The Dakhla Oasis is probably the most picturesque of all that Egypt has in its Western Desert. Both for its landscape of palm groves and crops among dunes and for the monuments that, although humble, still stand and allow us to understand what the typical architecture of the area is like. Therefore, including the Dakhla Oasis on your trip through Egypt can be a very wise idea, if you are eager to discover a natural habitat as different as it is fascinating. And to organize your trip, you can count on the help of Egipto Exclusivo. We will provide you with all the services you need to enjoy this experience comfortably and safely!
The Dakhla Oasis is one of the southernmost in Egypt. It is practically aligned with that of Kharga and with the city of Luxor , therefore, at a latitude of 25ºN, more or less. Of the large cities of the Nile Valley, the closest is precisely Luxor, about 400 km as the crow flies, which becomes just over 500 km by road. The distances that separate it from the other oases at hand are Farafra (300 km to the northwest) and Kharga (170 km to the east).
In reality, the Kharga Oasis is made up of several scattered and small towns. The inhabitants of all the settlements add up to approximately 90,000 inhabitants. It is worth mentioning, among others, El Qsar, Balat, Bashandi, Mut (the largest) and El-Rashda. Its lake, by the way, is located between these last two.
The attractions of the Dakhla Oasis are spread throughout its different settlements, each with a different character. Therefore, below we organize them in that way.
Located in the northern area of the Dakhla Oasis, some corners seem to have stopped in time. Specifically, in medieval times, as some structures date back to the 10th century. The minaret of an adobe mosque, which was built in the 12th century, stands out from the hamlet. Another interesting detail of the popular architecture of El Qsar are the wooden lintels that can be seen in some low houses, where a verse from the Koran is carved.
In the outskirts of Al Qsar there is also a necropolis from the Greco-Roman era. Only some tombs are open to visitors, in which their decoration or mural attracts attention, but above all, their spaces full of mummies. A shocking image that, in reality, allows us to imagine what the funerary rites of Antiquity were truly like, with tombs in which several deceased were deposited at the same time.
From the same era is probably the most interesting temple in the entire Dakhla Oasis: that of Deir A-Haggar, dedicated to the gods Amun-Ra, Mut and Jonsu. Its construction dates back to the time of Nero and on its walls there are references to several Roman emperors. It was unearthed and restored throughout the 20th century.
Small town with a picturesque center, also with medieval reminiscences. And again, the most emblematic construction is its mosque. It has an ethnographic museum about the customs in the Dakhla Oasis and traditional constructions such as a madrasa in which stone blocks from the Pharaonic era are observed. However, in recent years the oldest buildings have been abandoned in favor of more recent and comfortable ones.
In a similar situation is the town of El Bashandi, located on a detour at the exit of Balat. On the outskirts of El Bashandi there are, in addition, several archaeological sites from the Pharaonic era: the Kitines Tomb and the Tombs of Qila El Daba. In the latter, with mastabas from the Old Kingdom, the one of Khentika, governor in the times of Pepi II, stands out. Its internal structure has been completely exposed, as a grandstand. Mural paintings are still preserved in its interior chambers.
Mut is the largest town in the Dakhla Oasis and, although it does not have monuments worthy of mention, it does have some hot spring ponds about 3 km from the urban area. Its name: Mut Talata. They are not the only springs linked to the Dakhla Oasis. In fact, others can also be cited in the area, such as Bir Gebel .
On the outskirts of Ismant, in addition, there is another interesting archaeological site called Kellis, which was a small town from the Greco-Roman era to the Byzantine era. In fact, remains of a temple in honor of the Egyptian god Tutu have been found, but also several Christian churches.
The Dakhla Oasis is one of the most remote and isolated in Egypt. And this can be interpreted as an advantage that has preserved its uniqueness. But also as a drawback in terms of how to get there. Although you may see references to the Dakhla airport, located south of Mut, this humble infrastructure is in practice a runway and take-off with basic technical spaces, which does not schedule regular flights and is often not operational.
You will not find a train service for travelers either, and the bus is not a viable option: the public taxi or minibus services are used only by local citizens, with a dynamic of frequencies and stops that only they dominate correctly.
Therefore, the truly recommended option for tourists is that of a private vehicle with a driver. Our agency can get one at your service , with the schedule and availability you need. If you are planning to visit the Dakhla Oasis, you should consider the option of the circuit through the oases of the Western Desert, since its remoteness makes a visit as a day trip unfeasible… unless it is done from another nearby oasis, such as Kharga.
This is a list of distances and times that will help you get an idea:
Therefore, the private car with driver is not only a comfortable option, but also almost mandatory to avoid mishaps and losses in the Dakhla Oasis. Check out what this service consists of and let yourself be carried away by an agency with enormous experience in trips to the oases of the country!
