Bahariya Oasis Protected Area
Nature
A natural monument protecting geological and fossil sites in the Bahariya depression, a region famous for its dinosaur discoveries.
- Arabic name
- محمية الواحات البحرية
- Type
- Protected area
- Governorate
- Giza
- Area
- 103 km²
- Protected since
- 2010
- Nearest city guide
- El Bahariya Oasis
- Official website
- eeaa.gov.eg
The Bahariya Oasis protectorate was declared in 2010 as a natural monument to protect geological landmarks and fossil sites in and around the Bahariya depression, about 370 km south-west of Cairo. Although Bahariya is in the Western Desert, it falls administratively under Giza Governorate.
Dinosaurs and geology
Bahariya is one of the most important dinosaur localities in Africa. In the early twentieth century, the German palaeontologist Ernst Stromer described Spinosaurus from fossils found here, and in 2000 a team uncovered the giant plant-eating dinosaur Paralititan near Gebel El Dist. The depression’s flat-topped hills, iron-rich rocks and volcanic outcrops record an ancient coastline of mangroves and tidal channels.
What to do
- See the conical hills of Gebel El Dist and Gebel El Maghrafa.
- Visit the Black Desert and Gebel El Ingleez viewpoint.
- Relax in hot springs around the oasis, then continue to the White Desert.
Getting there and best time
Buses and private cars reach Bawiti, the oasis capital, in about 4 to 5 hours from Cairo. Local safari operators can take you to the protected sites. October to April is best.
Entry fee: not confirmed; the exact boundaries of the protected sites should be checked locally (last checked October 2026).
Last checked October 2026. Entry fees and access rules change; check with the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency or a local operator before you go. Sources: eeaa.gov.eg, en.wikipedia.org.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Bahariya important for fossils?
It is one of Africa's most important dinosaur localities. Spinosaurus was first described from fossils found here in the early twentieth century, and the giant plant-eater Paralititan was discovered near Gebel El Dist in 2000.
What can I see in the protected area?
Highlights include the conical hills of Gebel El Dist and Gebel El Maghrafa, the Black Desert and the viewpoint at Gebel El Ingleez. Many visitors add a hot-spring soak and continue to the White Desert.
How do I get there?
Buses and private cars reach Bawiti, the oasis capital, in about 4 to 5 hours from Cairo. Local safari operators take visitors to the protected sites by 4x4.
Is there an entry fee?
No fee has been confirmed, and the exact boundaries of the protected sites should be checked locally. Ask your safari operator or the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (eeaa.gov.eg).
When should I visit?
October to April is best; summer heat in the Western Desert is intense.
