Bahariya Oasis
Bahariya Oasis

Bahariya Oasis

Giza

The basics

Bawiti is more than four hours’ drive from Cairo, so it’s worth planning to spend at least one night camping (or glamping) in the desert—although some hardy travelers visit as a day trip. Most break the drive with a stop at the Black Desert, but it’s the rolling dunes near Bahariya and the oddly human-looking brilliant white rock formations of the White Desert that will fill your camera roll. Ancient attractions include richly decorated tombs from around 2,500 years ago and the Golden Mummies, from a bustling Roman-era town.

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Things to know before you go

  • Bahariya is a great choice for travelers looking for a more authentic desert experience than in the Red Sea resort towns.
  • Women will want to dress modestly, covering legs, shoulders, and upper arms with loose clothing.
  • During summer, desert sands can burn. Wear closed shoes.
  • Temperatures in the desert can drop surprisingly low at night between late fall and early spring (November through March). Pack layers.
  • Safety in the Western Desert has come into question due to terrorism concerns, according to the US Department of State. Refer to your government’s travel advisories for the latest information.
  • Bahariya, and a lot of Egypt can be challenging for wheelchair users, because of limited accessibility.
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How to get there

The Bahariya Oasis is in the Western Desert, about a 170-mile (272-kilometer) drive southwest of downtown Cairo. A couple of buses run from Cairo Gateway station to Bawiti but to explore the desert properly you’ll want an experienced driver with a 4WD.

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When to get there

With the exception of major Islamic holidays, Bahariya is rarely busy. Late spring (April–May) and early fall (September to early November) are the optimal times for camping in the desert, as the nights are warm but the days are not too hot.

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The Best Western Desert Adventures

Bahariya is a great base for Western Desert safaris, including overnight adventures to the eerily beautiful White Desert. You can also head further afield, following an ancient caravan route west to the Siwa Oasis with its salt lakes, hot springs, and dramatic “castle” via even smaller desert settlements.

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