The world's Most Beautiful Oases

The world's Most Beautiful Oases

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Oases - areas of lush vegetation surrounded by desert - have an almost mystical hold on our imagination, conjuring up visions of the "Arabian Nights." But they're also a vital part of the desert economy, offering crucial stops for traders and supporting communities. Let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful examples from across the globe.

Havasu Falls, USA
A huge, inviting plunge pool on Havasu Creek, this Grand Canyon ‘oasis’ is fed by a series of waterfalls that flow out of limestone, giving the water a pleasing blue-green hue.
Part of the Havasupai Indian Reservation, the pool is an eight mile walk from the trailhead. Or you can ride a horse, should you wish.

Chebika Oasis, Tunisia
Known locally as Qasr al-Shams (Castle of the Sun), the Chebika Oasis offers cool respite and life-giving water at the foot of Tunisia’s dramatic Djebel el Negueb Mountains.
It was once a Roman outpost, but later became a mountain refuge for the Berber people. Scenes from both Star Wars and The English Patient were filmed here.

Moon Lake, China
Crescent Moon Lake, China.
A tiny slither of water in the middle of a desert in north-west China, Crescent Moon Lake in Dunhuang was in danger of being swallowed up by sand dunes.
The government stepped in, refilling it with water and planting a ‘green wall’ of shrubs to stop the encroaching sands. With its picturesque pagoda, it is a popular spot to stop for travellers on their way to the nearby Mogao Caves.

Siwa Oasis, Egypt
just 50km from the Libyan border and trapped between the Qattara Depression and the Great Sand Sea, this fertile basin is home to a staggering 33,000 people.
Most of the locals are Berbers who grow dates and olives and live in mud-brick hamlets connected by a labyrinth of dirt lanes. This urban oasis is also home to an oracle of Ammon. In ancient times, Siwa was known as the Oasis of Amun Ra.

Huacachina Oasis, Peru
if there is such a thing as a party oasis, this is it. Set in the sand dunes of Peru's south-west, its shores are dotted with bars and clubs and dune buggies roar across the high, rolling sand dunes surrounding the village.
Sandboarding is another popular sport, with the waters providing a bracing conclusion for those who can’t stop in time.

Wadi Khalid, Oman
Wadi Bani Khalid, Oman.
In a country with no shortage of oases, one stands out above all others – Wadi Bani Khalid. Fed by a stream of water that flows through the valley the entire year, it is always green.
Date palms line the shore and the water is refreshingly cool. If you do take a dip, don’t be surprised to feel tiny fish, nibbling at your skin.