WHITE DESERT EGYPT TOURS
- The White Desert Egypt a dramatic shimmering chalk landscape in western Egypt , is rightfully regarded as one of the country’s incredible natural wonders. The remote location, roughly 500 kilometres from Cairo, provides an unrivalled and inspiring natural retreat away from the city’s noise and pollution. Between the Nile Delta Valley and the Libyan border, the White Desert covers 3010 square kilometres west of the Farafra Oasis. Arriving there is like stepping into another planet, one where tranquillity reigns supreme and contact with nature is unaffected by the trappings of modern life.
- The Total Area. White Desert Egypt is 3010 square kilometres, the most of its components are white. Because it serves as a simulacrum for the karst kama phenomena, the White Desert is a reserve of deserts and landscapes. In addition to having prehistoric artefacts, it is an open-air museum for the study of the desert environment, geographical phenomena, fossils, and fauna. The geological formations of the white limestone and chalk rocks, as well as the fossils they hold, are what give the reserve its unique aesthetic appeal.
- Egypt
- So this blog is the second part in Egypt’s Hidden treasures series talking about the goddess of Baharya Oasis “The White Desert”. As we told you before Egypt has a lot of virgin places that really little amount of people know about and our target in this series is to reveal this hidden beauty and get it to your screen, motivate you to go and see it by yourself and finally discover your own home country
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- Camping
- And of course the cherry on top of the activities in the White desert Egypt Camping “. Spending the night in a Million Star hotel is such an amazing experience that no one should miss. just you , your sleeping bag and the stars, those little twinkling lights billions of them right there above you will draw a smile of satisfaction on your face. The sound of silence around you will hit your soul so hard making you feel so energized and alive. As the sun sweeps slowly and gracefully, it will wake you up to the most graceful scene. The vast white area reflecting the shades of Orange and red will make your heart melt. In addition to that you will enjoy of course a Bedouin night that you have never dreamt of, the Bedouin songs, the camping fire along with the Delicious Bedouin food served that will make your day for sure
White Desert Experience
The Review From the Tourist Who Visit us
- We booked our white dessert tour with Islam. It was a great experience and very safe. We went with a one and a three year old child. All took very good care of us and the baby/kid.
We found him through recommendations in google and he responded very quickly via WhatsApp and google duo. He organized the pick up at our hotel in Cairo and we stayed the evening before the tour in his camp, it is rustic but we were treated like family. We did saw all the relevant attractions: black dessert, crystal mountain, agabat mountains, white desert.
The highlights had been the over night stay in the white desert, the lunch break in el haize and all the meals. Islam and his team member cooked very well for us.
- A great experience of white desert tour we Dad a 2 night camping in Sahara desert sand dunes and New White Desert and Magic Springs and will have a delicious meals our experience Tour guide Islam it’s a great organization and he can pick up you from your hotel in Cairo and he will offer you a beautiful hospitality. Thanks Islam and hope we come back
- White desert review: We were on a 2-day 1-night tour. While the White desert is a great attraction, it is also a long drive away from Cairo. We were supposed to be back at our hotel (near Tahrir Square) at around 4pm on the second day, but eventually arrived 6.30 due to the terrible traffic in Cairo. Consider combining the tour with stayovers at Giza (for pyramids and temples) before and after – you will have less time spent in Cairo’s traffic.
Tour operator review: In terms of quality of service of Islam, I would give him a straight 5/5. He is outstandingly hospitable and works very hard to make his guests happy.
Note that you will receive a better service if you book with Islam (via Whatsapp) directly than going via an agency, which squeezes the tour guides and makes people like Islam save on food and service quality.
On safety: We were there end of February 2022 and felt very safe. We asked various locals why the White Desert is yellow travel zone – no clear reason, and definitely no worrisome stories (except one the Egyptian army friendly-attacked a tourist car). Finally, you will not be alone in the desert, many other tourists also go.
- There is a service that will pick up travellers.
Free pick-up from the bus terminal in Bariya Oasis can be arranged.
El Wahat Road, Bahariya Oasis. Can be arranged from Cairo upon request.
There is a hotel pickup service available. Check the list of hotels on our checkout page to see if yours is one of the pick-up locations.
