Exploring the Wonders of the 5-Day White Desert, Black Desert, and Bahariya Oasis from Cairo
Embarking on a 5-day adventure from Cairo to the mesmerizing White Desert, Black Desert, and Bahariya Oasis offers an unforgettable journey through Egypt’s most captivating natural landscapes. This expedition combines surreal desert scenery, rich history, and unique geological formations, making it a must-do for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the highlights of this incredible desert safari, providing insights to help you plan your trip.
Your desert adventure begins with an early morning departure from Cairo, heading westward toward Bahariya Oasis, approximately 370 kilometers away. Known as Egypt’s “Golden Valley,” Bahariya is a lush oasis nestled amidst expansive desert landscapes. Once you arrive, take some time to explore the local markets, visit the Bahariya Museum, and enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal. The town serves as the perfect base for exploring nearby natural wonders and provides essential amenities for travelers.
On the second day, set out to explore the surrounding areas of Bahariya Oasis. Visit the ancient ruins of the Old Bawiti, see the local hot springs, and marvel at the lush palm groves contrasting with the surrounding desert. A highlight is the Black Desert (Black Desert of Egypt), characterized by volcanic rocks and black volcanic hills. This stark, dramatic landscape is perfect for photography and offers a surreal experience. You can also visit the Valley of the Golden Mummies, an archaeological site housing well-preserved mummies dating back to the Greco-Roman period.
The third day marks the start of your journey into the White Desert, one of Egypt’s most famous natural wonders. Depart early from Bahariya and drive approximately 2 hours into this otherworldly landscape. The White Desert is renowned for its surreal chalk formations, sculpted over thousands of years by wind and weather into strange shapes resembling mushrooms, sculptures, and abstract art. Camp overnight amidst these stunning formations to fully immerse yourself in the desert’s mystical atmosphere. Many tours include a night under the stars, offering a spectacular celestial display away from city lights.
Spend the day exploring the White Desert’s remarkable formations. Visit the famous “Animal Cemetery,” where ancient fossilized bones and remains tell stories of prehistoric life. Take a 4×4 tour to see the various sculptures and formations, and enjoy sandboarding on the dunes. The landscape is perfect for photography enthusiasts, offering endless opportunities to capture the surreal beauty of this desert. As the sun sets, return to your camp to enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner and experience the tranquility of the desert night.
On the final day, depart from the White Desert and head back towards Cairo, with a detour through the Black Desert. This allows you to witness the contrasting black volcanic formations against the white chalk landscapes, providing a comprehensive view of Egypt’s diverse desert geology. After exploring the Black Desert and perhaps taking some last photos, continue your journey back to Cairo, reaching the city by evening.
A 5-day trip exploring the White Desert, Black Desert, and Bahariya Oasis offers a unique glimpse into Egypt’s diverse natural landscapes and ancient history. From surreal chalk formations and volcanic landscapes to archaeological sites and lush oasis towns, this journey is a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re an avid photographer, history enthusiast, or adventure seeker, this desert safari promises memories to last a lifetime. Plan your trip today and discover the magic of Egypt’s extraordinary deserts!
Pick up from your hotel in Cairo and back
Accommodation in White Desert camping for 3 night on full board basis
Accommodation in Bahariya for 1 night in Hotel
Camping equipments like sleeping bags, camel blankets, tents
All sightseeing tours mentioned in the itinerary
All transfers from Cairo to Bahariya by an air-conditioned vehicle
All transfers inside Bahariya Oasis and White Desert by 4×4 car
Entrance fees to the mentioned sightseeing
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
English speaking desert guide during your trip
Bottled water during the trips
All taxes & service charge
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 630 $ |
| Twin Room | 475 $ |
| Triple Room | 425 $ |
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 600 $ |
| Twin Room | 440 $ |
| Triple Room | 380 $ |
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 620 $ |
| Twin Room | 475 $ |
| Triple Room | 435 $ |
| Room Type | Price/Person |
|---|---|
| Single Room | 575 $ |
| Twin Room | 430 $ |
| Triple Room | 375 $ |
Price quotes are in USD per person per tour except for celebration. Please inquire for the prices of New Year, Christmas and Easter.
Tipping for a job well done is customary and highly expected in Egypt though it is not obligatory. Please feel welcomed but not obliged to offer a tip to your service provider
Notes:
Children policy is applied to children who share rooms with their parents (Maximum 1 OR 2 Child under 5 years old sharing parent’s room)
Children policy is not applied on all kinds of transportation (Flight, train or bus) full ticket payment is required
We are offering a considerable down payment of just 20% to secure your space on the tour including hotel room, cruise cabin, domestic flight ticket, and other travel-related services and 30% during Christmas, New Year and Easter Holidays. The remaining balance can be paid up to two days prior to your arrival date or in cash upon arrival at the destination. Therefore, your booking will be a risk-free investment.
In case you cancel your trip, the following charges will be applied:
At any time after your booking is confirmed, Ancient Egypt Tours holds a 20% non-refundable deposit
7 days or less before departure, we will retain the 50% payment you have paid in relation to your booking.
We advise all clients to purchase travel insurance in the event that travel is unexpectedly interrupted due to illness. To confirm the booking, the client must pay a deposit of 20% of the total tour price.
Should the reservation be canceled, customers will be charged a fee depending on how far beyond the departure date the cancellation is made. To cancel, the Customer must notify the Tour Organizer in writing.
Full payment forfeiture in case of no show
All Transportation tickets are nonrefundable and there’s also a 5% transaction fee on refunds.
Here, at Ancient Egypt Tours, we prioritize your well-being and safety above all else and for that reason, we have adapted our cancellation policy to reflect our values. We offer a very flexible cancellation policy in case the government or the airline issues a NOT TO TRAVEL warning to the designated destination. In the event of this happening, we will refund you the amount paid according to cancellation policy, unless you prefer to keep your payment available for future travel credit and travel voucher that can be used towards any of the destinations, we operate tours in. You have the flexibility to apply this amount towards new travel services booked. Reservations will be adjusted to reflect these travel credits automatically.
After your tour is confirmed, we will email final confirmation and voucher to print and bring with you. Details will include contact numbers of your tour operator and customer care and additional information for your convenience.
