Adventure

Camel Trekking in the Black and White Desert: 7 Days from Cairo

Camel Trekking in the Black and White Desert: 7 Days from Cairo 9 Camel Trekking in the Black and White Desert: 7 Days from Cairo Camel Trekking in the Black and White Desert: 7 Days from Cairo Camel Trekking in the Black and White Desert: 7 Days from Cairo Camel Trekking in the Black and White Desert: 7 Days from Cairo +4
  • Duration7 days / 6 nights
  • Group sizePrivate, any group size
  • LanguagesEnglish
  • PickupYour Cairo hotel, 7:00 am
  • Minimum age4+

Overview

Cross the Western Desert the way Bedouins always have. For seven days you walk with your camels from the Black Desert to the White Desert, sleeping under the stars and living at the slow pace of the desert. It is the most authentic way to see this part of Egypt.

The experience

We pick you up from Cairo and drive to Bahariya Oasis, where you meet your Bedouin team and your camels. From there the journey is on foot and on camelback: across the black volcanic hills, past the Crystal Mountain and through the valleys that lead to the chalk formations of the White Desert.

Each day follows the same simple rhythm. A Bedouin breakfast at sunrise, a walk through changing landscapes, a long lunch in the shade, then more walking until we reach the evening camp. Dinner is cooked over the fire, with Bedouin tea and a sky with no city light. The camels carry the luggage, so you only carry a day bag.

Why choose this tour

  • A real expedition: seven days in the desert, not a day trip with a camel photo.
  • Three landscapes in one trip: black hills, crystal rock and white chalk formations.
  • Bedouin guides and camel handlers: a team that knows the routes, the wells and the weather.
  • Silence and stars: six nights of camping far from roads and towns.
  • Private and small: only your group, at your own pace.

Who it is for

Adventurous travellers, hikers, photographers and anyone who wants to disconnect for a week. You do not need experience with camels, but you should be comfortable walking several hours a day. If you want a shorter trip, choose our 3-day White Desert camping tour.

Book with confidence

Tell us your dates and group size and we confirm the route, the season and what to bring. The best months for trekking are October to April.

Highlights

  • Seven days of camel trekking with Bedouin guides
  • The Black Desert and its volcanic hills
  • The Crystal Mountain
  • The White Desert chalk formations
  • Six nights of camping under the stars
  • Bedouin meals cooked over the fire
  • Camels carry your luggage

Itinerary

  1. Day 1:

    Day 1 | Cairo to Bahariya Oasis | Pick-up from your Cairo hotel in the early morning and the drive to Bahariya Oasis. Meet your Bedouin team and your camels. Dinner and first night in camp.
    Day 2 | Into the Black Desert | Start trekking across the black volcanic hills. Lunch in the shade, then walk on to the evening camp.
    Day 3 | Crystal Mountain and the valleys | Walk toward the Crystal Mountain and the valleys beyond it. Camp in the open desert.
    Day 4 | Toward the White Desert | A full day of trekking as the landscape turns from black rock to pale sand. Camp near the first chalk formations.
    Day 5 | The White Desert | Walk among the chalk monuments and the mushroom rocks. Sunset over the formations and a night of camping.
    Day 6 | Free day in the White Desert | A slower day to explore, take photos and rest. Last night in camp.
    Day 7 | Back to Cairo | Breakfast at camp, then drive back to Cairo. Drop-off at your hotel in the evening.

What's included

  • Pick-up and drop-off at your Cairo hotel
  • Private vehicle and driver for the transfers
  • Bedouin guides and camel handlers
  • Camels for the whole trek
  • All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Camping equipment: tents, mattresses, blankets
  • Water and Bedouin tea
  • National park entrance fees
  • Sleeping bag (can be rented)
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses

Good to know

  • You will walk several hours each day. Good walking shoes are important.
  • Desert nights are cold, especially from November to February. Bring a warm jacket and a headlamp.
  • Bring sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • Luggage is carried by the camels. Pack in a soft bag, not a hard suitcase.

Frequently asked questions

Q1

Do I need camel experience? | No. You walk beside the camels and can ride when you want. Our team will show you everything.
How far do we walk each day? | Several hours a day, at a slow pace with long breaks. We adjust to your group.
Where do we sleep? | In tents in the open desert, with mattresses and blankets provided.
What is the best time to go? | October to April. Summer is too hot for trekking.
Can I join with children? | We recommend 12+ for this trek. For younger children, see our 3-day camping tour.

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