Smack in the middle of the Western Desert, Bahareya Oasis represents a tranquil haven away from all hustle and bustle that normally characterizes urban life in Egypt. With its dramatic landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, Bahareya Oasis affords the voyager with a very unique window into the beauty and culture of desert life. Here is an elaborate guide to help you navigate Bahareya Oasis and make the most out of your visit into this secreted gem.
How to Get to Bahareya Oasis
Precise Location and Access
Bahareya Oasis is situated about 360 km southwest of Cairo. It is one of several oases in the area and opens up access toward some of the most spectacular desert sceneries in Egypt.
Means of Transport Available
– By Car: Bahareya Oasis is easily accessible by car. You can rent one in Cairo, drive through the desert, and get an amazing view; it takes four to five hours to get there.
Bus: Several bus companies offer services from Cairo to Bahareya. These buses begin operations at Turguman Bus Station, and they take approximately five to six hours. You should check the schedule well in advance for any accuracy.
Private Tours: Most tour operators have Bahareya on their schedule for trips. They have service packages that include transportation, accommodation, and tours of the area.
Where to Stay
Hotels and Resorts
Some of the accommodations in Bahareya Oasis, ranging from low-budget hotels up to more luxurious resorts, are as follows:
– Bahareya Oasis Hotel: A comfortable hotel with spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a nice garden. It is a very good base for exploring the oasis.
– El-Mohandes Hotel: The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make this hotel appealing. Modern amenities, comfortable rooms, and proximity to local attractions make it an even better option.
Other options are to overnight in desert camps for a unique experience. You will be treated as a Bedouin and enjoy Bedouin hospitality at the following camps:
White Desert Camp: This is a comfortable tent camp with stunning vistas and scenery. You will enjoy local meals and take part in desert activities.
Golden Desert Camp: This is a bit more luxurious, offering luxury tents with private bathrooms and plenty of outdoors activities, like stargazing and camel rides.
Discover the Natural Wonders of Bahareya
The Black Desert
Worth seeing around Bahareya Oasis is the Black Desert, named after its black volcanic rocks. A visit here offers:
– Landscapes of Breathtaking Beauty: The juxtaposition of black rocks against golden sand gives one stunning visual contrasts, and so it is a photographer’s paradise.
– Hiking and Exploration: Visitors can take a ramble across the desert to discover peculiar rock formations and take in the tranquility of the surroundings.
The White Desert
Not very far from Bahareya, the White Desert is another tourist place to visit. Also called Sahara El Beyda in Arabic, the place is known to showcase surreal chalk rock formations. This area offers:
– Spectacular View: It forms an extraterrestrial landscape, especially during sunset as the colors change overwhelmingly.
– Camping Experience: Enjoy one night in the White Desert within its magical atmosphere while being under a blanket of stars.
The Hot Springs
Among the many natural wonders to be used at Bahareya Oasis are hot springs galore, which come in perfectly after an active day of sightseeing:
– Ain El-Muftella: It is a hot spring and an attraction for visitors due to the medicinal values that come with it. The warm waters are said to be curative.
– Ain el-Wadi: Another hot spring beautiful inside the oasis; provides a good tranquil place to relax and enjoy nature.
Cultural and Historical Highlights
Ancient Sites
Bahareya Oasis abounds in history, and a number of ancient sites of interest include:
– The Tombs of the Nobles: In the valley of the Kings close by are these tombs dating back to the 26th Dynasty with beauteous paintings on the walls that describe the everyday life of ancient Egyptians.
– Golden Mummies of Bahareya: These are an astonishing find from the beginning of the 20th century and bear evidence to the great ancient history of the area. Take a look at the local museum and see some of these very well-preserved artifacts.
Local Villages and Traditions
Get cultural by visiting local villages of the oasis:
– Bawiti: It is the largest town in Bahareya Oasis. Bawiti is known for its traditional mud-brick houses and local markets. Take a walk in the streets and chat with friendly people.
– Traditional Crafts: Visit artisans’ workshops where you see traditional crafts being made, such as pottery and weaving.
Adventure Activities
Desert Safaris
No trip to Bahareya Oasis will be complete without the experience of a desert safari. Make a choice:
4×4 Desert Tours: Guided tours across the fascinating landscapes, including the Black Desert and White Desert. A majority of the tours make a stopover at the natural springs and unique rock formations.
– Camel Treks: Take a more traditional approach and embark on a camel trek across the desert. Its slow pace will allow you to take in fully the beauty of your surroundings.
Stargazing
Some of the clearest night skies in Egypt lie in the deserts. Spend an evening amidst the stars, watching the Milky Way above; this is one of the things to do on a night-time desert adventure. Most desert camps offer stargazing experiences with knowledgeable guides.
Dining in Bahareya
Local Cuisine
Food in Bahareya Oasis caters to the traditional taste of Egyptian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh ingredients. Try the following dishes:
– Koshari: This is a deliciously popular Egyptian dish made of rice, lentils, and pasta, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and fried onions.
– Fattah: A festive dish prepared with layers of rice, meat, and bread, mostly prepared during special occasions.
Recommended Restaurants
– Al-Masreya Restaurant: Although a bit hidden, this restaurant is favored by the locals, serving traditional Egyptian food in simple conditions.
– Desert Rose Restaurant: This serves the best food in town with friendly service; local and international cuisine.
Day Trips from Bahareya
Farafra Oasis
Just a short drive from Bahareya, Farafra Oasis is another beautiful destination worth exploring. Highlights include:
The White Desert: Farafra is known for its amazing white rock formations, hence a perfect stop for photography and exploration.
Local Museum: In Farafra there is a small museum that can be visited, which demonstrates the history and culture of the area.
Siwa Oasis
A bit further out, Siwa Oasis is one of those trips that will be well rewarded for anyone who can take a little time out to enjoy just one more quirky oasis. It has a very particular culture and natural beauty, such as:
– The Oracle Temple: This is an ancient place where Alexander sought the oracle.
– Natural Springs: This oasis contains a number of these natural springs, great for a swim.
Tips for Visiting Bahareya
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bahareya Oasis is during the fall season-from October to November-and in the spring-from March to April-when temperatures are not so hot. The summer months can be unbearably hot and make any outdoors activities difficult to go through.
Etiquette
Respect for local culture is called for when paying a visit to Bahareya. Dress discreetly, particularly in more conservative rural areas, and always ask permission before taking pictures of people.
Currency and Payment
The local currency is the Egyptian pound. Though some of the hotels and restaurants may accept credit cards, it is always good to carry some cash for small transactions and buying from local markets. There are several ATMs in this main town.
Conclusion
Bahareya Oasis is a grasp of magnificent natural beauty, rich history, and deep-rooted culture that it creates an ideal combination. Whether touring tombs from the ancient period, trekking through the landscape of the desert to anything very awesome, or seeking calm tranquility in the hot springs, this oasis promises to make a journey unforgettable off the beaten track. As one plans a visit to Bahareya, may there be an embracing of all the charm and adventure this hidden gem has in store.
