EL FAIYUM “Phiom” The Sea Lake

One of Egypt’s oldest towns, Faiyum (also spelled as Fayum, Fayoum, or Al Faiyum) is located 62 miles Southwest of Cairo. It is known for its fertility and abundance of flora and fauna. Faiyum was once a lifeless desert that turned into a rich oasis when a branch of River Nile silted up and diverted water to it. This resulted in the region attracting wildlife, vegetation and ultimately drawing humans to grow colonies around it.

Faiyum Oasis is widely known for its Wadi Al-Hitan (“Valley of Whales”) which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for hundreds of fossils of some of the earliest forms of Whales. It uncovers one of the greatest mysteries of the evolution of Whales which states that this largest ocean-dwelling mammal was once a land-based animal.

It is also visited for its archaeological site of Hawara, El Lahun pyramids, the Qaitbay Mosque as well as the Hanging Mosque (“Al Moallaq”). Situated 31 miles away from Faiyum is Wadi Rayan (“Valley of Waterfalls”) which has the largest waterfalls in Egypt.

On your way to Wadi Rayan, you will find the famous pottery village of Tunis located on a hill facing the large saltwater lake of (“Birket Qarun”). Around 40 years ago a swiss potter Evelyne Porret settled here and taught the locals the art of pottery to revive one of the oldest handicrafts known to mankind - the Egyptian pottery. Since then, the people of Tunis have mastered this art. Every year, artists, painters, journalists, and art-lovers from all over the country come to be a part of this lively artistic village.

Faiyum is widely known for the footprints that the ancient Egyptian, Ptolemaic, and Roman Empires left on the region which could be felt in the air while we arrange a one-of-its-kind boutique camping experience for you. And while Kemetale makes sure you enjoy your camel rides, lavish desert picnics and BBQ around the dunes, you can continue to make wonderful memories that you will cherish forever.