- No words to describe this beauty. I guess these is no other place like white desert. Extremely beautiful. And this could have been possible because of Islam!! A person who knows in and out about white desert, where to camp, cooks extremely delicious dinner at the night camp. Check through if we are fine at the time. A true gentleman who doesn’t work for money only. Highly recommended Islam for your tour to white desert.
- In April 2022 we took a tour to the white desert with Islam while visiting Egypt and I can’t recommend him enough!!!
The whole tour was so smooth – he picked us up at our hotel in Giza and dropped us off 2 days later in our hotel in Cairo. All included.
Islam is your guy to go with to the White desert – he is nice, honest, good driver and a great cook too.
Home from Bahariya oasis, he lives and breathes for the desert and is very very experienced.
The tour is 110% safe and such a fantastic place, more people should visit as a side trip from Cairo.
We visited the Black and White desert, then we set our camp in the desert in the middle of nowhere, cooked the best dinner under the stars and enjoyed the peace and quiet. Tent was great, warm and comfortable. Better than any hotel really.
Islam has the best service you can find in such an isolated place – his English is good so no problem to communicate whatever you wish, he liked to put candles and scent with our dinner for atmosphere, he went off road extra for us just for the view.
We had plenty of water and food with us all the time.
Do not hesitate to go with him, you won’t regret it. This is the BEST thing you can do in Egypt and my favourite experience in Egypt as well. It is sooo underrated!
And like i said – it is completely safe!!! Safer than in Cairo!
Contact him on his whatsapp number:
+20 127 709 81 80 (Islam)
- We went on a 2-day 1-night White Desert Tour in December 2021 with Islam from White Desert Tour.
It was an amazing experience that me and my girlfriend will never forget. The entire trip went extremely smoothly and we have felt 100% safe during the entire tour. In the morning, you are picked up from the hotel after which you drive to the starting point of the tour in 3-4 hours. There Islam makes you a nice lunch, after which you jump in a 4X4 to drive to the white desert, making amazing stops on the way. We have climbed hills in the black desert, seen beautiful valleys in the white desert and even sandboarded!
Around sunset you will reach the camp, where Islam and his crew prepare a delicious meal. After the meal, you sit around the campfire under a beautiful starry sky and listen to local music Islam and his crew play. We slept in a very comfortable tent in very warm blankets and were not cold at all – despite it being a cold night.
The next day you will visit other sights, after which you eat lunch at the starting point and will return to Cairo – again convenient hotel drop off. I can 100% the amazing tour that Islam offers, he is a great man that will go out of his way to give you a great experience! You can reach Islam on Whatsapp +20 127 709 8180.
Jasper & Maribel – Netherlands & Spain
- Couples
- I went on a two day/one night desert safari camping trip with Islam and thoroughly recommend to everyone (I’ve already started planning a longer trip to come back because one night was definitely not enough!)
I went with our guide Islam (WhatsApp him on 00201277098180) who was lovely, spoke great English and was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the desert.
He also made an amazing home cooked feast by the campfire which we ate looking at the stars followed by delicious Bedouin tea.
The trip included: pick up from our hotel in Cairo, a tasty lunch at Islam’s house, a trip to the black desert and a short climb to the viewing point, a dip in the fresh springs eating figs, the crystal mountain, the old and new white desert (ask Islam why the difference..), sandboarding, camping under the stars with a genuine feast, and a breakfast watching the sunrise. An experience we won’t forget in a long time. If you have the chance, go with Islam for a couple of nights and you will not regret it (even my partner loved it and he normally hates camping…!)
