Best 5 Egyptian Oases: Which to Go

Most of the main attractions in Egypt are found along the Nile River, while the western part of the country is a vast desert. But does that mean there's nothing to see but sand? Not at all! In fact, you'll find many oases there, each offering unique views and activities. In this article, we'll introduce you to the best Egyptian oases to visit, along with some practical travel tips from local experts.

Faiyum Oasis

View of Faiyum Oasis (Photos Taken by Odynovo's Clients)

Faiyum Oasis is considered the easiest to reach among all Egyptian oases. Located about 116 km southwest of Cairo, it usually takes around 2 hours to get there by car. This means you can easily plan a day trip or stay overnight, whatever suits you best.

While it's surrounded by desert, Faiyum offers more than just sand. You'll find some surprising sights, like peaceful lakes, natural hot springs, and even waterfalls.

The accessible distance is not the main reason we recommend you visit it, but its mix of natural wonders and ancient history is.

In Faiyum Oasis, you can find the Valley of the Whales (Wadi El Hitan), a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see more than 1,000 prehistoric whale fossils, including the 21 m long Basilosaurus skeleton, though it is over 100 miles from the coast.

Nearby Magic Lake shifts its colors at sunset and invites sandboarding fun, while the well-preserved Ptolemaic-era Qasr Qarun temple rewards exploration of its tunnels and chambers. For relaxing, Lake Qarun, one of the world's oldest natural lakes, is super recommended to go for birdwatching or simply unwinding by its tranquil waters.

Best Time to Visit: October to May

Suggest Tour Length: 1 - 2 days

Accommodation: Faiyum is relatively well-developed than most of oases in Egypt. It offers a wide range of hotels from affordable hotels to luxurious resorts.

Recommendation Rate: 5/5 Stars

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Egypt In-Depth Tour With Grand Egyptian Museum 16 DAYS Explore This Tour

Siwa Oasis

Shali Fortress, Siwa

Siwa is a remote desert oasis that sits in the westernmost desert in Egypt. But it is the most famous Egyptian oases on social media platforms.

The little town is ringed by palm groves and salt lakes, with sand dunes and desert views on the horizon. You might have seen hundreds of pictures of Siwa's surreal landscapes, especially the salt lakes, where visitors effortlessly float.

Beyond the stunning landscape, you can find the Temple of the Oracle of Amun, where Alexander the Great was declared the son of Zeus in 331 BC. Culturally, Siwa stands out due to its indigenous Berber-speaking community, the Siwans, who have preserved their unique language, customs, and traditional architecture made from 'karsheef' - a mixture of salt and mud.

What's more, sustainable eco-lodges can also be found. You can get some unique experiences, like enjoying a candlelit dinner and stargazing in its unpolluted skies.

Note: To get to Siwa, you need to take about an 8-hour drive from Cairo, which is going to make you feel very tired. So, it's recommended to use a private car with a driver and break down the drive time. Driving through Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh for an overnight and enjoying some beach time to relax can make your trip to Siwa much easier.

Best Time to Visit: October to April

Suggest Tour Length: 3 - 4 days

Accommodation: While luxury is understated, Siwa Oasis features charming eco-lodges to mid-range guesthouses and budget stays, all emphasizing tradition, sustainability, and natural beauty.

Recommendation Rate: 4.5/5 Stars

Bahariya Oasis

Black Desert

Bahariya Oasis is located about 400 km southwest of Cairo and takes around 5 hours to reach by car, typically passing through Fayoum on the way. If time allows, it's a great idea to combine both oases in one trip, as each offers distinct landscapes and experiences.

In Bahariya, you can explore the famous Black Desert to see wind-sculpted volcanic hills rise from the sand. The black basalt mounds here look stunning, especially at sunset.

For history buffs, Bahariya has a big draw. It's home to the Valley of the Golden Mummies, a Greco-Roman necropolis dating back to around 300 BC, where archaeologists have uncovered dozens of beautifully painted mummies.

Beyond nature and history, Bahariya is also a place to soak in authentic Bedouin-oasis culture. Traditional mud-brick villages still thrive here. As you trek through the area, you'll see farmers tending to guava and olive trees and children swimming in irrigation canals. You can also expect lively Friday markets.

Best Time to Visit: October to February

Suggest Tour Length: 2 - 3 days

Accommodation: Accommodation in Bahariya Oasis ranges from basic guesthouses to more comfortable eco-lodges, but it's generally modest compared to city standards.

Recommendation Rate: 4.5/5 Stars

Farafra Oasis

White Desert

Farafra is the smallest oasis in Egypt, located roughly midway between Bahariya and Dakhla. Despite its remote setting, it remains a popular stop for travelers exploring the region.

Farafra is best known as the gateway to the White Desert National Park, where surreal chalk formations sculpted by wind give the landscape an otherworldly, almost sculptural appearance. The iconic white "mushroom" and abstract rock shapes seen in many Egypt's desert photos were taken here.

In addition to its natural wonders, Farafra is home to the ancient Qasr El-Farafra fortress, a reminder of Roman-era influence in the area.

Best Time to Visit: September to February

Suggest Tour Length: 1 day

Accommodation: Accommodation in Farafra Oasis is quite basic and limited, so it's often more convenient to stay in Bahariya or Dakhla Oasis. However, for those who are looking to enjoy the starry skies and sunrise over the White Desert, camping in the area is a popular option.

Recommendation Rate: 4/5 Stars

Recommended Tour Itinerary

White and Black Desert Tour From Cairo 9 DAYS Explore This Tour

Dakhla Oasis

Dakhla Oasis is a relatively large oasis in Egypt, but also one of the most remote, sitting about 700 km southwest of Cairo and about 514 km west of Luxor. Typically, it will be the following stop after a visit to Farafra (about 3.5 hours drive).

Dakhla Oasis is dotted with many villages. You can wander through Al-Qasr Village, a well-preserved medieval mud-brick town with narrow alleys, historic mosques, and ornately carved wooden doors. Nearby, the Deir el-Hagar Temple offers a quiet look into spiritual life during Egypt's 26th Dynasty. History lovers can also visit Balat and Bashindi to explore the ruins of Old Kingdom temples and Roman-era tombs.

Besides, Dakhla has several hot springs. If you want to refresh yourself after trekking through the villages, soaking in the warm waters is a great option. (Note: Women typically bathe in the afternoon to respect local customs.)

Best Time to Visit: October to April

Suggest Tour Length: 1 - 2 day

Accommodation: Accommodation in Dakhla Oasis is simple yet comfortable and more developed than in smaller Egyptian oases like Farafra. While luxury options are absent, eco-lodges and guesthouses offer an authentic stay with home-cooked meals and access to natural hot springs.

Recommendation Rate: 4/5 Stars

Final Thoghts for Visiting Egyptian Oases

The Egyptian oases offer a side of the country many travelers miss: ancient ruins, desert beauty, and rich local culture away from the crowds. But due to their remote locations and limited infrastructure, visiting them is best done with the help of an experienced tour operator.

With Odynovo, you'll enjoy a personalized itinerary, private guide and vehicle, and premium travel service tailored to your pace and interests.

Whether it's a peaceful escape to Siwa or a desert adventure through Bahariya and Dakhla, we'll handle every detail so you can explore worry-free, comfortably, safely, and entirely your way.