Egypt Oases

As with all countries that have vast deserts and plains, you will always find an array of lush Oases, and Egypt is no exception. Ranging from areas such as Fayoum with its Lake Qaroun, Pyramids and Oasis, to Bahariya Oasis with the White and Black Deserts, Farafra Oasis, Dakhla Oasis, Kharga Oasis, historical Siwa Oasis and more. These places aren't just for relaxation and meditation, they also provide exciting sightseeing trips.This section also provides you with practical information when travelling through these regions including the Valley of El Heiz Western Desert in Egypt and about the amazing wonders of sand baths and swimming in the sulfur-rich waters of hot springs.

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El Fayoum Egypt

El Fayoum, located one hour south of Cairo, is considered one of Egypt's most peaceful places and one of the most greenish oases in Egypt's desert

Bahariya Oasis: Egypt's Hidden Desert Jewel

Bahariya is one of the more appealing of the desert circuit oasis, and it's also the easiest to access, being just 365 kilometers from Cairo.

Farafra Oasis

Farafra Oasis showcases the White Desert's dramatic chalk formations, therapeutic hot springs, and volcanic Black Desert. This remote Egyptian oasis, 627 km from Cairo, offers authentic Bedouin culture and stunning desert landscapes.

Dakhla Oasis

Dakhla Oasis spans 2,000 km² in Egypt's Western Desert, 350 km from the Nile. This UNESCO-listed site showcases Pharaonic heritage and traditional communities with 75,000 residents.

Kharga Oasis

Kharga Oasis, Egypt's largest desert oasis, spans 160 km west of the Nile. This UNESCO nominee features the Temple of Hibis and preserves ancient caravan route heritage as the most modernized western oasis with 87,482 residents.

Wadi Al Hitan

Wadi Al Hitan houses the world's largest whale graveyard with 1,000 fossils from 40 million years ago. This UNESCO site near Cairo features complete skeletons up to 21 meters long, revealing whale evolution.

Siwa Oasis

Siwa Oasis is a lush desert oasis below sea level, known for its natural springs, palm groves, ancient oracle, and preserved Berber culture.

Black Desert in Egypt

Egypt’s Black Desert is a striking natural wonder marked by black volcanic hills, basalt formations, and surreal landscapes shaped by ancient volcanic activity and millions of years of erosion.

White Desert Egypt

The White Desert is a protected natural area in Egypt near Farafra Oasis, known for its white limestone formations created by erosion over millions of years.

Crystal Mountain Egypt

Crystal Mountain Egypt is a breathtaking natural landmark located between Bahariya and Farafra oases in the White Desert. Known as the “Jewel of the Desert,” it features clusters of sparkling quartz crystals formed over millions of years, making it one of the rarest geological formations in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Find everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip.

1.Q: What is the best way to climb Mount Sinai and visit St. Catherine’s Monastery?

A: Most travelers start from Sharm El Sheikh in the evening to climb Mount Sinai overnight, either by the steep Steps of Penitence or the gentler El Bashait route. Reaching the summit at sunrise offers unforgettable views. After descending, visitors often tour St. Catherine’s Monastery, one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries, built on the site of the Biblical Burning Bush.

2.Q: What can visitors see inside St. Catherine’s Monastery?

A: Visitors can explore rare religious art, ancient icons, and one of the world’s most important manuscript collections inside St. Catherine’s Monastery. The highlight is the Chapel of the Burning Bush, next to the legendary Rubus Sanctus plant, believed to be where Moses encountered God.

3.Q: What makes St. Catherine’s National Park special?

A: St. Catherine’s National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to rare animals like the Sinai Rosefinch, Ibex, wolves, striped hyenas, and unique plants such as the Sinai primrose. Thoughtful conservation ensures visitors can explore this natural wonder without harming its delicate ecosystem.

4.Q: Where is Safaga on the Red Sea coast of Egypt and what makes it a relaxing tourist destination?

A: Safaga is 53 km south of Hurghada along the Red Sea coast. It is known for pristine beaches, calm waters, bungalows, resorts, and a peaceful environment.

5.Q: How should tourists plan their visits during Ramadan in Egypt?

A: Visit ancient and religious sites early in the day when it’s cooler, and explore museums and indoor attractions later in the day.

6.Q: What are the best family-friendly destinations and attractions in Egypt?

A: Cairo, Luxor, and Sharm El-Sheikh are ideal for families. Must-see attractions include the Pyramids of Giza, Karnak Temple, Nile felucca rides, the Alexandria Library, and the White Desert, offering history, adventure, and interactive experiences for children of all ages.

7.Is Egypt considered a safe destination?

