1

FAYOUM ECOTOURISM
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
2005-2015












Fayoum Governorate, Egypt

Consultant

Environmental Design Group, EDG
Environmental Consultants, Planners, Architects, Landscape Architects
'| '
December 2006
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Tables...........................................................................................................4
List of Maps.............................................................................................................4
Contributors.............................................................................................................5

1. Introduction
1.1 Values and strategic significance of the Fayoum .................................. 7
1.2 Previous plans and policies...................................................................10

2. The Market Profile
2.1 Current Demand....................................................................................14
2.2 Season of use.......................................................................................15
2.2.1 High Season...........................................................................15
2.2.2 Low season ...........................................................................16
2.2.3 Shoulder season....................................................................16
2.3 Current Supply......................................................................................16

3. Environmental and culture setting
3.1 Natural Heritage...................................................................................19
3.1.1. Paleontology.........................................................................19
3.1.2 Geology and soils ..................................................................21
3.1.3 Landforms and Natural landscape ........................................22
3.1.4 Climate...................................................................................24
3.1.5 Flora.......................................................................................24
3.1.6 Fauna.................................................................................... 25
3.2 History and archaeology ....26
3.3 Handicrafts and local culture.......31
3.3.1. Basketry and Palm Products.............31
3.3.2. Pottery.......32
3.3.3. Handmade Textile..................33
3.3.4. Rowboat construction.........33
3.3.5. Fishing nets..........34
3.3.6. Mat made from Sammar plant.......34
3.3.7. Cordage (Dobarah) made from flax plant.34
3.3.8. Handicraft assessment in the Fayoum.....34

4. Situation Analyses
4.1 Constraints.........38
4.1.1 Land Jurisdiction Issue........38
4.1.2 Intrusive Security Management......38
4.1.3 Water Pollution......38
4.1.4 Negative impact on Critical Habitats......39
4.1.5 Fossil and Heritage Sites excavation........39
4.1.6 Modern Mines and Quarries....40
4.1.7 Traditional Use Areas...40
4.1.8 Potential Threats to Humans...41
4.1.9 Human Resources and Local Work Force....41
4.1.10 Quality and Quantity of the Existing Tourism Facilities........41
4.2 Opportunities......42
4.2.1 Diversity of Resources/Attractions.........42
4.2.2 Accessibility.......43
4.2.3 Willingness of the Local Community......43

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4.3 Ecological sub-zones and Key Habitats.44
Zone One: Desert Areas........44
Zone Two: Lakes' Areas............47
Zone Three: Lakes' Shores....50
Zone Four: Agriculture Lands........51

5. Ecotourism Development Program.
5.1 Vision and objectives....... ........54
5.1.1 The Vision..................54
5.1.2 Objectives...........54
5.1.3 Planning Objectives..............54
5.1.4 Strategy .............54
5.1.5 Guiding principals.................55
5.1.6 Stakeholders..............55
5.2 The target Market..............56
5.3 Visitor experience..............57
5.3.1 Proposed themes and activities..............57
5.3.2 Proposed Visitor experience zones...............64
Wild zones............................................................................65
Primitive zones.....................................................................66
Semi-primitive zone..............................................................66
Threshold (development zones)..........67

5.4 Proposed ecotourism Facilities and Services...........69
5.4.1 Visitor Centers..................69
5.4.2 Interpretive stations.....................69
5.4.3 Lodging Facilities.................71
Ecolodges...........71
Campsites..............72
5.4.4 Multipurpose Ecostations........74
5.4.5 Handicraft outlets.............74
5.4.6 Medical Facilities.................75
5.4.7 Jetties....................75
5.4.8 Information Materials..................75
5.5 Trail System..............77
5.5.1 Wild Trails........................77
5.5.2 Primitive Trails.................78
5.5.3 Semi-Primitive Trails......................78
5.5.4 Threshold Trails......................78
5.5.5 Emergency Trails...........................78
5.6 Upgrading and improvement areas.......................79
5.7 Capacity Building............................80
5.7.1 Capacity Building for the FTA and Fayoum staff............81
5.7.2 Capacity Building for the Local Guides................82
5.7.3 Capacity Building for the young Local architects on ecolodge
Design...83

Annexes .
Annex 1: Sample Itineraries..................... 85
Annex 2: Ecotourism Resources inventory of the Fayoum...107
Annex 3: Guidelines and Regulations for ecotourism development in Fayoum136
References...... 146


