Special offers
Travel Style
Tailor-Made
By
Egypt Oases
16 August 2025
3 min read
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
What Is Bahariya Oasis?
Bahariya Oasis in Egypt is one of the most famous and beautiful oases in Egypt’s Western Desert and it is surrounded by black volcanic hills and endless sand dunes. It is not only a natural paradise filled with date palms, olive trees and lush gardens but it is also home to impressive archaeological sites, ancient temples and remains from Pharaonic, Greek & Roman times.
In ancient times it was called Desdes during the Middle Kingdom, and Oasis Parva in the Roman period then later became known in Arabic as “Al Wahat Al Baharyya” meaning “the Northern Oasis”
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
Why Is It Significant?
Bahariya has played an important role in Egypt’s history for thousands of years as in ancient times it was a major agricultural and trade hub. Its fertile lands made it an essential source of dates, olives and wine... while its strategic location connected it to trade routes stretching deep into Africa.
In the modern era, Bahariya Oasis White Desert gained global attention with the discovery of the Valley of the Golden Mummies in the late 1990s which is an archaeological find that revealed hundreds of well-preserved mummies from Roman era. This discovery gave historians a new understanding of burial practices and life in the oasis during the Greco-Roman period.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
Where Is Bahariya Oasis Located?
The Bahariya Oasis location is about 370 km southwest of Cairo and that’s why it is accessible by car or bus in roughly 4–5 hours. It lies in the middle of Egypt’s vast Western Desert and covers an area of about 2,000 square kilometers. Its main town is Bawiti which acts as the administrative and cultural heart of the oasis.
The oasis is surrounded by mountains including Gebel Dist (English Mountain), Gebel Maghrafa and Gebel Ghurabi… and features several natural springs such as Ain Bishmu, Bir Al-Nebag, Bir Matar and the hot spring Bir Sigam. At its far north sits the small Al-Marun Lake which is a popular spot for birdwatching.
When you look at Bahariya Oasis map you will see that it is surrounded by smaller villages such as Mandisha, Qasr, Zabw and El Haiz and the area is also close to other famous desert spots like the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain and the White Desert.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
What Does the Name “Bahariya” Mean?
The name Bahariya comes from the Arabic word Bahr which means “sea” and although it is located in the desert, the name is thought to refer to the large underground water sources that keep the oasis green and fertile! Some historians believe the name could also be linked to ancient Egyptian references describing it as a “northern oasis”
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
What’s the Geography Like?
The geography of Bahariya Oasis Egypt is fascinating, why? Because It is made up of a series of low-lying areas surrounded by high black hills formed from volcanic activity millions of years ago. The oasis sits in a depression with fertile soil sustained by natural springs.
The landscape is a mix of:
- Golden sand dunes stretching for miles.
- Salt lakes that reflect the desert sunlight beautifully.
- Palm groves and agricultural fields that stand out as green patches against the desert.
- Rocky hills like the Black Mountain, which give the area its dramatic scenery.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
What Is the Historical Background of Bahariya Oasis?
Bahariya Oasis history goes back to Pharaonic Egypt; as archaeological evidence shows that it was an important agricultural center during the 26th Dynasty. The oasis was valued for its fertile lands and abundant water which made it a reliable food supplier for the Nile Valley.
During the Greco-Roman period, Bahariya Oasis White Desert flourished even more when large temples, tombs and settlements were built and the area became known for producing fine wine which was traded across the Mediterranean. The Roman-era tombs and artifacts found here reveal a mix of Egyptian, Greek & Roman cultural influences.
During the Coptic period, monasteries and hermitages were built often making use of older Pharaonic and Roman buildings. And in the Islamic era the area remained inhabited, with the addition of mosques and small fortified villages.
In modern times; projects like the Bahariya Military Railway during World War I and the construction of a paved road to Cairo in the 1970s brought major changes while the local “Wahati” dialect still carries traces of the oasis’s long past
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
How Did Bahariya Change in the Roman and Later Periods?