You know a country is safe when you’re able to stroll its streets without a care in mind soaking in your surroundings and enjoying the local hospitality. Egypt has always been and still is one of the Safest Tourist Destinations in the world. In addition, the safety of our customers is a top priority in all our Egypt tours, Egypt Holiday’s pyramids and Nile Cruise, and every trip to Egypt we offer as Memphis Tours Egypt, a local service provider in the Travel Industry.

8.Why choose Memphis Tours Egypt?

Memphis Tours Egypt is a Local Travel operator that has been leading the Egyptian Travel market since 1955. We offer unique and diversified Egypt holidays pyramids and Nile cruise, Egypt Tours & other Egypt Packages. Moreover, we guarantee you an exceptional Egypt Travel Experience with Guided tours, amazing sightseeing, visits to some of the most captivating monuments of the ancient world and more modern times Such as the temples of Kom Ombo, the Aswan high dam and the Light and sound show at abu Simbel among others, exceptional accommodation & transportation from the start till the end of your trip to Egypt.

9.Do you provide a discount for private groups traveling with Memphis Tours Egypt?

Yes, Memphis Tours Egypt offers reduced rates for private Egypt Tours & Egypt holidays pyramids & Nile Cruise Trips for large groups. To get a discount rate, the group should consist of at least ten people, and the rate varies according to the type and the length of the trip. As for groups of at least fifteen people, you will be offered higher discount rates for your visit to Egypt.

10.How much should be the deposit & How can it be paid?

To make the booking process easier and less taxing for you we have updated our booking conditions. The downpayment needed to secure your spaces including Hotel rooms, cruise cabins, domestic flights & other travel-related services is Just 10% of your Egypt Tour Cost. The remaining balance can either be paid two days before your arrival date or To your Tour manager upon arrival at your destination because your Safety and well being is our top priority. As for payment methods all payment methods are available where it be Visa Card, Master Card or American Express Card.

11.Is there any additional fees if I paid using a debit or credit card?

The answer is definitely No, Memphis Tours Egypt does not add any further fees or surcharges for using credit or debit card transactions on any of our group, private, combined packages or day tours.

12.How can I acquire my Visa in order to Visit Egypt?

A Passport valid for a minimum period of 6 months is needed to start your trip to Egypt. However, for some nationalities, a one-month entry visa will suffice. The aforementioned nationalities are Canada, Australia, Croatia, Republic of Korea, European Union, Georgia, Ukraine, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Macedonia, Russian Federation, Serbia, United Kingdom and the United States.

13.What are the available means of transport in Egypt?

Egypt is filled with different means of transportation to help you get from point A to Point B. Without a doubt, the most abundant form of transportation is the white taxi. However, they do have a tendency to not use the Gps in calculating the distance or ask for an extra taxi Fair. A Better alternative when you visit Egypt is Uber and Kareem that provide transportation solutions with practically the same cost. Another way of moving Around in Egypt is underground transportation aka the Metro, an extremely accessible & popular option especially when the streets get busy.

14.Do Egyptians only speak Arabic?

Normally, the majority of Egyptians are aware & manage to utilize most of the basic terms and phrases needed for smooth communication. Yet the same can not be said about the English, French, Spanish, Italian and German languages. However many of our guides and other travel guides are becoming more proficient with the language making your tours & trips to Egypt that much easier.

15.Is it recommended to give tips in Egypt?

Service charges are included in the bill when dining in a restaurant. However, the bigger share of the revenue goes to the Restaurant and not the waiters. With the previous knowledge tipping as a practice is equal parts favourable and courteous to directly tip the servers with an extra 10 %. This could be travel advice.

16.Will I need to learn Arabic for my Egypt Visit?

It’s definitely useful to have a command over some basic phrases and terms of speech and Egypt is no exception. However, this is not a must but Expanding on your index of Arabic terms is definitely a great way to make your trip smoother.

17.Are there different categories of hotels available in Egypt? And what is the check-in-time system?

Egypt is Filled with Several Categories & Levels of accommodation to suit all of our Egypt Packages and desired Egypt travel experiences. Allowing you to spend a nice vacation in Egypt on your chosen packages. The usual check-in time is 12:00 PM - 13:00 PM however it is preferable to check by contacting the hotel itself.

18.Is it permitted to take pictures of the attractions in Egypt?

In Egypt, photography is allowed in the majority of attractions & museums. However, some places apply an extra charge for taking pictures while others prohibit the use of cameras entirely, such as the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Is it permitted to bring in cigarettes and alcohol when heading to Egypt? It is favourable to buy them upon arrival from the airport’s duty-free shops. There are many such shops selling a rich variety of cigarettes and alcohol in the airports of Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, El Gouna and Sharm El Sheikh. It is permitted to purchase up to 3 litres of alcohol and up to 200 cigarettes.

