This El Bahariya Oasis travel guide covers the best things to do in El Bahariya Oasis: the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain, the White Desert, hot springs and desert camping. Below you will also find the best time to visit El Bahariya Oasis, how to get there and around, and a choice of hotels in El Bahariya Oasis.
Bahariya shows some of the earliest phases of natural history. Palaeontologists have found dinosaur fossils here, from long before any human presence, and Neolithic people left tools at the site, which the ancient Egyptians later occupied. Tombs of high officials from the Twenty-sixth Dynasty still keep their bright colours.
Historical background
The Valley of the Golden Mummies, a Greco-Roman site excavated by Zahi Hawwas, where his team found more than 100 well-preserved mummies glittering in golden masks. The mummies were transferred to the Golden Mummies Museum at the Bahariya Oasis.
The formations of the Black Desert, the hot and cold springs contributed to the mystical nature of the modern town. Traditions of the city are all displayed in The Oasis Heritage Museum, 3 km east of the town.
Tourist ideas
At a glance
Arabic nameالصحراء البيضاء والبحرية
GovernorateGiza, New Valley
Trip typeDesert safari
Best seasonOct–Apr
Ideal stay2–3 days
Nearest airportCairo (CAI), then ~370 km road to Bahariya
Complete guide to El Bahariya Oasis
About the city, its weather, the best time to visit and how to get there.
About El Bahariya Oasis
- Arabic name
- الصحراء البيضاء والبحرية
- Governorate
- Giza, New Valley
- Region
- Greater Cairo
- Good for
- Desert safari
- Travel region
- The Western Desert and oases
What is the weather like in El Bahariya Oasis?
- Jan
- Apr
- Jul
- Oct
Average daytime highs, °C. Reference: Siwa and the Western Desert.
When is the best time to visit El Bahariya Oasis?
- Best season
- Oct–Apr
- Ideal stay
- 2–3 days
Summer days are very hot: visit open-air sites early in the morning and rest at midday.
How do I get to El Bahariya Oasis?
- Nearest airport
- Cairo (CAI), then ~370 km road to Bahariya
By road, usually with a licensed tour operator; public buses run to the main oasis towns.
What to see in El Bahariya Oasis
- Chalk rock formations
- Black Desert
- Crystal Mountain
- desert camping
Archaeological sites in Giza
Museums in Giza
Hotels near El Bahariya Oasis
Things to do from El Bahariya Oasis
Day trips with hotel pickup, run by a local operator. Book directly with them.
Where to eat in El Bahariya Oasis
Popular Restaurant المطعم الشعبي
Bawiti's best-known local restaurant, open from early morning for set meals of soup, rice, vegetables and chicken.
Rashed Restaurant كافيتريا أولاد راشد
Simple local restaurant and cafeteria on the main road.
Oasis Panorama Hotel restaurant مطعم فندق واحة بانوراما
Hotel restaurant with a terrace and bar, a comfortable option for dinner after desert trips.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Shopping in El Bahariya Oasis
Oases Bookshop مكتبة الواحات
Small shop selling books, maps and oasis souvenirs.
Oasis Heritage Museum متحف تراث الواحات
Artist's museum of clay figures showing oasis life, where some handmade pieces can be bought.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit El Bahariya Oasis?
The best time to visit El Bahariya Oasis is from October to April.
How do I get to El Bahariya Oasis?
By road, usually with a licensed tour operator; public buses run to the main oasis towns.
What is the nearest airport to El Bahariya Oasis?
The nearest airport to El Bahariya Oasis is Cairo International Airport (CAI), followed by a road journey of about 370 km to Bahariya.
How many days should I spend in El Bahariya Oasis?
Plan to spend 2–3 days in El Bahariya Oasis.
What are the must-see places in El Bahariya Oasis?
Chalk rock formations, Black Desert, Crystal Mountain, desert camping.
Where can I eat in El Bahariya Oasis?
Popular choices include Popular Restaurant, Rashed Restaurant, Oasis Panorama Hotel restaurant. See the dining section above for more.
Where can I go shopping in El Bahariya Oasis?
Try Oases Bookshop, Oasis Heritage Museum. See the shopping section above.
