Rock Carvings

Western Desert


Carved into the weird rock formations 45km towards Al Kharga, where two important caravan routes once met, are prehistoric petroglyphs of camels, giraffes and tribal symbols. The site has recently suffered from the attentions of less-scrupulous travellers who have all but ruined most of these curious images with their own graffiti. 4WD and a good driver are necessary to get here.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Western Desert attractions

1. Tomb of Pasha Hindi

22.16 MILES

The Tomb of Pasha Hindi is covered by an Islamic-era dome, which sits over a Roman structure, clearly visible from inside the building. Locals make…

2. Tomb of Kitines

22.22 MILES

This sandstone tomb was occupied by Senussi soldiers during WWI and by a village family after that. Nevertheless, some funerary reliefs have survived and…

3. Carpet-Making Cooperative

22.28 MILES

In Bashendi's carpet-making cooperative you can see rugs being woven and browse through the showroom.

4. Qila Al Dabba

23.23 MILES

Qila Al Dabba is Balat’s ancient necropolis. The five mastabas (mud-brick structures above tombs that were the basis for later pyramids), the largest of…