They say Egypt’s deserts were once green. There’s no better evidence of this than at the Petrified Forest Protectorate. The Petrified Forest is one of Egypt’s twenty-eight protected areas, and for good reason. Who knows how much of this ancient forest was removed with the development of the surrounding compounds, but six square kilometers have been clearly set aside for the preservation of pieces of petrified wood – large and small – that litter the desert sand.
(Not an exaggeration – the sand is covered with petrified wood)
In fact, this little patch of land is precious to our family for more than its petrified wood. While the wood is pretty exciting (I mean, whole tree trunks are lying there, hard as rock!), even more thrilling to my kids are the sand dunes. These dunes are high and steep enough for sand boarding (but remember – what goes down must come up, so only 9 year-old boys find that fun more than once).
Additionally, the valley created by the sand dunes create an in-the-middle-of-nowhere feeling that my kids simply crave.
(Want a little peace and quiet? Go to the Petrified Forest!)
The Petrified Forest is best visited in the winter. The sand would be too hot for barefeet and the trek up and down the dunes would be unbearable in the summer heat. That said, if you are pressed to visit during the summer, you’ll find a simple shelter at the top of the dunes that will provide some shade. This is also a great location to build a campfire and roast some marshmallows or hotdogs.
(If you need it, seek the shelter at the top of the sand dunes)
If hotdogs aren’t quite your style, then you’ll be happy to hear that there are two restaurants located near the entrance. Both have a bedouin feel and can be booked for family gatherings, school trips, and work parties. To make a booking, get an Arabic-speaking friend and call the protectorate main line: 02 25256452. Just know that these restaurants are open only for booked events, so don’t expect to be able to buy lunch without a reservation.
(Bedouin Village Restaurant)
Know before you go: There is more than one “entrance” to the Petrified Forest. I recommend this one. You can take an Uber or private car and park with no problem. You can also take a combination of mini buses and hitchhike, which is what I always do, but hey. That’s just me.
(There’s more than one way to get to the Petrified Forest!)
Admission is free but the guards at the entrance will ask you to leave your ID at the gate. The protectorate is open from 9am until 4pm, and camping is prohibited without a permit. (I have never obtained said permit but hope to try one of these days. If I am successful, you can be sure I’ll let you all know about it.) I recommend you bring plenty of water, sun protection, a log or two for a campfire (because remember – you can’t burn petrified wood), snacks or something to roast over the fire, roasting sticks, toilet paper and hand sanitizer for use in the very basic restroom located near the entrance, and a sandboard with wax.
(Roast the perfect marshmallow at the Petrified Forest)
You’re going to just love this place. Two hours may be enough for exploration and s’mores, but what a fun two hours it will be. You’ll see – your kids will want to come back and bring friends. I’ll see you there!
