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The Bahariya Oasis in the Western Desert of Egypt, about 370 km south of Cairo, has a very long and ancient history from the Pharaonic period, when it was a large farming oasis growing wine, dates, and olives for the Nile Valley. During the 26th Dynasty, it was most famous, with many officials entombed in great tombs, such as at the Valley of the Golden Mummies. Under Greek and Roman rule, Bahariya was also thriving, famous for its fine wine and its location.
While its golden years later waned after the conquest by the Muslims, the oasis was never abandoned and maintained its heritage. In today's modern world, marvelous archaeological discoveries have placed Bahariya's eternal past under the limelight again, making the oasis come alive as an entrance into Egypt's distant past.
Deep in Egypt's Western Desert, approximately 370 km southwest of Cairo, is the enigmatic Bahariya Oasis, where golden sand dunes meet green palm groves and ancient secrets. A perfect destination for those travelers who look for adventure, nature, history, and an off-the-beaten-path experience.
By car from Cairo: 4 hours by desert highway. It is more advisable to engage a private car and driver or to book an organized trip.
By Bus: There is a daily service from Cairo Turgoman bus station to Bawiti, Bahariya's capital, direct.
Jeep Safari Tours: Travel around the surrounding deserts in a 4x4 with a licensed guide.
Camping under the Stars: Spend a night in the desert — not to be missed.
Hiking and Sandboarding: Adventure enthusiasts can hike sand dunes or engage in sandboarding.
Cultural Tours: Visit the traditional villages, palm groves, and markets.
Eco-lodges and Camps: Several eco-friendly camps and lodges are available with cozy, original stays.
Hotels in Bawiti: Simple but comfortable hotels are available for those who would prefer to be in town.
- Loose, light-fitting clothing is best, but bring a jacket along in the event that desert evenings get cool.
- Always take enough water, sunscreen , and a hat.
- Use local guides in desert safari tours — they know the safest and most scenic paths.
- Be respectful of local culture and habits.
The best time to travel to Bahariya Oasis is from October to April.
The climate here is pleasant and suitable for walking in the deserts, hot springs, and old ruins. Day temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), but nights can get cold — especially in the open desert.
Summer (May to September) is extremely hot, with temperatures well over 40°C (104°F), so outdoor activity is not comfortable and even dangerous if not adequately protected.
For the best experience, come in the cooler months, pack layers for cold evenings, and camp, go on safaris, and sightsee in style!
If you're dreaming of a journey off the tourist map, Bahariya Oasis is calling.
Situated deep in Egypt's Western Desert, this stunning oasis pairs dramatic landscapes, secrets of ancient times, and genuine desert magic — paradise for adventurers and travelers in general.
Why Bahariya Oasis?
Bahariya is the best desert safari in Egypt it's an adventure. Imagine driving through endless golden dunes, exploring ancient tombs, soaking in natural hot springs, and sleeping under a million stars. From unbridled desert safaris to peaceful palm groves, Bahariya is an adventure hunter's haven, history buff's paradise, and nature lover's utopia.
Desert Safari to White and Black Deserts:
Embark on a heart-stopping 4x4 journey across out-of-this-world scenery. White Desert's surreal, chalk-white landscape and Black Desert's volcano plateaux are two of the most unreal on our planet.
Night Camping Under the Stars:
Sleep beneath the night sky of the desert, where the silence is absolute and the stars are within hand's reach. Local guides set up Bedouin camps with hot fires and local cuisine.
Hike English Mountain and Crystal Mountain:
Hike resplendent Crystal Mountain, a quartz crystal-covered mountain, or ascend English Mountain for breathtaking views of the sunset oasis.
Unwind in Natural Hot Springs:
Ease away the exertions of the day at one of Bahariya's celebrated hot springs, like Bir Sigam, where waters are rich in minerals and warm.
Explore the Valley of the Golden Mummies:
Discover an ancient cemetery containing hundreds of intricately well-preserved mummies — a stunning testament to Bahariya's rich heritage in Greco-Roman times.
Bahariya Oasis is a natural wonderland of paradise, ancient enigma, and surreal desert landscapes. Adventurer, historian, or stargazing spirit, these are the top 10 things to do in Bahariya Oasis:
1. Valley of the Golden Mummies
An incredible archaeological wonder where over 200 Greco-Roman mummies, some of which were wrapped in gold, were discovered. A must for anyone interested in history and an interesting glimpse into the Egyptian past.
2. The White Desert (Sahara el Beyda)
White Desert beyond Bahariya is famous for its strange, otherworldly-appearing chalk rock formations, which are wind- and sand-sculpted. A jeep safari visit here is like walking on another planet.
3. The Black Desert
Hilly landscapes are dotted with black volcanic rocks in this desert, and so the desert takes its name. It is an eerie, barren landscape with excellent photography and trekking opportunities.
4. Crystal Mountain
Natural rock outcropping packed with sparkling quartz crystals. Enchanted detour on the road from Bahariya to Farafra.
5. Gebel al-Ingleez (English Mountain)
Hike up this little mountain, which served as a lookout point in World War I, for sweeping sunset vistas of the oasis.
6. Bir Sigam Hot Spring
One of the region's best-known hot springs, ideal for a relaxing soak after a dirty desert hike.
7. Museum of the Golden Mummies
A tiny museum with displays of artifacts from the Valley of the Golden Mummies excavation — a great introduction to visiting the site itself.
8. Ain El Muftella Temple
An ancient temple complex built in the 26th Dynasty. Stunning hieroglyphs and reliefs intact, a physical connection to Bahariya's pharaonic past.
9. Palm Groves and Fruit Gardens
Bahariya is famous for green date palms and olive plantations. Taking a stroll along the green gardens is a tranquil respite from the desert landscape.
10. El-Bawiti Town
Bahariya's largest town, where you can see authentic desert markets, mingle with warm locals, and witness real desert life.
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