- Friends
- My trip to the desert was amazing! A car was arranged for us to be picked up right outside our hotel and we were dropped to the camp where we met Islam. He welcomed us with a beautiful lunch and this amazing tea. Afterwards we went to the black desert where we climbed up this mountain and the view was amazing when we got down we went to the hot springs which were breath taking. Islam was great he told us many stories and brought us to secret places in the desert. We went to the white desert and camped under the stars. I saw my first shooting star!! We also got to see the desert fox playing in the middle of the night. Islam and his colleague cooked excellent meals for us, definitely my favorite food from Egypt! If you are considering doing this trip I would definitely recommend Islam!! It was so much fun and a once in a lifetime experience
- Friends
- Our tour was expectional was Islam and Salah from the start as they are Bedouin people who grew up in this area.We had a transfer from our hostel in downtown Cairo which took around 5 hours where the driver was waiting promptly at the entrance at 7am. We arrived at Bahriya, had lunch (delicious foule) before heading into the desert in our 4×4. We first headed to the black desert where we did a short hike for an amazing panoramic view. Secondly, we had a quick dip in the hot springs followed by a cup of Bedouin tea with Islam. We loved learning about the desert and it’s stories from him. We then had a quick stop at Crystal mountain before speeding through the dunes before spotting at the best view of the white desert. Islam was always on hand to show us the best photos spots and take our group photos 📸. He even added in a few extra stops that other groups didn’t have. We loved cruising through the sand dunes and then did some sandboarding. We drove further into the desert to set up camp at the new White desert. We enjoyed the sunset while Islam and Salah set up the most lovely camp with a fire. We had a delicious feast for dinner with soup, rice, potatoes and barbecued chicken. We had to take a lie on afterwards as we were so full for our home-cooked meal. The guides set our beds on up under the stars where we saw shooting stars and even a white desert fox dancing around the camp in the middle of the night. We woke for sunrise the next morning followed by an amazing breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, bread, tea or coffee. We cruised around the white desert seeing different rock formations of a chicken, mushroom, rabbit and camel before heading back to town. This tour was one of our best experiences in Egypt and Islam and Salah made us feel so welcome and relaxed. Islam can be reached at +20 127 709 8180 and replies
- Couples
- Very cool tour with Islam.
We got picked up on Giza and drop out in the oasis (4h 30m). Then we had lunch and we started the adventure!
We went to the black desert viewpoint, then to a water spring were we could jump in the water. After that, we went to the crystal mountains followed by the white dessert. In the white dessert we did sandbord (didn’t slide very well but it was fun) and playing around with the dunes. After we saw the sunset next to the mushroom in the new white dessert. To end the day, Islam cooked an abundant and awesome dinner with chicken, salad, fruit, potatoes, soup, etc. During dinner we saw a dessert fox (super cool). After that, we sang and danced in the fire while watching the stars. The night was clear and we could see the milky way and 3-4 shutting starts. They prepared a tend for us and we slept on the desert. Bring mosquito repellent as during the night there were some.
The next morning we woke up to see the sunrise while the guys cooked us breakfast. The meal was great again. Then we did several stops on the way out to see the mushroom, chicken, camel and the rabbit formations as well as the tent valley, and the viewpoint of the old white dessert.
The company was great, very relax tour. They never rushed us, we could do our rithm and be enjoy every second. Islam and his crued are a very friend, knowledgeable people. They replied to all our questions very nicely and created a great atmosfear. Around 10.30am we were back to the oasis what our driver drive us to Cairo. We were in our accommodation around 15.30.
Feel free to contact directly Islam to arrange your tour at 00 20 127 709 8180
- The experience of driving around the desert in a Land Cruiser, almost hovering across dunes at 80 km/h is absolutely wonderful.
Being under the sky watching the stars, with a fire in front of you (“The TV of the desert”) is an eperience that connects you with the entire Universe!
We booked our guide through our hotel in Cairo, and couldn’t be happier with him. His Bedouin family organized these trips and are highly recommended. His name is Islam – WhatsApp: +20 127 709 8180
- Couples
- The White Desert is breathtaking and the two Bedouin guides we went with, Islam and Muhammad, were fantastic. They grew up in the area so they know it really well and clearly love it. They made us feel safe and took amazing care of us and grilled up a desert meal that was one of the very best things we’ve eaten in Egypt! We found Islam’s number on TripAdvisor and Wikitravel (WhatsApp: +20 127 709 8180) and he was very responsive and professional. These deserts look like other planets and sleeping in one is such a cool experience, you must check it out if you have the time.
- Family
- This is a MUST DO while in Egypt. We opted forward the 1 night camping in the desert and it was so incredibly beautiful. We got to ride through the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain and then onto the White Desert.
Islam (WhatsApp +20 127 709 8180) and Mohammed took us on this journey and it was more than we could have asked for. From the journey through the desert, sand boarding down the dunes, the food, and just the amazing hospitality! This trip is worth it!!!!
