation stations within the Fayoum Governorate. The location and the theme of each station are
listed on the following table 11.
Table (6) the proposed interpretive and observation stations in Fayoum
POSSIBLE LOCATION THE INTERPRETIVE THEME
Integration between desert, lake and
Gateway
oasis ecosystems, vegetations of salt
(Kom Oshim)
marshes, bird habitats, antiquities,
fossils, local life style, handicrafts
Nazla potteries, local handicrafts,
Nazla
Fayoum irrigation system, local
farmers life style
Fishermen local community, water
Shakshok
birds, bird nesting
Qaret El Rosas
South east Qarun
Botnet Hafez
Um Zalat
Qatrani
Oyoun El Rayan
Widan El Faras
Quarries of north
Qarun
Guest house, handicraft and pottery
outlet, toilets
Beach walk around Shakshok bay,
shaded area, book sales, brochures,
Shakshok community guest house,
Qarun visitor center, interpretive
panels, jetty, toilets
Bird habitats, migratory birds, bird Bird hides, toilets, Interpretive
species
panels and trails
Wading birds, waterfowl birds, diving Bird hides, toilets, Interpretive
birds, bird habitats, migratory birds, panels and trails
key bird species
Bird habitats, migratory birds, bird Bird hides, toilets, Interpretive
species
panels and trails
Greater Flamingo habitats, migratory Bird hides, toilets, Interpretive
birds, bird species
panels and trails
Marine and land mammalian Fossil Interpretive panels, toilets
formations, petrified forest , Fayoum
geological formations, ancient
climatic changes
desert ecosystem, rare plants, plant Interpretive trail system, Interpretive
ecosystems, wildlife endangered panels, camp site, toilets, bird
species, wildlife adaptation with watching hides
desert environment
Old mining operation and quarries, Outpost station for rangers,
the geology of the site, ancient interpretive trails and panels, camp
mining settlements, ancient paved site, toilets
route, living conditions in the harsh
desert
11 See the map entitled proposed Interpretive Facilities in the Fayoum
72
FACILITIES
shaded area, book sales, brochures,
guest house, interpretive panels,
eco-station, toilets
POSSIBLE LOCATION
Wadi El Hitan
Demieh – Qasr Sagha
THE INTERPRETIVE THEME
FACILITIES
History of the marine fossils of Wadi Interpretive trails and panels,
El Hitan, the international significance toilets, rest stop area, camp site,
toilets
Ancient settlements, relationship with Interpretive panels, camp site
the lake and the impact of water level, toilets
the role of the defense forts, living
conditions in the harsh desert, ancient
Roman caravan and trading road, first
settled community in the world
Map 11 Proposed Interpretive Facilities in the Fayoum
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5.4.3 Lodging Facilities
A) Eco-lodges
The proposed Ecolodges should encourage close interaction with the natural and cultural environment and
have an atmosphere that is appropriate to the site's specific setting. The list of proposed accommodation
opportunities focuses on strategic additions to the existing infrastructure where Fayoum is lacking in a
specific type of accommodation product, as well as recommendations for upgrading and enhancing
existing facilities. This kind of environmentally-sensitive lodging facilities is proposed to be developed
by private sector in ten designated proposed sites in the following areas of the Fayoum: See the map
entitled proposed camp site locations in the Fayoum.
1) North east side of Lake Quarun at the area near Qaret El Rosas with 50-150 rooms.
2) Raas Abu Neema Peninsula with 150 rooms
3) West side of El Roboaa village
4) Tunis in the west of lake Quarun (20-30 rooms)
5) Hill top of Qaret Sabiha to the east of Quta village with overlooking to Hanak Um Zalat
(20-30 rooms)
6) Khashm Awlad Mizar to the west of Demieh, north of Lake Quarun (20-50 rooms)
7) Khashm Al Jarjubah to the northeast of Lake Quarun (30-50 rooms)
8) South east side of the Upper Lake of Wadi El Rayan near the proposed trail to Madinat Madi,
with 20-50 rooms
9) South east side of the Lower Lake of Wadi El Rayan near Al Mashgiga, with 20-50 rooms
10) El Nazla pottery area at Masraf El Wadi with 10-20 rooms, this lodge can be manage and owned
by the local potters and can offer education and training courses for their guests
11) Eastern side of the Fayoum near the intersection between Asiut Road and Beni Suef Road. This
lodge can serve the eastern attractions of the Fayoum including Hawara, Lahun, Sela, Midum, Deir
Gabrial, Deir El Azab, Deir Al Malak, Deir Marigirgis, as well as Tebtunis (20-30 rooms)
12) Khashm Bouz El Jazeera 30-50 rooms
These kinds of networked accommodation facilities must demonstrate a good practice in resource usage,
waste management, fuel efficiency and chemical-free cleaning. Given the size and lack of concentration
of these eco-lodges for its distribution pattern, the infrastructure will support individual establishments
and related activities originating from those establishments (e.g., vehicle storage and maintenance for
desert safaris, water supply for dive centers, etc.). The infrastructure requirements for such lodging
facilities in remote sites include:
• Small-scale Reverse-Osmosis (RO) Plant or purchase water supplied from tanker trucks.
• Grey-water collection and subsurface irrigation, grease traps, and wastewater discharge to septic
tanks and leaching fields, intermittent sand filters or oxidation ponds. Composting or dry toilets
should be considered for guestroom, staff and public restrooms.
• Diesel generator with controls and switchgear. Small wind energy conversion systems and solar
photovoltaic panels should also be considered as stand-alone applications or as hybrid with diesel
generators to improve reliability.
• Diesel and gasoline storage and fueling facilities for both vehicles and marine vessels.
• Centralized solid waste collection and transfer points, source separation and temporary storage for
both wet and dry waste trucked to municipal landfill site.
• Main access roads/trails, and unpaved designated routes for vehicle traffic within the site.
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B) Campsites
Officially designated seasonal camp facilities will be required if there is a substantial number of visitors
- no more than 100 persons in the same area - to Fayoum. Limited number of campsites is proposed
to offer a variety of camping experiences. These camps will be subject to seasonal closures due to
extreme heat in the summer months. Most campground use will occurs primarily from October to April
because of cooler temperatures. The most important factor associated with these facilities is waste
treatment and disposal. It will be necessary to have reliable water storage, wastewater treatment, and
solid waste disposal infrastructure. Appropriate technologies to meet these needs are readily available.
The following table lists the proposed campsites location to be developed by private sector. See the map
entitled proposed camp site locations in the Fayoum
Table (7) the proposed camp sites in the Fayoum Governorate
Possible Location
Opportunity class zone
Near Wadi El Hitan
Primitive
Near Wedan El Faras
Primitive
Near Qasr El Sagha and Deir Primitive
Abu Lifa
Description
Wilderness Camp, maximum
10 tents
Wilderness Camp maximum
10 tents
Wilderness Camp maximum
10 tents
Near Oyoun El Rayan
Semi primitive
Maximum 20 tents
Near the waterfalls
Semi Primitive
Maximum 30 tents
East the Upper Lake
Semi primitive
Maximum 30 tents
East the Lower Lake
Semi primitive
Maximum 30 tents
Southeast of the Lower Lake Semi primitive
Maximum 30 tents
Semi primitive
Maximum 20 tents
West of the Lower Lake
Total
190 tent
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5.4.4 Multipurpose Eco-stations
Given the scarcity of quality rest stops, and the absence of human evidence in the desert areas of the
Fayoum Governorate, a number of eco-stations have been proposed in the remote desert areas. Each
eco-station will be managed by local people/NGO/park staff to serve the visitors in the backcountry area.
These eco-stations are intended to integrate the marginal local communities living between agriculture
and desert areas to be involved in delivering ecotourism services to the visitors; educate the visitor to
local customs, beliefs and traditions; and provide a potential source of income from the sale of artwork
and handicrafts, as well as food and beverages.
A limited number of eco-stations are proposed to offer a variety of visitor facilities. Each eco-station will
include basic space for hospitality, seating area, toilet, photovoltaic powered refrigerator for food and
medicine storage, LPG fueled cooking range, emergency communication and first aid equipment, water
storage tanks, drinking water as well as other traditional belongings such as camels and livestock. Each
eco-station would also include a display area for traditional handicraft.
The site of the eco-stations are strategically selected along prescribed access routes, on the transition
points between wild and primitive opportunity class zones, as well as when the need to change the mode
of transportation from motorized vehicles to camel or horseback riding. The following table provides a
list of the proposed eco-stations in the Fayoum Governorates to be developed by Fayoum Governorate/
NCS/TDA, donors and can be operated by NGOs. The number of visitors at any eco-station would be
limited to the number of persons in a licensed tour, and would include both tour staff as well as tourists.
See the map entitled proposed Interpretive Facilities in the Fayoum
Table (8) the proposed local multipurpose Eco-stations in Fayoum Governorate
Possible Location
Quta
Function
Intersection & orientation
Facilities
Guest Bedouin tent, camel rent station
Tunis
transition point
Kom Oshim
trailhead
Guest house, camel rent station, First aid,
toilet, rest station, orientation panel
Oumda Guest house, shop, First aid, toilet,
rest station, orientation panel
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5.4.5 Handicrafts outlets
In addition to the handicrafts exhibitions annexed to the visitor centers and eco-stations, there are four
handicrafts centers identified to demonstrate the artifacts of Fayoum. The first craft center located at the
entrance of Kom Oshim to exhibit the handicrafts of El Kaabi, El Elam and Desia villages. The second at
the southern road of Lake Qarun beside the tourism information center to serve visitors driving along the
southern road of Lake Qarun. The third located at Ain El Selien and the fourth located at Nazla to exhibit
its products. The fifth outlet is at Tunis village. These handicraft centers are proposed to be developed
by governmental organizations, NGOs and private sector organizations.
5.4.6 Medical Facilities
The following are the locations for hospitals, medical clinics and First Aid stations have the capacity of
providing emergency medical services, limited surgical services, and convalescent care.
• Fayoum City hospital
• Medical clinics at the visitor centers of Lake Quarun and Wadi El Rayan
• A series of strategically located remote emergency and First Aid stations at:
• The outpost station of the rangers
• The eco-stations of Quta, Tunis, Kom Oshim
• First aid and trained emergency medical technicians on all tours
5.4.7 Jetties
Water-based ecotourism activities are supported through the following possible sites for jetties to be
developed by private sector to serve small and medium non-motorized boats for excursions and water
based activities in the lakes. These possible sites will be subject to evaluation process by the Lake
Qarun and Wadi El Rayan protected areas:
• Shakshok village, Lake Quarun (30 boats)
• Golden heron Island, Lake Quarun (5 boats)
• East tip of Lake Quarun near Alaa El Dean village (10 boats)
• West tip of Lake Quarun near Tunis and Al Roboaa (10 boats)
• North of Lake Quarun near Demieh (5 boats)
• Waterfalls (20 boats)
• Upper Lake of Wadi El Rayan (10 boats)
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5.4.8 Information material
In the initial phase of the Ecotourism Development Plan, it is expected that only persons accompanied
by a licensed tour operator will be allowed. A guidebook will need to be prepared to inform the visitor
of the natural, heritage and cultural resources of the desert areas of the Fayoum Governorate. The
guidebook will explain the potential hazards, how best to prepare for day and overnight trips, and the
climate and possible weather conditions at different times of the year.
This guidebook would have information on the trail length, difficulty, expected duration (depending
upon transportation means), location of the eco-stations, designated camping areas and emergency
facilities. The NCS will evaluate the need for trailhead information signage that could serve visitors
using trails. Design standards for these signs will be established in a park sign plan. Wayside exhibits
will be developed for key features along heavily traveled corridors and elsewhere in the park if the need
to interpret and protect resources. Interpretive waysides will be kept to a minimal level (or number) on
backcountry trails.
Map 12 proposed Ecolodge Site locations in the Fayoum
78
Map 13 proposed Camp Site locations in the Fayoum
5.5 Trail System
The routing system will form a complete circuit that has both interpretive and operational integrity. It can
be used by means of individual segments or as a comprehensive program plan. Equally important, it
connects to the most interesting and attractive resources. The points of entry to Fayoum are:
• Key intersection point at Cairo/Fayoum Road at Kom Oshim to northern area of Lake Quarun and
Gebel Qatrani
• Key intersection point at Cairo/Asiut Road at Meidum Pyramid from the eastern side of Fayoum to
the rest of the Governorate and to Wadi El Rayan’s secondary access routes
• Baharia road extension to Wedan El Faras north Quarun, and connecting Gebel Qatrani and Wadi
El Hitan
The proposed trail system follows the same route of the existing trails with a few additions of proposed
trail branches for inaccessible sites like Madinat Madi. The main purpose of the trail system is to keep
the area predominantly natural in appearance; keep interaction between users in lowest rate and provide
access to remote attractions and camps in designated sites, as well as to keep access on designated
trails only. The trail system consists of 5 major categories as access and linkages between the paved
roads and desert ecotourism activities and resources.
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5.5.1 Minor Wild Trails
These trails are constructed within or leading to use areas within the wild zones. Wild trails are defined
as a non-delineated access with minimal user-defined path development. Rehabilitation on such
routes will be to mitigate unacceptable resource damage only. Once an impacted section is identified,
appropriate clearances are conducted. These trails are minor and are marked, improved, and maintained
to accommodate hiking and camel trekking. They contain a lower construction standard than major
trails. The wild trails have been identified for non-motorized and only for hiking and camel riding such
as the following:
• The non-motorized trail at Wadi El Hitan starting from the parking area takig the visitor along
locations of the fossils
• The trail along the ridge of Gebel Qatrani linking the fossil sites along the escarpment and
the quarries of Wedan El Faras
• The hiking trail of the Oyoun El Rayan area from the parking area to the fourth spring
• The interpretive and hiking trails of the bird watching spot in the eastern and western spots of
Lake Qarun
• The interpretive and hiking trails of the bird sanctuary of the golden Heron Island in the middle
of Lake Qarun
• The hiking, horse and camel riding trail of Masraf Al Wadi to explore the countryside spirit of
the Fayoum farm lands
These trails are maintained for wild use. In addition they will be closed to mechanized access, and
converted to designated wild hiking trails.
5.5.2 Primitive Trails
These trails are constructed within or leading to use areas within the primitive Opportunity Class. Trail
maintenance will consist of resource rehabilitation efforts at impacted sections, including stabilization
of historic features. Trail width should be an average of 5 meters, unless environmental considerations
require a wider tread. Low maintenance techniques such as out-sloping and drainage dips may be
used where necessary. Multiple trail eradication and route delineation and/or minor relocation may be
necessary to mitigate resource damage. Primitive trails include the trail linking between Demieh, Qasr
Sagha, Dir Abu Lifa, and wedan El Faras.
5.5.3 Major Semi-Primitive Trails
These trails are marked routes, improved and maintained for 4 wheel drive at the medium level standards
for user convenience. These pre-existing trails provide important access to the remote desert areas.
These trails are maintained for semi-primitive use. The major trails include (Rally Pharana trail), Madinat
Madi Trail and (Wadi El Hitan Trail).
5.5.4 Threshold Trails
These trails are constructed within or leading to use areas within the Threshold (development) zone.
Trail width should be a maximum of 6 meters, except where historically constructed to wider dimensions,
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or where environmental conditions require wider tread (e.g., switchback junctions). Average trail width
of 4 to 5 meters on relatively level sections should be preserved. A 10% out-slope of trail tread (onemeter drop for every ten meters of tread width) will be attempted where possible to facilitate drainage.
Loose rock removal may be conducted. These trails are maintained to allocate multiple uses of 2 and 4
wheel drive, hiking and riding activities and mainly linking the existing paved and motorized road on the
boundaries of the agriculture lands to the surrounding attractions on the vicinity desert and create a ring
road around the farmlands and serve as a periphery between the lush green areas and desert.
5.5.5 Emergency Trails
There are three trails available for emergency mechanized access using the same route of the major
trails of Rally Pharana trail, Madinat Madi Trail and Wadi Hitan Trail.
The following table details the complete list of trails, classification, and trail lengths.
Table ( 9 ) Proposed Trail System in Fayoum desert areas
Name
Length Opportunity
km
class
Mode of type
transport.
Origin From
Destination
To
North
Entrance
Of Qarun
5 km south
Kom Aushim
Birqet Qarun
Road at Tunis
Wadi Rayan
Cairo Fayoum 80 km
Regional Road
Threshold
Motorized Regional
Road
Birqet Qarun
40 km
southern Road
Wadi El Rayan
Road
Threshold
Motorized Main
Connector
Motorized Main
Connector
Rally Pharana
trail
50 km
SemiPrimitive
4x4
Minor
connector
Madinet Madi
Trail
Wadi Hitan
Trail
Ancient track
to Wedan el
Faras
Wadi Hitan
30km
SemiPrimitive
SemiPrimitive
Primitive
4x4
Minor
Connector
Major
8 km
Wild
Oyoun El
Rayan trail
5 km
Gebel Qatrani
trail
25 km
40km
Threshold
4x4
km ( 30 ) on
Fayoum Cairo
road
North Lake
Quta and
Wadi Rayan
Lower Lake
of Wadi El
Raiyan
Quta in the
west tip of
Lake Qarun
Madinet Madi
Waterfalls
Wadi El Hitan
4x4 +
Riding +
Hiking
4x4
Minor
Demieh
Wedan El
Faras
Minor
Wild
Riding +
Hiking
Minor
Parking area
of WHIHS
Wadi Rayan
road at
Wild
Riding +
Hiking
Major
Along the
open museum
Along Oyoun
El Rayan
wildlife area
Along the
escarpment of
Gebel Qatrani
Wedan El
Faras
81
The trail of the 2 km
Bird sanctuary
of Lake Qarun
The trail of the 3 km
Golden heron
Island
Masraf Al Wadi 15 km
trail
Wild
Riding +
Hiking
Minor
Wild
Riding +
Hiking
Minor
Wild
Riding +
Hiking
Major
Southern road Along the
of Lake Qarun bird watching
areas
Boat Jetty on Along the
the lake
bird watching
areas
Southern road Nazla
of Lake Qarun
5.6 Upgrading and improvement areas
Special improvement and upgrading zones are areas requiring special consideration such as the
headland of Shakshok, Ain Selien, the communities of Shakshok village, Nazla, Tunis, El Ealam, Qasr
Qarun and the Bedouin settlement of Qutah. This zone also includes key districts and artery streets in
Fayoum City. Some areas within the protected areas need a site management plan that serves as a
pilot project for visitation. These areas include: Wadi El Hitan, Wedan El Faras, and Madinat Madi, bird
watching station in the eastern part of Lake Quarun, the area around the waterfalls in Wadi El Rayan,
and Masraf El Wadi area.