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List of Tables:
Table 1: Visitors to Fayoum 1996-2005.................................................................14
Table 2: Foreign Visitors to Fayoum 1997-2005....................................................15
Table 3: The Existing Hotel Rooms in the Fayoum 2005.......................................17
Table 4: Major Periods in Human Antiquities if the Fayoum..................................25
Table 5: Threatened Mammalian Species in the Fayoum.....................................29
Table 6: The Proposed Interpretive and Observattion Stations in the Fayoum.....70
Table 7: The proposed Camp Sites in the Fayoum...............................................73
Table 8: The Proposed Multipurpose Ecostations in the Fayoum.........................74
Table 9: The Proposed Trail System in Desert Areas in the Fayoum....................79

List of Maps:
Map 1: Tourism Development Centers in the Northern Coast of Lake Qarun
by TDA 2004..........................................................................................................12
Map 2: Land Jurisdiction in the Fayoum.................................................................18
Map 3: Geology of the Fayoum Depression...........................................................22
Map 4: Wildlife and bird watching spots in the Fayoum.........................................26
Map 5: Ancient Pharaoh and Greek-Roman Sites in the Fayoum.........................30
Map 6: Ancient Islamic and Coptic Sites in the Fayoum........................................30
Map 7: Handicraft Community Centers in the fayoum............................................36
Map 8: Ecotourism Resource Map of the Fayoum Governorate........................... 37
Map 9: Ecological Zones and Critical Habitats of the Fayoum...............................53
Map 10: Proposed Visitor Experience Zones in the Fayoum.................................68
Map 11: Proposed Interpretive Facilities in the Fayoum........................................71
Map 12: Proposed Ecolodge Locations in the Fayoum.........................................76
Map 13: Proposed Camp Site locations in the Fayoum........................................76
Map 14: The Ecotourism Development Plan for the Fayoum................................84
Map 15: The Route of the Camel Riding Itinerary.................................................92
Map 16: The Route of the Bird Watching Itinerary................................................97
Map 17: The Route of the crafts and local lifestyle Itinerary.................................104
Map 18: The Route of the Hiking Itinerary............................................................109
























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Contributors:
Mostafa El Khatib Architect and Head of EDG
Mohamed El Khatib Team leader, ecotourism planner and trainer
Dr. Mohamed Basiouny Ecologist, natural resources analysis
Mohsen Rashad Local handicrafts and Socio economic analysis
Hani Zaki Ecotourism Specialist
Carman Kwan Editor
Osama Yasin Map presentation
Ahmed Abulela Architect and head of field work
Khalil Saleh Field researcher and Maps preparation
Mahmoud Nabet Field researcher and Maps preparation
Mohamed Hamam Maps preparation
Akram Husein Maps preparation
Mohamed Shepl Maps preparation

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1. INTRODUCTION
Fayoum is Egypts 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. Fayoums 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 an World
Heritage Site in 2005. This escalation of the areas 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.
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As a result, the Fayoum Governorate will have the necessary tools to plan and
manage ecotourism, 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 Egypts 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 Fayoums
depression. According to Elwyn L. Simons 1986, a leading authority in the field,
Fayoum provides us with an unrivaled view of the evolution of Africas early Tertiary
plants and animals. Simons et al 1986.

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In 2005 the center of world heritage sites of UNESCO nominated Wadi Al Hitan area
as world heritage site and recommended to extend 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
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north of the pyramid of Hawara, and examples can be seen at Kom Aushim 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.


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 Cairos 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 Fayoums 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 Fayoums
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 Qarun 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, Siwa), Lybian
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 Qarun and Wadi El Rayan"
prepared by TDA, 1991
"Horizon of the Development in the Fayoum Governorate" prepared by Cairo
university, Fayoum branch and Fayoum Govenorate, 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 Qarun,
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, availability of documents, local
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awareness and lack of specificity can be seen as some of the reasons for the
difficulty and inability of implementation.

In 1991 the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) prepared the tourism development
indicative plan for Lake Qarun 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 Qarun on the bird habitat zones to 30 meters instead of 250 meters
Permission for limited number of motor boats in lake Qarun (10 boats) in a
certain period out of the season of bird migration

These modifications caused a conflict with the protection status of Lake Qarun. 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 prepared the conservation management plan
of Wadi El Rayan protected area. The project was funded by the Italian cooperation
and technical assistant provided from 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
sub-zones.

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
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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
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 Qattrani/Wadi Heitan
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 didnt 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.


The Tourism Development Centers in the northern coast of Lake Qarun, by TDA, 2004

In 2004, the Tourism Development Authority prepared a Tourism Development Plan
for the northern coast of Lake Qarun in order to realize the development potential of
this area. The plan aimed to create new growth centers and new investment
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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 Qarun 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.

