El Bawiti is the main town of Bahariya Oasis, about 370 km southwest of Cairo. Almost every trip to the Black and White Desert starts here, so most travelers pass through it. But the town deserves more than a quick lunch stop. It has old tombs, a small museum with famous mummies, palm gardens and natural hot springs.
This guide covers the best things to do in El Bawiti and how to fit them into your desert trip.
Where is El Bawiti?
El Bawiti sits in the north of Bahariya Oasis, in Egypt’s Western Desert. The drive from Cairo takes about four to five hours on a paved road. From the town, the Black Desert is about 30–45 minutes away, and the White Desert National Park is about two hours further south.
Things to do in El Bawiti
1. See the Golden Mummies
In 1996, a huge cemetery from the Greco-Roman period was found near the oasis. Archaeologists later called it the Valley of the Golden Mummies. Some of these mummies, with their gilded masks, are shown in a small museum in the center of El Bawiti. It is a short visit, but a special one. Read more in our story of the Golden Mummies of Bahariya.
2. Visit the ancient tombs
Under the town lie decorated tombs from the 26th Dynasty, such as the tombs of Banentiu and Zed-Amun-ef-ankh. Their wall paintings are colorful and well kept. The site of Qarat Qasr Salim is right inside the town.
3. Climb Gebel El Ingleez (Black Mountain)
This black hill outside the town got its name from a British lookout post built during World War I. The climb is short and the view over the oasis and the desert is wide, especially at sunset.
4. Relax in a hot spring
Bahariya has many springs. Some are hot, some are warm and some are cool. Bir El Ghaba and Bir Sigam are popular with travelers, and many tours stop at a spring after a long day in the desert. See our guide to the hot springs of Bahariya.
5. Walk in the palm gardens
El Bawiti is surrounded by date palms and olive trees. A slow walk in the gardens, a cup of tea with a local family or a visit to the market gives you a real feel for oasis life.
How long should you stay?
Half a day is enough to see the main sights. If you are camping in the White Desert, the best plan is to spend the morning in El Bawiti and drive south in the afternoon to reach camp before sunset.
Plan your trip
Our Cairo to White Desert overnight tour and our 3-day trip with one night in the oasis both include time in Bahariya. You can also see all our desert tours, or message us on WhatsApp and we will help you choose.
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