Set in a depression covering over 2000 sq. km., Bahareya Oasis is surrounded by black hills made up of ferruginous quartzite and dolerite. Most of the villages and cultivated land can be viewed from the top of the 50-meter high Jebel Al-Mi'ysrah (the English Mountain). In addition to the massive dunes of the region, Bahareya Oasis is famed for being the home of the Golden Mummies.

Being the closest oasis to Cairo, Bahareya gives you the opportunity to explore archeological sites from the Pharaonic, Roman, and Christian periods, and experience the magic the desert offers.

The oasis was a major agricultural center during the Pharaonic era, and has been famous for its wine as far back as the Middle Kingdom. There are a number of hot and cold springs in the area, and wildlife is plentiful.
Bawiti, the modern capital, is the largest village of the oasis. Its picturesque hillside quarter overlooks lush palm groves irrigated by Ain Al Bishmo, a natural rock hewn spring dating back to Roman times.
The neighboring village of El Qasr was built on the remains of a 26th dynasty temple. Nearby at Qaret Helwah, you can still see tombs with paintings dating back to the same period.

Recently the town has been receiving considerable press coverage due to the find of possibly the largest necropolis of mummies from the Greco- Roman era.

 

 

 

 

Qasr El Bawity ecolodge is set in the middle of a lush palm grove in the heart of El Bawity, the modern capital of Bahareya Oasis. Built and decorated in the traditional style of the oasis, the lodge proudly offers you 24 rooms and four suites, that are large, comfortable, and simply but elegantly furnished.Eco-friendly construction techniques of ancient Egypt were revived specifically for the building of the lodge. Each stone was handpicked from nearby mountains, and neither metal nor concrete was used in the construction. To maintain historically accurate architecture and design, only materials and craftspeople indigenous to the oasis were employed in the construction.

 

 

Qasr El Bawity?s close proximity to the Black Desert, White Desert, and archeological sites of the area, provides you with easy access to enjoy a wide range of activities and excursions. Explore on your own, or take advantage of some of the professionally guided tours offered through the lodge. After your fun-filled day of exploration and discovery, enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters of our spring-fed swimming pool, or enjoy a relaxing night swim under the stars in our on-site hot spring. The lodge?s traditional Bedouin and Egyptian cuisines, served in the adjoining restaurant El Qasr, is a gastronomical delight you?re sure to enjoy.The restaurant is particularly regarded for its soups and tagins. Qasr El Bawity ecolodge fuses elements of comfort and elegance, and the warmth of its interior is balanced harmoniously with its mountain-like exterior, enabling you to enjoy a blend of luxury and tradition in a way that pays tribute to the natural beauty of the region.
Built and decorated in the traditional style of the oasis, the lodge proudly offers you 24 large rooms and 4 suites. All rooms are large, comfortable, simply and elegantly furnished, and include private bathrooms.

 

 

The Rooms:

To further ensure your comfort, all rooms are built with walls made of natural rock over half a meter thick. This eco-friendly design keeps the rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer.Being located on top of a tall hill, all of the terraces have spectacular views of the lush palm groves and surrounding mountains.