The White Desert

Famous for its surreal landscapes featuring unique chalk formations, The White Desert offers stunning scenery and opportunities for adventure and exploration.

About the Destination

The White Desert National Park is a surreal landscape of wind-carved chalk formations, rising from the sand between Bahariya and Farafra.

What the White Desert is known for

The Mushroom and Chicken rock formations, the Crystal Mountain, the Black Desert on the way in, and nights under one of the clearest starry skies in Egypt, when the white rocks glow in the moonlight.

Best time to visit

October to April; nights can be very cold in winter.

How long to stay

One night camping is the classic trip; two nights for a deeper journey.

Tips

Go only with a licensed operator, bring warm layers and a sleeping bag, and take all rubbish with you.

The White Desert

Getting there

The White Desert is accessible by road from Cairo and other parts of Egypt. The nearest town with accommodations and facilities is Farafra Oasis, from which guided tours and safaris to the White Desert are commonly arranged

Attractions
Activties
Plan your Journey

Contact us to arrange an unforgettable journey for you and your family.

Accommodation

There are no hotels in the White Desert itself: visitors sleep in desert camps under the stars.

Famous Hotels

Tours provide tents, mattresses and blankets; hotels are in Bahariya and Farafra.

Food Experience

Dinner is cooked over the fire at camp.

Favorite Cuisines

Expect grilled chicken, rice, vegetables and Bedouin tea under the stars.

Grilled Meats
Chicken and kofta grilled over the campfire.
Rice with Vegetables
Rice and vegetable stew cooked at camp.
Bedouin Bread
Bread baked in the embers.
Bedouin Tea
Sweet tea around the fire.

Transportation & More

The White Desert is reached only by 4x4.

Transportation Options

Trips start in Bahariya (about two hours) or Farafra.

4x4 Safaris
Licensed operators drive in and set up camp.
By Road from Cairo
About four to five hours to Bahariya, then into the desert.

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