During the Roman era, Bahariya saw a boost in agricultural production and became an important hub in the Roman desert road system. The Romans built wells, aqueducts and fortified stations to protect the routes and ensure steady supplies.
And in the Coptic era, Christian monasteries and hermitages appeared often making use of older Pharaonic and Roman buildings.
From the Islamic period the oasis still holds traces of mosques and small fortified communities.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
What Is the Climate Like in Bahariya Oasis?
The Bahariya Oasis weather is typical of a desert climate; rainfall is very rare… making the area dry all year-round with annual average temperature of around 21.4 °C (70.5 °F), and its seasons are as following:
- Summers: are extremely hot with temperatures often above 38°C (100°F)
- Winters: beautifully mild and pleasant with daytime average of 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) and very cold nights
- Spring and Autumn: those are transitional seasons with warm days and cooler evenings
The best time to visit is during the cooler months between October and April… when daytime temperatures are comfortable for relaxing and exploring.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
Who Lives in Bahariya Oasis?
Around 30,000 to 40,000 people live in Bahariya Oasis Egypt with roots longing back to ancient Egyptians, Libyan tribes and Nile Valley migrants. Most of them work in agriculture (dates, olives, mangos, guavas), tourism or iron ore mining.
The main town Bawiti is where most of the population live and the locals are known for their hospitality and traditional lifestyle and they speak Wahati dialect which blends traditional speech with influences from Cairo Arabic
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
What Is Bahariya’s Economic Base Today?
Agriculture is still the backbone of Bahariya’s economy as the oasis produces dates, olives, figs & guavas which are sold locally and exported. There is also some iron ore mining in the area. Tourism has grown significantly especially with visitors interested in desert safaris, archaeology and nature photography.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
What Was Bahariya’s Role in Ancient Egypt?
In ancient Egypt Bahariya Oasis White Desert was strategically important because it was a link between the Nile Valley and the far reaches of the Western Desert and it also was a stop on caravan routes and a source of agricultural goods.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
What Are the Main Attractions in Bahariya Oasis?
Here is your complete guide to the top attractions you cannot miss on your next Bahariya Oasis tour:
The Black Desert
The Black Desert is Located about 30 km south of Bahariya Oasis and it is a landscape like no other.
- The ground is dotted with volcanic mounds covered in black basalt created around 180 million years ago during the Jurassic period.
- Some mounds are as high as 100 meters and the black comes from iron quartzite while reddish tones come from iron sandstone.
- Fossils including dinosaur remains have been found here leading to its designation as a natural reserve in 2010.
The White Desert
The White Desert is about 45 km north of Farafra Oasis and it is famous for its chalk-white rock formations sculpted by wind and sand into shapes that resemble mushrooms, animals and icebergs.
- Colors shift with the sun… bright white at noon & glowing orange or pink at sunset.
- Popular for overnight camping under a sky full of stars with zero light pollution.
- Home to desert wildlife like foxes, gazelles and various birds.
- Often visited together with the Black Desert and Crystal Mountain.
Gebel al-Ingleez (English Mountain)
A WWI lookout point once used by Captain Williams to watch over Libyan Senussi movements.
- It offers panoramic views of Bahariya Oasis.
- And a top spot for watching the sunset during a desert safari.
Gebel Maghrafa
A pyramid-shaped mountain in the northern oasis region in the Black Desert known for early 20th-century discoveries of dinosaur fossils.
- It provided proof that dinosaurs lived beyond North America.
Crystal Mountain
A glittering ridge of quartz crystal and calcite that sparkles in the sun.
- Formed millions of years ago by mineral-rich groundwater and geological pressure.
- Protected site which means visitors should not take crystals.
- Often included in tours with the Black and White Deserts.
Qarat Qasr Salim
A small mound in Bawiti housing two well-preserved 26th Dynasty tombs:
- Tomb of Zed Amun Ef Ankh (father)
- Tomb of Bannentiu (son) and it is richly decorated with paintings of gods Khonsu, Nephthys and Isis.