- Friends
- This experience was amazing and unforgettable. We booked a tour with Islam and Mohamed for 2 days and 1 night, departure from Baharyia Oasis. We got to see the Black Desert, Chrystal Mountains, Valley of Agabat and then we camped in the White Desert. Islam and Mohamed handled everything, they are really kind and professional. We arrived for sunset in White Desert, they made the camp, we had a beautiful view on the famous white rocks. The food and the tea was delicious, we slept under the stars as it was warm (around 30 degrees Celsius) and we woke up for sunset over the desert. I will always cherish those memories. This was for sure my best time in Egypt. I recommend strongly to book with Islam, you can stay one or several nights in the deserts (as you wish). You can contact him by whatsapp : 002 012 7709 8180. He will please all your needs. Thank you for this amazing time ! Cami
- My favourite part of the trip to Egypt. We did 2 days/1 night private tour to White desert and it was amazing! Time in the White desert was the highlight of our trip and trust me it will leave you speachless. Our guide was Islam (+20 127 709 8180-you can contact him directly). He is very friendly and his meals were very delicious. If you are planning to go to a White desert don`t hesitate to contact Islam. His family is also great, they cooked for us one more delicious meal when we arrived to the village again. Thank you very much Islam for a great experience! 🙂
- The White Desert is huge. Hire a driver and explore. It is a long drive from Cairo, so takes 6 hours or so depending on how many stops you make.
Make sure you make all the stops along the way (your driver will know them all). Crystal mountain is along the way where there is quartz and it is quite a lovely view along the way.
I also managed to see the white desert chalk rock formations the same afternoon before sunset too. These are quite cool and there are some popular shapes such as the chicken and mushroom and the rabbit. The chicken and mushroom have a fencing around them now to avoid people damaging them. At sunset you can get some great photos and views.
My 4×4 driver also doubled up as a cook and had equipment for camping overnight in a tent. I know some people have said it is nice to see the stars and sleep without a tent… keep an eye on weather. When I was there, it was very very cold and windy at night and I had a sleeping bag and a heavy blanket on top of me and it was still cold and if I didn’t have the tent to separate me from the wind a little I am not sure I would have been able to cope!
It is nice to wake up just before sunrise and walk about. You might see footprints of other birds / animals about.
It’s the desert. No toilets!
Also be sure to get to the black desert and there is a little hike up to get a great view of the black desert landscape.
There are other tourists that go and camp here but not so many that it can be off the beaten track as most people probably cannot be bothered to travel from Cairo and / or pay the price for a driver and 4×4 etc. A small group is better to split the cost / make it more worthwhile.
- The White Desert stretches for 50 km between Bawati and Farafra, or 70-120 km from Bawati / Bawiti.
The most photographed area is the southern end closest to Farafra. As most tourists stay in Bawati they arrive to the White Desert in the late afternoon as witnessed by the photos. The calcite formations look slightly yellow in the low sunshine, which is attractive. However for giving the real white image you should arrive not later than 3 p.m. and stay or wander around in the desert until sunset around 5 p.m. depending on the month of the year. Many want to stay overnight in a tent freezing and looking at the stars. Certainly an experience. But you will not be alone as it is very popular. What you miss is having sufficient time for the likewise impressive Black Desert and Crystal Mountain. So, if you are more interested in the landscapes than the overnight experience my advise is to take a full day in the deserts leaving at 9-10 a.m. and returning at 7.30 p.m. (still with ample time for marvelling the million of stars).
It was literally an amazing & unforgettable trip in my whole life!
Islam was a very nice local tour guide who knows everything about deserts we went for. As we did not have enough time to sleep over in the desert, he arranged 1 day tour for us(I went with my older brother and the tour was only for us). The car from Cairo to meeting point(around 4hrs) in Bahariya was very clean and comfortable(if you experienced old & dirty taxi in Cairo you would understand how important it is), driver was quite but very kind as well. During the trip, Islam gave us detailed explanation about all those deserts and set up nice picnic in desert for enjoying sunset & starts. Watching so many starts in the sky in desert was such an amazing experience and we really appreciate he arranged the trip to let us enjoy all these even for 1 day trip only(normally 1 day trip is not arranged as I know). And even he treated us dinner at his place before we were heading back to Cairo as he worried about us skipping our dinner and going for 4hrs trip. I was surprised & touched by his kindness, it was the best food ever in Egypt. I strongly recommend this trip whoever looking for Bahariya desert trip in Egypt I promise you won’t regret it. Plus, he is just a professional to find a way without map or anything in the dark lol.
