Kharga Oasis Egypt is the largest oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert and one of the most historically significant.
Known for its ancient temples, early Christian cemeteries, and peaceful desert surroundings, Kharga offers a unique blend of history, culture, and remote desert beauty.
Unlike the dramatic rock formations of the White Desert or the volcanic hills of the Black Desert, Kharga is known for its archaeological importance and wide open landscapes.
At Western Desert Travel, Kharga Oasis is often included in multi-day desert expeditions connecting Egypt’s major oases.
📍 Where Is Kharga Oasis Located?
Kharga Oasis is located in Egypt’s New Valley Governorate, approximately:
600 km south of Cairo
200 km south of Dakhla Oasis
Key facts:
Largest oasis in the Western Desert
Connected by highway to other oases
Surrounded by desert plateaus and sand dunes
Kharga is usually visited as part of a multi-oasis desert itinerary.
🔗 Explore nearby oases:
Dakhla Oasis Egypt →
Bahariya Oasis Egypt →








🏛️ Historical Attractions in Kharga Oasis
Kharga is famous for its ancient sites, including:
🏺 Temple of Hibis
Persian-era temple
One of the most important monuments in the Western Desert
⛪ Bagawat Necropolis
Early Christian cemetery
Unique mud-brick chapels with biblical paintings
🏛️ Qasr El-Zayan Temple
Roman temple in a remote desert setting
These landmarks make Kharga one of the most historically rich oases in Egypt.
🌊 Natural Features & Landscape
Kharga Oasis is surrounded by:
Vast desert plains
Isolated rock formations
Natural hot springs
Palm groves and agricultural land
The scenery is less dramatic than the White Desert, but it offers a peaceful and expansive desert atmosphere.
🏜️ Desert Safari & Exploration
Kharga can be combined with:
Dakhla Oasis
Farafra Oasis
White Desert National Park
Safari activities may include:
4×4 desert drives
Exploring remote temple sites
Visiting desert springs
Sunset photography
For more iconic rock formations, travelers often continue north toward the White Desert.
🏕️ Accommodation & Camping
Visitors to Kharga Oasis can stay in:
Local hotels
Guesthouses
Desert camps (as part of safari routes)
Most travelers use Kharga as a stop within longer Western Desert tours rather than a standalone destination.
⏳ How Long Should You Stay in Kharga Oasis?
Recommended duration:
1 night during a multi-oasis tour
2 nights for deeper exploration of historical sites
Due to travel distances, Kharga is rarely visited as a short trip from Cairo.








💰 Kharga Oasis Tours & Cost
Kharga is typically included in:
Multi-oasis expeditions
Western Desert heritage tours
Private custom itineraries
Tours usually include:
Transportation
Accommodation
Guides
Entry permits
Desert safari segments
👉 View all Western Desert tours
🛡️ Safety & Travel Tips
Before visiting Kharga Oasis:
Licensed guides are recommended
4×4 vehicles may be required for remote areas
Travel distances are long
Permits may apply
With Western Desert Travel, all logistics and safety measures are handled professionally.
🤔 Is Kharga Oasis Worth Visiting?
Yes — especially for travelers interested in:
Ancient temples and archaeology
Christian heritage sites
Less crowded desert destinations
Multi-oasis exploration
Kharga adds historical depth to any Western Desert itinerary.
FAQ – Kharga Oasis Egypt❓
Where is Kharga Oasis located?
Kharga Oasis is located in Egypt’s Western Desert in the New Valley Governorate.
What is Kharga Oasis famous for?
It is famous for the Temple of Hibis and the Bagawat Necropolis.
Can I visit Kharga Oasis from Cairo?
Yes, but it requires a long journey and is best included in multi-day tours.
Is Kharga Oasis part of Western Desert tours?
Yes, Kharga is often included in extended multi-oasis desert itineraries.
Western Desert Travel TripAdvisor reviews
We are proud to be trusted by travelers from the USA, UK, Europe, and expats living in Egypt.
