Most visitors to Egypt come for the pyramids. The White Desert is the trip people talk about afterwards: a full night in the middle of a landscape of white chalk, about 500 km from Cairo. This guide covers where it is, what you will see, how the two-day trip works and what to bring.
Where is the White Desert?
The White Desert is a national park in Egypt’s Western Desert, 45 km north of Farafra Oasis and about 500 km from Cairo. It has been a nature reserve since 2002. The chalk and limestone formed over 80 million years ago, and sandstorms have carved the shapes you see today.
What you see on the trip
- The Black Desert: dark volcanic hills.
- Crystal Mountain: a ridge of quartz crystal.
- El Agabat valley and the old White Desert: chalk towers in every shape, including Mushroom Valley.
- Sunset and sunrise on the white chalk: the rock turns orange and red as the sun comes up.
The classic two-day itinerary
Day 1: Cairo to the White Desert
- Pick-up from your Cairo hotel.
- Drive south to Bahariya Oasis for lunch at the hotel.
- Black Desert and Crystal Mountain, then El Agabat valley and the old White Desert.
- Sunset, then camp. We set up the Bedouin camp: dinner of chicken and grilled meat, Bedouin tea and songs by the fire.
Day 2: Sunrise and home
- Wake up to a white horizon as the chalk turns orange and red.
- Breakfast, then the drive back to your Cairo hotel.
One night with no electricity
There is no socket anywhere on the trip. It is just you, a sleeping bag and billions of stars. The silence is deep, and the sunrise on the white chalk is something you will remember.
What is usually included
- Round-trip transfer from Cairo
- 4×4 vehicle in the desert
- All meals and drinks
- Hotel night in Bahariya on longer tours
- Camping equipment
- Bedouin guides
We confirm the exact list with your quote.
What to bring
Desert nights are cold, even after a warm day.
- Hiking shoes and long trekking pants
- Warm layers: jacket, beanie, gloves
- Sleeping bag, if we don’t supply one
- Headlamp and paper towels
- Power bank for your phone
- Water and snacks you like
Who guides the trip
Our guides are Bedouins from Bahariya Oasis. They know where the wind has carved the best rocks, where the springs are and where to pitch camp for the sunrise. We are a Bedouin family and we organise every kind of desert tour.
Want more than one night?
You can add Bahariya Oasis, Wadi El Hitan, Siwa or Djara Cave, or cross the dunes for a week. See all our tours, or tell us your dates and group size and we will plan the route with you.
Planning your White Desert trip?