The Western Desert accounts for almost two - thirds of Egypt's total land area with an area of 700,000 square kilometers west of the Nile, from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sudanese border in the south.

The desert foundation is an incessant area of rocks and cliffs covered by deposits of horizontally layered residues forming a massive plain with an exception: the Jilf Al Kabir Plateau that stands at an altitude of about 1,000 meters. The Western Desert also incorporates the Great Sand Sea that lies within its plain extending from the Siwa Oasis to Jilf Al Kabir Plateau. The area is abundant with escarpments and deep depressions, yet no rivers or streams drain through.

In spite of the limitations in agricultural production, six depressions exist offering few natural resources and permanent settlements which have access to fresh water through the Nile River and local groundwater.

The Western Desert embraces the Siwa Oasis that is located near the Libyan border, between the Qattara Depression and the Great Sand Sea, approximately 560 Km away from Cairo. Its isolated location has given support to sustaining life since ancient times.

It accommodates the cliff - hung Temple of Amon that in eminent for its oracles for more than 1,000 years. Herodotus and Alexander the Great were among the numerous prominent figures who visited the temple in the pre - Christian era to consult with and acquire the blessings of the oracles.

Other significant oases in the Western Desert include the Fayoum Oasis, Bhariya, Farafra, Dakhla, and Kharga.