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5-Day Kharga Oasis, Dakhla Oasis, Bahariya Oasis, Black Desert, and White Desert Trip

5 Days
4 Nights

Trip Facts

  • English, Deutsch and Française
  • Private Air-Conditioned Vehicle
  • Private Egyptologist
  • Tourism Permits
  • Included
  • Included
  • Camp and Hotel
  • Full Board
  • Unlimited
  • Unlimited
  • 1
  • 95

Overview

Embark on a captivating 5-day/4-night journey from Luxor to Cairo through Egypt’s Western Desert, guided by a private Egyptologist. Travel across the oases of Kharga, Dakhla, and Bahariya, exploring ancient temples like Qasr el-Zayan, Qasr Ghweita, Hibis, and Deir El-Hagar. Stroll through early Christian tombs at Bagawat, discover the historic village of Al-Qasr, and relax in natural hot springs. Experience the surreal beauty of the White Desert, the volcanic hills of the Black Desert, and visit highlights such as Crystal Mountain and Aqabat Valley. Spend nights under the stars in desert camps and conclude your adventure with a peaceful stay in Bahariya Oasis before arriving in Cairo.

Highlights

  • Discover the hidden oases of Aïn Dakhakhin and Ezbet Gaga, nestled in the desert hills.
  • Visit the ancient temples of Qasr el-Zayan and Qasr Ghweita, showcasing Egypt’s rich history.
  • Stroll through Kharga Oasis, exploring lush palm groves, farms, and traditional dovecotes.
  • Stop at scenic desert locations en route to Dakhla, including Teneda, English Mountain, and Balat.
  • Camp under the stars in the surreal landscape of the White Desert.

Itinerary

Pick Up
Your private Egyptologist will pick you up from your hotel reception/nile cruise in Luxor with a private driver and a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, please request breakfast boxes from your hotel reception the night before.

Transfer to Kharga Osais
The journey from Luxor to Kharga Osais covers approximately 240 km and takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. To ensure a smooth trip. Snacks and drinks will also be provided during the drive to keep you refreshed.

Exploring the Hidden Oasis of Barès
Our first stop is Barès, a secluded desert gem consisting of two small oases: Aïn Dakhakhin and Ezbet Gaga. Here, you’ll take a short walk through the lush greenery, discovering natural water sources hidden among the dunes. This peaceful oasis provides a glimpse into traditional desert life, where Bedouins have lived in harmony with nature for centuries.

Discovering Ancient Temples on the Way to Kharga
Continuing our journey, we will explore two remarkable ancient sites:
- Qasr el-Zayan – A well-preserved temple from the Roman period, dedicated to the god Amun. Its inscriptions and architectural details reveal the influence of Roman rule in the Western Desert.
- Qasr Ghweita – A hilltop fortress-temple from the 6th century BC, offering a commanding view of the surrounding desert. This temple was a crucial religious and defensive site in ancient times.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Arriving in Kharga Oasis, we will enjoy a delicious traditional Egyptian meal at a local restaurant, savoring fresh regional flavors prepared with organic ingredients from the oasis.

Walking Tour Through Kharga Oasis
After lunch, take a guided walk through the oasis to experience its unique rural charm. You will wander through lush palm groves, pass by traditional dovecotes, and observe farms and fields where locals cultivate dates, olives, and wheat. This immersive walk offers a deep connection to the natural beauty and daily life of the oasis.

Desert Camp at Gana & Hot Spring Experience
In the late afternoon, we will drive 30 km to reach the stunning desert location of Gana, where we will set up camp for the night. Here, you can unwind in a natural hot spring, enjoying the soothing waters known for their therapeutic benefits. As the sun sets over the golden dunes, the landscape transforms into a mesmerizing scene of colors and shadows—an unforgettable moment to capture.

Bedouin-Style Barbecue
Under the vast desert sky, savor an authentic Bedouin barbecue dinner featuring traditional grilled meats, fresh bread, and aromatic herbal tea. Gather around a campfire, listening to fascinating Bedouin stories while gazing at the star-filled night sky.