Action plans are needed for these special development zones to identify zoning codes, evaluate land uses
and regulations for these areas on a case-by-case basis to strengthen their relationship with ecotourism
Plan. The action plans of the special development zones will provide direction for the location and scale
of uses by restructuring rural communities identifying activity nodes, and protecting the rural social
character and scenic landscape. The purpose of the special areas action plans is to provide a model
for the establishment, management, and appropriate use of these special areas, in order to achieve the
following objectives:
• Maintain and restore the unique social fabric, architectural character and landmarks of the rural
communities
• Provide pilot project examples and nodes of rural and urban upgrading
• Involve the local people in the development process
• Protect representative examples of rural community character, landscapes and revitalize its local
culture and artifacts
5.7 Capacity Building
Knowledgeable travelers are demanding the best quality that tourism experience can provide.
A competitive hospitality requires employees who:
(a) Are committed to exceeding industry standards for quality service
(b) Can perform effectively in a multicultural environment
(c) Can contribute creatively to addressing service challenges in the workplace.
Consistent and predictable service along with positive referrals to potential customers and repeat visits
translate into customer satisfaction and increased revenues. Quality service training will heighten
employee satisfaction and positively influence employee retention. The attitudes and motivations of the
operation staff plays a huge role in the delivery of quality service.
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Therefore, human resource development in the tourism industry provides a significant challenge. There
is a wide range of actors both in the public and private sectors that require in some cases basic education
and other situations upgrading of skills and knowledge. There are also a number of officials and other
government ministries that have an impact on the tourism marketing and development process who also
require capacity building. Within this technical assistance project it is not possible to identify all of these
needs. We have taken a strategic approach to identifying important gaps in the needs in order to fill the
specific key needs within the ecotourism industry.
There is no doubt that within government as well as the private sector there are a number of people with
sound technical and management skills and knowledge. However, there are still are significant capacity
gaps that must be addressed. There is also the overriding need to ensure that customer satisfaction
becomes an essential element of all tourism planning, development and management.
Training needs of the stakeholders involved in ecotourism industry in Fayoum must include the following
categories:
Private Sector and NGO Capacity Building Needs
• Employees of hotels, resorts and camps accommodation
• Employees of Travel agencies
• Employees of Transport companies
• Employees of Restaurants
• Employees of tourism related NGOs
• Local guides
• Local handicraftsmen and souvenir shops
• Local architects and planners
Public Sector
• Employees of the Fayoum Tourism Agency
• Employees of the local office of TDA
• Park rangers
• Local police and security agency
The main topics could be covered for the training needs include:
• Interpretation and guiding
• Marketing and promotion
• Festival and special events management
• Heritage site management
• Visitor management
• Determining carrying capacities
• Strategic planning and management
• Website management
• Economic base training
• Project (restaurant, hotels, etc) management
• Basics of small and medium-sized enterprise creation
• Indicators and monitoring
• Managing Service Excellence in the Tourism Industry
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There is a significant challenge to provide the capacity to make change occur and to make implementation
possible given the realities of Fayoum’s society in general and specifically in tourism planning and
development. It is clear that various actors require a different set of skills for managing change as well
as the ability to change their decision-making and working culture. In other words, within a climate of
scarce resources an entrepreneurial perspective would be very useful in helping to push ahead many of
the important tourism agendas facing Fayoum.
The training program under this project serves as a participatory approach for creating the ecotourism
plan and in the same time train the local staff on techniques, methodology and guidelines of the planning
procedures. The following are the priority needs for capacity building for the first phase implementation
of the ecotourism development plan.
5.7.1 Capacity building for the FTA and Fayoum staff
Considerable time has been spent on the assessing the capacities and the needs of FTA staff. While
the official number of employees is around (20) about 40% of these employees can be classified as
active staff. About 75% of the key staff has University degrees while 25% of the general staff have a
high school certificate or lower. There appears to be a number of opportunities for key staff to upgrade
their skills and knowledge through training.
The project was carried out in a training program for the FTA, EEAA, TDA, and Fayoum Information
center staff on ecotourism planning and principals. The program has been delivered successfully during
the last six months. The training program allowed the participant to:
• Understand the basic elements of ecotourism, the market and market trends
• Assess the potential of individual and group eco-tourist specialty markets
• Use green guidelines for operating a successful ecotourism business
• Analyze and address the special needs of eco-tourists and local communities
• Establish an ecotourism planning process at the local and regional levels
• Develop trip circuits and travel packages that are safe and offer a wide variety of experiences
• Understand the vital role of interpretation and education in adding value
The following are the main training courses that took place in the last months during elaboration of the
ecotourism plan.
• Introduction to Sustainable Ecotourism Development
• Fayoum ecosystem and its implications on development planning
• Ecotourism planning strategies and technique
• Practical training: Identifying selected sites within sub-zones
• Sustainable ecotourism regulations and guidelines
5.7.2 Capacity building for local guides
As the concept for the ecotourism operation, the educational component is becoming significant and
has been elevated to a priority in most eco-tours. Eco-tourists’ educational expectations have steadily
increased. Today’s sophisticated client demands high level of natural history and cultural experience.
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Evolving ecotourism standards and eco-tourist demands have, therefore, been a major impetus behind
increased emphasis on education and guiding experience provided to tourists.
One of the most important elements of safe, memorable and educationally rewarding ecotourism
experience is the talents and skill level of the tour guide. Guiding should encompass not only the ability
to explain to the traveler the area being visited, or to coordinate with the tour operator, but to convey
the all-important message that true ecotourism entails: the importance of sustainable lifestyles, both at
home and abroad.
To have such a level of guiding skills in Fayoum, there is a need for training effort and capacity building
for the local people to create a new generation of local guides to support the ecotourism industry in
Fayoum. Training programs are needed for the local people from different organizations including: local
people, private sector, rangers, hotels, and tour operators as well as young individual graduates. The
main objective of the training is to give the participants interpretation skills and natural history knowledge
necessary to create and secure jobs as ecotourism guides in Fayoum.
The training should emphasize mainly guiding skills, practices and techniques. The participants of
the ecotourism guiding training will have the opportunity to make important contribution to protected
areas and ecotourism operation in the Fayoum region. They will learn more about ecotourism guiding,
environmental interpretation, natural and cultural history, conservation, emergency and safety
management and tourist attention.
The training should provide the participants with general introduction to the natural and historical heritage
of the Fayoum region, environmental interpretation skills, local conservation issues, important ecological
and cultural history, as well as training in tourist services and guiding skills. These skills are deemed
important for promoting responsible and sustainable ecotourism in the Fayoum region.
The following are the main topics that must be covered by the training programs for the local guides:
The guiding process
• Risk management
• Wilderness first aid and appropriate medical response skills;
• Safety practices and procedures
• minimum impact trail maintenance techniques
Land based skills management
• Recreational activities
• wilderness management principles and philosophy;
• application of the minimum-tool/requirement concept;
• proficiency in the use of primitive tools camping management
• GPS
• Communication
• Language training
• Leave No Trace (LNT).
Interpretation skills
• Principals of Interpretation
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• Educating the eco-tourist
• Interpretive information gathering
• Developing the stories
• Nature awareness and interpretation
• Cultural sensitivity and better cross cultural understanding
5.7.3 Capacity building for young architects on Ecotourism facilities design
Ecotourism industry must serve with quality with a focus on ecotourism facilities genuinely reflecting
the ecotourism product in a certain region. The ecotourism concept is still new in the Egyptian context.
Many architects in Egypt never practice sustainable or environmental designs for ecotourism facilities.
Capacity building is needed for a number of creative young architects to support the ecotourism industry
in Fayoum with creative designs for ecotourism facilities such as eco-lodges, visitor centers, camps,
interpretive stations, wayside exhibitions, signage systems …etc. The training will be a good opportunity
to establish a core group communicating together and representing the nucleus of the ecotourism
industry in Fayoum. The participants of the training program will have the opportunity to share their
experience in environmentally sound designs for ecotourism facilities and to make important contribution
to eco-lodge design and development in protected areas and ecotourism operations. The training will
emphasize mainly on eco-lodge design, planning, practices, and techniques.
The training must provide the participants with international and local case studies in eco-lodge design
and provide general introduction to the Fayoum region fauna, flora, conservation issues, and important
ecological and cultural history.
The participants will reach a high level of understanding of the ecotourism planning process and will be
able to integrate all planning, design, infrastructure, and conservation tools gained during the training
and put them into practice in the Fayoum region.
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87
ANNEXES
89
ANNEX 1
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
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CAMEL TREKKING ITINERARY
Trip profile: Style:
Trip Background
Soft adventure
Tour grade: Moderate
Duration: 5 days/ 4 nights
Note: The duration and
departure of the trip can be
changed to suit client needs
The world's most mysterious place the Fayoum invites you to reveal
its secrets. It is an invitation to discover the Fayoum on Camel, the
so-called charismatic ships of the desert, tied together caravan style,
and enjoy the spectacular scenery and relaxed rhythm of ancient
times. A certain sense of adventure will strike visitors once they see
the incomparable landscape and the sun set over the endless vast
planes of the Fayoum desert.
Preferable Tour dates:
From Sept – to April
Price: per person
2 persons 150 US$
3-5 persons 125 US$
6 < persons 100 US$
Discount conditions:
• 1 free space for 16 +1 PAX
• For children below 11 y.o of
family trip
Included in the price:
• Accommodation in double
occupancy in camps
• qualified local guide (English
and German speaking) and
interpreting service
• All meals according to the
itinerary /
• Sightseeing and cultural show
admissions according to the
itinerary
• Entrance fees for protected
areas and antiquity sites
• Camel rider fees + Camel
keeper
Since no mechanized back up is taken and the dromedary camels
carry everything, Travelers will experience true unspoilt nature.
There are some limitations concerning luxury, but they will find a
strange satisfaction and happiness and feel that they do not need
as much as they thought: a tiny bit of water for washing, a good
meal and a sleeping bag will be appreciated and considered an
ever unforgettable adventure.
Travelers can be in for a camel hike (2 – 5 days), where they can
walk off into the distance not bothered by the limitations of water
supply and heavy backpack; the camels carry food and water supply
as well as luggage, tent and sleeping bags. No worry of losing the
way around dunes, Mountains amongst the never-ending planes,
this certainly is the concern of the qualified local guide. One of the
most interesting parts of this journey will be to ride a camel over the
sand dunes for a panoramic view the natural beauty of the Fayoum.
Hospitable local families, who live in this fascinating part of Egypt,
also welcome you
There is plenty to see and photograph. A tailor-made itinerary,
daily distance and duration of hikes and rides depend on weather
conditions, fitness of hikers / riders and the length of stay. Whether
riders will be taken into the most spectacular places of the Fayoum
like Valley of the Whales, Springs area “Oyoun El Rayan”, Wadi
Muilah, the waterfalls, the sand Dune, Gebel Qatrani, the petrified
forest, the bays of Lake Qarun and Wadi El Rayan Lakes, the
Not included:
ancient prehistoric/ Pharaoh /Ptolemaic/ Christian/ Islamic heritage
Visa cost, International Airfare, sites and the lush green fields of the Fayoum.
Travel insurance, Gratuities
transfer to and from Camel Travelers will never forget those few days of a very special
Camp all kinds of drink is on break from everyday routine in civilization!
your own
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ITINERARY
DAY ONE
1.30 pm
: Departure from Cairo to the Fayoum.
2.30 – 4.00 pm
: The First stop is Kom Oshim Museum, built in 1980. The museum's exhibits tell the
story of the Fayoum history from its early beginnings.
4.5 - 5.5 pm
: Travelers will visit a camel breeder family famous for their hospitality to choose
camels and meet the local Bedouin guide.
6.00 pm
: Check in at the Base camp at the waterfall area
7.00 – 9.00 pm
: Dinner
DAY 2: RIDE THE SHIP OF THE SANDS
FULL DAY CAMEL RIDE:
7.30 am: Enjoy breakfast at the base camp on the Lake shore
Along the Fayoum golden dunes, travelers will admire the wilderness and the nature beauty of the sand
dunes and climb up one of the coastal dunes of the Lower Lake of Wadi El Rayan and the extensive
dune fields and the series of longitudinal paralleled sand dunes running from North-West to south-East
direction in the South-western part of Wadi El-Rayan depression. The dunes vary in length from few
hundred meters to thirty km and may reach the height of 30 m.
We'll continue riding south along the way, to the lower Lake to look for the near Artist's Point of the
Medawara and bein El Nahdeen area, overlooking the spectacular lower lake of Wadi El Rayan, one of
the most picturesque spots in the Fayoum.
1.00 pm: Enjoying lunch at Medawara with splendid overlooking view of the lower Lake.
Springs area: After lunch riders will have a short ride to Oyoun El Rayan, a prime location for bird and
animal watching with strict regulations located south west of the lower Lake. Riders will leave their
camels for a nature hike. The habitat within the spring's area consists of four natural sulfur springs form
permanent pools and relatively extensive affluent channels that are generally chocked by dense growth
of marsh vegetation. A superficial aquifer supports fairly dense and varied natural vegetation, dominated
by Alhagi graecorum, Nitraria retusa, Calligonum polygonoides and Tamarix nilotica. There are small
reed swamps and scattered date palms surrounding the springs.
Most of the locally breeding birds are confined to - or dependent on – this habitat. Birds typical of this
habitat are Pharaoh’s eagle owl and the Palm dove, the Olivaceous warbler Hippolais pallida, the Southern
grey shrike Lanius meridionalis, the Hoopoe lark and the Rufous bush robin Cerotrichas galactotes, a
summer visitor. The area is known for its rich and divers wildlife which includes 14 mammals, 16 reptiles,
over 100 migrant and resident bird species and numerous insect and other invertebrate species. Jackals
and hares are moderately common. Though rarely seen, the Desert monitor Varanus griseus is a fairly
common diurnal predator that roams widely in the springs area.
4.00 pm
: Ride back to the base camp of the waterfall
7.00 – 9.00 pm
: Dinner
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DAY 3: RIDE WITH THE WHALES IN THE DESERT
7.30 am
: breakfast at the base camp
FULL DAY CAMEL RIDE:
Valley of the whales: On this full day trip, travelers will have the opportunity to visit and explore one
of the international heritage sites. Riders will explore the fossil remains of Valley of the whales which
are internationally famous for its rich fossilized remains -some 40-60 million years ago- and unusual
geological formations.
Valley of the whales “Wadi Al-Hitan” is the most important site in the world to demonstrate one of
the iconic changes that make up the record of life on Earth: the evolution of the whales. It portrays
vividly their form and mode of life during their transition from land animals to a marine existence. It
exceeds the values of other comparable sites in terms of the number, concentration –more than 415
fossil skeletons have been identified- and quality of its fossils, and their accessibility and setting in an
attractive and protected landscape. The site contains invaluable fossil remains of the earliest, and now
extinct, suborder of whales, the archaeocete. These are the ancestors of the two modern suborders of
cetaceans (Mysticeti and Odontoceti).
Picnic Lunch will served at the parking gateway of the site
4.00 pm
: Ride to Um Zalat north Lake Qarun and set up a mobile camp in the desert area
north Lake Qarun overlooking Um Zalat which the night will be spent.
7.00 – 9.00 pm
: Dinner
DAY 4: RIDE WITHIN THE HISTORY:
FULL DAY CAMEL RIDES:
7.30 am: breakfast at the edge of the escarp and enjoy the spectacular view to the south overlooking
Fayoum: palm trees, cultivated fields, and the giant lake stretched out to the left, the Wadi Rayan straight
ahead, and the beige, empty Western Desert on the right.
8.30 am: Ride to the west along the northern shore of Lake Qarun via
Demieh: visit Demieh, a Greco-Roman city (332 BC-323AD) founded by Ptolemy II in the third century
B.C. on a site that shows evidence of habitation from the Neolithic period. In Ptolemaic times it was at
the shore of Lake Moeris and the beginning of the caravan routes to the Western Desert. Serving as
a port, the site is currently 65 meters higher and 2.5 kilometers beyond the water's edge. It was like a
frontier. Inhabited for six centuries and was finally abandoned by the middle of the third century. The
ruins cover an area of about 125 acres/0.5 sq. km.
The ruins contain two temples, houses located along the Processional Avenue of the Lions, underground
chambers, streets, 10 meter high walls, a Roman cemetery lies 900 yards southwest of the city, and
agricultural fields separated by long irrigation canals. Goods from the Fayoum were transported across
the lake by boat to be unloaded at the docks of Demieh, stored, or carried up the Avenue of the Lions
(370m long), passes the well preserved remains of houses to a platform on which are the ruins of a large
temple of the Ptolemaic period dedicated to Soknopaios.
Qasr El Sagha: visit Qasr El Sagha, a Middle Kingdom (2280-1778 BC) building, at the foot of a steep
desert escarpment. The temple is constructed of limestone slabs fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle
complete with oblique corner joints. It has a series of rooms with one completely enclosed and having
no entrance. The function of this unusual building is unclear, but it certainly had a strategic view of the
93
surrounding area. Below the site there are extensive remains of the village that once stood nearby.
