- Fayoum, a large and exceptionally fertile depression in Egypt's Western Desert, some 90 kilometers southwest of Cairo, is a region both rich in history and outstanding in natural beauty. Its historical legacy includes temples, pyramids, and towns from the Middle Kingdom and the Ptolemaic Period, as well as churches, monasteries, and mosques from later times. Its farmland, watered by the region's landmark waterwheels, is among the most generous in Egypt, and its landscape is varied and beautiful. The large and ancient lake Qarun nestles in the north between the soft green land and the harsh but dramatic desert scarp, while two new lakes, connected by Egypt's only waterfalls, have been created in the once barren Wadi al-Rayyan to the west, bringing fishermen, farmers, and visitors to the desert. The Fayoum's wildlife unfortunately no longer includes the crocodile, which was sacred here in ancient times, but boasts swamp cats and mongooses, spoonbills and flamingos. It also boasts a recently declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, namely Wadi al-Hitan, the Valley of the Whales.

 - All these attractions, historic sites and activities all combine to make Fayoum a truly unique and exceptional destination to visit.

 Name and Etymology

- In Pharaonic times, Fayoum was one of the 20 nomes of Upper Egypt. The Pharaohs called it "Ayyum" meaning the Lake. Then, it was renamed "Birsin" or "House of the Crocodile", the sacred animal at that time. After that, the Copts named it "Phiom" meaning the Sea. When the Arabs came in 640 called it Al-Fayoum. Its name in English is also spelled as Fayum, Fayoum, Al Fayyum or El Faiy?m.

 Topography

- On the map, the Fayoum appears as the bud of the great lotus plant of Egypt, growing out of one side of the Nile stem, just below the Delta blossom. Not part of either the Nile Valley or the Delta, it cannot be ascribed to Upper, Lower, or even Middle Egypt. Nor does it conform to the usual idea of an oasis, since it is entirely dependent on water from the Nile, thus it has a kind of dual identity: part desert oasis, part Nile Valley, yet not quite either. It is a large, natural depression in the Western Desert of Egypt lying between 29?5 and 29?35 north and between 30?22 and 31?5 east. The northern part of the depression is entirely below sea level and contains a large, salty, Birkat Qarun (the Birka) which lies at around 45 meters below sea level, with slight seasonal fluctuations. It has a surface area of 214 square kilometers, and contains around 800 cubic kilometers of water.

 Climate

 Fayoum is noted for its year-round pleasant climate. It is probably one of the most agreeable in Egypt. Summers are not as hot as those in Upper Egypt and winters are not as wet as those in Cairo and Lower Egypt. In high summer (June to August) the afternoon temperature is usually around 36?C, with a minimum temperature at night of around 20?. Heat waves lasting a few days may push these figures up to over 40? and 30? respectively, but these are mercifully quite rare. Winter (December to February) usually sees maximum temperatures of between 15? and 20?, and minimums of between 5? and 10?. Rain can fall any time between October and May, though it is most likely in December, January and February, and is nearly always light and short-lived.

 Human Geography

The total area of Fayoum Governorate is 4,578 square kilometers. The inhabited area is broken down into six administrative centers based around the six cities of the Fayoum: Sinnuris and Ibshaway in the north, Yusuf al-Siddiq in the northwest, Tamiya in the northeast, Itsa in the south, and Fayoum in the center. The latest figures available, from 2008, give the total population of the governorate as 2,7 million people. This table gives a snapshot on the population of Fayoum:

Notable People

-Prophet Yūsuf (Peace of Allah be upon him), Potiphar and his Wife, Yūsuf's brothers, and Karun

Fayoum is worth a visit

    The peacefulness of the area is a relief from the hustle and bustle of Cairo, from which it is a brief trip. Bird life still abounds around Lake Qaroun, bordered by semi-nomadic Bedouin settlements and fishing villages. Here, on the edge of the desert, you can sail, windsurf, swim and fish. Other places of outstanding natural beauty near Fayoum are the hot springs at Ain al-Siliyin, where you can bath and the waterfalls at Wadi al-Rayan, 40km towards Qarun Lake, also suitable for swimming and picnics. Moreover, Fayoum is renowned for its lush agricultural land. Cotton, clover, tomatoes, medicinal plants and fruit are all grown here. The local Souk (market) in Fayoum City sells copperware, spices and gold jewelry and there is a special pottery market once a week.

Fayoum Sights

  The Fayoum provides a splendid mix of pharaonic, Christian and Islamic monuments and a rustic charm all its own. The many pharaonic sites in the area include a red granite obelisk of Senuseret I and the pyramid of Senuseret II at Lahun, the pyramid of Amenemhat III at Hawara and the remains of the ancient city of Karanis, where you can camp and visit the site museum. Other sights to see include Village of Bacchias (Bakchias), Qasr Qarun, Tebtunis, Ain as-Siliyiin and Lake Qarun.

How to get to Fayoum

From outside Egypt

International flights direct to Cairo, then either an internal flight or overland by bus or by car.

From Cairo

Overland
You may like to book a tour through a travel agent or hire your own transport. Bear in mind that desert driving has special requirements and be sure to get a suitable vehicle and guidance on possible hazards. 0therwise you can travel to each location by bus or service taxi and arrange trips from there.

By taxi or train

Service taxis from Giza Square or buses from the Ahmed Helmi or Giza terminals. By train from Ramses or Giza stations.

Resources

http://www.touregypt.net/fayoum.htm