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 Qarun 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 areas environmental heritage significance. In 2005, the
nature conservation sector in cooperation with the National commission of UNESCO
prepared the nomination profile of Wadi El Hitan and submitted to the international
heritage center of UNESCO to nominate Wadi El Hitan as an 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 14974 658 37448 24741
1997 17846 399 65843 29092
1998 7091 751 35132 19488
1999 14974 658 37448 24741
2000 18261 384 34195 23656
2001 16255 585 37295 28182
2002 16473 622 35696 26279
2003 13405 743 47380 27571
2004 15364 768 47315 32281
2005 18288 879 56026 32964
Source: Fayoum Tourism Authority FTA 2005









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Table (2) Foreign Visitors to Fayoum 1997-2005
Years German French USA British Italian Israel Others total
1997 4777 1111 959 527 1157 1290 8025 17846
1998 1053 640 574 367 668 448 3341 7091
1999 2304 1631 1000 492 1774 632 7141 14974
2000 3085 1679 1170 425 1654 348 9900 18261
2001 3264 1475 1193 720 1189 235 8179 16255
2002 2254 2359 852 581 1421 264 8742 16473
2003 1228 1888 599 588 1098 238 7766 13405
2004 2076 1641 1020 614 1638 244 8121 15364
2005 2345 1923 1387 800 1951 374 9508 18288
Source: Fayoum Tourism Authority FTA 2005

2.2 Seasonal 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 investors 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 high season for water based activities throughout Wadi El Rayan
and Qarun 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.
16
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 50C 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 Oberj 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.

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.






17
Table (3) the existing Hotel rooms in the Fayoum 2005

Hotel Name Category Location No. of rooms
Auberg Du Lac 5 stars S. Lake Qarun 81
Military Force Hotel 5 stars S. Lake Qarun 57
New Panorama 4 Stars S. Lake Qarun 57
El Waha village 2 Stars S. Lake Qarun 18
Selien Chalets 2 Stars Ain Selien 24
Duck Island 2 stars S. Lake Qarun 20
Honey Day 2 stars Fayoum City 25
Queen Hotel - Fayoum City 16
Montaza Hotel - Fayoum City 20
Palace Hotel - Fayoum City 25
Teachers hotel - Fayoum City 20
Zad El Mosafer - S. Lake Qarun 7
Total 370
Source: Fayoum Tourism Authority FTA 2005





The existing land ownership and authority of the shorelines of Lake Qarun 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
including: (see the map named land jurisdictions)

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.
18
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 Qarun and
Wadi El Raiyan 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 Raiyan 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 results. See the map entitled Land Jurisdictions in the Fayoum


Map (2) Land Jurisdictions in the Fayoum










19

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 areas 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
See annex (2) Ecotourism Resources inventory of the Fayoum

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 Egypts 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.

20
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 al-Sagha Formation with the
sea snake Pterosphernus. Also, the Tomistoma, an crocodile type animal.

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. Fayoums primates include Aegyptopithecus
zeuxis and four species of Propliopithecus,
consisting of P. chirobates, P. ankeli, P. haeckeli
and P. markgrafi.


21



Fayoums 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. Arsinitheres (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 hyracoids (Order Hyracoidea) - 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.

Fayoums 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.
22
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 Qarun.


Map (3) Geological Map of the Fayoum

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.

23
Fayoums 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 Yousef, 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 strange-shaped 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 Moeris (ancestor of Lake Qarun)
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 Fayoums depression are the following three
sub-basins:
Fayoums depression covers an area of about 12,000 sq. km, the surface of
the depression slopes generally toward the north west where Lake Qarun is
located. Lake Qarun 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.
Wadi El- Raiyan 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 El- Rayan,
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.


24
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.



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
Oyun 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.
25


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, Gazella 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 Gazella 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.


Table 4: Threatened Mammalian Species in the Fayoum
Common name Scientific name IUCN status Habitat
National Global
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 Wadis and rocky
areas
Dorcas Gazelle Gazella dorcas EN Wadis and rocky
areas
Slender-Horned
Gazelle
Gazella leptoceros CR EN Wadis and rocky
areas

During the spring and autumn, a remarkable diversity of birds migrates along
Fayoums 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
26
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 Fayoums waters,
although Lake Qarun has an impoverished freshwater fauna because of its high
salinity.


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 of what now is Lake Qarun. 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.

27
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
Meidum 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 Amenemhet I'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. See the map entitled Ancient Pharaoh and Greek-Roman sites in
the Fayoum


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 Archimedess screw and the sakiya to irrigate the farmlands.

28


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 Favoum. 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 Favoum 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. See the map entitled Ancient
Coptic and Islamic sites in the Fayoum
29

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, Greek-Roman, Coptic and Islamic empire.

