The Hidden Valley and the New White Desert
The Hidden Valley And The New White Desert
In the vast expanse of Egypt’s Western Desert, the western reaches of the Farafra depression remain a largely unexplored treasure. Few safari operators venture into this remote area, often relying on hearsay rather than direct experience. Yet, this region holds wonders equally captivating as the famed White Desert, offering a glimpse into an untouched wilderness.
The Hidden Valley (Wadi al-Ubayyid)
Behind the Qus Abu Said Plateau lies the Hidden Valley, known as Wadi al-Ubayyid. Superficially resembling its surroundings, the valley reveals a more complex geological tapestry upon closer inspection. Here, volcanic massifs coexist with chalk formations known as yardangs, painting a diverse and intriguing landscape.
Historical Landmarks and Ancient Art
The journey into the valley unfolds a trail of historical marvels. Visitors encounter Bir Bednui, a well surrounded by the enigmatic Al-Qabur pinnacle and the intriguing Hummocks monoliths. In the 1990s, Italian archaeologists unearthed a prehistoric village here, marking the site of a long-lost lake. Nearby, the Al-Ubayyid Cave, perched 50 meters up a cliff face, guards ancient rock art within its three chambers – engravings of gazelles, cattle, and human hand outlines, silently narrating stories from a distant past. Despite being off-limits, this archaeological gem sometimes features in safari itineraries, offering a rare glimpse into ancient human expression.
Myths and Geological Wonders
The journey westward unveils the enigmatic Infidel Rock, a natural sculpture shrouded in local lore as the final resting place of the Lost Army of Cambyses. Nearby Sphinx Valley stirs the imagination with yardangs that may have inspired the iconic Sphinx near the Giza Pyramids. This region transitions into a landscape dominated by colossal chalk inselbergs, leading local safari operators to aptly name it the New White Desert.
Ain Della: A Historic Oasis
The New White Desert’s proximity to Ain Della (“Spring of the Shade”) once rendered it inaccessible. This historic spring has quenched the thirst of raiders, smugglers, and explorers for centuries, standing as the last waterhole before the vast Great Sand Sea. Today, it is guarded by the Egyptian Border Guards, who, equipped with jeeps instead of camels, patrol up to 200 kilometers into the desert. This modern-day garrison, stationed in a remote outpost, continues to draw from the sweet spring waters, a luxury in this arid expanse.
Created On March 25, 2020
Updated On January 28, 2024
