When you hear about Egypt, the first thing that comes to the mind is The Great Pyramid of Giza and sure, it’s gorgeous. But do you know what else is breathtaking? Its the world-famous White Desert of Egypt! 

Located at about five hours’ drive away from Cairo, the White Desert looks otherworldly, resembling an extra-terrestrial planet by day, and a wintry landscape by night, when the moon illuminates the desert as brightly as day.

The desert is covered in white inselbergs of unique shapes and sizes and its inselbergs even have their names, such as tents, ice mountains, mushrooms, etc.

The White Desert of Egypt covers over 2.8 million square kilometres. It begins from the Nile and encompasses five oases: Bahariya, Kharga, Dakhla, Siwa and Farafra. 

History of the White Desert

If you are wondering how this extraordinary place came to be, it was because of several things.

About 60 million years ago, the place we know as the White Desert was merely the bottom of a shallow sea. When the sea receded millions of years later, it revealed a calcareous surface.

The result of the sea receding was the formation of the rock formations owing to the flow of winds as well as the erstwhile ocean over a long period of time. 

Itinerary for the White Desert of Egypt

Ready to visit this offbeat place? Here is an itinerary to help you to better exolore the White Desert of Egypt. 

To experience the place in its element and get the most out of your visit, it is best to start your tour in the morning and stay the night. 

Travel from Cairo to Bahariya Oasis

Leave your hotel in Giza/Cairo between 6 am to 7 am. This will give you enough time to visit the White Desert and do fun activities.

Drive to Bahariya Oasis, approximately 400 km east of Cairo. The journey can take about 5 hours. The entire drive is picturesque, so you don’t have to worry about getting bored. 

Upon reaching Bahariya Oasis, meet your Safari guide and swap your vehicle for a 4*4 jeep to travel to the White Desert. 

Bahariya Oasis, Black Desert, and Crystal Mountain

On the way, stop at the Black Desert, which is a gorgeous contrast to the White Desert.

Have your lunch, dip at the hot water spring to freshen your mind if you are ahead of your schedule, and visit the Crystal Mountains. Crystal Mountain is also called the Jewel of the Desert and looks breathtaking during the day.

Sandboarding at Valley of Agabat

The next stop on your route to the White Desert is the Valley of Agabat, also known as Beautiful Valley. With a stunning landscape, this valley is a visual treat and perfect for sandboarding.

White Desert of Egypt

Finally, you will reach the White Desert. Your guide will set up tents there. There are permanent cooking tents there that will prepare a mouthwatering barbeque. 

The White Desert has magnificent sunsets. Take some time to see the Milky Way Galaxy and sleep under the spectacular starry sky. The temperatures significantly drop at night, so remember to keep warm clothes. 

Morning and Journey Back to Cairo

Spend time clicking pictures and enjoying the unique formations of the White Desert during sunrise. Leave for Cairo after breakfast. Depending on the traffic, you will reach by 4 pm.

As you can see, your trip to this location will leave you with many fond memories which will surely tug at your heartstrings and make you want to visit again. 

This tour of the White Desert of Egypt will thereby give you a chance to disconnect from the modern world and indulge in nature’s wonders, with the inclusion of an authentic Bedouin experience under the starry sky.