19.Is it permitted to bring in cigarettes and alcohol when heading to Egypt?

It is favourable to buy them upon arrival from the airport’s duty-free shops. There are many such shops selling a rich variety of cigarettes and alcohol in the airports of Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, El Gouna and Sharm El Sheikh. It is permitted to purchase up to 3 litres of alcohol and up to 200 cigarettes.

20.How should we dress in Egypt while visiting a mosque?

It’s very likely that you visit mosques on one of our tours to Egypt, the way to go here is a simple and more conservative outfit. In some mosques, women have to cover their hair, arms and legs as a gesture of respect to this holy place. Moreover, both genders are required to remove their footwear before entering the prayer area of the mosque.

21.Are there any health tips to consider before heading to Egypt?

The weather in Egypt tends to lean towards the hotter spectrum in extreme cases a sunburn or sunstroke is possible. However, a basic Sun protection kit of sunscreen, sunglasses & headwear on hand throughout your trip to Egypt is more than enough to make the best of your Egypt Holidays pyramids and Nile Cruise

22.at what time during the day are the attractions open in Egypt?

Generally, historical landmarks and museums in Egypt are open from 9 AM to 5 PM. The Pyramids of Giza and all the open-air landmarks open their gates from 8 AM until sunset. As well as, there are a few museums open for two shifts: a morning shift starting from 9 AM to 4 PM and an evening shift from 5 PM to 9 or 10 PM. It is notable that during Ramadan, these schedules change according to the circumstances of this holy month.

23. When is the Best time to visit Egypt?

Choosing the right time to visit the ever-charming land of the pharos can either make or break your Egypt Holidays pyramids and Nile Cruise Experience. Although describing the Suny & Clear weather of Egypt as heavenly would be an understatement, The Best time to visit Egypt would depend on what you want to do on your Trip. The best time to plan your trip to Egypt If you want to go on a Nile Cruise through Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu, and Simbel and Kom Ombo and others, would be between October & April with temperatures being just right and well within the manageable range to explore the Great archaeological sites such as the valley of the Kings . If you’re Looking for a coastal experience or the Red Sea then you should plan your trip to Egypt to be between June to September. For example, it’s around 84 degrees Fahrenheit in Hurghada and the sea temperature is around eighty degrees Fahrenheit, ideal temperatures for snorkelling & scuba diving. Despite being the Peak of Summertime in Egypt cities closer to the Coast tend to fare better than those more inland. Bearing in mind that it’s advisable to book in advance especially in July & August. As for those who love the serene calm of the Desert It’s definitely a good idea to avoid deserts in the summer with temperatures exceeding 140 degrees and plummeting to below freezing routinely in Siwa for example. The prime time to explore the deserts of the pharos would be either between February to April or September to November.

24.Are there any tips for women during their Egypt Tours & Egypt packages?

It is preferred to woman to wear comfortable modest outfits, especially in non-touristy places and generally avoid exaggerated tight clothing and to cover their shoulders and knees, and avoid opened front necklines. In the end your free to wear as you please but with consideration to Egypts local norms. It is important to bear in mind that the metro are divided into female and male carts with the first being better for female passengers in times of Rush-Hour.is recommended wearing comfortable and modest outfits, especially in non-touristy places. Women are entitled to avoid exaggerated tight clothing and to cover their shoulders and knees, and avoid too opened front necklines. Thus, travellers can wear whatever they want but in respect to the Egyptian culture. It is important to note that there is a separate car for women in the Metro, and it is preferable for women to use it, especially during rush hours.

25.How much should I pay as tips?

While Dining in a restaurant the norm is an average of 5 to 10% tip directly to the waiter. It is optional to give a few Egyptian pounds when carrying luggage or parking a car or to the person who is responsible for cleaning bathrooms, with a maximum limit of 5 Egyptian pounds. Tipping your designated tour guide and Driver is up to you but is highly appreciated in case of a Satisfactory experience. All in all, when giving a tip determining the amount is your decision to take

26.What are the best things to do during my trip to Egypt?

Egypt has a neverending supply of things to do, places to be & people to meet. If you are planning to visit Egypt. An essential pitstop in your Egypt Travel Experience has to be the capital and beating heart of Egypt, Cairo. In which, you will get to visit the wonders of the ancient world in the Great Pyramids of Giza, Cairo Citadel, Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo amongst others. Another must-see attraction is the Egyptian Museum. One of the essential parts of a true & authentic experience is the historical Al-Moez street. If you are seeking for an unforgettably relaxing yet value-packed vacation in Egypt, you will have to go on an exceptional cruise down the Nile. Pick and choose one of our Nile cruise boats and traverse the pristine, unspoiled waters of the Nile. Not only will you cruise the Nile surrounded by beauty, but you will also get to Explore the history of the Pharaohs making it one of the most enjoyable trips in Egypt. Another Unmissable part of our Egypt Tours is its Beaches, with a plethora of Coastal Cities and beach venues such as Sharm-el-sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab and many more.

