Wadi El Natrun Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
Desert valley near the Egyptian Nile delta
About Wadi El Natrun
Wadi El Natrun is an area of low elevation northwest of Cairo. It's characterized by the presence of salt pans, marshes and "natron", a naturally occurring mixture of sodium carbonate decahydrate (Na2CO3·10H2O, a kind of soda ash) and around 17% sodium bicarbonate (also called baking soda, NaHCO3) along with small quantities of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate. It's a key ingredient to the mummification process, as a desiccant of deceased flesh. Natron was harvested here by theAncient Egyptians, Coptics, and Romans, not to mention modern day Egyptians. For a period, there was also a tourist train to the low-lying lakes. What is possibly most significant about the area though is the presence of four historic Coptic monasteries still in use. These are the Monastery of Saint Macarius the Gr
Top Attractions in Wadi El Natrun
Explore the best things to see and do in Wadi El Natrun:
- ★Monastery of Saint Macarius the Great
- ★Monastery of Saint Pishoy
- ★Paromeos Monastery
- ★Syrian Monastery
Where to Stay in Wadi El Natrun
- 🏨Green Desert Hotel
Wadi El Natrun Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: