In this case, it is Oligocene iron pyrite from the early Miocene epoch, and it formed the top crusts of the sandstone layers that had been generated in previous periods of geological history.

The Adrere Amellal ecolodge in Siwa may be accessed either by taking the desert route from Bahariya or, more often, by taking the road down from Marsa Matruh on the northern shore.

It is a bit of a misnomer to call it Crystal Mountain since it is more of a huge Rock Ridge than a mountain, but it is nevertheless as spectacular as the name indicates.

Don’t bother with T-shirts and shorts; if you’re out walking for any amount of time, you’ll be severely sunburned, even if you’re using sunscreen and Bring a hat with a brim, or better yet, ask your guide to demonstrate how to properly wear a Bedouin-style scarf, which can be purchased at any oasis.

Farafra is the closest oasis to the White Desert, and it is a popular tourist destination. People frequently go to this desert from Bahariya, thereby missing out on the opportunity to view Farafra.