🌴 When it comes to weekend getaways, the North Coast is perhaps the first destination that comes to mind. Ain Sokhna, Ras Sudr, El Gouna, and the like are next on the list. Yet, there’s one destination that is just as breathtaking — and we’d argue, offers a better getaway experience: Fayoum. One of Egypt’s oldest cities, the oasis boasts a topography unlike any other — one worth driving a little under two hours for.

We know what you’re thinking, what’s there to do in Fayoum? Well, as you’ll soon find out, quite a lot. From majestic lakes to forgotten pyramids and archaeological sites, there’s much to fill a weekend itinerary. Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know if you plan on switching up your weekend plans.

FIRST THINGS FIRST-

If you want to sit back, enjoy the view, and have someone do all the planning for you, a slew of travel agencies in Cairo will be glad to help. Agencies like Sun Pyramids, Tegwal, D-Trips, and more often announce weekend getaways and day trips to Fayoum, taking planning out of your equation. All you need to do is show up and let them take care of the rest.

If you’re going the solo route, however, it’s a path easily trodden. If you’re driving from Cairo, you can expect to be on the road anywhere between 90 minutes to two hours, and cover a distance of approximately 120 km — give or take. Before you put the pedal to the metal, here are some accommodation options to keep in mind.

WHERE TO STAY IN FAYOUM-

Whether you’re looking for a traditional hotel experience or a luxury camp to reconnect with nature, Fayoum has it all. Here are our recommendations for your next stay in Fayoum.

TIP- Don’t forget to pack some sunblock — you’ll need it.

#1- Waterside Loft: For a lush, serene rustic experience, this one bed-one bath Airbnb is among Fayoum’s most coveted. One look at it, and it’s easy to discern why. The space is completely neutral with lots of wooden accents, offers floor to ceiling windows with a garden view, and comes with its own pool and an indoor sunken tub with a relaxing view. The Waterside Loft is ideal for solo travellers or couples with a penchant for the finer things in life, considering this stay comes at a hefty price. It’s located near Qarun Lake and is close in proximity to the city’s most popular restaurants and destinations.

HOW TO BOOK: You can book your stay through Airbnb.

#2- Lazib Inn: Overlooking Qaroun Lake, Lazib Inn is a luxury boutique resort and spa located in Tunis Village — one of the most beautiful areas in Fayoum. The resort combines a modern aesthetic with rustic soul, and offers all the amenities you might need. Lazib Inn boasts all sorts of spa amenities, horseback riding services, and proves an excellent location for late night stargazing. The Lazib Inn’s restaurant, The Blue Donkey, has raving reviews — so don’t let the name fool you.

HOW TO BOOK: You can book your stay through Booking.

#3- Kom El Dikka: This agri-lodge is the sort of place you won’t want to leave — or have to, considering they have everything you may need. Kom El Dikka is a stay reminiscent of traditional farmhouses; there’s plenty of outdoor spaces, a private beach area, a communal terrace, and you can even take a tour through the lodge’s farms. The lodge also provides fitness classes and outdoor activities, and can also arrange for personalized tours. The restaurant is perhaps Kom El Dikka’s most popular destination, but more on that later.

HOW TO BOOK: You can book your stay through Booking.

#4- Lac Moeris: A boutique glamping experience by Qaroun Lake after which it is named, Lac Moeris provides the best that camping has to offer, with none of the inconveniences. The eco-friendly luxury stay comprises a series of private standalone rooms with stunning views of the lake. There’s also a private pool and an outdoor restaurant. Lac Moeris frequently hosts holistic retreats and curated entertainment programs. This stay proves ideal if you’re looking for some privacy and alone time, as it’s relatively far from all the action downtown.

HOW TO BOOK: You can book your stay by messaging Lac Moeris on Instagram.

