Fayoum’s Tzila Camp Heads to the Bahariya Oasis

Named after the Berber word for ‘excellence in beauty’, Tzila invites its guests to unplug and immerse themselves in the simplicity of desert life. “We love to make our clients live an exceptional local experience that gets them attached to our lodge,” Tzila’s Nadine Iskander tells #SceneTraveller. “The fresh air, the lack of sound and light pollution, the simplicity and friendliness of the locals all make the back to nature experience serene, surreal and unforgettable.”

With three deluxe suites and 15 queen bedrooms (all including private bathroom) encircling a rustic pool area, the lodge is built from materials that are indigenous to the area and harmonious with the traditional lifestyle of the breathtaking Western Desert. Made up of thick walls of clay and brick, high ceilings cool the interiors while rounded dome roofs support the building without compromising its architectural integrity.

Spend your days soaking up the surrounds with the always-effusive Tzila team on hand to organise 4x4 desert safaris, guided sightseeing walks, historic site visits, camel rides and bird watching. And make sure to make time for a visit to the magnificent Djarra Cave, where otherworldly hanging stalactites meet rising stalagmites and ethereal cave art draws you back through the ages.

Start and end each day’s adventures with a wholesome hearty meal at the Tzila Restaurant where farm to table finds true meaning with produce delivered daily from the organic farm that surrounds the lodge, bread is baked daily on an open grill, oriental-style tagines are cooked freshly for you in a clay oven and all the meals are prepared with love and tradition by the locals.

Prices during weekdays start from USD 83 per night. Visitors entering Egypt must present a negative PCR test no older than 72 hours.