There is evidence of an ancient roadway, an unusual platform that resembles a causeway, hand-hewn
rock caves, and several prehistoric villages.
2.00 pm: Picnic lunch near Qasr El Sagha
The prehistoric sites: Short hiking to the south of Qasr El Sagha to explore the prehistoric sites located
on the flat plain. The area seems to have been inhabited by hunters, while the southern sites, nearer the
ancient lake, were inhabited by farmers and fishermen. Near by are the remains of an ancient quay.
The ancient Basalt road: Travelers will explore basalt road which reputedly the first paved road in
the world. The roadway that led to the quarry of wedan El Faras was constructed of basalt stone and
petrified wood during the Old Kingdom. This quarry, road begins at Qasr al-Sagha, turns north, and
climbs the escarpment it moves across the plain, and directly to Widan al-Faras, 8 kilometers away.
Then it skirts the second escarpment to Gebel Qatrani. As such, a road facilitated transport of the basalt
blocks over the uphill stretches. The road is fully visible on the surface.
Deir Abu Leefa: The riders will have the chance to visit Abu Leefa monastery, A Christian Monastery
was probably founded by St. Panoukhius about 686 A.D and was in use from the 7th through the 9th
centuries. It served as a haven for Christians seeking persecution. Immediately behind the Qasr El
Sagha temple, and visible on the cliff face of the upper portions of the Deir Abu Leefa member giant
cross-bedded sandstone, are a similar series of small man-made caves probably used for meditation.
The monastery is typical primitive, its entrance is cut into the mountain and consisting of small caves
carved into cliff sides that can be difficult to reach. The visitors may have the chance to have a cup of
tea and short talk with the monks about the history of the monastery.
7.00 pm Camp near the monastery where the dinner will serve.
DAY 5: QATRANI FOSSILS
FULL DAY CAMEL RIDE
7.30 am: breakfast at the base camp
Ride to north via Gebel Qatrani which is famous for its wealth of terrestrial and marine mammalian
fossils and contains the "most important assemblage as yet described from fluvial rocks of the world".
On the way to Qatrani, the riders will explore the petrified wood is covered a big area north Qasr El
Sagha with very diverse and beautiful samples often actually littering the ground in certain areas. This is
certain one of our clues that the region was at one time had a tropical climate.
The riders will ride to see and explore the fossils of Gabal Qatrani which include fifteen types of animal
trail fossils (ichnofossils), petrified forest, thirteen different bird fossil families, twenty orders of mammal
fossils, turtle fossils, the gigantic snake fossils, nine species of primate including those of mammals the
earliest known ape, Mangrove rhizoliths as well as communal nesting social insects.
2.00 PM: PICNIC LUNCH
Widan El Faras: The last stop in the trip is Widan El Faras. A large black basalt quarry exists at the
northern edge of Gebel Qatrani, near the two prominent buttes called Widan el-Faras. It was once an Old
94
Kingdom quarry now known to be the source of basalt used for the Old Kingdom pyramid temples. The
site is standing about 340 meters above sea level. The basalt was loaded onto sleds and transported
down the escarpment to the waiting boats at the quay at Qasr al-Sagha.
4.00 pm: Departure: At Wedan El Faras, the 4 wheel drive cars are waiting for the riders to pick them
out of the desert and drive back to Cairo via Baharia road.
Map 15 Tour Route of the camel riding Itinerary
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BIRD WATCHING ITINERARY
Trip profile:
Style:
Tour grade:
Travelers
Easy
Trip Background
The Fayoum has more than 214 species of birds, 11 of them are globally
threatened species. Because of the varied habitat-types that the Fayoum
comprises of as also of the strict protection accorded to them birding in
Fayoum is very special.
In this 4 day birding program birders will explore different habitat such
as marshes, mudflat, reed bed, farmland, open water and water edge,
Duration:
desert areas and towns. The open water, mudflats, the protected
2 days/ 3 nights
the duration of the trip can be embayment, sheltered areas, and the reed beds thickets of the Lake
changed to suit client needs. shore of lake Qarun and Wadi El Rayan are inhabited by numerous of
water birds, wading birds, shorebirds, and waterfowl including species
of grebes, ducks, Bittern, Ibis, Harriers , Warblers, gulls, terns, plovers…
Preferable Tour dates:
etc. The bird species are both resident and migratory include Lesser
From
to
Crane Water Rail, Spotted Crake, Moorhen, Purple Gallinule, Painted
Snipe, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Stone Curlew, Little Ringed Plover,
Land only price 2006:
per person
Ringed lover, Kittlitz's Plover, Kentish Plover, Greater Sand Plover,
2 persons 150 US$ Golden Plover, Knot, Dunlin, Little Stint, Temminck's Stint, Curlew
3-5 persons 135 US$
6 < persons 120 US$ Sandpiper, Broad-billied Sandpiper Ruff, Jack Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit,
Curlew, Whimbrel, Greenshank, Green andpiper, Wood Sandpiper,
Marsh Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Redshank Common Sandpiper,
Discount conditions:
• 1 free space for 16 +1 PAX Turnstone, Red-necked Phalarope, Black-headed Gull, Gull-billed Tern,
• For children below 11 y.o of White-winged Black Tern, Whiskered Tern, Black Marsh Tern, Little Tern,
family trip
Yellow Wagtail, Reed Warbler, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Moustached
Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Whinchat, Blue Throat, Streaked eaver
among others.
Included in the price:
• Accommodation in double
occupancy in hotel, guest
house
• Guiding and interpreting
service
• Renting transport + driver
with petrol,and maintenance
• All meals according to the
itinerary /all kinds of drink is
on your own/
• Sightseeing and cultural
show admissions according
to the itinerary
• Entrance fees for protected
areas and national parks
• Return ticket confirmation
Not included:
Visa cost, International
Airfare, Travel insurance
Note:
• Single supplement is not
available
96
The Lake Quarun is surrounded from south by miles of farmland,
making it a great migrant trap. Birders never know what they'll find
here on a given day. Breeding species include Black-shouldered Kite,
Turtle and Palm dove, Barn and Little Owl, Little Green Bee-eater,
Hoopoe, Swallow, Yellow Wagtail, Common Bulbul, Rufous Bush Robin,
Mourning Wheatear, Fan-tailed Warbler, Graceful Warbler, Olivaceous
Warbler, Great Grey Shrike, Hooded Crow, House Sparrow, Avadavat,
and Goldfinch. Painted snipe have been found in many areas of the
cultivated land especially at Abuksa Bay where both common and Jack
snipe have been found. Senegal coucal is also here and enjoys the
heavily-vegetated canal systems running back into the Fayoum. Herons
are found here and little bittern with cattle egrets which use inland trees
for nests.
The nearby springs area “Oyoun El Rayan” is good for desert species such
as Hen Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Curlew, Cream-colored Courser, Crowned
Sand grouse, Chestnut-bellid Sand grouse, Spotted Sand grouse, Rock
Pigeon, Rose-gray Dove, Blue-Checked Bee-eater, Crag Martin, Blacktailed Desert Lark, Desert Lark , Hoopoe Lark, Temminck's Horned Lark,
Brown-necked Raven, Wheatear Desert Wheatear, Mourning Wheatear,
Isabellina Wheatear, Rock Thrush, Blue Rock Thrush, European Robin,
Trumpeter Finch .
The tour grade and style is varying from Easy to Moderate to Hard and varying from one full day hiking
up to 7 days. A tailor-made itinerary, number of sites visited, daily distance and duration of hikes and
birding depend on weather conditions, fitness of hikers / birders and the length of stay. The tour is
designed to explore areas where birders can see combination of endemics and birds on the threatened
list according their interests. Of course, the interests of the experienced birders, who are looking for
new and threatened species is different from new birders who will delight in seeing colorful and Key big
birds. The programs designed to meet the needs of both casual and experienced birders. All itinerary
programs is designed to spend the nights in the most appropriate and best hotels of the Fayoum has to
offer.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: EASTERN AND MIDDLE SECTION OF LAKE QARUN AND QARN ISLAND
Departure from the Hotel in Cairo at 6 O'clock to Fayoum
We will drive 70 km on Cairo Fayoum paved road
7.30 am: Arrive to the intersection of Quarun road and Cairo- Fayoum road where we will meet our local
guide.
First stop: Birding in the eastern water reeds of Lake Qarun (2 hours)
Drive on the dirt tracks through agriculture land to Qaret El Rosas in the eastern tip of the Lake Qarun.
This small marshy bay is one of the best locations at Lake Qarun to see water birds, residents, winter
visitors and migrants. The site is a prime viewing spot during fall migration in October and winter time.
A hike by the shore of Qaret El Rosas offers a lot of key species. Also try looking for grebes in the
marshes within the Lake. Various shorebirds included Common & Spotted Redshanks, Common & Jack
Snipe, Wood Sandpiper and Little Stint.
Second stop: Birding at the southeastern of Lake Qarun (1 hour)
We will drive a further 5 km to the south to reach the water reeds of the south eastern shore of Lake
Qarun, place that provide excellent chances to immediately picking up Pintail, Pochard, Great White
Egrets and several Slender-billed Gulls.
Third stop: Birding at Raas Abu Neema (1 hour)
Picnic Lunch will be served at Raas Abu Neema with grilled sea food served by the local boatman. After
lunch we'll have a short trek to explore birds of Raas Abu Neema and Abuksah.
Four stop: Birding at Quarun Island (4 hours)
Birders will have a wonderful opportunity to take a boat ride around the Qarn Island. The boat trip
needs to be arranged with the local boatman from Shakshok village. (Special Permissions need to be
arranged with the rangers of Lake Qarun protected area). The island’s has a long sandy beach and
have been declared as a core of the protected areas. Being acceptably protected from predators, the
island is a haven for breeding seabirds, and is a resting and feeding post for winter visitors and passage
migrants.
Over one thousand species of birds visit this island each year, many of which nest on its remote shores.
The island supports globally significant bird species and it has been classified as an "Important Bird
97
Area” by Bird Life International and similarly renowned environmental organizations.
Fifth stop: Birding in the fish farms (1 hour)
A short stop by one of the large fish-farms along the southern road of Lake Qarun and west of Shakshok.
The pond provide good chance for birders to see large numbers of Egyptian Swallows hawking insects,
and large numbers of Ruff, Dunlin and Little Stint, Ringed Plover and both species of Redshank.
At 5:00pm start the drive back to the hotel
7.30 pm: dinner
DAY 2: WESTERN QARUN
After Breakfast we'll drive to explore the western section of the Lake Qarun from Botnet Hafez to Quta
which is a combination of marshes, fishery ponds and shrub-steppe habitat. Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo,
Pintail, Sholveler, Senegal Thick-knee, Grey Plover, Spur-winged Plover, Temminck's Stint, Broad-billied
Sandpiper, Ruff, Snipe, Little Gull, White-eyed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Slender-billed Gull ,Common
Gull Great Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Black Tern, Whiskered
Tern, Black Marsh Tern, Caspian Tern, Little Tern, Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Sand Martin, Swallow,
Water Pipit are common here.
First stop: Botnet Hafez (2 hours)
Botnet Hafez is a picturesque marshy bay closed from the lake side by sand bar which create shallow
area excellent for the water and wadding birds. The bay is one of the few semi-natural remaining sites
on the southern part of Lake Qarun. It was famous as one of the hunting sites of the shooting clubs, but
closed after the designation of Lake Qarun as protected area. This quiet, scenic area is an excellent
location for seeing a wide variety of water birds. A nice resort established in the western end of the bay
called El Roboaa. The site is close to Ezbet Tunis “2km”.
Second stop: Tunis (3 hours)
Lunch will be served at Zad El Mosafer Ecolodge
We will visit the pots center of Tunis and meet with Evelyn, a Swiss potter took up residence in the early
1960's. She uses a variety of different clay types and glazes. This pottery center also has a school for
local children who make beautiful designs, primarily of animals in warm earth tone glazes.
Third stop: Um Zalat (1 hour)
After Lunch we'll take a short drive to the western tip of the Lake. A nearby Um Zalat site is a fascinating
place to visit. At this site it is possible to spot beautiful Greater Flamingos. There is a trail to the area from
Quta, but 4-wheel drive is needed. Most birdwatchers watch the birds from the other side using a scope.
Little is known about the Greater Flamingos, their occurrence is quite erratic.
Third stop: Qasr Qarun (1 hour)
Drive to west via Qasr Qarun, a Greco-Roman town (323 BC-554AD), It was the beginning of the
caravan route to the Baharia Oasis. The town is mostly in ruins save for a few structures. In the middle
of the ancient town, there is the “temple of Stone” dedicated to Sobek Ra. It dates to between 323 and
330 BC during the Ptolemaic period. There is also a smaller temple constructed mainly from mud brick
and dates to the Roman Period. Located to the west of the temple, there is a Roman fortress constructed
of mud brick during the reign of Diocletian as protection against the Blemmyes, is now a ruin. Within the
ruins of the fortress are the remains of a Christian basilica.
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DAY 3: WADI EL RAYAN
The marshes, mudflats, reed beds and open water of the Lakes of Wadi El Rayan attract more than 150
of bird species includes Crane, Curlew, Swallow, Spanish Sparrow and black winged stilit, Great crested
and black necked grebe, tufted duck, pochard, and many coot with small number of waders can be
seen here. The herons and marsh harriers are common in winter on the reeds beds areas. Even Osprey
winter here along with greater black headed gulls.
First stop: the Upper Lake (1 hour)
We'll drive along the shore of the upper Lake to look for the water birds of the reed beds of the western
and southern side of the lake.
Second stop: the waterfalls (1 hour)
Birders will have a short stop at Wadi El Rayan waterfalls, just ten kilometers south of Lake Qarun.
Here, the upper and lower lakes are connected together by a narrow and deep canal. This canal reaches
the northeastern edge of the Wadi El Rayan depression where a waterfall is formed at this vertical
escarpment. As the water level in the lower lake rises, the height of this water fall is reduced and the
area around the waterfall is densely vegetated with marsh plants.
Third stop: the Lower Lake (1 hour)
We'll continue south birding along the way, to the lower Lake to look for the near Artist's Point of the
Medawara and bein El Nahdeen area, overlooking the spectacular lower lake of Wadi El Rayan, one of
the most picturesque spots in the Fayoum.
Fifth stop: Oyoun El Rayan (3 hours)
Birders will have a short drive to south via Oyoun El Rayan, located south west of the lower Lake.
This Habitat is a prime location for bird and animal watching with strict regulations. The habitat within
the spring's area consists of four natural sulfur springs form permanent pools and relatively extensive
affluent channels that are generally chocked by dense growth of marsh vegetation. A superficial aquifer
supports fairly dense and varied natural vegetation, dominated by Alhagi graecorum, Nitraria retusa,
Calligonum polygonoides and Tamarix nilotica. There are small reed swamps and scattered date palms
surrounding the springs.
The area is known for its rich and divers wildlife which includes 14 mammals, 16 reptiles, over 100
migrant and resident bird species and numerous insect and other invertebrate species. Jackals and
hares are moderately common. Though rarely seen, the Desert monitor Varanus griseus is a fairly
common diurnal predator that roams widely in the springs area.
Most of the locally breeding birds of the Fayoum desert areas are confined to - or dependent on – this
habitat. Birds typical of this habitat are Pharaoh’s eagle owl and the Palm dove, the Olivaceous warbler
Hippolais pallida, the Southern grey shrike Lanius meridionalis, the Hoopoe lark and the Rufous bush
robin Cerotrichas galactotes.
Sixth stop: Gebel El Deir and Monqar el Rayan (2 hours)
If time permits, a short drive to the top of nearly Gebel Monqar El Rayan is a great way to end the day.
As the trail passes along the way to Gebel el Deir, birders can watch for Blue-Checked Bee-eater, Crag
Martin, Black-tailed Desert Lark, Desert Lark , Hoopoe Lark, Temminck's Horned Lark, Brown-necked
99
Raven, Wheatear, Desert Wheatear, Mourning Wheatear, Isabellina Wheatear, Rock Thrush, Blue Rock
Thrush, European Robin, and trumpeter Finch. Sand Grouse are present but can be difficult to locate.
The view from the top is sensational.
As we continue up to Monqar El Rayan where vertical scarp rises to 184 m above sea level, a variety of
birds of prey are present including the rare Lappet-faced Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard
Steppe Eagle, Osprey, Lesser Kestrel, Sooty Falcon, Lanner, Saker, Peregrine, Barbary Falcon,.
At 5:00pm start the drive back to Cairo
Map 16 Tour route of the bird watching itinerary
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CRAFTS AND LOCAL LIFESTYLE ITINERARY
Trip profile:
Style:
Travelers
Tour grade:
Easy
Duration:
5 days/ 4 nights
the duration of the trip can be
changed to suit client needs.
Tour dates for 2006:
from Sept to May
Land only price 2006: per
person
2 persons 120 US$
3-5 persons 100 US$
6 < persons 80 US$
Trip Background
The Fayoum offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Egyptian rural life
style with rich and complex ethnic culture groups containing farmers,
Bedouins, and fishermen living together in the same region. Our tour
programs combine experienced local lifestyles and its related type of
Discount conditions:
• 1 free space for 16 +1 PAX
products and activities such as poetry, basketry, traditional storytelling,
• For children below 11 y.o of
falconry exhibitions, and traditional fishing. Many villages in Fayoum
family trip
have outstanding traditional handicrafts telling the history and traditions
of local people in Fayoum. The abundance of palm trees and clay
Included in the price:
found in the Fayoum are the reason the basketry industry got its start
• Accommodation in double
occupancy in hotel and guest here. Travelers will visit local villages such as Nazla, and Tunis the
house
master craft centers of pots and open heritage museums that explains
• Guiding and interpreting
the culture, traditions, and many uses of potteries.
service
Countryside vacations are increasingly popular ways to experience
• All meals according to the
farm living. They can also provide from 10 to 30 percent increase in the
itinerary /all kinds of drink is
on your own/
limited farmer’s income. The heritage of the agriculture industry in the
• Sightseeing and cultural show Fayoum is a long and varied one. But agriculture land in the Fayoum
admissions according to the
is more than just a pretty landscape. It represents more than 60 % of
itinerary
the local economy as well. The Fayoum has one of the old and unique
• Renting transport + driver
irrigation system can not found else where all over the world.
with petrol, and maintenance
• Entrance fees for protected
One of main tourist attractions of the Fayoum is the Bedouin lifestyle as
areas and national parks
a local people has kept their unique way of life through the centuries.
