This El Dakhla Oasis travel guide covers the best things to do in El Dakhla Oasis: the medieval town of El Qasr, Deir El Hagar temple, hot springs and palm groves. Below you will also find the best time to visit El Dakhla Oasis, how to get there and around, and where to stay.
The oasis centres on the Islamic town of El Qasr, a typical example of traditional architecture. Its name, “El Qasr” (the palace), comes from its position on a high plateau, chosen for defence.
Historical background
And while the town is clearly Islamic, it retains some ancient Egyptian blocks, recognizable by the hieroglyphic inscriptions, an evidence of earlier settlements.
The town is located on the trade route, connecting the Delta to Marsa Matruh from one side, and the Delta to Sudan from the other side, and thus it flourished as a commercial place.
The city was conserved as it was inhabited until recently, and thus retains all of its architectural features, leading it to be one of the few well-preserved traditional Islamic localities. While walking through the old town, routes will lead you to explore the local houses, gathering areas, a mosque, and far to the south, you can visit the cemetery.
Tourist ideas
At a glance
GovernorateNew Valley
Nearest airportCairo (CAI), then by road via Farafra or Kharga
Destination typeOases
Complete guide to El Dakhla Oasis
About the city, its weather, the best time to visit and how to get there.
About El Dakhla Oasis
- Governorate
- New Valley
- Region
- Western Desert
- Destination type
- Oases
- Travel region
- The Western Desert and oases
What is the weather like in El Dakhla Oasis?
- Jan
- Apr
- Jul
- Oct
Average daytime highs, °C. Reference: Siwa and the Western Desert.
When is the best time to visit El Dakhla Oasis?
- Best season
- October to April; winter nights can drop near 5 °C
Summer days are very hot: visit open-air sites early in the morning and rest at midday.
How do I get to El Dakhla Oasis?
- Nearest airport
- Cairo (CAI), then by road via Farafra or Kharga
By road, usually with a licensed tour operator; public buses run to the main oasis towns.
What to see in El Dakhla Oasis
Archaeological sites in New Valley governorate
Things to do from El Dakhla Oasis
Day trips with hotel pickup, run by a local operator. Book directly with them.
Where to eat in El Dakhla Oasis
Shahab Restaurant مطعم شهاب
Very local restaurant serving rice, soups, vegetables, chicken, kebab and kofta.
Abu Zeid Qalamouni Restaurant مطعم القلموني
Simple local spot for ful and taameya, open from early morning.
El Forsan Hotel restaurant مطعم فندق الفرسان
Hotel restaurant in Mut that is often recommended for decent, simple meals.
Desert Lodge restaurant مطعم ديزرت لودج
Eco-lodge restaurant on a hilltop overlooking the medieval mud-brick village of Al Qasr.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Shopping in El Dakhla Oasis
Mut fruit and vegetable market سوق الخضار والفاكهة بموط
Local produce market where you can buy oasis dates, fruit and vegetables, with small shops nearby on the main road.
Last checked October 2026. Opening hours and menus change; check with the venue before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to El Dakhla Oasis?
By road, usually with a licensed tour operator; public buses run to the main oasis towns.
What is the nearest airport to El Dakhla Oasis?
The nearest airport to El Dakhla Oasis is Cairo International Airport (CAI), with the rest of the journey by road via Farafra or Kharga.
Where can I eat in El Dakhla Oasis?
Popular choices include Shahab Restaurant, Abu Zeid Qalamouni Restaurant, El Forsan Hotel restaurant, Desert Lodge restaurant. See the dining section above for more.
Where can I go shopping in El Dakhla Oasis?
Try Mut fruit and vegetable market. See the shopping section above.