Overnight Camping in the Desert
Spend the night in a comfortable desert camp, fully embracing the peace and serenity of the Western Desert.

Sunrise Breakfast in the Desert
Wake up to the fresh desert air and the golden glow of sunrise over the dunes. Enjoy a hearty breakfast prepared by our camp team before setting off for another day of exploration.

Exploring the Temple of Hibis
Our first stop is the Temple of Hibis, the largest and best-preserved temple in the Western Desert, dating back to the 6th century BC. This temple, dedicated to Amun-Ra, features remarkable carvings and inscriptions depicting Egyptian gods, pharaohs, and religious rituals from the Persian period. Your Egyptologist guide will take you through its fascinating history, explaining its significance in ancient Egyptian and Persian rule.

Visit to the Necropolis of Bagawat
Next, we visit Bagawat, one of the oldest Christian cemeteries in the world. This necropolis contains over 260 tombs, with well-preserved frescoes and biblical scenes inside its chapels.
Highlights include:
- The Chapel of Exodus, illustrating the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt.
- The Chapel of Peace, adorned with beautiful early Christian paintings.
This site offers a rare glimpse into Egypt’s early Christian heritage and its blend of Pharaonic and Roman influences.

Exploring the Oasis’s Craft Center
Kharga is home to a thriving artisan community, and we will visit the Oasis’s Craft Center to see skilled locals creating handmade pottery, woven baskets, and embroidered textiles. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs directly from the artisans.

Relaxing in a Natural Hot Spring
Before lunch, we will take a break at another natural hot spring, allowing you to soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters one last time. This is the perfect way to unwind and refresh before the journey back to Luxor.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant
A delightful lunch at a local restaurant will be served, featuring regional specialties prepared with fresh, organic ingredients from the oasis.

Scenic Journey to Dakhla Oasis
Depart Kharga for the 180 km journey to Dakhla Oasis (approx. 3.5 hours). Along the way, we’ll stop at fascinating natural and cultural sites:
- Teneda – A quiet desert settlement surrounded by sweeping dunes and camel farms.
- English Mountain – An elevated viewpoint once used by British forces during WWI. Climb for panoramic views of the desert.
- Balat – A preserved old village with intricate mudbrick houses and narrow lanes reflecting medieval desert architecture.

Arrival in Mut – Heart of Dakhla Oasis
Reach Mut, the largest town of the Dakhla Oasis. Before lunch, take a dip in a natural hot spring, surrounded by date palms and warm mineral waters.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant in Mut
Dine on fresh local dishes at a restaurant in Mut, sampling handmade tagines, stuffed vegetables, and Dakhla’s famous date-based desserts.

Evening Bivouac in a Desert Cirque
We drive to a stunning dried-up wadi nestled in a mountain cirque near the natural lake of Qalamoun. Here we set up camp for the night, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and serene desert beauty.

Barbecue Dinner under the Stars
Enjoy a second night of Bedouin-style barbecue with music, storytelling, and another peaceful night under the Milky Way.

Overnight in the Desert Camp
Sleep soundly in your desert bivouac, wrapped in silence and nature’s grandeur.

Sunrise Breakfast in the Desert
Wake up to the cool desert air and enjoy breakfast at the foot of the mountains, surrounded by a natural amphitheater of rock formations. Savor hot drinks and freshly prepared fare while watching the sun rise over the golden landscape.

Visit to Qalamoun Village
Begin your morning with a stroll through Qalamoun, a quiet oasis village known for its traditional mudbrick architecture and artisanal craftsmanship. Explore narrow alleyways, palm groves, and quiet courtyards as you get a glimpse of life untouched by time.

Explore Al-Qasr – A Living Museum
Continue to Al-Qasr, a remarkably well-preserved Islamic-era town that once served as the capital of Dakhla Oasis. Walk along its cobbled alleys lined with ancient houses, wooden lintels inscribed with Quranic verses, and centuries-old mosques. This village is a living archive of medieval desert life.

