Bahariya Oasis Tours
Private Bahariya Oasis trips planned and run directly by Stars Camp, the local hotel and desert operator in Bahariya Oasis.
Bahariya Oasis trips with Stars Camp
Run by our own local team with our own vehicles and equipment. Every itinerary can be adjusted to your dates and group.
5-Day Dakhla, Kharga & Farafra Oases Tour from Cairo
The great oasis loop of Egypt's Western Desert: Bahariya, a night in the White Desert, then Farafra, the medieval town of Dakhla…
7-Day White Desert, Fayoum & Siwa Oasis Tour
The complete Western Desert journey: Fayoum's lakes and fossil whales, Bahariya and the White Desert, then the palms, salt lakes and dunes…
4-Day White Desert & Fayoum Oasis Tour
Two deserts in one private trip: the lakes, waterfalls and fossil whales of Fayoum, then Bahariya Oasis and a night camping in…
White Desert Overnight Camping from Bahariya Oasis
Already in Bahariya? Join our local team for a private overnight trip to the White Desert: Black Desert, Crystal Mountain, sunset and…
4-Day White Desert Camping Trip
Real time in the desert: two nights camping in the White Desert, a night at Stars Camp hotel, and a full day…
3-Day White Desert & Black Desert Tour from Cairo (2 Nights)
The relaxed way to see the White and Black Desert from Cairo: one night at Stars Camp hotel in Bahariya Oasis and…
Bahariya Oasis: what to see, when to go and how to plan
Bahariya Oasis is a green valley of palm gardens and hot springs in the middle of the Western Desert, about 370 km southwest of Cairo. Its main town is Bawiti, where our camp and our family live. Bahariya is the gateway to the White Desert and the Black Desert, but the oasis itself deserves a full day.
Here you find the Golden Mummies, painted tombs from the time of the pharaohs, natural springs where locals bathe in the evening and the old mud brick lanes of El Qasr. This guide is written by our team in Bawiti from the things we show our own guests.
Top places to see in Bahariya Oasis
Golden Mummies and the tombs
Gilded mummies from the Greco Roman period and the painted tombs of Bannentiu and Zed Amun ef Ankh in Bawiti.
English Mountain
A hill with the ruins of a lookout from the First World War. The best sunset view over the palm gardens.
Hot and cold springs
Bahariya has many natural springs. Bathing in a warm spring under the stars is a favorite part of any trip.
Black Desert
Volcanic hills covered in black stones about 50 km south of Bawiti, on the road to the White Desert.
Gebel Dist and the salt lake
A pyramid shaped mountain where scientists found dinosaur bones, next to a salt lake surrounded by palms.
Old El Qasr
The historic quarter of Bawiti with mud brick houses, narrow lanes and an old Roman spring.
A day in Bahariya usually starts with breakfast at the camp and a visit to the Golden Mummies and the tombs while the morning is cool. After lunch we drive to the Black Desert and Gebel Dist, then come back for sunset on English Mountain and a warm spring under the stars. Dinner is cooked at home by our family.
Bahariya is also a working oasis. Families grow dates, olives and guava in gardens watered by springs that have flowed for thousands of years. Walking through the gardens with a local is the best way to understand how people live in the desert.
Best time to visit Bahariya Oasis
| Months | Weather | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| October to April | Pleasant days and cool to cold nights | Best season for the oasis and the desert |
| May to September | Hot days, warm nights | Good for springs and short visits early in the day |
How to get to Bahariya Oasis
| From | Time and transport |
|---|---|
| By road from Cairo | About 4.5 to 5 hours, private car with pickup from your hotel |
| By public bus | Daily buses from Cairo, around 5 to 6 hours |
| From other cities | We arrange private transfers from Giza, Hurghada, Luxor and more |
Local tips from our team
- Spend at least one night in Bahariya before going into the desert. The drive from Cairo is long.
- Bring a swimsuit and flip flops for the springs.
- Dress modestly in town. Bawiti is a traditional community and people appreciate it.
- Carry some cash in Egyptian pounds. Few small shops accept cards.
- Ask before taking photos of people, especially women.
- Try the local dates and the bread baked in the sand by Bedouin families.
Our Bahariya Oasis tours
All prices are final and all inclusive with no hidden fees. Every trip is private and can be adjusted to your dates.
Bahariya Oasis FAQ
How far is Bahariya Oasis from Cairo?
About 370 km. The drive takes around 4.5 to 5 hours on a paved road.
Is Bahariya Oasis worth visiting?
Yes. Besides being the gateway to the White Desert it has the Golden Mummies, painted tombs, hot springs and real oasis life.
Where can I stay in Bahariya?
You can stay with us at Stars Camp in Bawiti. Our rooms are simple and clean with home cooked food and the desert right outside.
Can I visit the White Desert from Bahariya?
Yes. The White Desert is about 1.5 hours away by 4x4. Most of our trips start in Bahariya.
Is Bahariya safe for tourists?
Yes. Bahariya is a calm and welcoming community and visitors come all year.
What is the weather like in Bahariya?
Hot in summer and mild in winter. Nights are cool from November to March, so bring a warm layer.
One local team, fewer middlemen
Local guide
Led by Ahmed Lotfy and our Bahariya team.
Our own hotel
Rooms, pool and home cooking in El Bawiti.
Our own 4x4s
Plus air-conditioned transfers from Cairo.