The Bedouins tend their livestock and move for good pasture all
year around. The Fayoum gives the visitors an amazing chance to
Not included:
Visa cost, International Airfare, experience the Bedouin culture, traditions and hospitality by living in
Travel insurance
their way of life in wool tents for a few hours and share their own
and unique happiness. Remember that your trip is a big contribution
Note:
in poverty alleviation and economic empowerment of the local and
• Single supplement is not
indigenous people of the Fayoum.
available
101
ITINERARY
DAY ONE
1.30pm: Departure from Cairo to the Fayoum.
2.30-4 pm: The First stop is Kom Oshim Museum, built in 1980. The museum's exhibits tell the story of
the Fayoum history from its early beginnings.
4-5 pm Drive to Zad El Mosafer guest house and check in.
6-7 pm: Travelers will meet the local guide at a nice, cozy guest house called Zad Al Mosafer, which is
owned by Abdu Gobeir an Egyptian writer. A peaceful little place of eight rooms that made of Mud and
palm leafs. Over coffee, participants receive an introduction to Fayoum and the program for the first
day.
7 pm: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and retire to the guest house or bed and breakfast inn, to rest
for tomorrow's cultural journey.
DAY 2: A DAY WITH THE ARTISAN OF TUNIS
7.30-8.30 am Breakfast: The Group is invited for breakfast in the house of one of the resident artists,
painters, writers, architects, journalists of Tunis. They are welcome you in open discussion on morning
tea table.
8.30-9.30 am: Tunis local architecture and lifestyle: Some twenty years ago, artists, painters, writers,
journalists and others, from Cairo and elsewhere from the world, have chosen to live there because of
the beautiful scenery, the peace and tranquility, and its proximity to Cairo. The newcomers contribute to
the life of the village community.
The Group start with a walking tour in the small hamlet “Tunis” which located on a beautiful ridge running
parallel to the shores of the lake Quorun on the way to Wadi El Rayan, it has amazing overlooking view
on the Lake. Villagers are partly settled Bedouin and cultivate arid land reclaimed from the desert.
The Group will enjoy the beautiful mud-brick houses in traditional style with leafy gardens and fantastic
views overlooking the lake.
102
Tunis Pots
9.30-10.30 am: Evelyn house : Walk in the main artery of Tunis for a tour to the Craftsmen's Guild
of Tunis established by one of the foreign residents Evelyn, a Swiss potter, decided to live and work
there from around 40 years. She uses a variety of different clay types and glazes. Evelyn, exports her
art around the world. She has established a pottery school for children who make beautiful designs,
primarily of animals in warm earth tone glazes. The Group will enjoy cup of tea with Evelyn and explain
here story with pots, Tunis, local community.
10.30-1.00 pm: The pots school: The school is listed on the prime Places of pots in Egypt. Stop in and
visit, you might catch a master piece in progress or a gallery who exhibit the pots of Tunis. The school
teaches many of the local village youth pottery as an art, and not as a craft. Some of the pottery school
students have even displayed their work outside Egypt. The school attracts and host potters from Egypt
and all over the world. Potter like Ahmad Abu Zied joined the village on 1997 and permanently shows
his very interesting pieces there. Visitors will have a chance to see the young artists making their wares
and purchase examples of their craft and might catch a master piece in progress. They will then spend
some time exploring the village itself
1.00-2.00 pm: Picnic Lunch: Back to the guest house and enjoy a Fellaheen- style lunch.
2.00-3.00 pm: Time for rest and relaxation
3.00-4.00 pm: Bird hike: The farmlands and Lake tracks around Tunis offer a good walk chance to
explore birds of the Egyptian countryside. This is an excellent location for seeing a wide variety of water
birds and many migrating birds that come to Lake Quorun in winter time. Khaled Abdelsattar, the local
bird guide from the village can offer good guiding trips. Khaled trained by the Duch program in 2002 to
develop his guiding expertise.
Qasr Qarun (1 hour)
4.00-5.00 pm This afternoon, take a short drive tour to the nearby Greco-Roman town (323 BC-554AD),
It was the beginning of the caravan route to the Baharia Oasis. The town is mostly in ruins save for a
few structures. In the middle of the ancient town, there is the “temple of Stone” dedicated to Sobek
Ra. It dates to between 323 and 330 BC during the Ptolemaic period. There is also a smaller temple
constructed mainly from mud brick and dates to the Roman Period. Located to the west of the temple,
there is a Roman fortress constructed of mud brick during the reign of Diocletian as protection against
the Blemmyes, is now a ruin. Within the ruins of the fortress are the remains of a Christian basilica.
5.00-7.00 pm: Time for rest and relaxation
7.00- 8.00 pm: Dinner at the guest house
103
DAY 3: A DAY WITH THE FARMERS AND POTTERS OF THE OASIS
7.30 am Breakfast
Riding along Masraf El Wadi (5 hours)
On horseback, camels, and donkey across the oldest fertile land in the world, the group will enjoy the
spectacular and fascinating lush green Valley in the central agriculture land of the Fayoum, “Masraf El
Wadi” on horseback is an adventure never to forget!
8.00 am: The group will meet with a local camel, horses and donkey trekking entrepreneur that will take
them from Kahk along the picturesque Masraf El wadi and its lush fields, (ride from Kahk to Nazla 15km
– 4 hours) where they can observe the farmers going about their daily work. You can “pick-your-own"
from the surrounding field and pay directly for the farmers. The Wadi cascades down its banks, and often
covered with flowers and makes an interesting contrast to the usually flat depression floor. The Wadi
provides spectacular experience by along its trails which ended up by the pottery area of Nazla village.
Ride and Birding: Riders can enjoy watching the birds of the Fayoum farmlands.
Lunch and picnic hour at rest Hut with the farmers of Masraf El Wadi
Nazla pots
1.00-3.00 pm: The pots workshops and technique: Then it's on to Nazla, a traditional local village known
for its wonderful pots heritage. Located on a branch of Bahr el-Youssef runs through a deep clay bed in
the western part of Fayoum. The river clay is used for a local handmade pottery, for many, it's a pottery
paradise. Potters of Nazla use a very particular technique to make a spherical pot based on combination
of wheel-thrown and hammer-and-anvil. Work is carried out according to very old and traditional methods
of producing pottery that have not changed much since Pharaonic times. The potters’ village at Nazla is
built itself completely out of pots. Inside the 20 workshop, there is a hole, a kind of hemispherical scoop
in the ground. Straw and clay are mixed together, sometimes with ash. The material is in the hole, and it
is hammered and turned at the same time to make large globes. The big pots are allowed to dry a little,
and it is only then that the vessels are finished on the wheel. There is no wheel involved, no mechanical
process. Only the rims of the large round pots are made on the throwing wheel. These vessels are not
a result of mechanical turning but of the turning of the body, the rhythm of the body and the hole in the
ground. The pots of Nazla are archetypes, and are therefore in history.
104
The pots were used in the kitchen to carry and store water and milk, for animal foodstuffs, and for a
whole host of purposes. But now the utilitarian aspects of the pots, these are perhaps over. They have
less and less utility and there is not a big future. There is a need now to help the potters to develop the
pots as forms and shapes rather than objects that are supposed to have a utilitarian value.
3.00-4.00 pm: Pots Gallery: On the top of the Wadi bank there is a pots Gallery features exhibits the
native crafts for sale. Enjoy a demonstration by a Nazla artisan their pots in the workshops or browse
in the gallery for master pieces. The potters are friendly and ready to spend time showing the tricks of
the trade.
4.00-5.00 pm Drive back to the guest house
5.00-7.00 pm: Time for rest and relaxation
7.00- 8.00 pm: Dinner at the guest house
DAY 4: A DAY WITH THE FISHERMEN
7.3 Am: Breakfast
8-9 am: Kahk village: Drive to Kahk village for a tour of the local Maritime craftsmen highlights the
process and materials of building the local fishing boats from its early beginnings to the final product.
Watch as local fishermen weave fishnets.
10 am-2 pm: Boat ride in the Lake: The guide will take the group for unforgettable boats ride on Lake
Qarun. The boat trip needs to be arranged with the local boatman from Shakshok village. (Special
Permissions need to be arranged with the rangers of Lake Qarun protected area). The rowboat will take
you to the golden heron island, a haven for breeding seabirds, and is a resting and feeding post for
winter visitors and passage migrants.
2.00 pm: picnic Lunch at Raas Abu Neema with grilled sea food served by the local boatman.
3.00-4.00 pm: After lunch we'll have a short trek to explore the area of Raas Abu Neema and Abuksah.
5.00 pm: Back to the guest house
5.00-7.00 pm: Time for rest and relaxation
7.00- 9.00 pm: dinner with Arabian horse dancing and Fayoum Folklore performance in the evening at
the guest house
105
DAY 5: A DAY WITH THE BEDOUIN CAMEL HERDERS
On that day the group will experienced a marvelous chance to spend a few hours of their life like a
Bedouin. Although the modern Bedouins enjoy their satellite dish and TV, motorbikes and cars, there are
Bedouins in Quta still respecting the nature, breeding livestock- sheep, goat, cow, and camel, moving for
good pasture and good water for their animals, and living from the products they produce. The Bedouins
of Quta are partly settled Bedouin and cultivate arid land reclaimed from the desert.
7.30 am: Drive to Quta
8.00 – 9.00 am: welcome breakfast with the Bedouin hosts
The group will receive orientation to the area and basic introduction to nomadic way of life. Experience
everyday life of Bedouins, early rising to try camel and cow milking, herd sheep on horseback, try sheep
wooling, watch camel taming, learn training for camel racing, goat milking and learn dairy production,
yogurt, dried curds, try drinking camel milk which is very healthy, try the Bedouin entertainments and
traditional celebrations, ..Etc
12.00-1.00 pm: A short camel trekking in the desert area around Quta to the shoreline of Lake Qarun or
to the south via Wadi El Rayan
1.30 am: Drive back to the guest house for shower and checkout
3 pm Departure to Cairo
3.30- 4.30 pm: On the way back to Cairo a short stop in the handicraft exhibit on the Lake shore and
enjoy souvenir shopping of local artifacts of Basketry products from El Ealam and Kaabee villages and
local pottery of Tunis and Nazla
106
Map 17 the tour route of the crafts and local lifestyle itinerary
107
HIKING IN THE FAYOUM DESERT “WADI EL RAIYAN”
Trip profile:
Trip Background
Wintertime in the Fayoum Desert is a riot of color! This is the perfect
Style:
Travelers
adventure for travelers who love hiking, bird watching, photography,
Tour grade: Moderate
and natural history. A unique blend of climate and geology create a
Duration: 5 days/ 4 nights fascinating landscape in this desert region where the sandy plains
the duration of the trip can be
and water Lakes of the Fayoum meet. Cascading streams, vibrant
changed to suit client needs.
bird life, spectacular fossils, and a medley of blooming plants grace
the wintertime panorama. From farmlands to great open deserts, the
Tour dates for 2006:
biological diversity of this area is renowned among naturalists and
from Sept to May
birders. In fact, the lush and varied life of the Fayoum far surpasses
Land only price 2006:
that of all other Egyptian deserts.
per person
2 persons - 120 US$
The plants and animals that have evolved to survive in this
3-5 persons - 100 US$
environment are among the most interesting collections of species
6 < persons - 90 US$
in Egypt. The travelers will hike through desert dunes and along
streams, walk to the top of Gebel Monqar El Rayan for a breathtaking
Discount conditions:
• 1 free space for 16 +1 PAX vista, visit valley of the whales, and explore on foot the historic
• For children below 11 y.o of antiquities site of Coptic times.
family trip
Our accommodations for the week are at a small base camp set
Included in the price:
in pristine natural surroundings on the shoreline of the lower Lake
• Accommodation in double
of Wadi El Rayan with a "Bedouin" flavor. Tents in base camp are
occupancy in hotel, guest
twin-bedded double occupancy, with shared baths. Breakfasts are
house
at the base camp in the mornings, and picnic lunches are supplied
• Guiding and interpreting
for our hikes. The dining during our adventure is a true Nomadic
service
cultural experience! Some optional activities at the Hotel are on-site
• Renting transport + driver
with petrol, and maintenance horseback riding, hiking, birding, and swimming.
• All meals according to the
itinerary /all kinds of drink is
on your own/
• Sightseeing and cultural
show admissions according
to the itinerary
• Entrance fees for protected
areas and national parks
Not included:
Visa cost, International
Airfare, Travel insurance
Note:
• Single supplement is not
available
108
EXPERIENCE AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
This trip is rated as MODERATE. Participants should be in very
good physical condition, and be able to hike from 10-20 kilometers
per day, in plain deserts; there are "up hills" as well as "down
hills." Although daytime temperatures in January are usually a
very pleasant 16 to 20 degrees, you should also be prepared to
hike in temperatures in the 30s and 35s. There are times when the
WEATHER IN APRIL IS HOT! The better hiker's conditioning, the
more he will enjoy this week of hiking! Hikers must have their own
health insurance, and not have any physical problems or conditions
that would be adversely affected by the level of hiking and desert
environment for this specific adventure hike.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
10 am: Departure from Cairo to Fayoum and drive 70 km on Cairo Fayoum paved road
11.30 am: Arrive at the Kom Oshim museum on Cairo Fayoum road where hikers meet their local
guide. The Museum, built in 1980 and its exhibits tell the story of the Fayoum history from its early
beginnings.
2.00 am: departure to the base camp
3.00: Arrive the base camp of Wadi El Rayan, a 90-minute drive from Cairo. Our home for the next three
nights is Safari lodge in the shoreline of the lower lake. The camp is located in the heart of some of the
finest bird watching and scenic spots in the entire Egypt. The camp is comfortable and very hospitable.
After checking in and getting settled at the Hotel, we enjoy a dinner.
DAY 2: THE SOUTHERN LAKE
7.30 am: Enjoy breakfast at the base camp on the Lake shore
First stop: The waterfalls of Wadi El Rayan
Departure for our first hike to wadi El Rayan waterfalls, just hundreds of meters from the base camp.
The waterfall is a place where, the upper and lower lakes are connected together by a narrow and deep
canal. This canal reaches the northeastern edge of the Wadi El Rayan depression where a waterfall is
formed at this vertical escarpment. As the water level in the lower lake rises, the height of this water fall
is reduced and the area around the waterfall is densely vegetated with marsh plants.
On the way: the coastal dunes of Wadi El Rayan
Along Wadi El Rayan dunes, hikers will admire the wilderness and the nature beauty of the sand dunes
and climb up one of the coastal dunes of the Lower Lake of wadi El Rayan on their way to the next stop.
The dunes vary in length from few hundred meters to thirty km and may reach the height of 30 m.
Second stop: the Lower Lake (1 hour)
We'll continue hiking south along the way, to the lower Lake to look for the near Artist's Point of the
Medawara and Bein El Nahdeen area, overlooking the spectacular lower lake of Wadi El Rayan, one of
the most picturesque spots in the Fayoum.
1.00 pm: Enjoying lunch at Medawara with splendid overlooking view of the lower Lake.
2.00 pm: Hike back to the base camp of the waterfall
DAY 3: THE SPRINGS AREA (OYOUN EL RAYAN) AND MONQAR EL RAYAN
Breakfast is at 6:15 A.M. with an early departure at 7:15 for a short drive to Oyoun El Rayan “springs
area”
First stop: Oyoun El Rayan (3 hours)
Hikers will have a short drive south via Oyoun El Rayan, located south west of the lower Lake. This
Habitat is a prime location for bird and animal watching with strict regulations. The habitat within the
spring's area consists of four natural sulfur springs form permanent pools and relatively extensive
affluent channels that are generally chocked by dense growth of marsh vegetation. A superficial aquifer
supports fairly dense and varied natural vegetation, dominated by Alhagi graecorum, Nitraria retusa,
109
Calligonum polygonoides and Tamarix nilotica. There are small reed swamps and scattered date palms
surrounding the springs.
Most of the locally breeding birds are confined to - or dependent on – this habitat. Birds typical of
this habitat are Pharaoh’s eagle owl and the Palm dove, the Olivaceous warbler Hippolais pallida, the
Southern grey shrike Lanius meridionalis, the Hoopoe lark and the Rufous bush robin Cerotrichas
galactotes, a summer visitor.
The area is known for its rich and divers wildlife which includes 14 mammals, 16 reptiles, over 100
migrant and resident bird species and numerous insect and other invertebrate species. Jackals and
hares are moderately common. Though rarely seen, the Desert monitor Varanus griseus is a fairly
common diurnal predator that roams widely in the springs area.
1.00 pm: We hike the trail to Inspiration Point for lunch.
Second stop: Gabal El Deir:
The hikers will have the chance to visit the monastery; A Christian Monastery was probably founded
about 686 A.D and was in use from the 7th through the 9th centuries. It served as a haven for Christians
seeking persecution. The hikers may have the chance to have a cup of tea and short talk with the monks
about the history of the monastery.
