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Safari Programs >> Long Range
Expedition |
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The Obeit Cave and White Desert
Western Side
SAFARI: 1 DAY
The western side of the White Desert can only be accessed with a military
permit and for ONE DAY, and a soldier will accompany the expedition. You will
therefore need to provide a copy of your passport in advance (on pdf file) to
enable us to prepare the permit.
Start in the morning from Hot Spring Hotel and drive 150kms on the asphalt road
to the Ayn Della military checkpoint. Then turn towards the west and drive on
the track for approximately 35kms to the Hidden Valley, where a small lake and
a village existed in Neolithic times that was partly excavated by Rome
University and which revealed a unique skin-scraping tool.
A steep climb above the village leads to the Shaman Cave at Wadi al-Obeit. This
is so far the only site in the White Desert where Neolithic engravings and
paintings have been found.
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The small cave has two levels; the
lower level has engravings of animals, one of which is the print of a lion's
foot-hence its name, 'The Lion'. Another may show a rain cloud, which is why it
has been suggested that it this was a shamanic cave where the spiritual leader
prayed for rain as climate change progressed at the end of the wet-period.
The upper level contains 21 paintings of hands. Two different techniques were
used for the hand painting on one site: the negative and the positive, which
makes very interesting viewing.
After lunch return via the western side of the White Desert. This has the most
spectacular scenery, and, owing to its territory status, is much less visited
so a visit is well worthwhile-especially for frequent visitors to the White
Desert National Park.
Note: The permit fee per day is currently US$10, per person, although
this may be subject to change by the government without prior notice.
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Please note
that White Desert Tours is based in Bahariya Oasis
and we operate our sahara safari from the Hot Spring Hotel.
Transfers from and to Cairo and Cairo airport are extra ! |
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