Posted on Nicholas BVerified Unforgettable experience My wife and I went on a safari with Western Desert travel and it was an amazing experience. The White Desert was enchanting, Crystal Mountain was breathtaking, and the Black Desert was a unique experience. The guides were professional and helpful, and the meals were delicious and fresh. I highly recommend this company to lovers of adventure, nature, and relaxation. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!Posted on Gary SVerified Excellent service The White Desert tour with Western Desert travel Company was an unforgettable experience. Excellent organization and great service. Thank you!Posted on Susan PVerified An amazing adventure An amazing experience! The White Desert tour with Western Desert travel Company was beyond wonderful. The rest at the camp was relaxing, and the meals were delicious. The activities were fun, like sandboarding and camping under the stars. The guides were professional and very helpful. I highly recommend this tour to adventure and nature lovers! 🌟Posted on Fred AVerified A perfect adventure for us As soon as we left Cairo behind and entered the vast expanse of the Western Desert, it felt like stepping into another dimension. The landscape slowly transformed from the bustling cityscape into endless golden dunes, rugged rock formations, and an overwhelming sense of serenity. Our first stop was Bahariya Oasis, a lush haven in the middle of the arid desert, where palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, and natural hot springs promised relaxation after a long journey.Posted on Justin LVerified A great experience in the White Desert Mohamed is an exceptional tour guide, polite, knowledgeable, and fluent in English. He is calm, well-educated, and makes the experience truly enjoyable. Our trip with him was nothing short of extraordinary! We explored incredible locations, including the Black Desert, once an area of active volcanic craters millions of years ago, the Crystal Zone with its dazzling natural crystals, and the breathtaking White Desert, where wind and time have sculpted the rocks into fascinating animal-like formations such as a snake, fish tail, camel, chicken, and rabbit.The scenery was mesmerizing, but the experience was made even better by the delicious, freshly prepared food. Every moment of the journey was enjoyable, and we were so captivated by the magic of the place that we decided to extend our stay for another night. What was planned as a one-night trip turned into two, simply because we couldn’t get enough of the stunning desert landscape.For anyone seeking a truly unique and unforgettable adventure, I highly recommend this tour with Western Desert Travel!Posted on MakaylaVerified An authentic experience Our trip to the White and Black Deserts was nothing short of extraordinary! From the moment we set out, we were captivated by the breathtaking scenery—the golden dunes, the black volcanic hills, and the shimmering Crystal Mountain. But the true highlight was camping under a sky full of stars in the White Desert. The tranquility of the desert, combined with the warmth and hospitality of Mohamed and his team, made this experience unforgettable. The freshly prepared meals were delicious, and every detail of the trip was perfectly arranged. If you're looking for an adventure filled with beauty and serenity, this tour is an absolute must!Posted on Bethany FVerified Unforgettable trip in the desert Our camping trip in the White Desert was absolutely magical! From the moment we left Cairo, everything was smoothly organized—thanks to Mohamed and his incredible team. Driving through the Black Desert, marveling at Crystal Mountain, and feeling the golden dunes beneath our feet was breathtaking. But the real highlight was camping under the stars in the serene White Desert. The fresh dinner prepared by Mohamed’s team was beyond delicious, and the whole experience felt like a dream. Their hospitality, attention to detail, and passion for sharing this stunning landscape made this trip unforgettable We can't wait to return for a longer adventure!Posted on Amelie BVerified An incredible experience This was hands down the best tour we've ever taken! Mohamed, our guide, was friendly, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable. From the moment we set foot in the Black Desert to watching the sunset over the White Desert’s surreal rock formations, every second was awe-inspiring. The landscape looked like something out of a painting, with towering chalk formations shaped by nature over millions of years. We loved the peacefulness of the desert, the delicious food, and the warm hospitality. Initially, we planned for just one night, but we were so enchanted that we extended our stay! Highly recommended for nature lovers and adventure seekers.Posted on didiwadidiVerified I loved this trip This was a trip I had been looking forward to for a long time. Mohamed's advice was invaluable while I was planning the trip. Once underway it was clear that he knew the area very well. Mohamed arranged for local guides to meet us when visiting historical sites. The accommodation was clean and comfortable and the food was excellent. The highlight for me was camping in the white desert, definitely an experience not to be missed. I have no hesitation in recommending Western Desert Travel.Below are the details of my trip:Day : 9 june Travel from Alexandria to Wadi Al Hitan to see the whale fossils. In the late afternoon proceed to Bahariya Oasis. Overnight at Bahariya. Day : 10 juneAfter the breakfast • local safari tour: through the old centre of the oasis, the black mountains, the sand dunes, salt lake, the gardens, pyramid mountain It is the place where the second largest dinosaur in the world was discovered. At sunset we go to the mountain with the ruin called "The English house" It is where the English lived in World War than back to the hotel for the diner. • In the evening there is a possibility to visit the village and the shopsDay : 11 June • After the breakfast we start the safari tour to the White Desert • (about 180 km.) This tour is going off and on road, with 4x4 cars. We will stop and drive to all the special areas between Bahariya and the White Desert , like: • the black desert • the valley of El Haize with the nice, warm spring; here we can have lunch. • the crystal mountains • the valley of l'Agabat Visit the Petrified Watermelon Valley overnight in this place and make the camping and cook frish food for dinner and Bedouin tea on fairDay : 12 juneAfter the breakfast Go for adventures among the dunes lunch time at the ( magic spring ) It is an enchanted Roman water spring. When you approach it, the water flows, and when you move away from it, the water stops and you visit the Roman cemetery. And lunch time than drive to Visiting petrified trees and petrified coral reefs and• the White Desert • We will make the safari camp in the White desert and cook a fresh meal for dinner. Day : 13 June • After breakfast we drive A tour in the White Desert to see chalk rocks of different shapes, such as the Sphinx, horse, chicken, elephant, rabbit than drive to farafa Oasis to visit Badr Museum drive to Dakhla Oasis, after lunch, going to visit Deir Al Hagar, the tombs of Qarat al Muzawaqqa and Al Qasr. Overnight in Dakhla in the hotelDay :14 June after breakfast drive to Kharga Oasis, visit Necropolis of Al Baghawat, the Temple of Hibis, Deir al Munira. will then proceed to Luxor.Posted on PSVerified Fantastic Accompanied by an excellent, friendly, knowledgeable host and team. Travelling solo can be daunting in Egypt but they made me feel welcome and well looked after. The desert is just fantastic, and the camping experience very calming - all your problems go away. Muhammed is a great cook, very entertaining and thoughtful. The white desert is has an ethereal beauty, especially pretty at sunset. A must see
🌟 Final Thoughts
Kharga Oasis Egypt offers a unique combination of history, culture, and open desert landscapes.
For travelers exploring Egypt’s Western Desert beyond the famous White Desert, Kharga provides a deeper and more historical experience.
👉 Explore Western Desert tours
