Egypt's Western Desert & Oases

The Egyptian part of the Libyan Desert, with oases such as Siwa, Bahariya and Farafra and the White and Black Deserts, showing Egypt at its wildest.

This region is defined by whole governorates and includes Matrouh in the northwest and the New Valley in the southwest, covering more than half of Egypt's land area, namely the "Western Desert" (the eastern Libyan Desert). The northern edge of Matrouh is the Mediterranean coast (Marsa Matruh, the El Alamein battle sites), which is included in this region along with the governorate.

Highlights: at Siwa Oasis, the mud-brick ruins of Shali Fortress, the Temple of the Oracle of Amun, Cleopatra's Spring and the dunes of the Great Sand Sea; near Farafra, the White Desert National Park, where chalk rock has been wind-eroded into shapes like mushrooms and chickens; at Bahariya Oasis, the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain and the Valley of the Golden Mummies; the Islamic old towns and Roman-era temples of Dakhla and Kharga Oases; and farther out, the rock art of the Gilf Kebir plateau, which requires a professional expedition team.

Classic itinerary: the most popular is a two-day, one-night camping trip from Cairo to Bahariya, the Black Desert and the White Desert; Siwa is usually reached from Marsa Matruh or Alexandria, with 2–3 days allowed; the "Oasis Loop" of Cairo – Bahariya – Farafra – Dakhla – Kharga – Luxor takes about 7–9 days.

Getting around: mainly shuttle buses and chartered vehicles; going deep into the desert requires joining a licensed 4WD convoy. Note: areas near the Libyan border often require permits, so confirm the security situation before you go.

Destinations

Itineraries