Discover the Roman Ruins of Deir El-Hagar
Next, visit the Roman temple of Deir El-Hagar, standing quietly amid the dunes. Dedicated to the Theban Triad and built during the reign of the Roman emperors, the site boasts remarkably intact reliefs and sandstone columns etched with hieroglyphs and imperial iconography.

Hot Spring Stop
Take a last soak in a desert hot spring, letting the warmth of the mineral waters soothe your body after days of travel.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Delight in a hearty lunch at a local restaurant in Dakhla, where you’ll enjoy fresh ingredients and time-honored oasis recipes passed down through generations.

Transfer to the White Desert
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic drive from Dakhla to the White Desert (approximately 140 km, around 2.5 to 3 hours). This journey takes you deeper into the heart of Egypt’s vast Western Desert, passing dramatic rock formations and endless open landscapes.

Arrival in the White Desert
Upon arrival, explore a surreal terrain of chalk-white rock sculptures shaped by wind and time. From towering mushrooms and stone camels to abstract forms glowing in the setting sun, this otherworldly landscape offers endless photographic and spiritual inspiration.

Barbecue Dinner Under the Stars
As night falls over the ethereal landscape, settle in for a delicious barbecue dinner prepared Bedouin-style. Share stories around a campfire and enjoy the incredible silence of the desert beneath a canopy of stars.

Overnight Stay in a Bivouac
Spend the night under the stars in a comfortable desert bivouac, surrounded by the peaceful magic of the White Desert. Blanketed in serenity, it’s a moment of connection with the raw, natural beauty of Egypt’s most iconic desert wilderness.

Sunrise Breakfast in the Desert
Wake up to the cool desert air and enjoy breakfast at the foot of the mountains, surrounded by a natural amphitheater of rock formations. Savor hot drinks and freshly prepared fare while watching the sun rise over the golden landscape.

Transfer to Bahariya Oasis
Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Bahariya Oasis. Along the way, enjoy several stops for rest, photos, and taking in the stark beauty of the desert road.

Continue your journey toward Bahariya Oasis, a drive of about 80 km, with stops at:
- Aqabat Valley: A mesmerizing landscape of golden dunes and chalk formations sculpted by time, offering stunning panoramic views and incredible photo opportunities.
- Crystal Mountain: A dazzling geological formation where quartz crystals shimmer under the sunlight, creating a breathtaking natural display.

Lunch and Swimming at El Haize Oasis
Stop at El Haize Oasis, a peaceful retreat in the middle of the desert. Enjoy a delicious lunch in this serene setting, followed by a refreshing swim in the natural hot spring. The warm, mineral-rich waters provide a rejuvenating experience before continuing the adventure.

Exploration of the Black Desert
Upon arrival at Bahariya Oasis, switch to a 4x4 Jeep and head approximately 25 km south to the Black Desert. This stunning landscape, shaped by ancient volcanic activity, features striking black-tinted hills and dark sand, creating a dramatic and otherworldly environment. Take in the views and capture stunning photos of this natural wonder.

Hotel Check-In
Arrive at your hotel in Bahariya Oasis, check in, and take some time to relax and unwind after your journey.

Oasis Exploration
Take a gentle evening stroll through the Bahariya Oasis, visiting its bubbling springs, lush date palms, and quiet mudbrick villages. Discover the peaceful rhythm of oasis life and the charm of its traditional landscapes.

Climbing the Black Mountain (English Mountain)
As the sun begins to set, climb the Black Mountain, also called English Mountain, once used as a lookout post by British forces. Enjoy panoramic views of the oasis and desert stretching far into the horizon, bathed in golden light.

Dinner
End the day with a delightful dinner at your hotel, enjoying a selection of traditional Egyptian dishes.

Overnight Stay
Spend a peaceful night at your hotel in Bahariya Oasis, surrounded by the tranquil desert landscape, ensuring a restful sleep.

Breakfast
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Afterward, prepare for your journey to Cairo.

Transfer to Cairo
Bid farewell to the Bahariya Oasis as you embark on your journey to Cairo. Covering approximately 370 kilometers through the vast desert landscape, the drive takes around 4.5 to 5 hours.

