Seemingly dry and never ending deserts own much more than dry sand and lack of life and desire to live. Deserts are a beautiful part of the earth and conceal many deep mysteries. To me, oases in deserts are like stars on sky, few in number but adding to the beauty and charm. Following is a list of few eye catching oases around the globe.
10. Ziz Oasis, Sahara Desert, Morocco
Source When Moroccan river starts to dry out, it gives birth to beautiful oasis. The Sahara desert is the world’s largest desert with only a small fertile part. Ziz oasis is in the Ziz valley of the Sahara Desert in Morocco. This valley is between Rich and Merzouga and is a famous tourist attraction.
9. Huacachina, Peru, America
Source Also known as the “Oasis of America”, Huacachina is an oasis around a natural lake in the desert. The oasis is in Southwestern Peru and has a population of 115 (1999). The oasis features on the back of the 50 Nuevo Sol note. A legend states that the lagoon was created when a beautiful princess was disturbed by a young hunter while bathing. She went away and the pool in which she was bathing, transformed into a lagoon. Her mantle became the surrounding sand dunes and she herself is rumored to have turned into a mermaid living in the oasis.
8. Umm al-Maa, Libya
Source Umm-al-Maa is a lake oasis in the Idehan Ubari Sand Sea, Libya. It is hidden amongst the sandy dunes of the Ubari Sand Sea deep within the Libyan Sahara. There are 16 more lakes in the surrounding dunes. Some disappear from time to time and some like Gebraoun, Mafo and Umm-al-Maa have a constant presence in the desert.
7. Timia Oasis, Niger
Source Timia is a spectacular oasis in Niger. It is at 6 hours drive from Agadez, Niger. Timia town exists by the timia oasis situated in the Aïr Mountains, Agadez Region. Orange and pomegranate laden branches of trees with a background of sand dunes create a spectacular sight. The oasis has date, palm and citrus trees, lush green gardens and a pool of water.
6. Crescent Lake in Sahara Gobi Desert
Crescent Lake in Sahara Gobi Desert Crescent Spring is an amazing and exceptionally beautiful spring in the Sahara Gobi desert, about 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) south of Dunhuang city in China. It is surrounded by the Echoing-Sand Mountain. It is drying out due to lack of rain and constant use of it’s water in agriculture. The lake can be seen during the journey on the Silk Route.
5. Abraham’s Oasis, Syria
Abraham’s Oasis Abraham’s Oasis has a great importance in Jewish, Samaritan, Christian, and Islamic history. It is located in between the cities of Hit and Haditha in Al Anbar province in Syria. The oasis is 6 miles away from Euphrates river.
4. Oasis Ein Gedi, Israel
Source Oasis of En Gedi is the largest along the coast of the Dead Sea in Israel. It is near Masada and the caves of Qumran and it’s name means goat kid. This area inhabited by Judah tribe. It is a very famous oasis since the time of the kingdom of Solomon.
3. Sonoran Desert Oasis
Source This oasis exists in Sonoran desert in North America.
2. Oasis on a Ranch in Red Rock Canyon Near Las Vegas
Oasis on a Ranch in Red Rock Canyon Near Las Vegas This spectacular and amazing oasis is situated near Las Vegas in America. The oasis is very large with an area of around 520 acre. It is located at the base of Wilson Cliffs. It’s been a camping and resting site for travelers since ages. Today it has is $6.00 per car entrance fee. There are historic tours, horseback trail rides and many other group events.
1. Agua Caliente, Tucson, Arizona
Source This beautiful oasis has turned into a recreational park. According to the archeological evidences found, the oasis had inhabitation at least 5000 years back. It has warm spring fed ponds, palm trees and paved sand walking trails. The Oasis is located in Tucson, Arizona.