Preparing Your Trip

Visa

Non-Egyptian visitors arriving in Egypt are required to be in possession of a valid passport (at least 6 months from the date of entry). Entry visas may be obtained from Egyptian Diplomatic and Consular Missions Abroad or from the Entry Visa Department at the Travel Documents, Immigration and Nationality Administration (TDINA). It is, however, possible for most tourists and visitors to obtain an entry visa at any of the Major Ports of Entry. Please check with your nearest Egyptian Consular mission for more details concerning visa regulations applying to your citizenship. 

Luggage

Please pack a big bag (not a suitcase) as it will be carried on the roof rack and you cannot reach it until evening. Therefore, a small backpack is essential to carry your personal belongings (e.g. water, camera, sun block etc.).

Climate

From November to March, average daily highs are 20-25°C/68-77°F, but nights are very chilly (average lows 5-10°C/41-50°F) or even cold (-5°C/23°F). March through October is way hotter (highs 25-38°C/77-100°F, lows 15-20°C/15-68°F).

	Absolute Maximum (°C)	Absolute Minimum (°C)	Average Maximum (°C)	Average Minimum (°C)	Average Precipitation (mm)	Average Sunshine (h)
January	30.0	-4.7	19.3	5.6	2	7.5
February	35.1	-3.0	21.5	7.1	1	8.7
March	41.6	-0.2	24.5	10.1	2	8.8
April	44.9	3.8	29.9	13.7	1	9.6
May	48.0	7.5	34.0	17.8	<1	10.3
June	49.0	11.3	37.5	20.4	0	11.3
July	47.7	13.7	37.5	21.7	0	11.4
August	47.0	15.1	37.0	21.4	0	11.7
September	44.0	11.2	34.6	19.5	<1	10.5
October	41.9	6.4	30.5	15.5	<1	9.5
November	41.0	0.8	25.0	10.2	2	8.9
December	31.0	-2.5	20.5	6.5	1	8.2

For Bahariya's current weather conditions please see www.wunderground.com.

Water

In desert, water is the most precious good – that’s why it has to be rationed for toilette (see Personal Hygiene). However, you will not miss water for drink.

Sleeping

We provide sleeping bags, however, for hygienic reasons most guests prefer bringing their own. In this case, be aware of low temperatures from November through March (see Climate). Camel-hair blankets are provided.

Clothing and Shoes

During the days loose fitting, light cotton T-shirts/tops and shorts are best suited. Since nights can be quite chilly (see Climate), don’t forget to bring long trousers and a pullover as well (it is recommended to bring a scarf and wind jacket, too). Especially from November through March you are well advised to bring warm ski underwear and socks.

For the excursions, take shoes which are already made with your feet. Use them before departure if they are new (beware of the bulbs!). If you are planning a hiking tour, choose hiking shoes with thick but flexible soles and rising shaft, in fabric or Gore-Tex. For our 4 x 4 tours, a comfortable pair of tennis shoes with a thick sole is sufficient. Think of carrying another pair to relax during the bivouac such as jogging shoes or sandals. At the bivouac, it is also very pleasant to go barefoot…

Personal Hygiene

Since water has to be rationed (see Water), personal hygiene has to be reduced to a minimum – but don’t worry thanks to the dry climate you won’t sweat at all. Nonetheless you are advised to bring wet tissues, a deodorant, tooth paste and a tooth brush. And bring a towel and a swimming suit/trunks – you might happen to pass by a sparkling well.

Pharmacy

You are supposed to bring: your prescription medicine, headache tablets (in case of a sunstroke), sterile bandages, some antiseptic, diarrhea tablets, and oral rehydration solution.

Vaccination

There is no special vaccination needed – nonetheless it is recommended to see your physician and your dentist before departure.

Miscellaneous

• In order to protect yourself from sun, bring enough sun blocker (high protection factor), lip balm, a hat/cap and sunglasses.
• During the night you’ll feel more comfortable if you carry a flashlight or a headlamp (a miner’s lamp) with you.
• If you drink and/or smoke bring alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, lighters and a pocket ashtray.
• And last but not least: Don’t forget your camera (with spare batteries and car charger adapter)!

You can download these preparative advices as a pdf-file [224 KB].