Bahariya Oasis

Bahariya Oasis is a desert depression in Egypt's Western Desert where underground springs create green zones with palm groves and farmland. The main town of El Bawiti sits at the center, surrounded by smaller villages scattered across the depression.

This location served as a busy trade hub during ancient times and grew significantly during the Roman period. Tombs and burial grounds scattered across the depression show that many people settled and lived here in ancient centuries.

The Wahati people who inhabit this place have shaped local traditions visible in village life and daily practices. Their connection to the oasis appears in the way they manage water resources and organize their settlements within the landscape.

El Bawiti provides lodging and serves as a base for exploring the surrounding desert on foot or by vehicle. Visiting during cooler months makes the experience more comfortable since temperatures can become extreme during summer.

Archaeologists stumbled upon a major burial ground while searching for fossils in the 1990s, uncovering tombs filled with remains and burial goods. This discovery attracted international attention and reveals how much archaeological wealth still lies beneath the desert surface.

Location: Al Wāḩāt al Baḩrīyah

Location: Giza Governorate

Elevation above the sea: 141 m

GPS coordinates: 28.55000,29.01667

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:22