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Rock formation · Farafra, New Valley
Crystal Mountain (Gebel el-Izaz)
Low hill of quartz crystals by the road between Bahariya and Farafra, with a natural rock arch. It’s a stop on tours heading to the White Desert.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Crystal Mountain (Gebel el-Izaz)
The Crystal Mountain sits beside the paved road, roughly halfway between the two oases. It is a low hill covered in quartz crystals that glitter in the sun, next to a natural rock arch.
Tours stop there briefly on the way to the White Desert or on the return, to see the crystals up close and photograph the arch.
The crystals are embedded in the rock and are part of the protected area: guides ask visitors to look and photograph, without removing stones.
Quartz formed in rock fissures and became exposed through erosion. Near the hill the road begins to descend into the Farafra depression, and the landscape changes from dark gravel to the first light-colored formations.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About half an hour.
Best time
When the sun is shining, as the crystals sparkle more.
How to get there
By 4x4 vehicle, on the road between Bawiti and Farafra, about 100 km south of Bawiti.
Tip
Do not remove crystals or stones: the area is protected.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Crystal Mountain (Gebel el-Izaz)
Where is the Crystal Mountain?
Beside the road between Bahariya and Farafra, about 100 km south of Bawiti, on the way to the White Desert.
What is the Crystal Mountain made of?
Quartz crystals embedded in rock that sparkle in the sun.
Can you take crystals from the Crystal Mountain?
No. The area is protected, and visitors are asked to look and photograph without removing stones.