Thank you again for everything Islam and hope to see you again
I was traveling solo on the 2night desert tour, and I couldn’t be more happy about the fantastic service of my driver, Islam. He was very easy going and flexibel about seeing some extra sites outside the program for my photography. His english is sufficient enough and his cooking skills are superb. 10/10 would recommend Islam for this tour.
This two-day trip to the desert was an incredible experience. Islam showed us beautiful places and allowed us to discover all the notable areas of this part of the desert. The night in a tent was the best of our week in Egypt, where we were able to enjoy a magnificent starry sky.
Egypt. Islam and his friend were very welcoming and knowledgable. We had lunch at Islam’s house and then went to the Black Desert, hot springs, Crystal Mountain and the Old and New White Desert. We camped in the White Desert and watched the sunset with an incredible feast. Islam and his friend took care of everything and we were treated like kings. Would thoroughly recommend that anyone in Egypt
We went on a 2-day 1-night White Desert Tour in December 2021 with Islam from White Desert Tour.
It was an amazing experience that me and my girlfriend will never forget. The entire trip went extremely smoothly and we have felt 100% safe during the entire tour. In the morning, you are picked up from the hotel after which you drive to the starting point of the tour in 3-4 hours. There Islam makes you a nice lunch, after which you jump in a 4X4 to drive to the white desert, making amazing stops on the way. We have climbed hills in the black desert, seen beautiful valleys in the white desert and even sandboarded!
Around sunset you will reach the camp, where Islam and his crew prepare a delicious meal. After the meal, you sit around the campfire under a beautiful starry sky and listen to local music Islam and his crew play. We slept in a very comfortable tent in very warm blankets and were not cold at all – despite it being a cold night.
The next day you will visit other sights, after which you eat lunch at the starting point and will return to Cairo – again convenient hotel drop off. I can 100% the amazing tour that Islam offers, he is a great man that will go out of his way to give you a great experience! You can reach Islam on Whatsapp +20 127 709 8180.
Jasper & Maribel – Netherlands & Spain
This was the best experience we had during our time in Egypt. The place is truly magical and like no other I’ve seen before. Our guide Islam is local to the area and cares deeply about the desert. They even stopped the car to pick up trash whenever they saw something laying around.
During the winter time it can get very chilly at night, so bring extra layers, but there’s plenty of hot food, bedouin tea and blankets to keep you warm 🙂
You can reach out to him via WhatsApp 00201277098180
Thank you again, for the unforgettable experience!
The food was amazing, the drive was incredible, and Islam as a tour guide gave me and the others in the group a unique experience that I am happy I was able to be a part of.
I was worried about going to the white desert, but I felt very safe on this tour.
Do not pass up a night under the stars. It was truly unforgettable.
#CanadianSoloTraveller
This tour was just perfect. Absolutely everything from the very beginning to the end. Islam and Saleh are a very good team, very punctual (very rare in Egypt). At 5AM the car was waiting for us right near the hotel, the tour locations were epic, absolutely all of them. The food was made with love.
Everything was awesome! Thank you!:)
Our trip with Islam was incredible from the beginning until the end in the black and white desert.
Islam and his family are very nice. They took care about everything and the food it’s just amazing. You just have to enjoy your moment.
I recommend them to all person who want to discover this wonderful place.
This experience was amazing and unforgettable. We booked a tour with Islam and Mohamed for 2 days and 1 night, departure from Baharyia Oasis. We got to see the Black Desert, Chrystal Mountains, Valley of Agabat and then we camped in the White Desert. Islam and Mohamed handled everything, they are really kind and professional. We arrived for sunset in White Desert, they made the camp, we had a beautiful view on the famous white rocks. The food and the tea was delicious, we slept under the stars as it was warm (around 30 degrees Celsius) and we woke up for sunset over the desert. I will always cherish those memories. This was for sure my best time in Egypt. I recommend strongly to book with Islam, you can stay one or several nights in the deserts (as you wish). He will please all your needs. Thank you for this amazing time ! Cami
The White Desert is breathtaking and the two Bedouin guides we went with, Islam and Muhammad, were fantastic. They grew up in the area so they know it really well and clearly love it. They made us feel safe and took amazing care of us and grilled up a desert meal that was one of the very best things we’ve eaten in Egypt! We found Islam’s number on TripAdvisor and Wikitravel (WhatsApp: +20 127 709 8180) and he was very responsive and professional. These deserts look like other planets and sleeping in one is such a cool experience, you must check it out if you have the time.