27.What are the best places to visit in Egypt?

The beauty and secret behind Egypt’s solid and Continuing positive reputation as a great Tourist destination comes mainly from the diversity and multitude of things to do and places to see amongst other factors such as the warm Egyptian hospitality, great food amongst others. Answering a question like where the best places to visit in Egypt are will mainly be determined by what you want to get from your trip or the experience that your seeking. If you are looking for an adventure in the ancient world of the pharaohs and ancient ancestors of the Egyptians then your best bet is Visiting Citys such as Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Kom Ombo and Abu Simbel that host some of the key attractions such as The Great Egyptian Museum, Pyramids of Giza, ancient temples of Kom Ombo and Luxor among others. Another great alternative is a Nile Cruise onboard the Nile Cruiser of your choice that that usually includes all the aforementioned Locations. If you’re looking for a more coastal centric experience with picturesque beaches, clear sunny weather, and plenty of activities then including places such as Hurghada, Sharm El- Sheikh, Dahab, El- Gouna amongst others. All the previously mentioned are not just amazing places with equally amazing company but they are also Sought ought by divers from around the world for their rich aquatic life and multichromatic coral formations and species. Last but not least if your in for a Desert adventure through fields of Sands and a warm campfire under the Stargazzed sky then the Sina Pinesula and the Deserts of the Red Sea is the place to go

28.What are the most must see historical mosques in Cairo?

The alternative and mostly Locally known nickname of Cairo "the city of a thousand minarets" is due to it being home to a considerable Large amount of truly Remarkable and Historical mosques which are all accessible to tourists every day except Friday. Most Popular amongst the plethora of mosques in Egypt is that of Mohamed Ali in the Saladin Citadel which was constructed at the beginning of the 19th century, second, are the Sultan Hassan and El Azhar Mosque, the first built-in 1361 AD and the second built-in 970 AD after which it was restored and enlarged many times. The third is the first recorded mosque to be built in Africa, the mosque of Amr Ibn El Aas that was established in 640 AD, Last but Not least are the mosques of Ahmed Ibn Tulun and the mosque of Amr Ibn El Aas with the first being built 878 AD and the Second in 1013 AD Respectively.

29.will i need to learn Arabic in order to enjoy my visit to Egypt?

Many travellers enjoy their stay in Egypt without learning a single Arabic word or phrase. Nonetheless its never a bad idea to learn a couple of words and phrases from the native language of your destination, in this case, Arabic such as words expressing greetings or thanks. If you are planning to visit some places other than the popular tourist destinations, it is advisable to learn some Arabic phrases. If you are not able to do this though, don't worry, Generally, Egyptians are friendly and are happy to lend assistance and help you out at any time, especially to foreigners and tourists, language barrier and all.

30.Will I be able to exchange dollars, Euros, or other currencies in Egypt?

You will definitely be able to exchange the local currency of the Egyptian pound with dollars, euros, Sterlin pounds amongst others and vice versa. This exchange can be done through banks or exchange offices, both available and abundant in large numbers in Egypt. Moreover, many restaurants, bars and touristic shops accept dollars and euros for a near similar rate to the official exchange rate. It won't hurt anyhow to familiarize yourself with the exchange rate of your currency.

31.How common is the use of credit cards in Egypt?

Egypt is rapidly evolving and embracing the new era of technology and non-physical means of payment. Credit cards are widely used in several Shops, restaurants, cafes and the majority of the stores in the market. The previous statement applies to both non-touristic market places and more tourist ones such as Khan el Khalili and the Luxor tourist market amongst others. The most used Credit cards in Egypt are Visa, Master Card & American Express.

32.Is Egypt safe, considering the spread of the Corona virus ?

Yes. Egypt is safe and it hasn't registered any cases of infected people. One case of a foreign national was recently announced as the first case of Coronavirus in Egypt but results came negative. Egyptair has temporarily suspended all flights to China, and the Egyptian Government has adopted a prevention plan that covers all the measures, from detection to public awareness.

33.How many national parks are there in Egypt?

Egypt has over 30 protected areas, including several officially recognized national parks such as Ras Mohammed, Wadi El Gemal, and White Desert.

Discover More About Egypt

Explore unique stories, insider tips, and must-see spots to make the most of your visit.