Bahariya

This small oasis is historically significant as a stopover for caravans traveling between the Nile Valley and the rest of North Africa. Since pharaonic times, the arrival of merchants and their heavily laden camels was a major event in Bahariya; for many centuries, pilgrims on their way to Mecca would join traders on the trans-desert trek and enjoy an enthusiastic welcome from the Bahariyan faithful. Nowadays, when tourism is up, it’s caravans of rip-roaring European adventurers gallivanting through the oasis in Land Rovers that cause the intense noise pollution in Bahariya. Because of its relative proximity to Cairo, Bahariya attracts many foreign visitors who crave a couple days of desert but no more.

Bahariya’s ancient ruins are scanty and largely inaccessible, and Bawiti, the main village, is unappealing. However, nearby gardens and springs and the desert compensate. The town offers conveniences including several food stores, a market, two or three coffee shops, and a gas station. Thus, if you’re headed to Farafra, this is a great spot to refuel both body and auto.