Third stop: Gebel El Deir and Monqar el Rayan (2 hours)
Hike to the top of Gebel Monqar El Rayan 184 m Peak is a great way to end the day. As we continue up
to Monqar El Rayan where vertical scarp rises to 184 m above sea level, a variety of birds of prey are
present including the rare Lappet-faced Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard Steppe Eagle,
Osprey, Lesser Kestrel, Sooty Falcon, Lanner, Saker, Peregrine, and Barbary Falcon. The Monqar El
Rayan escarpment is also known for their beautiful rock formations and magnificent desert views. The
view from the top is sensational a 360-degree view.
Hike down to the car parking at the fourth spring to complete our hiking loop and return to the cars by 4
P.M. and are back at the base camp by approximately 5 P.M.
Dinner at El Medawara.
DAY 4: VALLEY OF THE WHALES (WADI EL HITAN)
7.30 am: breakfast at the base camp
Valley of the whales: On this full day trip, Hikers will have the opportunity for 16 km round trip hike to
explore one of the international heritage sites. Hikers will explore the fossil remains of Valley of the
whales which are internationally famous for its rich fossilized remains -some 40-60 million years agoand unusual geological formations.
Valley of the whales “Wadi Al-Hitan” is the most important site in the world to demonstrate one of
the iconic changes that make up the record of life on Earth: the evolution of the whales. It portrays
vividly their form and mode of life during their transition from land animals to a marine existence. It
exceeds the values of other comparable sites in terms of the number, concentration –more than 415
fossil skeletons have been identified- and quality of its fossils, and their accessibility and setting in an
attractive and protected landscape. The site contains invaluable fossil remains of the earliest, and now
extinct, suborder of whales, the archaeocete. These are the ancestors of the two modern suborders of
cetaceans (Mysticeti and Odontoceti).
110
Picnic Lunch will served at the parking gateway of the site
4.00 pm: Drive back to the camp
7.00 – 9.00 pm: a farewell Dinner
DAY 5: DEPARTURE
After an early breakfast we pack up, check out and say goodbye to our camp and drive to Botnet
Hafez.
8:30 departure for our hike to Botnet Hafez a 4-5 km hike on the Lake shore takes us through water
reeds and alligator salt marsh. This famous area is home of a variety of resident and migratory birds.
Habitats include 5 distinct biotic communities, the reed beds, the salt marshes, grassland, and water
shallows. This incredible riparian area is located within the major migratory route for most bird species
coming north from Europe. We will look for 5 to 7 species of commonly seen song birds. Binoculars are
a must!
We picnic along the trail and after our hike is finished, we drive back to Cairo at 1.00 am.
Map 18 Tour route of the hiking itinerary
111
Annex 2
ECOTOURISM RESOURCES INVENTORY OF THE FAYOUM
112
113
h
4. Lahoun
workers
town
Coordinates
N 29 13 716
E 30 58 004
At the extreme N 29 23 004
eastern end of E 31 02 500
the Fayoum,
8 kilometers
from Beit al-Rai
village and
Philadelphia,
on the railroad
line from
Medinet
el-Fayyum to
El-Wasta in the
Nile Valley
2. Lahoun East Fayoum,
on the halfway
Pyramid
between Bani3. Lahoun Suef and the
Cemetery Fayoum
1. Seila
Pyramid
Site Name Location
Middle Kingdom (2280-1778 BC). The pyramid complex built by
Anupy for Senusert II in the Twelfth Dynasty, as a part of a funerary
complex built in the middle kingdom. The pyramid is built of mud-brick
and was once encased by limestone. It had the sloping angle of 43
degrees and an original height of 48 meters. Its base is a natural rock
outcrop that was cut to accept a pyramid top. Nearby was a Middle
Kingdom town
The entrance is usually at one side of the pyramid, this one had its
entrance through a vertical shaft some distance from the pyramid in
the south. A small pyramid of the queen lies to the north of Senwosret's
pyramid. Beside it there are 8 rock tombs of the royal family. Remains
of the mortuary temple can still be seen to the east side. The site
has also an old city, Kahun, built for the pyramid builders about one
kilometer away and the mastaba-tomb of the pyramid chief engineer.
Among the finds in the tombs near the pyramid was the jewelry of
Princess Sithathorinit, can be seen in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Old Kingdom (2780-2280 BC). Erected by Huni, a king of the Third
Dynasty of the Old Kingdom. A small step pyramid built of limestone, all
that remains are the bottom levels, the first buried in rubble. Remains
founded of the two stelae bearing the name of king Snefru,. The
pyramid is Lacking subsidiary buildings, they are devoid of inscriptions,
and seem to have no burial chamber. The function of this pyramid is
not clear, but its location, in this instance overlooking both the eastern
half of the Fayoum and a large portion of the Nile Valley, may indicate
that they served as lookout posts. Another theory is that the pyramids
provided the royal ka, or spirit of the deceased king. In the desert plain
below the pyramid are Christian and Roman rock-hewn tombs. They
have yielded thousands of papyri which have played an important role
in description of the ancient history of the Fayoum.
Site description
114
6. Labyrinth
palace
5. Hawara
Pyramid
9km south east N 29 16 225
Fayoum city,
E 30 53 999
off the road
to Bani Suef,
5km north of
the village
of Hawaret
el-Maqta at the
edge of the
desert
To the east of the temple precinct are the remains of brick buildings
belonging to a Roman village.
Princess Neferuptah's pyramid: In 1956 the remains of a small pyramid
containing the Body of Princess Neferuptah, Amenemhetill's daughter,
were discovered 2km south of the Hawara Pyramid. It was previously
believed that she had been buried in a small sarcophagus found in her
father's tomb chamber.
Labyrinth palace: Adjoining the south side of the pyramid was
Amenemhet's large mortuary temple, of which nothing is left but a large
area covered with splinters of stone and fragments of fine granite and
limestone columns. This structure was probably the famous Labyrinth,
of which ancient travelers spoke with unbounded admiration.
To the north of the Pyramid of Hawara is a large cemetery in which the
more prosperous citizens of Shedet Crocodilopolis were buried during
the Middle Kingdom.
The Pyramid of Hawara is constructed of sun dried bricks made from
Nile mud with an admixture of straw, and with its original limestone
casing had a base measurement of 106m. At the core of the pyramid
was an outcrop of natural rock 12m high. The entrance (now blocked)
was on the south side and gave access to a complicated network of
passages leading to the burial chamber.
115
7.Medinet
Madi
35 km
southwest
Fayoum ciy,
East to the
Upper Lake of
Wadi Raiyan
Very recently, a poorly preserved vaulted structure discovered on the
north side of the new temple,. On the north side of the temple court, a
crocodile nursery was also discovered with dozens of eggs in different
stages of maturity.
Upon further excavation it was revealed that a second temple lay
under the debris. The mud brick temple has sandstone doorways and
its ruins rise to about 4 meters. Among the debris, tablets and papyri
have been found. The remaining walls are only a few meters high, with
a few reliefs and Hieroglyphic inscriptions, along with an avenue of
sphinxes and lions. To the east of the temple there are also mudbrick
storerooms and other foundations.
Two distinct towns have been identified in the area. The most
interesting structure is the 12th Dynasty temple dedicated to Reneutet,
the serpent goddess, as well as Sobek and Horus. The temple was
originally built by Amenemhet III and IV and restored during the 19th
Dynasty, and was expanded front and back during the Greek period.
Considered to be the most important ancient site in the Fayoum during
the Middle Kingdom (2280-1778 BC) to Greco-Roman(332BC-323AD).
Located on a small hill commanding a strategic position guarding the
southwestern entrance to the Fayoum, the site was probably occupied
in prehistory. The city was known as Narmouthis during the GraecoRoman period.
116
8. Qasr
Sagha
8 km north
Qarun, 24
km west
Kom Aushim
museum
N 29 35 366
E 30 41 052
Below the site there are extensive remains of the village that once
stood nearby. There is evidence of an ancient roadway, an unusual
platform that resembles a causeway, hand-hewn rock caves, and
several prehistoric villages. The prehistoric sites are located on the
flat plain to the south of the temple. The area seem to have been
inhabited by hunters, while the southern sites, nearer the ancient lake,
were inhabited by farmers and fishermen. Near by are the remains of
an ancient quay.
An unusual Middle Kingdom (2280-1778 BC) building, discovered by
Schweinfurth in 1884, at the foot of a steep desert escarpment. The
temple is constructed of limestone slabs fitted together like a jigsaw
puzzle complete with oblique corner joints. It has a series of rooms
with one completely enclosed and having no entrance. The function of
this unusual building is unclear, but it certainly had a strategic view of
the surrounding area.
117
N 29 18 755
E 30 51 607
N 29 18 941
E 30 51 156
Fayoum City
(Northwest)
Fayoum city
entrance
9 Arsinoy
(Kiman
Fares)
10. Senosert
Oblisk,
Ebgieg
A great stone obelisk was erected in honor of Senwosret I in Abgig
during the 12th Dynasty. It was discovered on the ground in two pieces
during the 18th century and was recently reconstructed and erected
in the Fayoum City.
The principal temple, dedicated to the cult of Sobek (Suchos), was at
the north end of the site. It was already in existence in the time of the
12th Dynasty, and was later rebuilt by Ramesses II. Beside the temple
was a sacred lake in which was kept a crocodile sacred to the god.
Although at the beginning of this century it still covered 300 acre,
now less that 10 acre of rubble remain. Much of the mound has
been removed by brick makers or peasants digging for the fertile soil
(sebbakh) found on ancient sites. The rest have been covered over by
the expanding modern city.
The ancient capital of the Fayoum from the Old Kingdom (2780-2280
BC) to Greco-Roman era (300BC-300AD), now a ruin. Originally
named Crocodilopolis, Shedety, then Arsinoe, Medinet El-Fayoum
was the main place of worship of the crocodile god, Sobek. Apparently,
crocodiles were adorned with gold and fed honey cakes and meat
by the priests. Of interest are the huge wooden waterwheels. It was
one of the largest ancient sites in Egypt, with an area covered 4
kilometers (560 acres) in its heyday. Ptolemy II Philadelphus turned
it into an essentially Hellenic city, of which he made his wife Arsinoe
the protective goddess. In its heyday Arsinoe had a population of more
than 100,000.
118
14. Kom El
Khilwa- Kom
Ruqaia
3km southwest
of the site of
Tebtynis, on
the edge of the
desert
Middle Kingdom (2280-2780 BC) and Roman(30BC-554AD). A large
covered mound in very ruined condition. Remains include tombs; Fort;
quarry; and temple. A looted Roman cemetery stands to north
Unknown
13. Damashqin
The site are known to the local people as the Kursi Faraun ("Pharaoh's
Chair") and El-Sanam, "The Idol". These were the bases of two
colossal sandstone statues of Amenemhet III. Petrie estimated their
original height at 12m. The bases were once washed by the waters of
Lake Moeris, and there is little doubt that they are the two pyramids
described by Herodotus as standing in the lake, each crowned by a
colossal seated human figure.
Middle Kingdom (2280-1778 BC). It has the remains of two large stone
pedestals that once bore the colossi of Amenemhat III.
Late Pharaoh (1086-332) BC. Pharaoh cemetery
7 km north
Fayoum city
12. Aarab
11. Biahmou
Pedestals
119
15. Tebtunis
(Oum Brigat)
30 km south
Fayoum,
near Umm El
Baragat village
At the site, there is a small temple dedicated to a local variation of
Sobek, Soknebtynis, and a stone-paved processional way leading to
the temple. This is protected by two lion statues made from limestone.
There is little left of the temple complex, but a paved path leads
through the ruins which has two limestone lions situated as sentries.
There is also a crocodile cemetery, where more than 1000 mummified
crocodiles and sarcophagi were found in 1900.
Founded in the Twenty-second Dynasty of the New Kingdom (1085332BC) , the village was inhabited also by Greek and Roman settlers
and the ruins are from the period from the Ptolmaic rulers to the
Romans, 4th century BCE until 3rd or 4th century CE. Tebtunis was
also the site for the find of a valuable temple library with numerous
literary, medical and administrative documents as well as religious
texts. It is mainly through these texts, written in Demotic, Latin, or
Greek that archaeologists have been able to piece together the history
of the Fayoum.
Greek Roman
120
16.
Karanis
Fayoum
N 29 31 093
Gatway, Km 26 E 30 55 577
on the Fayoum
Cairo road
One of the largest Greco-Roman cities in the Fayoum during GrecoRoman (332 BC-554 AD). Founded in the third century B.C. and
originally inhabited by the mercenaries of Ptolemy II’s army, with a
population-of about 3000, prospered for seven centuries. It declined
only during the turbulent-times of the fourth and fifth centuries. It had
two main north-south thoroughfares. While houses, numbering in
the hundreds, grouped together in small clusters. In Addition to the
multistoried houses there was a large Roman Bath, Six dovecotes,
Banker’s house, ten large granaries and seven small ones. There
were also public buildings in which the business of the community and
the state took place and two Temples dedicated to the crocodile god.
There were Carpenters, wool shearers, weavers, fullers, and wool
sellers for a complete textile industry. While excavating, 3,500 pieces
of textiles were uncovered.
The two temples in Karanis were dedicated to forms of the crocodile
god, , the Northern Temple is mainly gray limestone and the southern
Temple . living crocodiles were kept in the sacred lakes of these temples
and were fed grain, meat, and wine mixed with milk and honey. They
participated in ceremonies and were mummified after death. There are
ten large granaries and seven small ones in Karanis. As the grain was
harvested, it was stored here. Then it was transported to Alexandria
and then oversee the shipments to Rome.
121
N 29 32 165
17. Demieh 3 km north
Qarun, 9km
E 30 40 168
southwest from
Qasr Sagha,
Goods from the Fayoum were transported across the lake by boat to be
unloaded at the docks of Demieh, stored, or carried up the Avenue of the
Lions (370m long), passes the well preserved remains of houses to a platform
on which are the ruins of a large temple of the Ptolemaic period dedicated to
Soknopaios. assessed for a customs fee, and reloaded on animals for desert
caravans. These caravans moved north over Gebel Qatrani, and probably via
Wadi Natrun, to the Mediterranean and on to Rome. Today one can still see
the remains of the road, connected the temple to the docks on the Lake which
ends about a kilometer to the south of the ruins at a quay. The quay has two
limestone piers and steps leading south, presumably to the water's edge.
A Greco-Roman city (332 BC-323AD) founded by Ptolemy II in the third century
B.C. on a site that shows evidence of habitation from the Neolithic period. In
Ptolemaic times it was at the shore of lake Moeris and the beginning of the
caravan routes to the Western Desert. Serving as a port, the site is currently
65 meters higher and 2.5 kilometers beyond the water's edge. It was like a
frontier. inhabited for six centuries and was finally abandoned by the middle of
the third century. The ruins cover an area of about 125 acres/0.5 sq. km.
The ruins contain two temples, houses located along the processional Avenue
of the Lions, underground chambers, streets, 10 meter high walls, a Roman
cemetery lies 900 yards southwest of the city, and agricultural fields separated
by long irrigation canals..
122
North west
Fayoum,
3km
southeast of
Watfa
19. Qasr Qarun West-south N 29 24 508
edge of lake E 30 25 232
(Dionysias)
Qaroun,
near the
modern
village of
Qarun
18. Ehreit
(Theadelphia)
Located to the west of the temple, the Roman fortress constructed
during the reign of Diocletian as protection against the Blemmyes, is
now a ruin. The fortress was built of mudbrick and measured about
90 by 80 meters, with square towers at each corner and semicircular
towers on the sides. Within the ruins of the fortress are the remains of
a Christian basilica.
There is also a smaller temple was constructed mainly from mudbrick
and dates to the Roman Period. The temple was dedicated to the
crocodile god, Sobek-Ra. The interior contains Ionic columns. Only
the square core of the structure has survived and most of the outlying
buildings are now destroyed.
It was the beginning of the caravan route to the Bahariya Oasis during
Greco-Roman times (332 BC-554AD), and thus, of some importance.
The town is mostly in ruins save for a few structures that are worth
mentioning. In the middle of the ancient town, there is the “temple of
Stone” dedicated to Sobek Ra. It dates to between 323 and 330 BC
during the Ptolemaic period. The temple is made of blocks of yellow
limestone and is substantially complete. The roof of the temple is still
place, offering us a sense of the atmosphere that once prevailed in
all the temples of the western desert. The interior of the temple is
a labyrinth of rooms, stairways, corridors, cellars, tunnels and upper
rooms of all sizes at different levels, and nooks and crannies complex.
There are fourteen rooms on either side of central corridor that leads to
three chapels. There are vestibules, a sanctuary and a few additional
chambers. There is also a stairway to the roof which is worth the climb
for the splendid view.
At the village of Harit (Batn Harit), is the remains of ancient Theadelphia,
(founded on the 3rd century BC, declined in 14th century AD) known as
Kharabet lhrit, with a temple dedicated to the crocodile god Pnepheros
and a necropolis. Arches and mud brick walls remain; site of papyri in
very poor state due to farmer digging soil “fertilizer mining”
123
An important Greco-Roman frontier town (250 BC-323AD) between
the eastern escarpment of the Fayoum and the western edge of the
Nile Valley during Hellenistic times. It was founded as an agricultural
community by Ptolemy II Philadelphus for his wife/sister, Arsinoe.
14 kilometers
N 29 26 977
from Bacchius E 31 04 958
close to Beit
al-Rai village,
4km northeast
of El-Roda, on
the east side of
the Fayoum
21.
Philadelphia
(Koum El
Kharaba al
Kebir, Kom El
Hamam)
Many papyri have been found here, including the archives of Zenon,
the estate manager for Apollonius, and the treasurer of Ptolemy II
which shed light on daily activities in the Fayoum during Ptolemaic
times. It lay along the Bahr Wadan irrigation canal and was higher
than most of the Fayoum and therefore cooler. It had small, mudbrick
homes with courtyards. The citizens enjoyed two temples, athletic
games, and festivals. The largest number of Fayoum portraits were
discovered here ( at least 350 portraits).