Table (5) Major periods in human antiquity in the Fayoum. Modified from (Vivian,
2000).
Human period Years ago
Pre-Acheulen
Acheulen
Pleistocene
Holocene
Terminal Paleolithic
Neolithic
Bronze
Pharonic
Old Kingdom
Middle Kingdom
New Kingdom
Late Period
Greek period
Roman period

Christian Era
Islamic Era
French occupation
Rule under Muhammad Ali
British Occupation
900000
50000
10000

9000
6000
2000
3100-332 B.C.
3100-2125 BC
2125-1570 BC
1570-1070 B.C.
525-332 B.C.
332-30 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.

30

Map (5) Ancient Pharaoh and Greek-Roman sites in the Fayoum

Map (6) Ancient Coptic and Islamic sites in the Fayoum
31

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-Nazlah, 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. See the map entitled handicraft community centers in the Fayoum
3.3.1 Basketry and Palm Products
Since the beginning of history, Palm trees played an important role in the life of the
Fayoumi 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.
32



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 upmarket 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
33
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-Nazlaa are sold in Cairo at the pottery centers like that of
Fustat.



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

Kahek 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
34
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".



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 peoples 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
35
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.
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.






36



Map (7) Handicraft Community Centers in the Fayoum







37

38
4. SITUATION 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
regions 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 lakes ecosystem. Agriculture drainage water
reaching Lake Qarun and Wadi El Rayan is loaded with chemical pollutants. Huge
quantities of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and some industrial chemicals end up
39
in the agricultural drainage system and eventually in Fayoums 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 Qarun.
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 Qarun 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 Qarun 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, Greco-Roman and Christian eras, especially in the
parts of north Lake Qarun and Oyun 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
40

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 Qarun 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 Qarun including the Ancient Quarry Road and the harbour 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.



41
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.

Horned Viper
Anti-venoms must be refrigerated to maintain their effectiveness due to the
extreme temperatures.
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.
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 situation
create a negative image for the visitors and investors of Fayoum. This can
explain the reason for the lack of investment and financial resources.

42


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, swimming in the lower lake of Wadi El-
Rayan).
Strictly regulating duck hunting in the fishery ponds.
Tours to the ancient quarries of north Qarun
Visitation to the archeological sites (Qasr El Sagha, Medinet Madi,
Demieh, etc.).
The geologic and geomorphologic features of the desert areas, that
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
43
New Panorama hotel, Zad El Mosafer lodge in Tunis, and Safari Camp in Wadi El
Rayan.
4.2.2 Accessibility

Fayoums 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 citys 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 Fayoumi 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.



44
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 areas 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


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 Qarun . 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 depressions 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-Rayan.

45
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 Pharaohs eagle owl Bubo ascalaphus. Moreover, they are home to
Andersons 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)

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 is distributed in the Fayoum region
in three main areas :
1- A gently sloping sandy plane extends parallel to the Northern shoreline of the
Lake Qarun .
2- The area 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 Audouins 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
46

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 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 Fayoums 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 abiotic. 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:
1- Around the upper and lower lakes of Wadi El Rayan , specially to the south
west of the lower lake
2- Parallel to northern shore of Lake Qarun 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 Oyun El Rayan Area
This area is a shallow sandy depression located west and southwest of the lower
lake, and extends westwards to the escarpment of Minqar El Rayan. It is surrounded
47
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 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.



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 Fayoums desert are confined to, or dependent
on, this oasis. Birds typical of this habitat are Pharaohs 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: Lakes areas Deep water Lake Qarun

Lake Qarun is the remainder of the ancient freshwater Lake Moeris 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.
48



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.


Wadi El Rayan lakes

The Wadi El Rayan lakes began forming in 1974 when drainage water of Fayoums
agricultural lands were channeled to the depressions of Wadi El Masakheet and
Wadi El Rayan (the upper and the lower El Raiyan 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. The
water level is rising and will continue to do so until a surface area of the lake is
reached which will result in an evaporation rate equal to rate of water intake. At
present this lake has a total area of 7,000 hectare and an average depth of 11.5 m.
The area of the lake is likely to increase to reach a maximum of 7,700 hectare. 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.

49

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. As the
water level in the lower lake rises, the height of this
waterfall is reduced and the area around the waterfall is
densely vegetated with marsh plants.




Golden Heron Island

The Golden Heron Island of the Lake Qarun have 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
ar 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.



Shallow areas and mudflats

The shore line of Lake Qarun 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,
50
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 Rayans 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
Qarun especially on the western tip of the lake at Um Zalat.

