ONE-DAY ESCAPES

 Perched above the northern shoreline of Birket Qarun (Lake Qarun), in an uninhabited and harsh expanse nestled against the desert escarpment towards Gebel Qatrani, stands a diminutive unmarked temple known as Qasr el-Sagha.

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Within close proximity to Qasr El Sagha you'll find Abu Leifa Monastery (known as Deir Abu Leifa), featuring inscriptions dating back to 686 AD. The monastery is believed to have been founded by St. Panoukhius and was inhabited from the 7th to the 9th centuries, when it served as a sanctuary for Christians escaping persecution.

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This is also another site within proximity to Qasr El Sagha. Seeing these ruins, it is difficult to imagine that in ancient times, Fayoum's treasures were transported through well-preserved streets, passing a Ptolemaic temple dedicated to the crocodile god, Soknopaios. After customs assessment, they continued on desert caravans, likely through Gebel Qatrani, onward to Wadi Natrun, en route to the Mediterranean Sea and eventually to Rome. 

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A small waterfall, but an attraction nonetheless. There is a basic nearby rest area that serves beverages. The waterfall area tends to be crowded during weekends.

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Located the heart of Wadi el Rayyan, Modawarra Mountain stands as a major landmark in the area and is close enough to the road so you can venture off for a taste of off-road exploration. 

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The Wadi El Hitan Museum is a must-see. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a new self-guided museum. Park at the Visitor Center and take the walking tour. 

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