Egypt's oasis are still the most varied in the world, each with a distinguished character of its own. Wherever you stay, enjoy the tranquility of the Bedouin life-style, the date groves and pigeon towers.

Egypt is very much desert, and the number of oases are smaller than many might imagine. There are 8 oasis communities interesting to a traveler, plus a handful of places where people do little but work and long for the day when they can return to their home town.
Getting to the oases is straightforward these days: There are good roads and plenty of  transportation. Egyptian oases correspond fairly with the Hollywood/Disney-like image of an oasis, where sand dunes suddenly turn into lush palm groves with a fresh-water pond in the middle. Some of the oases have blurred borders, where the gardens and settlements in the outskirts are poor and ugly. Other oasis begin almost suddenly after you climb down into the bowl where water is naturally pumped up from the ground, and agriculture is possible.

Al-Dakhla. Al-Dakhla is the best to visit because it offers the best preserved architecture of all of Egypts' oases. In some villages, people still live almost like the way their ancestors did. Also there is a selection of fine oasis gardens, and a pharaonic temple makes you realize how deep the history of the oases really is. Located 200 km west of Al-Kharga, dominated on its northern horizon by a wall of rose-colored rock. Fertile cultivated areas are dotted between sand dunes along the roads from Farafra and Kharga in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Its capital Mut is an ancient city that dates back to the Pharaonic period. A rich oasis which houses Pharaonic, Greco-Roman and Islamic monuments, as well as natural springs and wells.

Siwa. Siwa ranks high because of charm, beautiful oasis gardens, bathing possibilities and pharaonic temples too. What Siwa lacks is well-preserved traditional quarters. One of the most fascinating oases on the edge of the Great Sand Sea. Its rich history includes the visit of Alexandar the Great to the Prophecy Temple of God Amun in 331 BC. Siwans have their own culture and customs and they speak a Berber language "Siwi" rather than Arabic. It remains one of the best places to buy jewelry, rugs, baskets, traditional robes and head dresses decorated with antique coins. A beautiful view of the whole oasis can be seen after climbing through the ruins of its old city.

Fayoum. Fayoum ranks high because of the fabulous oasis gardens, the surreal lake and the many pharaonic monuments. The drawback, is that it really doesn't feel like an oasis, travelling from the Nile or Cairo, you will not pass through any desert. Its name was originated from the ancient Egyptian name Payoum which meant "the Sea", a reference to the large inland Lake Qaroun. It is a depression in the western desert 103 km south west of Cairo. It is famous for its water wheels which were introduced by the Ptolemies in the 3rd century BC. There are many Pharaonic sites in the area as it was the cult center of the Crocodile God Sobek in ancient times. The diversity of its nature and serene beauty, waterfalls and springs make it a perfect place for fishing, hunting and bird watching.

Farafra. Although no oasis offers as limited number of sights as Farafra, it is highly recommended because of charm, great bathing possibilities. The gardens are nice and there are some remaining traditional houses too. Located between Baharia and Dakhla and known as Ta-Iht the Land of the Cow in ancient history. It is an isolated village of which the oldest part lies on a hillside. It houses Roman buildings and its museum exhibits, paintings and ceramics by local artists and sculptures made of materials available in the desert. Beautiful hand-knitted camel hair sweaters, socks and scarves are also local products.

Paris. Few venture out here, but Paris is interesting. There are some traditional quarters, inhabited both by goats and humans, and fine gardens.

Al-Kharga. Used to be the last but one stop on the Forty Day Road, the infamous slave-trade route between North Africa and the tropical south. One of its major sites is the Temple of Hibis, built on the site of a Saite, Persian and Ptolemaic settlement. One of the few Persian monuments in Egypt (6th century BC). The Necropolis of Al-Bagawat houses 263 mud-brick tombs with Coptic murals including the remains of one of the oldest churches in Egypt. Thermal springs to the south, are famous for water temperatures up to 43 degrees reputed to be good for the treatment of rheumatism and allergies.

Qara. It is the smallest of all inhabited oases, and also the least touched by modern times.

Bahariya. Bahariya offers the least attractive village of all the oases, and the oasis gardens are not among the fines. But hotels are good, it is easy to reach from Cairo (you will pass through much desert) and it is the best starting point for

the Black and White deserts. Located 365 km south west of Giza. Intertwined trees provide attractive scenery contrasted by massive sand dunes. It is rich in wildlife of migrant birds and deer. This oasis is also famous for its 398 mineral springs. It also has many archaeological sites which belong to the 26th dynasty including Alexander the Great Temple and also the largest Necropolis dedicated to the Ibis bird as well as ancient churches and palaces. "The Valley of the Golden Mummies" has been recently discovered in a Roman Necropolis.

The White Desert

A spot which no visitor to the New Valley should miss. Coming from Bahariya, you will cross the Black Desert passing by Roman ruins and an old Coptic church with graffiti. Baharia and Frafra are separated by huge golden sand dunes which make a stunning backdrop to the journey. Once you enter the White Desert you meet a unique landscape of surreal wind-eroded rock formations which is particularly fascinating at sunrise and sunset.