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 waters 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.














51
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 Qarun. 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.


An area of about 10,000 hectares, west of the lower lake of Wadi Al Rayan, has
recently been reclaimed for the benefit of young graduates and their families living in
a village 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 (karkad) and Zea mays (durra) are also cultivated. Some weeds
associated with these crops have been observed, such as Echinochloa colona (abou-
rokba), Beta vulgaris subsp. maritima (dirs el-kalb), Cyperus rotundus (seed),
Sonchus oleraceus (goedeid), Cynanchum acutum (moddeid or libbein), Cynodon
dactylon, Ranunculus scleratus (zaghalanta), Rumex dentatus (hommeid), Launaea
nudicaulis (morrar), Launaea capitata (halawan), Cressa cretica, Convolvulus
arvensis (olleiq), Polypogon monspeliensis, Melilotus indicus (nafal), Solanum nigrum
(enab el-Deib) and Malva parviflora (khobbeiza). Loutfy Boulos 1999

52

The agriculture land of Fayoum surrounds Lake
Qarun 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.



53

54
5. ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
5.1 Vision and objective

5.1.1 The Vision

Make Fayoum a world class ecotourism destination by 2025 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 Fayoums 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 visitors experience foreseable 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.
55
Facilitate the creation of ecotourism based economic activities led by the local
population in Fayoum
Diversify Fayoums tourism product away from other areas of Egypt.
Ensure that ecotourism attractions adopt a more businesslike attitude towards
their management.


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 Fayoums 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



56

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
Fayoums 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.
57
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.
Visitors can enjoy the beauty and variety of Fayoums 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: see also annex (1) the sample Itineraries.
58



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.
59




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
60


Boating, Kayaking and Fishing Activities in the Lakes
Boating on Lake Qarun and El Rayan lakes is a good
opportunity for ecotourism activities. This opportunity can
easily be included in Fayoums 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 Qarun 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 Qarun and Wadi El Rayan provide critical habitat for
migrating and resident bird species as attractions sought by eco-
tourists.
61



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.
62



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.
63


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, ..etc









64
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
65
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.
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. See map (9)
entitled Visitor Experience Zones in the Fayoum

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


66
Proposed wild areas include:
The International heritage site of Wadi El Hitan
The fossil area of Gebel Qatrani and Birqet Qarun formations.
The heritage site landscape including Demieh, Qasr El Sagha, the ancient
basalt road, and Wedan El Faras
Natural Springs of Oyoun Al Raiyan Oasis
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 Oyun 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.

67
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) Eco-tourism and environmental education activities (visitor center tracks &
bird watching sites)
b) Recreational uses (safari camp, cafeterias & camping site)
c) High landscape values
d) 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 Qarun and Wadi El-Rayan

68

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 Qarun 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).

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.

69

Map (10) Visitor Experience Zones in the Fayoum

70
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 Qarun. These visitor
centers can actively promote sustainable development and provide visitors with
enjoyable, interpretive, educational and informative opportunities of the Fayoums
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 Rayans 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.
See the map entitled proposed Interpretive Facilities in the Fayoum
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 Qaruns 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 Fayoums
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.
71
Sales items at the interpretive facilities will be directly related to the themes
presented at that site.

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.
See the map entitled proposed Interpretive Facilities in the Fayoum

Table (6) The proposed interpretive and observation stations in Fayoum

POSSIBLE
LOCATION
THE INTERPRETIVE THEME FACILITIES
Gateway
(Kom Oshim)
Integration between desert, lake and oasis
ecosystems, vegetations of salt marshes, bird
habitats, antiquities, fossils, local life style,
handicrafts
shaded area, book sales,
brochures, guest house,
interpretive panels, eco-station,
toilets
Nazla Nazla potteries, local handicrafts, Fayoum
irrigation system, local farmers life style
Guest house, handicraft and
pottery outlet, toilets
Shakshok Fishermen local community, water birds, bird
nesting
Beach walk around Shakshok
bay, shaded area, book sales,
brochures, Shakshok
community guest house, Qarun
visitor center, interpretive
panels, jetty, toilets
Qaret El
Rosas
Bird habitats, migratory birds, bird species Bird hides, toilets, Interpretive
panels and trails
South east
Qarun
Wading birds, waterfowl birds, diving birds, bird
habitats, migratory birds, key bird species
Bird hides, toilets, Interpretive
panels and trails
Botnet Hafez

