More time in the Western Desert. On the first day you explore Bahariya Oasis: its hot and cold springs, the old houses of Bawiti and the sunset from English Mountain, with a night in a hotel. On the second day a 4×4 takes you through the Black Desert and Crystal Mountain to the White Desert for a night in a camp under the stars.
Transport from Cairo, the 4×4, the hotel, the camp, meals and entry fees are included.
Pickup in Cairo and drive to Bahariya. Lunch, the hot and cold springs, old Bawiti and the sunset from English Mountain. Night in a hotel.
After breakfast, drive by 4×4 to the Black Desert and Crystal Mountain.
Arrive in the White Desert for the sunset among the chalk rocks, then dinner and a night at the camp.
Sunrise and breakfast at the camp, then drive back to Bahariya and on to Cairo.
Bahariya is about 370 km south-west of Cairo; the White Desert lies south of it.
A night in the White Desert is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Egypt, and it is only a few hours from Cairo. Here is what you will see, where you sleep and what to pack.
Bahariya is a green oasis of palm groves and springs in a wide depression of the Western Desert, about four hours from Cairo. It is the starting point for desert safaris, and its main town, Bawiti, is where you switch to a 4×4.
On this longer trip you spend the first afternoon in Bahariya itself. You bathe in one of its warm springs, walk through the old houses of Bawiti and climb English Mountain, named after a First World War lookout, for the sunset over the palm groves and the desert.
South of Bahariya the sand turns orange and is dotted with small hills covered in dark volcanic stones: the Black Desert. Further on, Crystal Mountain is a low ridge made of quartz crystals, and the Valley of Agabat is a landscape of tall rocks and soft sand that marks the edge of the White Desert.
The White Desert National Park, near Farafra, is covered in white chalk that wind and sand have carved into giant mushrooms, towers and shapes that people compare to animals. At sunset the rocks turn pink and orange, and under the full moon the whole desert glows white.
The camp is set up among the rocks with tents, mattresses and blankets. Your team cooks dinner over the fire, often with Bedouin tea and music, and the sky away from any city is full of stars. You may even see a desert fox looking for leftovers.
October to April is the best season, with warm days and cool nights. Summer days can be extremely hot. Winter nights drop close to freezing, so bring warm layers.
Price per person in US dollars. Per person sharing a double room; one person pays the single room rate. For 7 or more people, ask us on WhatsApp for a group price.
| 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 6 people | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel (economy) | $585 | $325 | $245 | $175 |
| 3-star hotel | $605 | $335 | $255 | $185 |
| 4-star hotel | $630 | $350 | $265 | $200 |
| 5-star hotel | $630 | $350 | $265 | $200 |
Prices start from $325 per person sharing, with hostel (economy). See the price table on this page for every level and group size.
It adds a full day in Bahariya Oasis with the springs, Bawiti and English Mountain, and a night in a hotel.
In a tent at a camp in the White Desert, with blankets and mattresses provided.
From October to April. Summer days are very hot, and winter nights are cold.
Yes. The route is well travelled, our drivers know the desert well, and the road has police checkpoints.
Desert trips with local guides and drivers.
