Adrere Amellal: Desert Ecolodge, Siwa

Advantages: Cheap, amazing things to see
Disadvantages: Hassle factor

...I spent 5 weeks in Egypt a couple of years ago. We did more or less the standard route, getting off the beaten track a little. Cairo - Alexandria - Siwa - Farafra - Luxor - Aswan - Abu Simbel - Hurghurda - Dahab. Egypt is not just all about the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings, although these are obviously not to be missed. I highly recommend going east. From Alexandria on the Med, you can go south to Siwa, which is an oasis town in the middle of the desert near the Libyan border, where donkeys remain the main form of transportation. The people here still live a traditional lifestyle. Women are fully covered from head to toe, and apparently do not speak to any man other than family until they are married (including the husband to be!) It is becoming quite touristy now but you do have to be reasonably dedicated to get... Read review

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Advantages: In the middle of the desert
Disadvantages: In the middle of the desert

...LAAYOUNE was a Spanish town, but there is not much left of its past. The town is a stopover if you are heading either North or South. There are quite a lot of soldiers around, probably even more than there should be, and a decent presence of UN too, due to threat of Polisario. Most of the time there is a wind sweeping across the town, so that you always feel dirty (at least this was the case with myself). The desert is literally out of town, you can see the dunes stretching into the desert. Hotel Parador organize excursions in the desert on 4WD. They normally provide food, but it is a good idea to bring your own bottles of water anyway. Incidentally, if you manage to stay in this hotel, let us know, since it seems to be rented out to the UN, much to the profit of the owners!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Eat whenever you want
Disadvantages: Can get hectically busy

...As you look at this place from outside. You wonder if the food is gonna be as bad as it looks. But dont be fooled by the neon red sign. Just look in the window and see an array of tempting desert and then move on inside. This isnt your posh nosh eatery located just opposite the town hall on George Street. The prices are not budget but are not expensive either. The portions are VERY large so it is easy to over order. A starter and main dish for one is enough for two. The drinks are good. The service is excellent no matter the fact it is 3 am they still manage to smile. It does get busy on friday and saturday nights and it feels kinda hectic but even then they dont rush you. This does me the tempting desert you saw as you walked in runs out before you get to desert. I would recommend that you order your desert at the start if you notice... Read review

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