Bird habitats, migratory birds, bird species Bird hides, toilets, Interpretive
panels and trails
Um Zalat Greater Flamingo habitats, migratory birds, bird
species
Bird hides, toilets, Interpretive
panels and trails
Qatrani Marine and land mammalian Fossil formations,
petrified forest , Fayoum geological formations,
ancient climatic changes
Interpretive panels, toilets
Oyoun El
Rayan
desert ecosystem, rare plants, plant
ecosystems, wildlife endangered species,
wildlife adaptation with desert environment
Interpretive trail system,
Interpretive panels, camp site,
toilets, bird watching hides
Widan El
Faras
Quarries of
north Qarun
Old mining operation and quarries, the geology
of the site, ancient mining settlements, ancient
paved route, living conditions in the harsh
desert
Outpost station for rangers,
interpretive trails and panels,
camp site, toilets
Wadi El
Hitan
History of the marine fossils of Wadi El Hitan,
the international significance
Interpretive trails and panels,
toilets, rest stop area, camp
site, toilets
Demieh
Qasr Sagha
Ancient settlements, relationship with the lake
and the impact of water level, the role of the
defense forts, living conditions in the harsh
desert, ancient Roman caravan and trading
road, first settled community in the world
Interpretive panels, camp site
toilets

72

Map (11) Proposed Interpretive Facilities in the Fayoum
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 Qarun 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 Qarun (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 Qarun (20-50
rooms)
73
7) Khashm Al Jarjubah to the northeast of Lake Qarun (30-50 rooms)
8) South east side of the Upper Lake of Wadi El Raiyan near the proposed
trail to Medinet Madi, with 20-50 rooms
9) South east side of the Lower Lake of Wadi El Raiyan 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.
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

74




Table ( 7 ) The proposed camp sites in the Fayoum Governorate
Possible Location Opportunity
class zone
Description
Near Wadi El Hitan Primitive Wilderness Camp,
maximum 10 tents
Near Wedan El Faras Primitive Wilderness Camp
maximum 10 tents
Near Qasr El Sagha
and Deir Abu Lifa
Primitive Wilderness Camp
maximum 10 tents
Near Oyoun El Raiyan 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
West of the Lower Lake Semi primitive Maximum 20 tents
Total 190 tent


75
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
Function facilities
Quta
Intersection &
orientation
Guest Bedouin tent, camel rent station
Tunis
transition point Guest house, camel rent station, First aid, toilet, rest station,
orientation panel
Kom Oshim
trailhead Oumda Guest house, shop, First aid, toilet, rest station, orientation
panel

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.
76

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 Qarun 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 Qarun (30 boats)
Golden heron Island, Lake Qarun (5 boats)
East tip of Lake Qarun near Alaa El Dean village (10 boats)
West tip of Lake Qarun near Tunis and Al Roboaa (10 boats)
North of Lake Qarun near Demieh (5 boats)
Waterfalls (20 boats)
Upper Lake of Wadi El Rayan (10 boats)

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.


77

Map (12) proposed Ecolodge Site locations in the Fayoum

Map (13) proposed Camp Site locations in the Fayoum
78

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 Qarun 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 Rayans secondary access routes
Baharia road extension to Wedan El Faras north Qarun, 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 Medinet 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.


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 Raiyan 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.



79


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), Madinet 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, 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 (one-
meter 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, Madinet Madi Trail and Wadi Hitan
Trail.
The following table details the complete list of trails, classification, and trail
lengths.





80
Table ( 9 ) Proposed Trail System in Fayoum desert areas
Name Length
km
Opportunity
class
Mode of
transport.

type Origin
From
Destination
To
Cairo Fayoum
Regional Road
80 km Threshold Motorized Regional
Road
North
Entrance
Of Qarun
Wadi Rayan
Birqet Qarun
southern Road
40 km Threshold Motorized Main
Connector
5 km south
Kom Aushim
Quta and
Wadi Rayan
Wadi El Rayan
Road
Threshold Motorized Main
Connector
Birqet Qarun
Road at Tunis
Lower Lake of
Wadi El
Raiyan
Rally Pharana
trail
50 km Semi-Primitive 4x4 Minor
connector
km ( 30 ) on
Fayoum Cairo
road
Quta in the
west tip of
Lake Qarun
Madinet Madi
Trail
30km Semi-Primitive 4x4 Minor
Connector
North Lake Madinet Madi
Wadi Hitan Trail 40km Semi-Primitive 4x4 Major Waterfalls Wadi El Hitan
Ancient track to
Wedan el Faras
Primitive 4x4 +
Riding +
Hiking
Minor Demieh Wedan El
Faras
Wadi Hitan 8 km Wild