Greco-Roman town (332 BC-554AD) Located along the ancient
caravan road from Memphis to Medinet Fayoum (Arsinoe at the time).
Once containing approximately 700 mud brick houses and about
3,000 people. It was founded in the third century. Although most of
the houses are now rubble, several interesting ruins are still standing.
The site includes a mud brick temple dedicated to Sokanobkonneus,
a local crocodile god. A few Fayoum portraits were found here. Three
jars filled with 4,300 coins founded in the site by Petrie in 1889-90.
East of Karanis N 29 32 382
E 31 00 412
20. Bakchias
(Oum Al Athl)
124
Greco-Roman (332BC- 554 AD). Remains of a dug out cemetery
Greco-Roman(332 BC-323AD) Remains of buildings and tombs of
roman period
An important Greco-Roman(332 BC-323AD) outpost between the
western escarpment of the Fayoum and the desert. Remains of badly
damaged settlement (houses and causeway)
26. Homeen
27. Medinet
Watfa
(Philotreris)
28. Medinet
Qutah
West of Lake N 29 24 941
qarun
E 30 22 928
Remains of Ptolemaic cemetery 332-30 BC
Greco-Roman (332BC- 554 AD). Remains include Houses and temple
site. Now totally leveled and surrounded by agriculture lands
Southwest
Lake Qarun
24. Qasr
El Banat
(Euhemeria)
25. El Hamoul South west
Lake Qarun
Roman (30BC-554AD). A hill of archaeological remains from Roman
era. Not excavated.
Abu Ballas, Father of Pots, first discovered by Prince Kamal al-Din in
his desert wanderings early in this century. Located on the caravan
trail that linked Wadi Rayyan and points south with Wadi Natrun and
points north, Abu Ballas was a major station where caravans stopped
to rest. The pots scattered around this area date from the Roman era
and consist mainly of smashed amphorae. There is a second Abu
Ballas southwest of Dakhla on the way to Gilf Kebir and Kufra Oasis in
Libya. The pottery encountered there can be dated back to the Roman
times. For generations water had been stored at this place.
Northeast
Lake Qarun
N 29 43 560
E 30 30 493
23. Karet ElRosas
22. Abu Ballas 64 km from
Qasr El
Sagha
125
Coptic
29. St.
Gabriel
Monastery
(Al Nakloun
Monastrey)
7 km south
Fayoum City
, less than
one kilometer
beyond Deir
al-Azab.
N29 11 799
E30 52 406
The monastery contains the Church of Saint Gabriel, which is decorated
with six columns with Corinthian capitals, and has a wooden ceiling
with geometric designs.
Southeast of the monastery along the upper ridge of Gebel Naqlun
is the Laura, a group of individual caves once inhabited by monks.
These caves, contain one or two rooms and serve as living quarters.
At the Laura is a tower called the Modsellet Jacob, the Tabernacle of
Jacob, which, according to tradition, was where Jacob lived.
The monastery was probably founded in the fourth century by Bishop
Aur and remained a functioning monastery until the sixth century. From
the fourth to the sixth century the monastery was the leading Christian
center in the Fayoum. Saint Samuel lived here until he established the
Monastery of Saint Samuel in Wadi Mawalih. By the fifteenth century it
was in ruins, with only the churches still standing, and up to 1968 the
monastery was only used once a year on the celebration of the mulid,
or saint's day, of Gabriel. Today the monastery is thriving.
The Deir al-Malak Ghobrial, located at Gebel Naqlun, is one of the
oldest Coptic monasteries in the Fayoum. It is where Jacob (grand son
of Abraham by his son Isaac, and father of Joseph, builder of the Bahr
Yusif) lived and worshiped.
126
N29 15 930
E30 51 201
30.6963
29.619
9 km
northwest
from the
village of Al
Lahun
6 km south
Fayoum city
North
Qaroun, 2 km
north west
Qasr Sagha
30. Deer
Al Hamam
(St. Isaac
Monastery)
31. (Deir
Al Azab)
Demosheit
Monastery
32. Abou
Leefa
Monastery
The Monastery was probably founded by St. Panoukhius about 686 A.D and
was in use from the 7th through the 9th centuries. It served as a haven for
Christians seeking persecution. Immediately behind the Qasr El Sagha temple,
and visible on the cliff face of the upper portions of the Deir Abu Lifa member
giant cross-bedded sandstone, are a similar series of small man-made caves
probably used for meditation. The monastery is typical primitive, its entrance is
cut into the mountain and consisting of small caves carved into cliff sides that
can be difficult to reach.
Founded in the twelfth century by Peter, the Bishop of the Fayoum, or in the
thirteenth century by the Patriarch Cyril III, Deir al-Azab was uninhabited from
the eighteenth century until recently. Today, the monastery has come to life
again and is a thriving Christian center of pilgrimage. There are new facilities,
including new churches, guest accommodation, and gift shops. From August
15-22 each year a mulid celebration is held to mark the Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
However today the monastery has been re-populated and their mud hives have
become an interesting mark upon the structure. Still, there is some return of the
wasps between January 10th and March 10th of each year. In 1985.
This monastery is thought to date as far back as the third century. Coptic
traditions holds that it was founded by Saint Issac of Tiphre, one of the disciples
of Saint Anthony. This is a fairly small monastery, originally built of unbaked mud
brick, the remains of which can still be seen today.
The oldest part of this Church of the Holy Virgin is its walls, where were probably
a part of the original construction, and within its floor is situated a few meters
below the present courtyard. The main Hall “Sahn” is covered by two dooms
with beautiful cornice at the corners and on the wall. There is also a small
chapel dedicated to the monastery's founder, Saint Isaac, which is small and
has only one sanctuary.
the Monastery is the most picturesque monastery in the Fayoum, Hence,
until recently, few people visited this ancient monastery, which has now been
renovated. It is beautifully situated in the desert on the edge of the Nile Valley
near the village of Al Lahun..
Islamic
127
36.Ali
Rouby
Mosque
35. Khond
Aslbay
Mosque
Fayoum city
North west
Fayoum city
The mosque was probably built by its namesake, a Mameluke sultan around 1490.
It was built in honor of the mother of his assassinated successor, Mohamed IV
(1496-1498). Water from the Bahr Yusif once provided ablution through a well
located inside the mosque, and there is a large minbar from Somalia with finely
carved wood and inlaid ivory. Located in the Fayyum, with a domed roof which rises
on ancient columns (possibly transferred from the pharaonic area of Kiman Faris),
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the monastery declined and the buildings fell
into ruin as it was deserted by the monks. Late in the 19th century, Father Issac
El-Baramousy, along with a few other monks came to live at the monastery. They
began to rebuild the old monastery, which he headed between 1895 and 1938.
Today, the monastery has five churches, including the Church of the Virgin Mary,
The Church of St. Samuel, The Church of St. Missael, the Church of the Angle
Michael, the Church of St.
Ain Samar
N28 43
Saint Samuel was came to Mount Kalamoun (Qalamon) in the Fayoum Oasis with
springs, Wadi 815 E30 four other monks where they established this small monastery. Dedicated to the
Mawalih
38 563
Virgin, this monastery named for St. Samuel continues to flourish even today. There
was devout monk who lived in a nearby cave, and that there were a total of 130
monks inhabiting the monastery at that time. During the life of Saint Samuel, the
monastery flourished, though it was apparently ravaged on several occasions by the
Berbers. Legend has it that the saint was captured several times by the Berbers.
Yet it is believed that at his death in 693, the monks of the monastery numbered
between 120 and 200, and that there were twelve churches.
34. Saint
Samuel
Monastery
Hamuli is the site of the Coptic monastery Deir Archangel Michael in the desert
south of Qasr Qarun, now a ruin. In 1910, a collection of ancient Coptic documents,
known as the Hamuli Manuscripts and dating from 823 to 914, were discovered
by farmers digging for fertilizer in this ruin. The manuscripts are currently in the
Piermont Morgan Library in New York City.
South Qasr
Qarun, 27
km from
Abshway
33. Hamuli
(Archangel
Michael
monastery)
128
40. Qaitbay
Mosque
(quality
mosque)
39. Qantra
Khond
Aslbay
38. Qantara
lahoun
(Bridge)
37. The
Hanging
Mosque
Fayoum city
Fayoum city
Constructed in 1375 by Prince Soliman Ibn Mouhamed, it has a
double flight of stairs leading to the main door.
129
42. Qatrani
41. Wadi El
Hitan
North west lake Not
Qarun
applicable
30.05497
29.30687
West Lake
30.03756
Qarun and
29.30378
Wadi El Raiyan
Upper Lake
30.04494
29.29763
The fossils of Gabal Qatrani include fifteen types of animal trail fossils
(ichnofossils), petrified forest, thirteen different bird fossil families, twenty orders
of mammal fossils, turtle fossils, the gigantic snake fossils, nine species of
primate including those of mammals the earliest known ape, Mangrove rhizoliths
as well as communal nesting social insects.
A limestone formation of Eocene and Oligocene deposits, Qatrani is famous for
its wealth of terrestrial and marine mammalian fossils and contains the "most
important assemblage as yet described from fluvial rocks of the world".
The fossils of Al-Hitan show the youngest archaeocetes, in the last stages of
losing their hind limbs. They already display the typical streamlined body form
of modern whales, whilst retaining certain primitive aspects of skull and tooth
structure. Other fossil material in the site makes it possible to reconstruct the
surrounding environmental and ecological conditions of the time. It represents
significant values that are currently absent from the World Heritage List.
The first of the truly gigantic whales, Basilosaurus -18-meter-long, 40-millionyear-old fossil- had the serpentine shape of a sea monster and short, sharp teeth
for hunting sharks and other prey. Unlike today's whales, it had no blowhole—the
ancient behemoth had to raise its head above water to breathe. What's more,
Basilosaurus still had the feet it inherited from its land-dwelling ancestors.
The site contains invaluable fossil remains of the earliest, and now extinct,
suborder of whales, the archaeocete. These are the ancestors of the two modern
suborders of cetaceans (Mysticeti and Odontoceti).
Wadi Al-Hitan is the most important site in the world to demonstrate one of the
iconic changes that make up the record of life on Earth: the evolution of the
whales. It portrays vividly their form and mode of life during their transition from
land animals to a marine existence. It exceeds the values of other comparable
sites in terms of the number, concentration and quality of its fossils, and their
accessibility and setting in an attractive and protected landscape.
130
45. Ezbet
Tunis
South west of
lake Qarun
The farmlands and Lake tracks around Tunis offer a good walk chance to explore
birds of the Egyptian countryside. This is an excellent location for seeing a wide
variety of waterbirds and many migrating birds that come to Lake Qaroun in
winter time.
The Guest House: visitors can stay at a nice, cosy guest house called Zad Al
Musafir, which is owned by Abdu Gobeir an Egyptian writer. A peaceful little
place of eight rooms that made of Mud and palm leafs.
One of the residents is Evelyn, a Swiss potter, decided to live and work there
from around 40 years. She uses a variety of different clay types and glazes.
Evelyn, exports her art around the world. She has established a pottery school
for children who make beautiful designs, primarily of animals in warm earth tone
glazes. The school teaches many of the local village youth pottery as an art,
and not as a craft. Some of the pottery school students have even displayed
their work outside Egypt. The school atract and host potters from Egypt and
all over the world. Potter like Ahmad Abou Zied joined the village on 1997 and
permanently shows his very interesting pieces there.
Tunis is a small hamlet located on a beautiful ridge running parallel to the shores
of the lake Qaroun on the way to Wadi El Raiyan, it has amazing overlooking
view on the Lake. Some twenty years ago, artists, painters, writers, journalists
and others, from Cairo and elsewhere from the world, have chosen to live there
because of the beautiful scenery, the peace and tranquility, and its proximity to
Cairo. They built beautiful mud-brick houses in traditional style with leafy gardens
and fanastic views overlooking the lake. The newcomers contribute to the life of
the village community. Villagers are partly settled Bedouin and cultivate arid
land reclaimed from the desert.
131
The petrified wood is covered different areas in the fayoum specially the north
area of Lake Qarun with very diverse and beautiful samples often actually littering
the ground in certain areas. This is certain one of our clues that the region was at
one time had a tropical climate.
Trace fossils are actually only the trail or debris left from the activity of plants
or animals, preserved as fossils. Animal trails are called ichnofossils, while the
root of a plant leaves a rhizolith. The number and variety of the trace fossils are
exceptionally prolific in the Fayoum.
The most important formation relevant to trace fossils is the Gebel Qatrani,
which Fifteen types of animal trail fossils (ichnofossils) has been identified and
classified into four groups. The four groups consist of communal nesting social
insects like termites and ants, burrowing invertebrates, worms and excavators.
Also Mangrove rhizoliths. Founded along the base of the Gebel Qatrani
Formation at Madwar al-Bighal.
43. Petrified North Lake
wood forest Qarun
44. Trace
fossils
132
46. Nazla
West to
Fayoum City
The potters are friendly and ready to spend time showing the tricks of the trade.
While the Nazla pots are fired, they are fired at fairly low temperatures. And the use of
straw, mixed with the clay, also inhibits strength. The pots were used in the kitchen to
carry and store water and milk, for animal foodstuffs, and for a whole host of purposes.
But now the utilitarian aspects of the pots, these are perhaps over. They have less
and less utility and there is not a big future. There is a need now to help the potters to
develop the pots as forms and shapes rather than objects that are supposed to have
a utilitarian value.
There is no wheel involved, no mechanical process. Only the rims of the large round
pots are made on the throwing wheel. These vessels are not a result of mechanical
turning but of the turning of the body, the rhythm of the body and the hole in the ground.
The pots of Nazla are archetypes, and are therefore in history. Here the history is
walking alongside the vessel, on a different but parallel path.
Located on a branch of Bahr el-Youssef runs through a deep clay bed In the western
part of Fayoum. The river clay is used for a local handmade pottery , for many, it's a
pottery paradise. Potters of Nazla use a very particular technique to make a spherical
pot based on combination of wheel-thrown and hammer-and-anvil. Work is carried
out according to very old and traditional methods of producing pottery that have
not changed much since Pharaonic times. The potters’ village at Nazla is built itself
completely out of pots. Inside the 20 workshop, there is a hole, a kind of hemispherical
scoop in the ground. Straw and clay are mixed together, sometimes with ash. The
material is in the hole, and it is hammered and turned at the same time to make large
globes. The big pots are allowed to dry a little, and it is only then that the vessels are
finished on the wheel.
133
50. Gharaq
Sultani
49.
48. Quta
47. Qasr El
Basel
East tip of lake
Qarun
N
N 29 24 941
E 30 22 928
N 29 68 89
E 30 49 114
The village was a papyrus thicket in pharaonic times and a starting point for
caravans to the Western Desert. It was Ptolemaic village - from 120 to 111 B.C.
- of Kerkeosiris, agricultural Settlement of Osiris, a village covered nearly 13
kilometers located in the Polemon division, in the south. it was settled by retired
soldiers who had received grants of land. Kerkeosiris also had a number of
dovecotes, including one with 1,000 pots for nests.
It was a Ptolemaic city of Medinet Quta, now a ruin, marked the western edge
of the inhabited area of the Fayoum in antiquity. There are ruins of houses,
inscriptions, and furnishings sitting atop a mound at the base of the scarp and
the edge of the cultivated land.
The scarp is a good place to climb nearly to the top and have a fantastic view to
the south overlooking Fayoum: palm trees, cultivated fields, and the giant lake
stretched out to the left, the Wadi Rayyan straight ahead, and the beige, empty
Western Desert on the right.
It was the saraya, palace of Hamed Basha al-Basil, a Bedouin who supported
Saad Zaghloul in his bid for Egyptian independence from British rule in the
early part of this century. The Palace Located along a canal at the beginning
of the village, the palace. The village itself is small and has a wonderful pigeon
house on the outskirts of the desert track that leads west to Tebtunis (Umm alBurigat).
134
The small lake of Abu Talib was a much larger lake in Ptolemaic times and
the area of Berenikis Thesmophorou probably sat on its shore and might
be the site of the modern village of Kom al-Khamsini. The lake is on the left
of the road beyond a small cemetery. In the middle of the cemetery, tucked
under a glorious spreading acacia tree, is the tomb of Sheikh Abu Talib.
The road to the lake passes through the cemetery.
A number of ancient villages can be identified in this area: the modern
village of Kom Medinet al-Nehas is probably the ancient Magdola, which lay
next to Ibion Argaiou; Tell al-Maraka could be Ibion Araiou; Kom Ruqayya
could be Theogonis. We know of a number of other ancient villages also
located here and waiting to be found: Lyusimachis. Areos Knome, and
Kerekesoucha Orous.
El-Alaam and El Kaabi villages are centers of the famous Fayoum basket
making tradition. Made of rice straw and date palm leaves, the coiled
baskets of the Fayoum come in a large variety of shapes varying from large
laundry baskets to dainty ones for little trinkets. This basketry technique has
been found in Fayoum since the Neolithic period, long before the pharaohs
came into power. The baskets are made by women working at home.
N
52. El Ealam 7 Km north of N
and El Kaabi Fayoum City,
On Cairo
Fayoum road
51. Abu
Taleb
LAND FORMS
135
N
N
30.30612
29.10832
West of lower
lake
East of lower
lake
South west of
lower lake
55.
Mashgiga
56. Monqar
El Raiyan
N
54. Bein El
Nahdeen
53. Widan al North Qarun
Faras
A rocky mountain bounded the south and south-east side of Wadi El-Raiyan
depression by vertical scarp rises to 184 m above sea level. The eastern flank
of the scarp is carved just south-west of the depression into a hollow forming the
area of Oyun El-Raiyan with wonderful overlooking.
