Al Tarfa Desert Sanctuary

Top choice in Western Desert


Taking the high end to unheard-of heights in Dakhla, Al Tarfa is flat-out desert-fabulous. The traditionally inspired decor is superbly tasteful and impeccably rendered, down to the smallest detail – from the embroidered bedspreads that look like museum-quality pieces to the mud-plastered walls that don’t show a single crack. Private transfers to the hotel's isolated site, north of Al Qasr, can be arranged.

Even the golden dunes that flow behind the resort seem like they’ve been landscaped to undulating perfection. Each suite is unique, the pool is like a liquid sapphire and the spa features massage therapists brought in from Thailand.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Western Desert attractions

1. Ethnographic Museum

0.7 MILES

Occupying Sherif Ahmed’s house, which itself dates back to 1785, the museum’s everyday objects try to give life to the empty buildings around them.

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These tombs were rediscovered by the Egyptian archaeologist Ahmed Fakri in 1971 and some have since been restored, including the tomb of Oziri (Petosiris)…

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5. Ethnographic Museum

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These days Dakhla’s wonderful museum is only opened on request: ask at the tourist office (or call) and Omar Ahmad will arrange a time for your visit with…

6. Old Town of Mut

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