Tomb of Bannentiu
This tomb is dating to the 6th century BC and it features:
- Detailed wall paintings of Bannentiu with gods Osiris and Anubis.
- Scenes of offerings and afterlife beliefs.
- A burial chamber and antechamber reflecting the artistry of the 26th Dynasty.
Ain El-Muftella Temple
This 26th Dynasty temple is located 2 km northwest of Bawiti and:
- It was dedicated to Zed-Khonsu-ef-ankh and multiple gods including Osiris, Thoth and Ptah.
- Contains decorated chapels from both the New Kingdom and Greco-Roman periods.
Valley of the Golden Mummies & Museum
It is one of Egypt’s most important archaeological finds:
- Discovered in 1994 with over 10,000 mummies dating back 2000 years.
- Belonged to wealthy Roman-Egyptians and often decorated with gold masks.
- Many are displayed in a dedicated museum in Bahariya Oasis.
Bir Sigam Hot Spring
A natural geothermal hot spring about 7 km from Bahariya Oasis.
- Popular for relaxation after desert tours.
- Said to help with joint pain and skin conditions.
- Most enjoyable in winter when desert nights are cooler.
Ain Gomma
A small desert spring with cool, crystal-clear water in Al Hayz town about 45 km south of Bawiti.
- Perfect refreshment stop during safaris.
El-Hayz Water Education Center
A sustainable-built museum focusing on:
- Water resources and conservation in Egypt.
- Geology of the Western Desert.
- Traditional oasis farming and architecture.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
What Other Historic/Archaeological Spots Are Nearby?
- Necropolis of Qarat Subi
- Roman mummy finds in El-Harrah
- Roman fort at Qarat el-Toub
- Ancient springs like Ain Bishmu, Bir Matar and Bir al-Nebag
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
What Accommodation Options Are Available?
Bahariya Oasis in Egypt offers a good range of options you can consider:
- Ahmed Safari Camp: Budget-friendly lodge
- Qasr El Bawity Hotel: Modern comforts
- International Hot Spring Hotel: Thermal baths
- Old Oasis Hotel: Family-run
- Desert Fox Camp: Sleep under the stars
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
Is Bahariya Oasis Safe to Visit?
The short answer is YES of course it is generally safe especially if you are visiting with an organized tour or a licensed local guide.
Bahariya Oasis in Egypt is a small friendly community where tourism is a big part of its daily life and locals are used to welcoming travelers. Most visitors explore with 4x4 tours by licensed drivers.
And even though it is peaceful the desert is remote so you will want to be prepared:
- Book with a registered tour operator who knows the desert routes and weather
- Stay hydrated and always carry enough drinking water
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Dress modestly and respect local customs especially in village areas
The Egyptian government has a strong security presence along the main roads and at tourist spots in the Western Desert to help keeping the visitors safe.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur
Why Should I Visit the Bahariya Oasis in Egypt?
The Bahariya Oasis is a destination full of history and natural beauty and culture. It is a hidden gem that must be explored so if you have come to these words then you are ready for an amazing adventure that will stuck in your mind. Book your Bahariya Oasis tour with Step To Egypt and discover the magic of Egypt’s Western Desert now.
Bahariya Oasis is located about 370 km southwest of Cairo the capital and it is one of Egypt’s most breathtaking destinations in the Western Desert. It is known for being like a paradise for adventurers, photographers, history lovers & anyone who just wants to relax.
If there is one place that does mix golden desert dunes, mysterious history, hot springs and stunning landscapes all together, then it would be Bahariya Oasis Egypt for sure.
It is one of those spots that feel almost magical and a peaceful escape far from the busy cities so if you came here looking for exploring ancient tombs, diving into warm springs or stargazing at night, then you will enjoy the Bahariya Oasis to be a one-of-a-kind experience.