A huge hill facing the lower lake of Wadi El Raiyan from southwest has a
overlooking panoramic view to the lakes and Madinet Madi
Unique sculptured landscape for nature photographers. Provides scenic value
for the ecotourism experience that can offered to ecotourists.
The western and eastern parts of the quarry are separated by 0.5 km and both
contain an excavated bench on top and along the edge of the Gebel el-Qatrani
escarpment. The basalt is naturally broken up by cross-cutting fractures with
spacing comparable to the sizes of the basalt blocks in pyramid temples. Once
a block was isolated, wooden levers and ropes were probably used to move it
along the shortest overland route (66 km) to the Nile Valley which called the
ancient paved road
The roadway that led to the quarry was constructed of basalt stone and petrified
wood during the Old Kingdom. This quarry, road begins at Qasr al-Sagha, turns
north, and climbs the escarpment it moves across the plain, and directly to
Widan al-Faras, 8 kilometers away. Then it skirts the second escarpment to
Gebel Qatrani.
A large black basalt quarry exists at the northern edge of Gebel Qatrani, near
the two prominent buttes called Widan el-Faras. It was once an Old Kingdom
quarry now known to be the source of basalt used for the Old Kingdom pyramid
temples. The site standing about 340 meters above sea level. The basalt was
loaded onto sleds and transported down the escarpment to the waiting boats at
the quay at Qasr al-Sagha.
136
The upper and lower lakes are connected together by a narrow and deep
canal. This canal reaches the northeastern edge of the Wadi El Raiyan
depression where a waterfall is formed at this vertical escarpment. As the
water level in the lower lake rises, the height of this water fall is reduced and
the area around the waterfall is densely vegetated with marsh plants.
Between the
upper and
Lower Lake of
Wadi Raiyan
59.
Waterfall
N 29 13 837
E 30 24 503
See 45
North west lake Not
Qarun
applicable
A roundish Gabal el Medawara facing the lower lake from south has a
overlooking panoramic view to the lakes and Oyoun El Raiyan
58. Qatrani
N 29 11 412
E 30 21 839
South Lower
Lake
57. El
medawara
137
61. Salt
marshes
60. Qaret
Gahanam
West Lake
Qarun and
Raiyan
N 29 18 747
E 30 09 598
Salt marshes are important elements of the coastal wetland communities
and support a rich diversity of vegetation types. Their vegetation is
adapted to life in salty and saturated soil conditions and produces
surplus organic matter that is a food source for many species. The
most significant salt marshes are distributed along the southern shore
of Lake Qarun and El Rayan Lakes are.
The shoreline of Lake Qarun and Wadi El Raiyan is extensively
covered with wet sand and mud salt marshes. There is brackish,
saline, subsurface water support a rich variety of halophytic plants and
native western desert vegetation. These low-lying areas are generally
considered transition zones between marine and land habitats.
Gebel Guhannam is part of the Upper Eocene Birket Qarun Formation.
The top of Gebel Guhannam is of the Qasr al-Sagha Formation, which
holds some land mammals washed there by free Mowing water, but an
abundance of sea creatures who were stranded when the sea receded.
It is a good landmark on the way to Wadi el Hitan.
NATURAL FEATURES-HABITATSNATURAL FEATURES-HABITATS
138
62. Oyoun
El Rayan
South west of
lower lake
N 29 04 798
E 30 18 099
The area is known for its rich and divers wildlife which includes 14
mammals, 16 reptiles, over 100 migrant and resident bird species and
numerous insect and other invertebrate species.
Jackals and hares are moderately common. Though rarely seen, the
Desert monitor Varanus griseus is a fairly common diurnal predator that
roams widely in the Springs area. This Habitat is a prime location for
bird and animal watching with strict regulations.
Three natural sulfur springs are found in the area and drive their brackish
water from remotely charged Nubian sandstone strata. These springs
form permanent pools and relatively extensive affluent channels that are
generally chocked by dense growth of marsh vegetation. A superficial
aquifer supports a fairly dense and varied natural vegetation, dominated
by Alhagi graecorum, Nitraria retusa, Calligonum polygonoides and
Tamarix nilotica. There are small reed swamps and scattered date
palms surrounding the springs.
A shallow sandy depression surrounded by a limestone escarpment
on all sides except the east, where it is closed off by a series of high
longitudinal dunes. The area is covered with sand forming extensive
fields of longitudinal dunes with vegetated inter-dune valleys in
between.
139
63. Sand unes
A fine sand formation with rich environment in water comparing with the rocky
and gravel desert. In hollow inter-dune valleys evidence of moisture is found at
a depth of only of a few centimeters, and on the slopes at approximately 80 cm.
There are a few annual plants in inter-dune areas where the superficial stratum
is always powdery.
The sand dunes running from northwest to southeast. The mobile and abrasive
nature of sand plains means that few organisms can live on them. The sand
plains act as running and linking corridors for wildlife between deferent ecological
zones. The sandy formations is distributed in the Fayoum region in three main
areas :
1- A gently sloping sandy dune field extends to the Northern shoreline of the
lake Qarun .
2- Extensive dune fields and a series of longitudinal paralleled sand dunes
running from North-West to south-East direction in the South-western part
of Wadi El-Raiyan depression. The dunes vary in length from few hundred
meters to thirty km and may reach the height of 30 m.
140
66. Qarn Island
65. Water onds
64. Shallow
Mudflats and
Reed swamps
Middle
Lat. 30.6313
of Lake
Long
Qarun, five 29.48434
kilometers
from the
shore
Over one thousand species of birds visit this island each year, many of
which nest on its remote shores. The island supports globally significant bird
species and it has been classified as an "Important Bird Area” by Bird Life
International and similarly renowned environmental organizations.
The island’s has a long sandy beach and have been declared as a core of
the protected areas. . Being acceptably protected from predators, the island
is a haven for breeding seabirds, and is a resting and feeding post for winter
visitors and passage migrants.
Shooting club pond,
- The eastern and western tips of the lake Qarun
- The shallow areas and mud flats of Wadi El Raiyan, south the lower and
upper Lakes
Large numbers of wading birds, ducks and other water birds both resident and
migratory are attracted to these areas. The mud flats are important habitat for
a variety of birds and breeding areas for commercially important fishes and
crustacean. The mudflats areas in Fayoum include:
The major element in the vegetation bordering the shallow mudflat areas is
the common reed Phragmites australis (bous, hagna or ghab), which varies
from dense, almost impenetrable thickets to thin rows lining the lake shores.
Some areas around the lakes remain without any conspicuous vegetation.
Thickets of Tamarix nilotica (abal or tarfa), tufts of Juncus rigidus (samar
murr) and clumps of Pluchea dioscorides (barnouf) and Typha domingensis
(deil el-qut, dees or bardi) grow here and there on the border of the lakes.
These areas include the protected embayment, sheltered areas, and the
areas receive the slightly brackish water from main drainage canals and
consequently have considerably lower salinity than the rest of the lake; as a
result, these areas are rich in vegetation and appear to be more productive.
BIRDING
141
East tip of lake
Qarun
This small marshy bay is one of the best locations at Lake Qarun to see
waterbirds, residents, winter visitors and migrants. Access to the area is difficult,
and is reached via dirt tracks through agriculture.
A hike by the shore of Qaret El Rosas offers a lot of key species of water birds
and waterfowl birds. Also try looking for grebes in the marshes within the Lake.
Various shorebirds included Common & Spotted Redshanks, Common & Jack
Snipe, Wood Sandpiper and Little Stint.
A place of water reeds that provide excellent chances to immediately picking up
Pintail, Pochard, Great White Egrets and several Slender-billed Gulls. This is the
best birding local at Lake Qarun and the most visited by birders. It is mainly a
site for waterbirds. Senegal coucal is also here and enjoys the heavily-vegetated
canal systems running back into the Faiyum. Herons are found here due to the
lack of vegetation along the lake but many species pass through, with little bittern
breeding along with cattle egrets which use inland trees for nests.
There are extensive mudflats where waders congregate, along with gulls, terns
and herons. Rafts of ducks are seen offshore. The area is adjacent to the main
road, so allows for easy access. It is a good area for causal and experienced
birders. Furthermore, it is one of the best sites for education. Tourism development
is occurring in and around this area and destroying important habitats and
causing disturbance to birds.
68.
Southeast
of lake
Qarun
69. Qaret El
Rosas
The only wadi in the area is the picturesque Masraf al-wadi, Drain of the
Valley. Located near the village of Nazla, which cascades down its banks, in
the southwest section of the Fayoum depression. The Masraf al-wadj is often
covered with flowers and makes an interesting contrast to the usually flat
depression floor.
67. Masraf
El Wadi
142
This area is one of the best for seeing gulls, terns, waders and grebes. There is
network of roads along the salt pans, which could be driven as a circuit. The salt
factory would probably be willing to open this area for birders for an admission
fee.
The ponds provide good chance for birders to see large numbers of resident,
migrating and wintering water birds can be seen. Waders are found in this
area along with pipits and wagtails. This is one of the best sites to see Painted
Snipe. Egyptian Swallows hawking insects, and large numbers of Ruff, Dunlin
and Little Stint, Ringed Plover and both species of Redshank.
Along the
southern road
of Lake Qarun
72. Fishery
ponds
73. Salt
pans of the
salt factory
The island’s has a long sandy beach and have been declared as a core of the
protected areas. Being acceptably protected from predators, the island is a
haven for breeding seabirds, and is a resting and feeding post for winter visitors
and passage migrants.
Over one thousand species of birds visit this island each year, many of which
nest on its remote shores. The island supports globally significant bird species
and it has been classified as an "Important Bird Area” by Bird Life International
and similarly renowned environmental organizations.
In the middle of
Lake Qarun
This is a peninsula with farmlands and a village that extends into Lake Qarun.
It makes a pleasant walk through the Egyptian countryside where species
associated with agriculture can be seen. At the end of the point is an attractive
area with scenic views of the lake, which would make a good location for a picnic
site or an ecolodge. Although this site is not particularly good for waterbirds, some
interesting species have been found at this location. Waders are common in all
sizes, from the wintering little stints to black tailed godwits and avocets. Small
numbers of temminck's actually winter and can be found here with numbers of
Painted snipe.
71. Qarn
island
70. Abu
Neema
143
Most of the locally breeding birds are confined to - or dependent on - the
oasis. Birds typical of this habitat are Pharaoh’s eagle owl and the Palm dove,
the Olivaceous warbler Hippolais pallida, the Southern grey shrike Lanius
meridionalis, the Hoopoe lark and the Rufous bush robin Cerotrichas galactotes,
a summer visitor.
Small numbers of raptors have been seen passing here in the spring but more
watching is desperately needed. Migrants use the reed beds while small isolated
bushes in the surrounding desert have attracted species like calandra lark,
ortolan bunting and Bonelli's warbler. Desert birds here have included desert
wheatear, desert and bar tailed desert lark and hoopoe lark, cream coloured
courser and spotted sandgrouse.
76. Oyoun El South west of N 29 04 798
Rayan
the Lower Lake E 30 18 099
75. Gezeret
Umm Zalat
A famous site for Greater Flamingo. There is a trail to the area from Quta, but
4-wheel drive is needed. Most birdwatchers watch the birds from the other side
using a scope. Little is known about the Greater Flamingos, their occurrence is
quite erratic.
Botnet Hafez is a picturesque marshy bay closed from the lake side by sand bar
which create shallow area excellent for the water, and wadding birds. The bay is
one of the few semi-natural remaining sites on the southern part of Lake Qarun.
It was famous as one of the hunting sites of the shooting clubs, but closed after
the designation of Lake Qarun as protected area. This is an excellent location
for seeing a wide variety of water birds. It is a quiet, scenic area that has been
recommend to be a nature reserve with hiking trails and hides.. A nice resort
established in the western end of the bay called El Robooa. The site is close to
Ezbet Tunis “2km”.
Northwest Tip
of the lake
Qarun
74. Botnet
Hafez
TRAILS
144
Great crested and black necked grebe, tufted duck, pochard, and many coot with
small number of waders can be seen here. The herons and marsh harriers are
common in winter on the reeds beds areas. Even Osprey winter here along with
greater black headed gulls.
The track linking Wadi Natrun to Fayoum is part of a larger desert route from
Alexandria and the Mediterranean Coast to Wadi Rayyan and points south. It
passes into the Fayoum from the north, east of the Ghard al-Khanashat and
descends the scarp above the western edge of Lake Qarun. It continues to Qasr
Qarun and on into Wadi Rayyan.
There are two desert tracks that link Bahariya Oasis to the Fayoum, both called
Darb al-Raiyan. Passing through the Wadi Raiyan, the first cuts north along the
western side of the lakes and goes to Qasr Qarun and beyond to Wadi Natrun.
The second passes south of the lakes to the south of Gebe! al-Deir mid the y and
enters the Fayoum at Gharaq Sultani.
The most famous traveler in the Western Desert was certainly Alexander the
Great, who first took the coastal route to the oasis of Siwa, but then traveled back
to Memphis, where he was crowned pharaoh, by the route through the Western
Desert, from Siwa to Baharia, then cutting across the Nile Valley and presumably
passing through Sitra, Qasr, Zabu, Bahr Balama, Wadi el Rayan and Fayoum
- though it is possible that after Zabu he went to Oxyrhynchus and regained
the Nile Valley from there. He probably decided to build a temple at Baharia
after his successful crossing of the desert and his arrival there. The presence of
a temple for dynastic worship dedicated to Alexander, built about two hundred
years later at Kom Madi near Medinet Madi on the south-western edge of the
Fayoum depression, with celebratory scenes painted in Greco- Egyptian style,
also recalls the visit of the great Macedonian and his companions.
South and east
77. Reed
areas of the of the Lower
lower lakes Lake
78. Darb
Wadi
Nartrun
79. Darb
El Rayan
Elbahary
and El
Qebly
80. The
Route of
Alexander
the Great
145
81. Basalt
road
As such, a road facilitated transport of the basalt blocks over the uphill
stretches.
The road's main trunk runs along the foot of the Gebel el-Qatrani escarpment,
below the quarry, and is joined in several places by short branches coming from
different parts of the quarry. The pavement has a uniform width of 2.0-2.1 m. It is
made from a single course of dry-laid, unshaped pieces of whatever stone was
close at hand: basalt and sandstone near the quarry, and sandstone, limestone
and silicified wood elsewhere. The total length of the road, including all its
branches is nearly 12 km, the last ten of which follow a nearly straight and mostly
downward course from Widan el-Faras to its final destination on the shore of an
ancient and now vanished lake. The ancient road stands elevated partially above
the desert due to relative wind erosion estimated at 3 cm a century.
The route from the Qasr El Sagha temple to the ancient basalt quarries of Widan
El Faras passes by an ancient road that is reputedly the oldest paved road in the
world. The road is dated and quarry activity as Old Kingdom, with a possibility of
a Neolithic age. At Widan El Faras. The road is fully visible on the surface.
Annex 3
ECOTOURISM GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS
146
ZONE
DESCRIPTION
PERMITTED USES
147
(Reserve Protection Zone)
This zone represents areas of high
ecological sensitivity. It will offer
visitors a structured and guided
experience with on-site interpretation
and education. The opportunity for
independence, closeness to nature,
tranquility, solitude, and application of
outdoor skills would be common.
Temporary structures for
conservation monitoring purposes
only by EEAA
(Special Protection & Strict
Natural Zone)
This zone represents areas
of very high ecological
sensitivity that could be
easily disturbed or areas
where human activity would
significantly impact important
resources.
- Temporary structures for
conservation monitoring
purposes only by EEAA
- Nature observation.
- Interpretation and guided
walking trips in daylight
hours.
- Limited interpretation signs
and trails
- Scientific research with
permits (from EEAA).
- Research, traditional
cultural activities, or other
well-justified uses with a
limited number of visitors
accompanied by a licensed
guide or park ranger
- Pre-existing Traditional Bedouin
settlement and activities permitted.
- Nature observation.
- Traditional uses of indigenous
people, including regulated fishing by
local fishermen.
- Hiking trails.
- Special services for ecotourism
(interpretation panels & signs, toilets
to be established by EEAA as part of
the Protected Area infrastructure).
- Camp grounds
- No obtrusive structures will be
permitted
- Outpost stations
PRIMITIVE
WILD
Ecotourism facilities:
Ecotourism services and facilities are
allowed in this zone including
- 10 small ecolodges (maximum of 50
rooms each) will be accepted in this
zone
- Camp sites & camp grounds
- limited low-impact ecotourism
activities and facilities (mainly of an
interpretive nature) such as interpretive
centers, bird watching, boat rides.
campgrounds, trail corridors.
- Pre-existing local settlements, limited
animal grazing, previously authorized
low-scale mining
- Domestic stock grazing in permitted
areas.
- Protected Area management
facilities.
This zone represents areas of
Moderately ecological sensitivity
exclusively for permitted and licensed
ecotourism activities & ecolodges.
(Recreational Ecotourism Zone)
SEMI_PRIMITIVE
- One to two story eco-resorts and
ecohotels
- Nature watching activities and
facilities (hides, trails, observation
platforms, etc.)
- Natural theme parks set in
unreconstructed landscapes with totally
natural ecosystems discovery style
outdoor exhibits (birds nesting), with
minimal infrastructure.
- Maintenance facilities.
- Staff accommodation and services.
- Traditional uses of local people,
insuring access to beaches for
traditional fishing.
- Small scale handicrafts centers and
exhibitions.
This Zone including areas South the
shoreline of Lake Qarun
Restricted development, comprised of
eco-hotels & eco-resorts, is allowed in
this zone with the approved Plan.
DEVELOPMENT ZONE
148
ZONE
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
SPATIAL
DISTRIBUTION
AND
PATTERN
HEIGHT
RESTRICTIONS
(MAXIMUM)
Camp grounds
- Only 10 campground is permitted
with maximum capacity of 20
tents (according to Ecotourism
Development Plan).