4x4 Minor Parking area
of WHIHS
Along the
open museum
Oyoun El
Rayan trail
5 km Wild Riding +
Hiking
Minor Wadi Rayan
road at
Along Oyoun
El Rayan
wildlife area
Gebel Qatrani
trail
25 km Wild Riding +
Hiking
Major Wedan El
Faras
Along the
escarpment of
Gebel Qatrani
The trail of the
Bird sanctuary
of Lake Qarun
2 km Wild Riding +
Hiking
Minor Southern road
of Lake Qarun
Along the bird
watching
areas
The trail of the
Golden heron
Island
3 km Wild Riding +
Hiking
Minor Boat Jetty on
the lake
Along the bird
watching
areas
Masraf Al Wadi
trail
15 km Wild Riding +
Hiking
Major Southern road
of Lake Qarun
Nazla



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, Madinet Madi, bird
watching station in the eastern part of Lake Qarun, 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:

81
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.

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

82
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

There is a significant challenge to provide the capacity to make change occur and to
make implementation possible given the realities of Fayoums 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
83
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. Todays sophisticated client
demands high level of natural history and cultural experience. 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.

84
The following are the main topics that must be covered by the training programs for
the local guides:
The guiding process

Risk management
o Wilderness first aid and appropriate medical response skills;
o Safety practices and procedures
o minimum impact trail maintenance techniques

Land based skills management
o Recreational activities
o wilderness management principles and philosophy;
o application of the minimum-tool/requirement concept;
o proficiency in the use of primitive tools camping management
o GPS
o Communication
o Language training
o Leave No Trace (LNT).

Interpretation skills
o Principals of Interpretation
o Educating the eco-tourist
o Interpretive information gathering
o Developing the stories
o 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.


85

86





















ANNEXES





87

































ANNEX 1:
Sample
Itineraries




88
CAMEL TREKKING ITINERARY
Trip Background

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.

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 Raiyan, wadi
Muilah, the waterfalls, the sand Dune, Gebel Qatrani, the petrified
forest, the bays of Lake Qarun and Wadi El Raiyan Lakes, the
ancient prehistoric/ Pharaoh /Ptolemaic/ Christian/ Islamic heritage
sites and the lush green fields of the Fayoum.

Travelers will never forget those few days of a very special break
from everyday routine in civilization!




Trip profile:
Style: 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

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


Not included:
Visa cost, International Airfare,
Travel insurance, Gratuities
transfer to and from Camel Camp
all kinds of drink is on your own
89
Itinerary
DAY ONE
1.30pm: 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 Raiyan 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-Raiyan 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 Raiyan, 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 Pharaohs 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
90


DAY 3: RIDE WITH THE WHALES IN THE DESERT: FULL DAY CAMEL RIDE:
7.30 am: breakfast at the base camp

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 RIDE:
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 Rayyan 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.

91
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 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.
92
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 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) The Tour Route of the camel riding Itinerary



93
BIRD WATCHING ITINERARY

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, desert areas and towns. The
open water, mudflats, the protected embayment, sheltered
areas, and the reed beds thickets of the Lake 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, ploversetc. The bird species are
both resident and migratory include Lesser Crane Water
Rail, Spotted Crake, Moorhen, Purple Gallinule, Painted
Snipe, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Stone Curlew, Little
Ringed Plover, Ringed lover, Kittlitz's Plover, Kentish
Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Golden Plover,Knot, Dunlin,
Little Stint, Temminck's Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Broad-
billied Sandpiper Ruff, Jack Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit,
Curlew, Whimbrel, Greenshank,Green andpiper, Wood
Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Redshank
Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Red-necked Phalarope,
Black-headed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, White-winged Black
Tern, Whiskered Tern, Black Marsh Tern, Little Tern, Yellow
Wagtail, Reed Warbler, Clamorous Reed Warbler,
Moustached Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Whinchat, Blue
Throat, Streaked eaver among others.

The Lake Qarun 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-coloured Courser, Crowned Sandgrouse, Chestnut-
bellid Sandgrouse, Spotted Sandgrouse, Rock Pigeon, Rose-
gray Dove, Blue-Checked Bee-eater, Crag Martin, Black-
Trip profile:
Style: Travelers
Tour grade: Easy
Duration:
2 days/ 3 nights
the duration of the trip can
be changed to suit client
needs.

Preferable Tour dates:
from to
Land only price 2006: per
person
2 persons - 150 US$
3-5 persons - 135 US$
6 < persons - 120 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 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
94
tailed 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 program 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 Qarun 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 Qarn 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 islands 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.

95
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.

Fifth: Birding in the fish farms (1 hours)
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 Robooa. 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 Evilien, 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 Bahariya 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
96
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.
DAY 3: WADI EL RAYAN
The marshes, mudflats, reed beds and open water of the Lakes of Wadi El Raiyan
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 waterbirds 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
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.

