The White and Black Deserts are two stunning landscapes in Egypt, located within the Western Desert, which is part of the larger Sahara Desert. These unique areas offer a dramatic contrast in natural features and are popular among travelers for their surreal, almost otherworldly beauty. Here’s an overview:
White Desert
The White Desert is located about 45 km north of the oasis town of Farafra. It’s known for its mesmerizing landscape, marked by bright white chalk rock formations sculpted by wind erosion over thousands of years. Some key features of the White Desert:
Unique Formations: The chalk formations, some resembling giant mushrooms, animals, or other abstract shapes, are a result of weathering. The area looks particularly magical during sunrise and sunset when the rocks take on a pinkish or golden hue.
White Sands: The sand and rocks in this region have a distinct pale color, giving the area its name and adding a mystical quality.
Protected Area: Since 2002, the White Desert has
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ • 1 Breakfast meal, 2 Lunch meals and 1 Dinner meal
✔ • 4X4 Jeep land-cruiser for Safari tours
✔ • Bottled water during the tour & transfers
✔ Pick-up from your hotel and return
✔ • American tents, sleeping bags, safari equipment
✔ • 1 night accommodation camping in the white desert
✔ • All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
✔ • Entrance fees to all mentioned sightseeing
✖ • Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary
✖ • Personal expenses
✖ • Gratuities (Tipping)
Pickup Locations
1. Ramses Hotel
2. Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino
3. Ultra Loaloa Nile Maadi Hotel
4. Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences
5. Hilton Cairo Grand Nile
6. Helio Cairo Hotel
7. Blue Paradise Hotel
8. Downtown Apartment
9. Royal Marshal Hotel
10. Regency Hotel
11. Vg Hotel
12. JW Marriott Hotel Cairo
13. Gulf Tower
14. Logistic City Stars Hotel
15. Al Maghraby
16. Hotel Suisse
17. Makram Ebeid Apartment
18. Triumph Luxury Hotel
19. Cairo Hotel
20. Novotel Cairo Airport
Additional Info: from your hotel in cairo or giza
Itinerary
Cairo / Bahariya Oasis / White Desert Tours
1
White Desert
At 07:00 A.M. After breakfast at your hotel in Cairo. Nile Holiday tour guide & driver will pick you up. And then drive for 360 km (Approx. 4-5 hours) to Bahariya Oasis. On arrival & transfer to your 4X4 land cruiser, then drive to El-Heiz, a Bedouin village to enjoy your lunch. Continue driving to explore the black desert, the sand dunes, the crystal mountain, Aqabat valley in your way to the the white desert Camping site at the white desert national park. And then, start to set up the camp among the white rock formations that have been eroded by years of wind and sand. Enjoy a wonderful sunset. Transfer back to the campsite at Al Haiz for overnight stay.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
2
Black Desert
Volcanic Origins: The Black Desert’s dark appearance is due to ancient volcanic activity. Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions deposited black basalt rocks and ash across the area, forming volcanic hills and covering parts of the landscape with black stones.
Basalt Hills and Caps: The hills in the Black Desert are capped with layers of basalt, giving them their dark color. Some hills are completely black, while others have black caps that stand out against the sandy desert.
Erosion Patterns: Over time, erosion has shaped these volcanic formations into rounded hills, cones, and small mountains. This unique erosion pattern creates a “moonscape” effect, making it a popular spot for photography. Climbing and Hiking: The Black Desert is an open area, so visitors can climb the smaller hills to get a panoramic view of the region. The rocks are sharp and jagged, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
Photography: The contrast of the black hills against the yellow-orange sand creates
Duration: 40 minutes
3
Crystal Mountain in Egypt is an intriguing geological site located between the Bahariya Oasis and the Farafra Oasis in the Western Desert. This natural formation is celebrated for its stunning crystal-like appearance and its popularity as a stop for those exploring Egypt’s deserts. Here’s a closer look at this remarkable location
Historical Significance: Crystal Mountain was likely discovered relatively recently by modern explorers and Bedouins. Unlike Egypt’s ancient monuments, it doesn’t have historical or archaeological significance but is valued for its natural beauty.
Formation Process: The crystals were formed millions of years ago due to tectonic forces and mineral deposits. Over time, the accumulation of calcite created a large, crystal-rich ridge in the middle of the desert.
Duration: 40 minutes
4
Valley of Agabat
• Limestone Towers and Cliffs: The Valley of Agabat is known for its towering limestone cliffs and unique rock formations, which have been carved by wind and sand. These formations are sometimes compared to mushroom or coral shapes and are made of chalky white limestone that contrasts beautifully with the golden sands.
• Sand Dunes: Between the limestone cliffs are large, fine-grain sand dunes, which add a golden tone and texture to the valley’s appearance. These dunes make the valley popular for sandboarding.
• Otherworldly Scenery: Agabat’s rock formations are often considered surreal or “Martian” in appearance due to the mix of chalk-white stones and stark, rugged cliffs, giving it a unique, almost alien look.
Duration: 50 minutes
5
White Desert
Unique Landscapes: The White Desert is renowned for its chalky-white rock formations, created by millennia of wind erosion. The famous formations, like the “Mushroom” and the “Chicken,” have shapes that look like natural sculptures.
Sunset and Sunrise Views: The hues of pink and orange at sunrise and sunset cast dramatic shadows on the white rock formations, creating a scene perfect for photography.
Camping Under the Stars: Many tour operators offer overnight camping trips. Due to its remoteness, the White Desert has very little light pollution, offering incredible views of the stars and Milky Way.
Duration: 8 hours
White Desert Tours/ Bahariya Oasis / Cairo
1
Bahariya Oasis Guide
Day 2 Itinerary: White Desert to Cairo
Morning in the White Desert
6:30–7:30 AM: Breakfast at the Camp
Enjoy a simple breakfast prepared by your guide.
Savor the last moments in the serene desert environment.
7:30–8:00 AM: Packing and Cleanup
Prepare your belongings, ensuring the campsite is left clean.
Drive Back to Bahariya Oasis
8:00–10:30 AM: Jeep Ride to Bahariya Oasis
Travel back to the oasis via a rugged jeep ride.
Enjoy the changing desert landscapes along the way.
Transition at Bahariya Oasis
10:30–11:00 AM: Switch Vehicles
Arrive at Bahariya Oasis, where your car will be waiting.
Use this time for refreshments, rest, or a quick stop at a local attraction (optional).
Drive Back to Cairo
11:00 AM–3:00 PM: Journey to Cairo
Drive the 4-hour route back to Cairo in comfort.
Potential quick stops along the way for rest or refreshments.
Arrival in Cairo
3:00–4:00 PM:
Arrive back in Cairo. Depending on your schedule, you can relax, explore, or check into your accommodation.
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
