Follow the steps of Almasy, the Hungarian explorer whose story is narrated in the English Patient by exploring the Regenfeld and the Swimmers Cave. Go deeper into the Gilf El-Kebir National Park to discover more of the hidden secrets of this barren land.
The Gilf El-Kebir is a sandstone plateau located in the southwest corner of the Western Desert. The rocky surface slopes south-eastward are partially covered by sand because the Great Sand Sea to the north is gradually encroaching on the plateau. The area is extremely arid but it supports the Barbary Sheep, and several species of reptiles as well as small birds, among the latter is the ubiquitous White-crowned Black Wheatear. You’ll find ancient rock art in Shaw’s cave, and El-Mestikawi cave depicting several types of cattle that attest to a wetter period in prehistoric times.
It is advisable to visit Gilf El-Kebir in the cooler months of the year, from October to May, that is. Temperatures in summer can reach intolerable maxima of 35-45 C.
-
Rock Art in the Western Desert
Start your journey in Dakhla, the oldest inhabited oasis of the Western Desert, visit Al-Qasr and Balat,…
-
Sailing the Sand Sea
Explore the amazing deep western desert. Start from Cairo and make your way to Bahariya, then proceed…
Highlights - Gilf El-Kebir
-
Abu Ballas
Walk next to thousands of ancient broken pots and shards of pottery that litter a hill discovered…
Click to AddClick to Remove -
El-Mestikawi Cave
Located near Gilf el-Kebir, El-Mestikawi Cave well-known for its prehistoric rock art.
Click to AddClick to Remove -
Swimmers Cave
Made famous by The English Patient, the Cave of Swimmers was discovered in 1933 by the Hungarian…
Click to AddClick to Remove -
Silica Glass Field
Located in the southern end of the Great Sand Sea in the Egyptian Western Desert, the Silica glass…
Click to AddClick to Remove
Nearby Cities
-
Dakhla Oasis
Dakhla Oasis is considered to be the most attractive oasis in Egypt. It has great citadels, mud-brick…
-
Farafra Oasis
Farafra is the most isolated oasis in the majestic Western Desert and the closest oasis to the incredible…
-
Kharga Oasis
Kharga Oasis is the largest and most populated oasis in the Western Desert. In Kharga you can join a…
-
Abu-Simbel
Virtual TourExperience the Nubian heritage and marvel for hours at the amazing Abu-Simbel temples.
-
Bahariya Oasis
Spanning over 2000 sq. km. the Bahariya Oasis is a lush haven set in the midst of an unforgiving desert…
-
Siwa Oasis
After a long drive through the barren landscape of the Western Desert, you won’t believe your eyes…
-
Luxor
Virtual TourWhen in Luxor, you'll soon discover why this Ancient Egyptian capital is known today as the world's…
-
Aswan
Virtual TourHeavenly peace: that's what Aswan is all about. Egypt's sunniest southern city is the perfect destination…
-
El-Alamein
Famed for the decisive victory of the Allies over the Axis forces in the WWII North Africa campaign,…
-
North Coast
Once only considered as a favoured destination of Cairene vacationers, the North Coast of Egypt has…
-
.jpg)
Marsa Matrouh
Nestled inside a big circular bay and protected from the high seas by a series of rocks forming a natural…
-
Safaga
Astounding reefs to explore, amazing kite and wind surfing conditions, never-ending beaches of black…
-
Makadi Bay
Set in a beautiful natural bay, the luxurious resort town of Makadi offers you tranquility and peace…
-
Hurghada City
Year-round sunshine, incredibly beautiful coral reefs and dozens of exciting attractions in a laid back,…
-
Cairo
Virtual TourA delightful chaos. There's probably no better way to describe the exhilarating, exotic, fascinating…
-
El Gouna
A myriad of islands interlinked together by beautiful turquoise lagoons, luxurious beach-front resorts…
-
El-Quseir
Spared by the hordes of international tourists, the virgin coastal town of El-Quseir holds that indescribable…
-
Ain Sukhna
A short distance from Cairo, a paradise of pristine beaches and crystal clear waters on the Red Sea.
-
Marsa Alam
Since the opening of its international airport in 2001, Marsa Alam has become the new top Red Sea destination…
-
Alexandria
Virtual TourKnown today as the "cultural capital of Egypt" and famous for being called the "Pearl of the Mediterranean",…
-
Sharm El Sheikh
Virtual TourImagine yourself in one of the most beautiful and famous deep sea diving paradises in the world.
-
Dahab
Of all the Red Sea paradisiacal spots, Dahab is probably the most appealing for those who are…
-
Nuweiba
Endless stretches of white powdery sand, secluded bays, crystal clear waters, incredible diving and…
-
Taba Heights
The upscale water sports, diving and luxury holiday destination on the Sinai coastline.
-
Taba
Taba's exceptional geographical location between Africa and Asia at the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba facing…
