Egypt has 6 Egyptian oases located in the western desert 

Egypt has 6 Egyptian oases located in the western desert such as Al Fayyum Oasis, Bahariya Oasis, Farafra Oasis, Kharga Oasis, Dakhla Oasis, and Siwa Oasis. All of these oases distinguish with its natural and charming beauty, unique history, and therapeutic tourism.

Al Fayyum Oasis

Al Fayyum oasis mixes between natural beauty, ancient history, and heritage. It is located at 70 Km southwest of Cairo. The history of Al Fayyum began during ancient times, but the golden age of this oasis started when it became the capital of ancient Egypt (named Itjtawy) during the 12th dynasty, Middle kingdom.

Location.

Al Fayoum Oasis is located in the Fayoum Governorate of Egypt. It is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. The oasis is a depression in the desert and is known for its agricultural activities, including farming and fishing. The city of Fayoum, which serves as the governorate’s capital, is the region’s main urban center. The Al Fayoum Oasis is known for its natural beauty, archaeological sites, and historical significance.

Al Fayyum has a lot of tourist destinations such as Lahun Pyramid, Hawara Pyramid, Valley of the Whales or Wadi El- Hitan, Wadi El-Rayan Protectorate, Lake Qarun Protectorate, Qasr Qarun or Qarun Palace, Karanis City, Tunis Village, Waterwheels in Al Fayyum, and Gabal El-Medawara.

For more information about Al Fayyum Oasis, kindly read Al Fayyum Oasis article.

Bahariya Oasis

The history of Bahariya Oasis distinguished with producing a lot of goods such as cereals, dates, olive oils, and wine, and using as a trading route during ancient Egypt history and Greco-Roman period.

When you visit Bahariya Oasis, you can enjoy safari trips in White, Black Deserts, and the Crystal Mountain and visiting the valley of the Golden Mummies.

Al-Ghurabi Sand Dune

The Ghurd al-Ghurabi (literally the “Raven Sand Dune”) is an extension of the Abu Muharrik dune system (also known as the “Small Sand Sea”), which is home of one of the world’s longest wandering dune.

Black Desert

Some 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of Bahariya Oasis the desert begins to look dirty—this is the Black Desert (locally known as Sahra al-Suda) with its dozens and dozens of small, black-topped hills of volcanic origins.

Crystal Mountain


Crystal Mountain, locally known as Gebel al-Izzaz, is an enormous hunk made up of sparkling quartz crystal.


Gebel al-Ingleez


The Gebel al-Ingleez, a Lonely Planet Top Choice also known as the English Mountain or Black Mountain, takes its name from a World War I lookout post, from which Captain Williams—a British officer—monitored the movements of the marauding Senussi tribesmen coming from Libya. While the modest remains of the lookout post are still here, the real reason to come up here is for the panoramic views across the oasis and the desert beyond.


Golden Mummies


In 1996, more than 100 Graeco-Roman mummies were unearthed and radar has revealed more than 10 000 mummies in what has come to known as the Valley of Golden Mummies. Lavishly gilded and beautifully decorated, the mummies are extremely well preserved.

Mummy in the Golden Mummies MuseumGold-painted face mask
Hot and Cold Springs of Bahariya Oasis
Bahariya Oasis if famous for its numerous hot (and by hot we mean 45°C/113°F) and cold springs. As with all springs in the Western Desert of Egypt, the mineral content is high and the water can stain your swimwear.

Bir Sigam hot spring in Bahariya OasisCold spring in Bahariya Oasis


Lake Marun


Lake Marun is one of many salt lakes scattered all over the Western Desert of Egypt. Lake Marun is known as an important stopover for migratory birds and it is also a perfect spot for stunning sunset photos.


Qarat Qasr Selim


Qarat Qasr Salim, a Lonely Planet Top Choice, is houses the rock-cut tombs of Zed-Amun-ef-ankh and Banentiu. These lavishly—by nobility not pharaonic standards—decorated tombs belong to a father and and a son of a wealthy family from the time of the 26th Dynasty (664 BC–525 BC).

For more information about Bahariya Oasis, kindly read Bahariya Oasis article.

Farafra Oasis

Farafra Oasis was an important point on the trading route between the Western Desert and the Nile Valley. It is considered an isolated oasis so its community still maintaining its customs and traditions.

It distinguishes with the White and Black Deserts, and the Crystal Mountain. As well as it is famous for therapeutic tourism whereas it has sulfurous wells treating some respiratory problems. In addition, you can visit Badr’s Museum.

For more information about Farafra Oasis, kindly read Farafra Oasis article.

Kharga Oasis

It is the capital of New Valley Governorate. As all Egyptian oases, Kharga Oasis was an important transit point for desert caravans going all the way back to the period of the 12th dynasty.

When you visit Kharga Oasis, you will be enjoying seeing Hibis Temple, The Museum of Antiquities of Kharga Oasis, The Cemetery of Bagawat, and The Temple of Qaser Al Zayyan.

For more information about Kharga Oasis, kindly read Kharga Oasis article.

Dakhla Oasis

Dakhla Oasis is located between Farafra and Kharga Oases. It has considered the most place includes picturesque in the western desert whereas it has beautiful verdant gardens of dates and olives.

It is famous for containing different tourist destinations such as The Village of Mut, Deir El Hagar Temple, and The Village of Bashindi.

For more information about Dakhla Oasis, kindly read Dakhla Oasis article.

Siwa Oasis

About 350 miles from Cairo located Siwa Oasis that is one of the most beautiful oases Egypt. It is located on the Egyptian border with Libya. It contains verdant gardens of dates and olives.

Siwa Oasis distinguished with its unique nature, culture, and history that can be noticed when you visit such as Temple of the Oracle of Amun, The Mountain of the Dead, Fatnas Island, Shali, the Great Sand Sea, and Dakrour Mountain or in Gebel Dakrur.

For more information about Siwa Oasis, kindly read Siwa Oasis article.

Explore Egypt Tours allow you to visit and enjoy these wonderful tourist destinations through its different day tours.