About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, everyone goes to Giza to stand in a queue for a photo that looks like everyone else’s. But if you want to understand why Egypt’s occupancy rates in the hinterlands are finally spiking, you need to head west. I’ve seen enough "cookie-cutter" itineraries to last a lifetime, yet the Bahariya circuit remains one of the few places where the industry hasn't managed to sanitize the raw, gritty beauty of the Sahara. Most operators are obsessed with squeezing every last cent out of RevPAR in city hotels, but the real ROI is found sitting on a rug in the White Desert, wondering if the wind just whispered your name. It's a bit of a trek, sure, and the lead time for booking these permits can be a headache, but it’s the only way to escape the "Disney-fied" version of Cairo. Honestly, if you're still just looking at the Sphinx, your missing the point of travel entirely.
About the Tour
This isn't your average day trip. This two-day expedition pulls you away from the chaotic pulse of Cairo and throws you into the most valuable treasure troves of Egypt's Western Desert. It is a journey of stark contrasts—from lush palms to volcanic charred landscapes.
The Journey Highlights
- Bahariya Oasis: Your gateway to the wilderness. This ancient depression is a sprawling green haven in the middle of the arid waste, offering a glimpse into a slower pace of Egyptian life.
- The Black Desert: Formed by centuries of volcanic activity, the "dunes" here are covered in black stones and powder, creating a landscape that feels more like the surface of the moon than a North African desert.
- Crystal Mountain: A unique geological ridge made entirely of quartzite crystal. It’s a sparkling pit stop that looks particularly stunning when the desert sun hits it at the right angle.
- White Desert National Park: The crown jewel of the trip. Here, wind-carved calcium formations rise from the ground like giant mushrooms, chickens, and abstract sculptures. You'll spend the night camping under a sky so clear you'll feel like you can touch the Milky Way.
What to Expect
This tour is designed for those who don't mind a bit of dust on their boots. You’ll swap a five-star lobby for a bonfire and a traditional Bedouin dinner. Transportation is typically via 4x4, which is necessary to navigate the shifting sands between the landmarks. It’s a raw, immersive experience that prioritizes authenticity over thread counts.
Highlights
- Sightsee the wonders of Bahariya Oasis
- Experience the unique views of Crystal Mountain
- Feel the ambience of the White Desert National Park Museum
- Enjoy a overnight camping and discover the beauty of the desert at night
- Discover the historic English mountain that witnessed World War I
Know before you go
- The duration of the tour includes both pickup and drop-off services but it may vary depending on the city traffic
- Please note that you will sleep in tents to sleep in and there is no toilet facility. You will experience a natural desert life. However, you will provide everything you need to make your experience as comfortable as possible
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible
- A minimum of 2 people is required to operate the shared tour. The shared tour can be canceled or rescheduled if the minimum group size is not met.
- Pickup is available from your accommodation in Cairo or Giza. The long-range pickup service from Nasr City, Cairo Airport, Heliopolis City, Mirage City, Rehab City, Madinaty, New Cairo, New Capital hotels, or 6th of October City is available to book at the checkout process as an 'Add-on'.
- It is recommended to have travel insurance.
What to bring
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Transfer from Cairo or Giza to Bahariya Oasis
Your exhilarating trip to the White Desert and Bahariya Oasis commences with a prompt pickup in Cairo or Giza. Relax on the 4-hour drive to the Bahariya Oasis.
Arrive and lunch at Bahariya Oasis
Meet your tour guide at the Oasis and enjoy a flavorful lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit the Black Desert
You will then be taken to the Black Desert, famous for its black volcanic hills and dolerite rocks.
Go for a swim in Bedouin Valley
Next, visit the Bedouin Valley and take the opportunity to swim in the sulfur-rich water.
Discover Crystal Mountain
Head to Crystal Mountain in the Agabat Valley to admire the deposits of quartz crystals.
Sandboard in Agabat Valley
Get your heart pumping with a thrilling sandboarding experience across the dunes.
Explore White Desert National Park
Marvel at Park's elegant wind-carved rock formations and admire the tent-shaped rocks in the Valley of the Tents.
Overnight Camping
Then you will be taken to the white desert campsite, where you will be served a delicious dinner.
Dinner at White Desert Campsite
Enjoy a delicious dinner at your home for the night, the White Desert Campsite.
Spend the night in the White Desert
Settle down for a peaceful sleep under the stars.
Have breakfast at your White Desert campsite
Prepare for a day of adventuring with a delicious campsite breakfast.
Visit English Mountain
Leave camp and head to English Mountain to see the British WWI base that allowed them to maintain control of the Bahariya Oasis.
Explore Bawiti
Continue your journey through the Bayariya Oasis to reach Bawiti. Admire its picturesque sand dunes and beautiful salt lake.
Have lunch at the Bahariya Oasis
Take a break from sightseeing to enjoy a meal.
Drive back to Cairo or Giza
Finish your adventure with a relaxing journey back to Cairo or Giza.