Plizio Visual Lab

Baris Oasis

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Baris Oasis is located in the southern part of the Kharga depression in Egypt's Western Desert, about 90 kilometers south of the city of Kharga. It is a historically significant settlement that served in antiquity as a vital outpost along the Darb al-Arba'in (Forty Days' Road) caravan route. One of the region's most prominent landmarks is the Roman Temple of Dush, dedicated to the god Serapis, which dates back to the 1st century AD. In modern times, Baris gained international recognition for the 'New Baris' project, designed in the 1960s by the renowned Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy. His goal was to establish a sustainable settlement using local mud-brick materials and passive cooling systems, although the project was never fully completed. Today, the oasis remains a center for desert agriculture, where crops such as grains and vegetables are cultivated despite the harsh climatic conditions of the Sahara.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	13	16	20	25	29	32	33	33	30	26	20	15
Rain mm	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

This incredibly remote oasis deep within the Egyptian Western Desert is typically accessed only by employing rugged 4x4 vehicles over long, arduous desert tracks. Driving from the major Nile Valley cities requires extensive logistical preparation and reliable transport.

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Best season

The cooler winter months stretching from November to March are universally considered the safest and most comfortable time to visit. During the peak summer, the desert temperatures soar to extreme levels, making outdoor exploration dangerously exhausting.

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Terrain & paths

The environment surrounding the small lake consists almost entirely of vast, shifting sand dunes and barren, rocky desert plains. Walking near the water's edge means navigating soft sand or hard-packed dirt, completely devoid of any formal trails or pathways.

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What to bring

Lightweight, breathable clothing that fully covers the body is absolutely critical to protect against the relentless, intense solar radiation. Travelers must also carry exceptionally large supplies of drinking water, high-quality sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed sun hat.

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Parking

As expected in such a desolate environment, there are zero formalized or paved parking facilities available near the oasis. Drivers generally just park their off-road vehicles on sections of hard-packed sand, exercising extreme caution to avoid getting stuck in soft dunes.

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Safety

The primary safety hazards are the extreme desert heat and the absolute isolation from any modern medical or rescue services. Venturing into this vast desert environment should never be attempted without a highly experienced local guide and massive reserve supplies.

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Time needed

After enduring the long, multi-hour journey, visitors generally spend at least a half-day to a full day resting by the water and enjoying the stark scenery. The excursion is very frequently combined with an overnight desert camping experience before the long drive back.