Natural Wonders
Breathtaking nature is one of the highlights of any visit to Al-Bahariyya, whether you are trekking up a mountain, camping between sand dunes, or exploring a natural protectorate. From Al-Bahariyya, you can also discover the iconic scenery of the nearby Black and White Deserts.
Insider Tips
Camping & Safaris
For excursions that lead you out of the oasis, check with your hotel to make plans with a licensed tour guide with a 4x4 vehicle. When choosing a safari operator, go for experienced, licensed guides who know the terrain well. For overnight camping trips that last for more than 2–3 days, an additional vehicle should accompany the caravan with supplies and equipment.
Accommodation
There are a range of places to stay while in Al-Bahariyya, from boutique hotels to eco-lodges and fully-supplied campsites. Camping in the desert is also popular and easy. Your licensed guide and local tour company can make all necessary arrangements and supplement almost any and all equipment that you need, including tents and food.
Getting There
Al-Bahariyya is conveniently close to Cairo. You can rent a car and hire a driver through your hotel or licensed travel agents, which would be the most convenient way to get there. Tour companies also offer bus rides to the oasis and back. The drive in a bus, taxi, or private car is approximately five hours long.
Everything Else You Can See
If you only have a few days to travel to the Western Desert oases, Al-Bahariyya is the closest to Cairo and a good place to start exploring the desert. If you have a week or more, consider trying the Desert Circuit (Al-Bahariyya, Al-Farafra, Al-Dakhla, and Al-Kharga oases) by using the old caravan routes and camping along the way. You can also drive through the desert from Al-Bahariyya to Siwa, which can take six hours or a couple of days depending on stops.
*Before heading out, make sure to check with your hotel, tour operator or authorized travel agency for permits, transportation, and logistics.
Don’t Miss
The White Desert and The Black Desert
Two of the most important areas to explore outside of Al-Bahariyya. Excursions from the Oasis can be as short as half a day or as long as one week.
Ain Gomma, Al-Jaffara, Bir Al-Mattar, and Bir Ramla
The more well-known of approximately hundreds of natural hot and cold springs in and around Al-Bahariyya.
