Summary
White Desert Adventure
Two weeks before visiting Egypt, we read an article about the White Desert and decided we had to go there! I am glad we did because it was one of the most fascinating destinations we’ve ever visited!
Located in the Farafra depression in western Egypt, the White Desert tour takes you through the Bahariya Oasis and Black Desert before spending the night among massive chalky white rock formations. We were staying at the Dahab Hostel in Cairo expecting to pay a lot for a tour to the White Desert, but they offered us a trip for a great deal. The three-day trip took us from Cairo to the White Desert and included transportation, meals, and camping Bedouin Style in the desert. Additionally, we enjoyed a visit to the hot springs and an exhilarating 4X4 ride through the sand dunes that we won’t soon forget. Ultimately, it turned out to be an incredible experience.
Bahariya Oasis
The Bahariya Oasis is among the most accessible oases in Egypt and was the very first oasis we had ever visited. Our driver guided us on a tour where we tasted delicious olives and bought some sweet dates for the road. Our lunch comprised a traditional Bedouin meal, featuring red sauce and potatoes, accompanied by rice, pita, and sweet tea. This boosted our energy for the White Desert adventure that awaited us at sunset. There was still a big day ahead.
During our drive, we were treated to stunning scenes of sand dunes and towering cliffs formed by layered sedimentary rock. We paused at a salt lake, observing crystal formations, a reminder that this area was once a sea bed, leaving behind fossils that have been eroding over thousands of years.
Black Desert Egypt
Before reaching the White Desert, we made a stop at the Black Desert. Known as Sahra al-Suda, it boasts mounds of black mountains, creating a striking contrast to the light, sandy deserts we had expected. During our visit, we climbed a high peak that offered breathtaking desert vistas. The black pebbles covering the mounds are remnants of an ancient volcanic eruption, and erosion has enhanced their distinct appearance.
On to the White Desert
The views en route to the White Desert were astounding. We navigated through several security checkpoints, and after enduring a few more bumps along the road, we were greeted by a surreal landscape that resembled a blanket of freshly fallen snow.
White monoliths jutted prominently from the terrain, but nothing prepared us for our final destination. Our campsite was enveloped by remarkable rock formations that resembled mushrooms, camels, and hawks scattered across the area. The White Desert’s unique formations have been sculpted through centuries of erosion, creating stunning calcium boulders that are surprisingly chalky to the touch.
Sunset over the White Desert
We climbed atop one of the Twin Peaks formations to watch the sunset, an experience that ranks among the most breathtaking we’ve ever encountered. Meanwhile, our guides prepared dinner, ensuring we could fully enjoy the scenic views and the stunning landscape around us. After the sun dipped below the horizon, we returned to camp, where we could enjoy a warm fire while waiting for dinner to be served.
Bedouin Dinner
Our meal featured red sauce and potato with rice, complemented by a delicious fire-roasted chicken and hot tea. As the evening wore on, our guides concluded their duties, leaving us time to explore and admire the mesmerizing views. It was an early night for everyone, as the chilly desert temperatures settled in.
Sunrise in the White Desert
We all awoke colder than expected, eager to witness the sun rising over the shimmering white stones. After a brief exploration, a quick breakfast, and one final look at the breathtaking site, we boarded our 4X4s for the return journey to Bahariya.
Hot Springs
Our driver displayed a mix of skill and enthusiasm, providing an exhilarating ride as we raced through the dunes. Amidst the laughter and excitement, we made it safely to the hot springs. The variety of hot springs in the Bahariya Oasis depends on which tour you choose. Although we didn’t love our hot springs experience, we enjoyed fresh dates with some locals. The Oasis is a lush area ripe for cultivating olives, grapes, and mangoes, providing ample opportunities to savor local culinary delights.