The whole tour was amazing. People who was in charge was really kind and hospitable. The camp where we slept first night is beautiful place and provided us accommodation with amazing food. They also allowed us to see their manners during their holiday celebration. Day two was full of adventures in black desert, crystal mountain and white desert where we also slept. The guide Islam was very hospitable all night and make very tasty dinner and another day provide us breakfast. All this was in very safe and cozy environment. During tour Islam also took us to many springs where we could swim and enjoy amazing views. Thanks for all kindness and amazing hospitality.
We had an amazing time and experience with our driver Islam. He took us to many cool spots ans the highlight for us was definitely sleeping in the desert. At night they made the most amazing diner and we relaxed around the campfire. Sleeping under the stars in de desert is so cool! How many stars you can see is just mind-blowing.
Thanks a lot for the great experience
I can honestly say that this is the highlight of my trip to Egypt. Reasons why is because I never been to the desert and it was my first time camping too. The skyline is beautiful at night. First time seeing the Milky Way in the sky. I think I saw at least 11 meteor showers! Love the guide that tour me to this place. Amazing guide and very accommodating. Tasty foods too. Also, beautiful sunset and sunrise!! Stayed up all night watching the stars!
I couldn’t recommend this tour more! Islam and his brother Mohammed were absolutely amazing. This tour is really authentic and not something you want to miss while you’re in Egypt. The sceneries are breathtaking, the food is fresh and delicious and the company is even better. Book this tour without any hesitation!
Islam is a fantastic guide! The experience of driving around the desert in a Land Cruiser, almost hovering across dunes at 80 km/h is absolutely wonderful. We took a one-night trip. During the day he drives you around to the black desert first and ending up in the fantastic white desert, with the beautiful formations. At night, he sets up a proper Bedouin camp and cooks a delicious meal for you.
Being under the sky watching the stars, with a fire in front of you (“The TV of the desert”) is an experience that connects you with the entire Universe!
Very cool tour with Islam.
We got picked up on Giza and drop out in the oasis (4h 30m). Then we had lunch and we started the adventure!
We went to the black desert viewpoint, then to a water spring were we could jump in the water. After that, we went to the crystal mountains followed by the white dessert. In the white dessert we did sandbord (didn’t slide very well but it was fun) and playing around with the dunes. After we saw the sunset next to the mushroom in the new white dessert. To end the day, Islam cooked an abundant and awesome dinner with chicken, salad, fruit, potatoes, soup, etc. During dinner we saw a dessert fox (super cool). After that, we sang and danced in the fire while watching the stars. The night was clear and we could see the milky way and 3-4 shutting starts. They prepared a tend for us and we slept on the desert. Bring mosquito repellent as during the night there were some.
The next morning we woke up to see the sunrise while the guys cooked us breakfast. The meal was great again. Then we did several stops on the way out to see the mushroom, chicken, camel and the rabbit formations as well as the tent valley, and the viewpoint of the old white dessert.
The company was great, very relax tour. They never rushed us, we could do our rithm and be enjoy every second. Islam and his crued are a very friend, knowledgeable people. They replied to all our questions very nicely and created a great atmosfear. Around 10.30am we were back to the oasis what our driver drive us to Cairo. We were in our accommodation around 15.30.
Saleh and Mahmoud took us around in the desert and it was a wonderful experience. They were super sweet and hospitable, made great food (after two weeks in Egypt it was well-needed 😉 and sang and played traditional bedouin music.
The desert itself is enchanting, there’s nothing quite like it. When the moon set at around midnight the stars covered us like a blanket – the weather was perfect for sleeping outside.
Islam joined us in the evening around the campfire and made sure we got the best service possible. We had an amazing trip and if we had known before, we would have stayed for more than just one night. Thank you so much for your warm welcome to the desert!
Islam can be contacted on WhatsApp +2 01277098180