Drop-off at Your Hotel
Upon arrival in Cairo, our driver will drop you off at your hotel or your preferred location.

Cost

What's included

  • Private transportation in a modern air-conditioned vehicle.
  • 4x4 Jeep for desert excursions.
  • Private professional Egyptologist guide.
  • Camping equipment for the White Desert, Kharga and Dakhla, including tents and sleeping bags.
  • Accommodation for 1 night in Bahariya Oasis hotel.
  • Entry/Admission - Kharga Osais.
  • Entry/Admission - Oasis of Barès.
  • Entry/Admission - Qasr el-Zayan.
  • Entry/Admission - Qasr Ghweita.
  • Entry/Admission - Temple of Hibis.
  • Entry/Admission - Necropolis of Bagawat.
  • Entry/Admission - Dakhla Osais.
  • Entry/Admission - Teneda.
  • Entry/Admission - English Mountain.
  • Entry/Admission - Balat.
  • Entry/Admission - Mut.
  • Entry/Admission - Qalamoun Village.
  • Entry/Admission - Al-Qasr.
  • Entry/Admission - Roman Ruins of Deir El-Hagar.
  • Entry/Admission - Black Desert.
  • Entry/Admission - El Haize Oasis.
  • Entry/Admission - Crystal Mountain.
  • Entry/Admission - Aqabat Valley.
  • Entry/Admission - White Desert.
  • Entry/Admission - Black Mountain.
  • Meals: 4 breakfast, 5 lunches, 4 dinner.
  • Soft Drinks.
  • Bottles Of Mineral Water.
  • All Taxes And Fees.

What's not included

  • Personal expenses.
  • Beverages and snacks not included in the meal plan.
  • Any additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

FAQs

What is included in the trip package?

The package covers private transportation from Luxor to Cairo via the Western Desert, all visits and entry fees as per the itinerary, guidance by a professional Egyptologist, 4 nights of accommodation (including one night in a desert camp in Dakhla, one bivouac night in the White Desert, one night in a fixed desert camp, and the last night in a hotel in Bahariya Oasis), daily meals, swimming in hot springs, and a traditional Bedouin barbecue under the stars.

What is the accommodation like in the desert?

You’ll experience different types of accommodations: a Bedouin-style desert camp in Dakhla, open-air camping in the White Desert with sleeping bags and mattresses provided, a fixed desert camp, and finally a hotel stay in Bahariya Oasis on the last night, offering added comfort before the return to Cairo.

What type of meals are provided?

The trip includes lunch on both days at a local restaurant, as well as a special Bedouin-style barbecue dinner at the camp. Meals feature a variety of Egyptian and desert-inspired dishes, with vegetarian options available upon request.

What should I pack for this trip?

It is recommended to bring comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket for the cooler desert evenings. A swimsuit is also recommended for bathing in the hot springs, along with a camera to capture the stunning landscapes.

How difficult is the walking involved in this trip?

The trip includes short walks through oasis landscapes, archaeological sites, and desert areas. The walks are generally easy to moderate, suitable for most travelers. If you have specific mobility concerns, please let us know in advance.

Can I bathe in the hot springs?

Yes! There will be opportunities to relax and bathe in natural hot springs during the trip, offering a soothing and rejuvenating experience.

Will there be opportunities to interact with locals?

Yes, throughout the journey, you will have the chance to meet local Bedouins and villagers, learning about their unique way of life, traditions, and crafts.

Will there be restroom facilities at the desert camp?

Yes, the desert camp provides basic restroom facilities to ensure a comfortable overnight stay.

Can this trip be customized?

Yes! We can tailor the itinerary based on your preferences, whether you want more cultural experiences, adventure activities, or a relaxed pace. Let us know what you need!

Any other question?

We’d love to hear from you. Fill in our inquiry form, email or call us and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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You can send your enquiry via the form below.

5-Day Kharga Oasis, Dakhla Oasis, Bahariya Oasis, Black Desert, and White Desert Trip
10% Off
From $850 $765
/ Adults
From $425
/ Children
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  • Free Cancellation
  • Professional Local Guide