- Camping is at-large except in very
rare cases where campsites may be
temporarily designated for resource
protection.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
In the case of existing
developments, no new authorized
construction or extension will be
allowed.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
(Reserve Protection Zone)
(Special Protection
& Strict Natural Zone)
Not applicable.
PRIMITIVE
WILD
NET
DENSITY
(MAXBUILT-UP
AREA/LOT)
LODGING FACILITIES
- Networked accommodation pattern not
land subdivision pattern with Minimum
distance between Properties of each
project not less than 2 km (in a straight
line).
- Networked accommodation pattern not
land subdivision pattern with Minimum
distance between ecolodges not less
than 5 km (in a straight line).
-Large concession areas with at least
1 million sq m can be allocated for the
investors for a 25-year period to ensure
the suitable use of the natural resources
- Ecolodges with maximum height of
- Eco-hotels and eco-resorts with height
1 story (as relates to cabins) and a
of 1-2 stories.
maximum of 2 stories not exceeding 7
meters in total for other facilities, such as
restaurants and look out towers
- No individual building block may have
a dimension (length or width) of greater
than 30 meters.
- Maximum net density will be 15%
- Both types must adopt
Environmental Best Practices in
design, construction and operations.
Two types of lodging facilities are
allowed:
- Eco-hotels (minimum of 50 rooms
and maximum of 100 rooms)
- Eco-resorts (minimum of 100 rooms
and maximum of 250 rooms)
DEVELOPMENT ZONE
- 5% or 1 room / faddan which ever is
the lower coverage
Ecolodges
- Permitted only on the designated sites
- Maximum of 50 rooms located in a
minimum number of 25 separate cabins
or tented units.
- Buildings should utilize local construction
techniques, recycled or locally-produced
materials, local craftsmen, and cultural
images wherever possible.
- Structures and building must be painted
in colors that do not sharply contrast or
conflict with the landscape.
- Provide building forms and images in
harmony with the natural environment.
- Camping in designated areas, unless
during emergency situations.
(Recreational Ecotourism Zone)
SEMI_PRIMITIVE
PRODUCT
IMAGE
ZONE
ACCESS AND GUIDING SERVICES FOR
VEHICLE ACCESS
149
- Nature area restricted to
protection purposes.
- Nature area restricted
to protection purposes.
- Authorized vehicles
only, access would
be restricted with
permitted access only
- No new paved roads
will be allowed only wild
and primitive trails
- Walking is
encouraged or other
forms of minimalimpact transportation,
such as horses,
donkeys, or camels.
- All authorizations
by EEAA, access
prohibited without
EEAA permission
and accompanied by
licensed guides or
rangers.
(Reserve Protection Zone)
(Special Protection
& Strict Natural Zone)
- Access would be restricted with
permitted access only
- No new paved roads will be
allowed only wild and primitive trails
- Walking is encouraged or
other forms of minimal-impact
transportation, such as horses,
donkeys, or camels.
- All authorizations by EEAA
- Bedouin, Rural and fishermen
style structure permitted.
PRIMITIVE
WILD
- Primarily accommodates four-wheel
drive experiences, and gives a sense
of being in semi-primitive trails, with
moderate maintenance
- Roads should be single track,
unimproved surfaces, located on
specific routes where impact can be
minimized.
- Routes are marked routes improved
and maintained for 4 wheel drive, foot
and horseback traffic.
- Only designated tracks or roads are
used.
- Tours and support vehicle routes and
schedules are planned to minimize the
distances traveled (including avoiding
congested areas and peak hour traffic);
- access permitted for
both Self guidance and guided tours are
permitted
- A predominantly natural landscape,
with all physical facilities formally
subordinated to the natural
environment.
- Bedouin , Rural and fishermen style
structure permitted.
exceeding 7 meters in total for other
facilities, such as restaurants and look
out towers
(Recreational Ecotourism Zone)
SEMI_PRIMITIVE
- All Major new roads subject to EIA
requirements.
- Except the main access road, all roads
will be maintained as unpaved tracks.
- All off-road traffic should be restricted
to designated tracks and permitted
vehicle types (e.g., All Terrain Vehicles)
- Open access.
- A low-impact, low-density and lowrise type of tourism development, in
harmony with the natural environment,
and following natural contours of the
land.
DEVELOPMENT ZONE
150
(Recreational Ecotourism Zone)
- Maintained for Semi-primitive use.
- Moderate maintenance is required.
- Trails are marked, but are generally
unimproved except for clearing and
some work on eroding or dangerous
areas.
- Traffic is moderate and accommodate
4 wheel drive
• Walking is encouraged or other forms
of minimal-impact transportation, such
as horses, donkeys, or camels.
• All trail networks within will respect
wildlife movement patterns and habitat
requirements as well as location,
growth, and expansion patterns of local
flora.
• Natural trails should be clearly
delineated in order to contain tourists in
controlled areas only.
• Natural permeable materials will be
utilized in the construction of the trails.
- Using low impact and low profile
techniques is desirable.
• The trail system must utilize the
existing and old tracks and movement
patterns.
- Maintained for primitive use.
- Minimal maintenance is required.
- Trails are marked, but are generally
unimproved except for clearing and
some work on eroding or dangerous
areas.
- Traffic is low.
• Walking is encouraged or
other forms of minimal-impact
transportation, such as horses,
donkeys, or camels.
• All trail networks within will respect
fossil areas, wildlife movement
patterns and habitat requirements
as well as location, growth, and
expansion patterns of local flora.
• Natural trails should be clearly
delineated in order to contain tourists
in controlled areas only.
• Smaller footpaths to designated
points of interest will branch off the
main trails.
• All main trails should incorporate
appropriate buffer zones between
the trail tread and nearby sensitive
resources.
•The trail system must utilize
the existing and old tracks and
movement patterns.
- Using low impact and low profile
techniques is desirable.
- Maintained for Wild use.
- Minimal maintenance is required.
- Trails are marked, but are generally
unimproved except for clearing and
some work on eroding or dangerous
areas.
- Traffic is low.
• Walking is encouraged or other forms
of minimal-impact transportation, such
as electric carts, horses, donkeys, or
camels.
- All trail networks should respect fossil
areas, wildlife movement patterns
and habitats requirements as well
as location, growth, and expansion
patterns of flora.
• Natural trails should be clearly
delineated in order to contain tourists
in controlled areas only.
• Smaller footpaths to designated
points of interest will branch off the
main trails.
• All main trails should incorporate
appropriate buffer zones between
the trail tread and nearby sensitive
resources.
- Leaving a trail to shortcut between
portions of the same trail or to shortcut
to an adjacent trail or is prohibited.
• The width of the trails should not
exceed 5 meters.
SEMI_PRIMITIVE
(Reserve Protection Zone)
PRIMITIVE
(Special Protection
& Strict Natural Zone)
ZONE WILD
TRAILSYSTEM
• A series of pedestrian trails should be
created off the main multi-use access
to facilitate a slower-pace and more
intimate experience
•Trail widths should accommodate
a mixture of vehicles, Bicycles, and
pedestrians
•Trails should be carefully designed
to avoid adversely affecting sensitive
resources.
• A program to monitor the impact of
the trails on the condition of sensitive
resources must be instituted in a
periodical base
DEVELOPMENT ZONE
- Interpretive waysides will
be kept to a minimal level (or
number) .
- Use of international symbols
and graphics to avoid multiple
language on displays.
- Educational signs at
intersections of the main trails
may be provided, explaining the
concept of the loop trails and the
sensitivity of the resources.
• No obtrusive signs will be
allowed, only signs that are low
to the ground, with minimum size
possible, compatible with their
surroundings and constructed of
natural materials to not detract
from the wilderness character of
the natural area
- Only signs necessary to protect
resources or for public safety,
such as signs identifying trails,
distances, educate visitors about
sensitivity, demarcate boundaries;
and medical aid will be permitted.
(Special Protection
& Strict Natural Zone)
ZONE WILD
SINAGE SYATEM
151
(Recreational Ecotourism Zone)
SEMI_PRIMITIVE
- Only signs necessary to protect resources
or for public safety, such as signs
identifying trails, distances, educate visitors
about sensitivity, demarcate boundaries;
and medical aid will be permitted.
• No obtrusive signs will be allowed, only
signs that are low to the ground, with
• No obtrusive signs will be
minimum size possible, compatible with
allowed, only signs that are low
their surroundings and constructed of
to the ground, with minimum size
natural materials to not detract from the
possible, compatible with their
surroundings and constructed of
wilderness character of the natural area
natural materials to not detract from • The trail network must be simply marked
the wilderness character of the
with painted rocks following a color coded
natural area
mapping system.
•Maps and directional signs at the
• Educational signs at intersections
beginning of the main trails and footpaths
of the main trails may be provided,
explaining the concept of the loop for self-guided tours should indicate the
length of the trail and the average time it
trails and the sensitivity of the
takes to walk its full length.
resources.
- Use of international symbols and graphics
- Use of international symbols and to avoid multiple language on displays.
graphics to avoid multiple language - Interpretive waysides will be kept to a
on displays.
minimal level (or number)
- Interpretive waysides will be kept - Signage including: trailhead signs
showing level of difficulty; signs with
to a minimal level (or number) on
mileages, warnings and hiking times; signs
backcountry trails.
that describe energy expenditure and
• Trail information, special advice,
water loss required; signs showing cost of
and instructions must be mentioned
rescues and medical aid; signs with proper
in the ecotourism guide brochures.
camping techniques.
- Only signs necessary to protect
resources or for public safety,
such as signs identifying trails,
distances, educate visitors about
sensitivity, demarcate boundaries;
and medical aid will be permitted.
(Reserve Protection Zone)
PRIMITIVE
- Interpretive signs provided to explain
focal points of the site and surrounding
vegetation, rock formations, habitats,
etc.
•Maps and directional signs at the
beginning of the access and footpaths
for self-guided should indicate all kinds
of uses, activities and instructions
DEVELOPMENT ZONE
152
(Reserve Protection Zone)
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
PRIMITIVE
(Special Protection
& Strict Natural Zone)
ZONE WILD
LANDSCAPING
- All significant vegetation must be
preserved. This includes all littoral
vegetation within the 200 m setback
area, rare and threatened species,
as well as, characteristic vegetation
of the site, which are not part of the
construction area.
• Landscaping of the site should reflect
the character of the surrounding natural
environment
• Development and ongoing use of the
site(s) should involved minimal clearing
of native vegetation and avoided
disruption to wildlife movement and
breeding patterns.
• No residual pesticides or herbicides will
be allowed.
• During site development a specific
program should be implemented to
protect vegetation
-Only locally available native species
of flora will be allowed for limited
landscaping.
- Only native species of flora will be
allowed in landscaping.
No exotic plant species will be allowed
(Recreational Ecotourism Zone)
SEMI_PRIMITIVE
• No residual pesticides or herbicides
are used.
• During site development a specific
program should be implemented to
protect vegetation
- Locally available native species of
flora will be encouraged.
- Only native species of flora will be
allowed in landscaping.
No exotic plant species will be allowed.
- Gray water and treated wastewater to
be used in irrigation of landscape.
• All significant vegetation must be
preserved. This includes all littoral
vegetation within the 200 m setback
area, rare and threatened species,
as well as, characteristic vegetation
of the site, which are not part of the
construction area.
- Landscaping of the site reflects the
character of the surrounding natural
environment
• Development and ongoing use of the
site(s) should involved minimal clearing
of native vegetation and avoided
disruption to wildlife movement and
breeding patterns.
DEVELOPMENT ZONE
(Reserve Protection Zone)
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
PRIMITIVE
(Special Protection
& Strict Natural Zone)
ZONE WILD
SITE DISTURBANCE
153
-Topographical features greater than
5 meters in height may not be altered
without special permission.
-Land movement must be minimized and
not produce erosion.
-Natural drainage must be maintained.
-Building and road access may not alter
existing contours by more than two
meters.
-Total cut and fill must be equal.
- Minimum (almost zero) clearing of
native vegetation.
- minimum (almost zero) disturbance to
wild life
• Where clearing has occurred, it should
not affect the viability of local populations
of rare or threatened species of flora and
fauna.
• All disturbed areas have subsequently
been re-vegetated with naturally
occurring native species reflecting the
surrounding ecology
(Recreational Ecotourism Zone)
SEMI_PRIMITIVE
• Topographical features greater than
5 meters in height may not be altered
without special permission.
• Land movement must be minimized
and not produce erosion.
• Natural drainage must be maintained.
• Building and road access may not
alter existing contours by more than two
meters.
• Total cut and fill must be equal.
DEVELOPMENT ZONE
154
- conservative dress shall be
applied to match with local culture
- People shall not be photographed
in some or all situations
- local guide are employed
to present local significant
attractions
- conservative dress shall be
applied to match with local culture
- People shall not be photographed
in some or all situations
- local guide are employed to
present local significant attractions
Should be zero
- Limited infrastructure located
along primary and secondary
routes.
- Water tanks, electricity (from PV
panels), and wastewater holding
tanks, composting/dry toilets and
fixed communications stations
provided at Ranger Stations.
- All solid waste removed from site
and deposited in designated areas
outside the protected area.
- Trash must be packed carried out.
Burning or burying of trash or toilet
paper is prohibited
- Persons visiting these areas
must bring their own water
supply, batteries, satellite phone,
GPS unit, emergency medical
equipment
- Trash must be packed carried
out.
- Burning or burying of trash or
toilet paper is prohibited
VISUAL Should be zero
IMPACT
(Reserve Protection Zone)
PRIMITIVE
(Special Protection
& Strict Natural Zone)
ZONE WILD
INFRASTRUCTURE
LOCAL
COMMUNITY /
CULTURE
- conservative dress shall be applied to
match with local culture
- People shall not be photographed in some
or all situations
- local guide are employed to present local
significant attractions
- basic products shall be purchased locally
- Fixed infrastructure at ecolodge sites,
including water supply (3 days storage),
sewage treatment, electricity (PV panels
with storage, LPG for cooking, solar
water heating, radio communications,
and emergency medical equipment.
- Water tanks, electricity (from PV
panels), wastewater holding tanks,
composting/dry toilets and fixed
communications stations provided
at Ranger Stations and designated
camping areas.
-All solid waste dumping is not allowed
within the protected area boundaries.
Solid waste must be disposed at
designated sanitary dumps outside the
protected area.
- Trash must be packed carried out.
Burning or burying of trash or toilet paper
is prohibited
- Building forms are compatible with the
surrounding
- development, trails, roads,…. etc is
screened by natural landscape
(Recreational Ecotourism Zone)
SEMI_PRIMITIVE
- basic products shall be purchased
locally
- Colors and reflectivity of surfaces shall
be compatible with the surrounding
- Water, sanitation, solid waste
and energy infrastructure to follow
“Environmental Best Practices”
applicable to site and scale of ecoresort.
DEVELOPMENT ZONE
- Authorizations for activities and facilities
inside the park by EEAA
- Approval of ecolodges inside park by EEAA
and by TDA within the 3 km north Lake Qarun
coastal strip; and Fayoum Governorate in the
southern shoreline of Lake Qarun and within
the administrative boundaries of Markaz and
Municipalities
- All establishments is subject to EIA approval
by EEAA.
-No natural vegetation should be damaged.
-Pets are not allowed
- Unattended food must be stored properly
to prevent access by wildlife. Improper food
storage is prohibited
- Wood or charcoal fires are prohibited.
However, the use of backpack stove is
permitted
- The guide-to-group size ratio never
exceeds 1 to 10.
- The maximum size of a visiting
group will depend upon the fragility of
the surroundings and the season.
- Unauthorized vehicles
- No new roads or tracks.
- Only Light construction for
monitoring and control stations will
be permitted. A shoreline buffer of no
less than 500 meters from the highest
high-tidal waterline
- Pets are not allowed
- Unattended food must be stored
properly to prevent access by wildlife.
- Disposing of human waste within
100 m of a water source, highwater mark of a body of water, or a
campsite, or within sight of a trail is
prohibited.
- Recreational fishing is permitted.
Rock climbing
- Climbers are required to employ
minimum-impact climbing techniques.
- The use of power tools to install bolts
or other hardware is prohibited.
- All hardware must be removed upon
finishing the route.
All activities inside the protected
areas to be in accordance with Law
102 / 1983 and Law 4 / 1994 and
other relevant legislation.
- The guide-to-group size ratio
never exceeds 1 to 10.
- The maximum size of a visiting
group will depend upon the
fragility of the surroundings.
- Wood or charcoal fires are
prohibited. However, the use of
backpack stove is permitted
- Feeding, touching, teasing,
frightening, or intentionally
disturbing wildlife is prohibited.
- Unattended food must be stored
properly to prevent access by
wildlife.
All activities inside the protected
areas to be in accordance with
Law 102 / 1983 and Law 4 / 1994
and other relevant legislation.
inside the protected areas to be in
accordance with Law 102 / 1983
and Law 4 / 1994 and other relevant
legislation.
Rock climbing
- Climbers are required to employ minimumimpact climbing techniques.
- The use of power tools to install bolts or
other hardware is prohibited. All hardware
must be removed upon finishing the route.
(Recreational Ecotourism Zone)
SEMI_PRIMITIVE
(Reserve Protection Zone)
PRIMITIVE
(Special Protection
& Strict Natural Zone)
ZONE WILD
OTHER RESTRICTIONS
LICENSE
155
All activities to be in accordance with
Law 102 / 1983, Law 4 / 1994, and Law
445/1992 and other relevant legislation
outside the Park
-The set back zone will be maintained
as a natural buffer zone, with no
construction or disturbance of natural
features, habitats or vegetation. Only
beach activities and traditional fishing
will be allowed.
-Only native species of flora will
be allowed in any gardens and
landscaping.
DEVELOPMENT ZONE
156
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157
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