Desert Tours

Tours of the oasis and surrounding desert are not as numerous as in Farafra or Bahariya, though most hotels and tourist restaurants offer packages. The most popular package is a tour of Dakhla’s medieval Islamic villages, but you can also visit the escarpment and various dune belts. Travel farther afield to places such as the Gilf Kebir or Jebel ‘Uwaynat must be arranged well in advance through tour operators in Cairo.

Oasis tours are usually divided into half-day sections: one for sights in the east of the oasis, and another for sights in the west. A typical eastern tour will include Asmant al-Khorab, Balat, Bashendi, and the rock art near Teneida; while western tours usually incorporate Qalamoun, Muzawaka Tombs, Deir al-Hagar, Al-Qasr, and a short trip to a dune field. Either way, the current going price is about £E150 to £E250 per car, or £E300 to £E400 to combine both trips. Off-road adventures can be arranged through hotels and restaurants, or by visiting the tourist office. Police permission is required for all overnight trips from Dakhla, and rarely given, though many outfitters operate on the sly.

Tour Operators

Dohous Bedouin Camp. This company specializes in camel treks and can have you viewing the sunset from the top of a dune for about £E80 per person. Haj Saleh, a human GPS, often guides longer expeditions. , 7 km (4½ mi) north of Mut, El-Dohous Village, 092/785–0480; 010/622–1359; www.dakhlabedouins.com.