Third stop: the Lower Lake (1 hours)
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 Raiyan, 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 Pharaohs 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.

Gebel El deir and Monqar el Raiyan (2 hours)
If time permits, a short drive to the top of nearly Gebel monqar El Raiyan 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
97
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, 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) the tour route of the bird watching itinerary
98
CRAFTS AND LOCAL LIFESTYLE ITINERARY


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 products
and activities such as poetry, basketry, traditional
storytelling, falconry exhibitions, and traditional fishing.
Many villages in Fayoum have outstanding traditional
handicrafts telling the history and traditions of local people
in Fayoum. The abundance of palm trees and clay found in
the Fayoum are the reason the basketry industry got its
start 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 potteries.
Countryside vacations are increasingly popular ways to
experience farm living. They can also provide from 10 to 30
percent increase in the limited farmers income. The
heritage of the agriculture industry in the Fayoum is a long
and varied one. But agriculture land in the Fayoum is more
than just a pretty landscape. It represents more than 60 %
of the local economy as well. The Fayoum has one of the old
and unique irrigation system can not found else where all
over the world.
One of main tourist attractions of the Fayoum is the Bedouin
lifestyle as 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 experience the Bedouin
culture, traditions and hospitality by living in 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 in poverty alleviation and economic
empowerment of the local and indigenous people of the
Fayoum.

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$

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 hotel and guest
house
Guiding and interpreting
service
All meals according to the
itinerary /all kinds of drink is
on your own/
Sightseeing and cultural
show admissions according
to the itinerary
Renting transport + driver
with petrol, and maintenance
Entrance fees for protected
areas and national parks


Not included:
Visa cost, International
Airfare, Travel insurance

Note:
Single supplement is not
available
99

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, 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. Over coffee, participants
receive an introduction to Fayoum and the programme 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 discusion 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 Qaroun on the way to
Wadi El Raiyan, 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 fanastic views overlooking the lake.


100
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 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. 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 Fallahien- 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 waterbirds and many migrating
birds that come to Lake Qaroun 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 Bahariya
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.
101

5.00-7.00 pm: Time for rest and relaxation
7.00- 8.00 pm: Dinner at the guest house

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,
102
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.

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
103



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



104

Map (17) the tour route of the crafts and local lifestyle itinerary
















105
HIKING IN THE FAYOUM DESERT WADI
EL RAIYAN

Trip Background
Wintertime in the Fayoum Desert is a riot of color! This is
the perfect adventure for travelers who love hiking, bird
watching, photography, and natural history. A unique blend
of climate and geology create a fascinating landscape in this
desert region where the sandy plains and water Lakes of the
Fayoum meet. Cascading streams, vibrant bird life,
spectacular fossils, and a medley of blooming plants grace
the wintertime panorama. From farmlands to great open
deserts, the biological diversity of this area is renowned
among naturalists and birders. In fact, the lush and varied
life of the Fayoum far surpasses that of all other Egyptian
deserts.

The plants and animals that have evolved to survive in this
environment are among the most interesting collections of
species in Egypt. The travelers will hike through desert
dunes and along streams, walk to the top of Gebel Monqar
El Raiyan for a breathtaking vista, visit valley of the whales,
and explore on foot the historic antiquities site of Coptic
times.

Our accommodations for the week are at a small base camp
set in pristine natural surroundings on the shoreline of the
lower Lake of Wadi El Raiyan with a "Bedouin" flavor. Tents
in base camp are twin-bedded double occupancy, with
shared baths. Breakfasts are at the base camp in the
mornings, and picnic lunches are supplied for our hikes. The
dining during our adventure is a true Nomadic cultural
experience! Some optional activities at the Hotel are on-site
horseback riding, hiking, birding, and swimming.

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 "uphills"
as well as "downhills." 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.




Trip profile:
Style: Travelers
Tour grade: Moderate
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 - 90 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 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


Not included:
Visa cost, International
Airfare, Travel insurance

Note:
Single supplement is not
available
106


Itinerary:
DAY 1, ARRIVAL
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 Raiyan
Departure for our first hike to 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 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.

On the way: the coastal dunes of Wadi El Raiyan
Along Wadi El Raiyan 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 Raiyan 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 Raiyan, 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

107
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 Raiyan 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,
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 Pharaohs 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 of ( ), 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 Raiyan (2 hours)
Hike to the top of Gebel Monqar El Raiyan 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 Raiyan 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 tonight is at El Modawara.
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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 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: 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.
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Map (18) the tour route of the hiking itinerary