Egypt tour, Cairo to Dakhla Oasis to Luxor

This trip links the bustling city of Cairo with one of the most remote oasis of Egypt, called Dakhla before reaching Luxor in Upper Egypt. During these 1400km you will pass through the most scenic and bizzare sites of the Western Desert. Dakhla is the farthest oasis out of Cairo and is considered one of Egypt's most beautiful oasis. It is surrounded by pink cliffs and most of its residents are farmers with fields and gardens filled with mulberry trees, date palms, figs, apricots and citrus fruits.

The area has retained most of its culture and charm, and research has found that the Oasis has been inhabited since prehistoric times. There was once a huge lake here and there are Neolithic rock paintings that indicate that it was frequented by elephants, buffaloes and ostriches. The capital, Mut, named after the ancient goddess of the Theban Triad, houses the Museum of the Inheritance, a traditional house, with an intricate wooden combination lock.

All our trips are tailor made and can be adjusted to your special needs. You will be guided through this fascinating landscape and introduced to a 12th century mosque and traditional crafts. You can choose to venture into the desert on a camel, hike in this beautiful area, hire a mountain bike or swim in a mineral pool. Below are two sample itineraries.

See our Dakhla Oasis desert accommodation

Day 1:	Oasis of Bahariya, Crystal Mountains & White Desert. After leaving the capital by Toyota Landcruiser, you soon reach some remnants of petrified wood. Shortly after the Oasis of Bahariya we pass the Black Desert with its volcanic origin and reach the crystal mountains – a region which originates from a broken up cave system. Everywhere you see crystals made of calcite. Some of them are shining in the sun, most of them are sandblown. This area is extremely delicate and our drivers pay a lot of attention not to damage it. Soon after Agabat the famous white desert starts. First only a few rock formations are white but shortly after – in the New White desert - you walk in the midst of bizarre eroded limestone. Your fantasy will carry you away – here a bird, a mushroom or a lionhead, there some dwarfs, elves or giants. Our crew will cook a delicious dinner in front of you and the camp fire warms you before you crawl tinto the tent put up under the sparkling stars.
Day 2:	Beautiful hike & Dakhla Oasis. Hike in this beautiful area while the drivers put everything back to their cars. You will be amazed what you will see on the ground. Black Pyrites, Goethites, Markasites and different kind of shells dating back from millions of years and witnessing that this region once was covered by sea. Soon after we will leave this beautiful region and head south, passing the oasis of Farafra. Early evening arrival at Desert Lodge, the Ecolodge in Al Qasr, Dakhla Oasis.
Day 3-5:	Mudbrick village visit; hike, bike, swim & camel ride. During the next 3 days you can visit by foot the mudbrick village, which is under the protection of Heritage and enjoy a guided tour through the labyrinth of alleys. The ayyubi Mosque, dating back as far as the 12th century, the traditional pottery and smithy and the courthouse as well as the ancient oil press and wheat mill will be visited. You can also hike to the close Yardangs (Mudpans) behind the lodge, towards the mountains, stroll through a lush Oasis garden, rent some Mountain bikes, swim in the Hot Mineral Pool or ride a camel. All of this you can organise, once you are in this peaceful place.
Day 6:	Bagawat & desert drive to Luxor. Early morning departure by private taxi to the East. After about 2 hours you reach the capital of the New Valley, called Kharga. Here you visit the early Christian Necropole of Bagawat and then continue through the desert to Luxor. Arrival in Luxor early evening. The drivers will bring you to your booked hotel. End of Services.

Day 1:	Luxor to desert eco-hotel. Transfer by private taxi from Luxor to our desert lodge. Soon after you leave the lush green Nile Valley, you climb up to a plateau where the endless desert starts. After about 4 hours of driving you reach the capital of the New Valley, called Kharga. Another 2 hours through emptiness and you arrive in the ecologically run hotel.
Day 2-4:	Mudbrick village visit; hike, bike, swim & camel ride. During the next 3 days you can visit by foot the mudbrick village, which is under the protection of Heritage and enjoy a guided tour through the labyrinth of alleys. The ayyubi Mosque, dating back as far as the 12th century, the traditional pottery and smithy and the courthouse as well as the ancient oil press and wheat mill will be visited. You can also hike to the close Yardangs (Mudpans) behind the Lodge, towards the mountains, stroll through a lush Oasis garden, rent some Mountain bikes, swim in the Hot Mineral Pool or ride a camel. All of this you can organise, once you are in this peaceful place.
Day 5:	Bagawat & back to Luxor. Early morning departure by private taxi back to the Nile Valley. On the way you visit the early Christian Necropole of Bagawat and then continue to Luxor. Arrival in Luxor early evening. The drivers will bring you to your booked hotel. End of services.