WHERE TO GO FOR SUSTENENCE-

When in Fayoum, don’t expect an abundance of foreign cuisines or upscale restaurants. Culinary escapades in Fayoum are all about traditional flavors and authentic Egyptian cuisine. While every hotel offers its own outlets, these are Fayoum’s most popular restaurants.

#1- Kom El Dikka: If you opt for a different accommodation than this agri-lodge, you’ll still want to pay their signature restaurant a visit. Kom El Dikka serves up traditional Egyptian farm-to-table cuisine — breakfast through dinner. You’ll find molokhia, stuffed pigeon, bechamel tajins, and more homemade favorites. Here’s the best part: because Kom El Dikka knows you’ll love the food so much, they deliver frozen meals and other farm goodies all the way to Cairo.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Kom El Dikka is located in Tunis Village.

#2- Ibis: A restaurant and a cooking school, Ibis offers the full culinary experience. The rustic restaurant bridges the gap between traditional offerings and gourmet cooking. You’ll find everything from oriental classics to international favorites, served up with a side of Qaroun Lake views.

WHERE TO FIND IT- Ibis is located in Tunis Village.

SIGHTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS OUT ON-

There’s much to see in Fayoum that you won’t find elsewhere. Here are some sights that should be on your itinerary — aside from Wadi El Rayyan and Qaroun Lake, which are hard to miss.

#1- The Pyramids: Yes, you read that right. Fayoum boasts its own pyramids: Lahun, Hawara, and Seila. While not as magnificent as the Great Pyramids of Giza, Fayoum’s pyramids showcase the earlier efforts by our ancestors, and offer a glimpse into a history often forgotten. If you’re visiting, we’d recommend doing so through a travel agency, or your hotel’s tour desk.

#2- Wadi Al Hitan: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wadi Al Hitan is a natural protectorate that contains the fossilized remains of the some of the world’s oldest — and now extinct — subspecies of whales. The number of fossils, as well as their state, make Wadi Al Hitan a pivotal archaeological site. Wadi Al Hitan is only accessible to visitors through guided tours, so make sure to plan ahead.

#3- The Magic Lake: Located within the Wadi Al Rayyan National Park, the Magic Lake owes its name to its seemingly shifting colors. The lake appears in different hues depending on the time of day, and shimmers under the sunlight. A trip to Fayoum isn’t complete without a visit to the Magic Lake, where you’ll find a slew of excited tourists sandboarding atop its shores.

FOR A LITTLE BIT OF FUN-

#1- Pottery classes: Looking to try out something new? Try pottery classes with local experts. Ibis — aside from serving up delicious flavors — also offers pottery classes. The Fayoum Pottery School in Tunis Village offers on-demand classes and other pottery-making activities for individuals or groups as well.

#2- Egypt’s only caricature museum: Did you know Egypt had its own caricature museum? Well, now you do know that it does, and that it’s in Fayoum. The first of its kind in the region, Fayoum Art Center is a cultural hub that hosts myriad exhibitions, art discussions, and a variety of creative activities for children and adults alike. It’s located in Tunis Village, and if you happen to fall in love with the place, they also offer accommodation.

#3- Shopping spree: Fayoum has no shortage of vendors proudly showcasing their craft — and a walk through Tunis Village will never have you heading back home empty handed. If you’re looking for a more curated shopping experience, we’d recommend paying Skylark Fayoum a visit. The store offers all sorts of handcrafted memorabilia to cherish for years to come — think pottery, clay lamps, embroidered fabrics, and woodwork.

#4- Desert experiences: You can’t go to the desert without getting the full desert experience, it’s as simple as that. From overnight camping to horseback riding and sandboarding, there’s a lot to do in Fayoum. More often than not, hotel tour desks will be able to arrange all sorts of activities for you. You can also opt for a full-fledged desert guided tour with Safari Camping in Tunis Village.

#5- Into stargazing? The Perseid meteor shower, active between July and August, will be peaking around 12-13 August — and Fayoum offers one of the clearest night skies to view the natural phenomenon.

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