Egypt Desert Safaris
The richness and variety of the deserts of Egypt are endless. For many, the desert is synonymous with monotony, flatness and aridity. This is only a half-truth, for the scenery of the desert offers, to the observant eye, as much variety as a fertile landscape. You will quickly develop a passion for the desert after experiencing all its canyons, valleys (known as wadis), gorges, oases, and mountains.
No matter where you are in Egypt, an incredible desert safari experience is awaiting you. The desert offers miles upon miles of unexplored virgin mountains and wadis. This expanse of rocks, sand and occasional vegetation has witnessed over the centuries the rise and fall of many ancient civilizations, each leaving its imprints on the land. 
 The Nile River Valley divides the desert into what is known as the Western and the Eastern Deserts. Both extend from the southern borders of Egypt to the Delta in the North.
Southwards from Cairo, the desert rises 1000 and even 1500 feet above sea level in a series of terraces or small plateaus rising one above the other and intersected by small ravines. As one of the most arid regions on earth, people settled down in the lower depressions where water remained accessible by drilling artesian wells. This is known as the Western Desert. There are 6 oasis of “major importance” among a handful of smaller communities. The oases are famed for their numerous mineral and sulfur-rich springs, distinguished by their unique chemical composition which acknowledges them world-wide. In addition, the silt contained in these wells has numerous curative properties for the treatment of bone, stomach, chest and skin ailments. Most of the wells are found in the Fayoum, Kharga, Dakhla, Farafra, Bahariyya and Siwa Oases as well as in the Qattara Depression.
Not only is the Western Desert a land of beauty but rich in history where legends of Pharaohs, Kings, Warriors and explorers are created.
  
Another incredible fascination of this region is a vast stretch of land known as the White Desert. The snow-white desert is actually made of chalk that has been exposed for years to what geologist’s call "differential weathering," the erosion of soft particles that results in eerie protrusions of rock. This explains the intriguing forms that embody the White Desert including shapes like domes, minarets, castles, and towers.
   
 Between the Nile and the Red Sea lies the Eastern Desert where the width of the wilderness varies from 90 to 350 miles. It spans in a chain of mountains running parallel to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Suez. As in the Western Desert, the Eastern desert is home to many nomadic tribes, ancient settlements, and historic Romanic and Ptolemic sites. Highlights here include the mountainous landscape offering sweeping vistas-such as from Mount Igla, the important tribal trade market – Shelatin, the wildlife, and a multitude of well-preserved archaeological sites.
As diverse as the desert is, so are the multiple ways to experience its vastness—by 4 wheel drive jeep, quad bike, camel, or by foot. Our programs are varied from a half-day trek into the desert to a week or 2 journey.
Life under canvas in the pure clear air of the desert has always had a particular fascination for visitors to Egypt and a stay of any length in the country almost invariably included a few days camping out under the stars—known as the one and only "one million star hotel."
  
Whether your interest is hiking, archaeology, geology, stargazing, or tribal cultures, you will surely find one of our desert programs to suit your taste.
Listed below is one of our Western Oasis safari trip and various options. Contact us directly for a full list of programs or let us know your priorities and we will create an itinerary that best suits your needs.
Western Desert Safari 6-Days/5-Nights
including Cairo, Bahariyya, the White Desert, the Oasis
Farafra, Oasis Dakhla, Oasis Kharaga, Oasis Baris, and Luxor.
Western Desert Safari: Day 1
We begin our journey in the early morning from Cairo on a 350-km road trip to Bahariyya. Upon reaching this oasis we will leisurely tour the old town and settle in for some lunch. After our meal we will visit the temple of Alexander the Great, tombs of the nobles and the great English Mountain. Late afternoon we will check in at our hotel and have dinner, which leaves time and explore the town further. We end the night enjoying the hot water baths at the ancient springs. Night at hotel (B, L, D)
Western Desert Safari: Day 2
We begin our exploration on this second day after breakfast where we head off the beaten track to the black desert and the area known for its dunes—where we climb a 50-meter dune. Then off to the Oasis Farafra -where a visit to the Crystal Mountain is a must. The area is acknowledged for its desert roses and the renowned arch.
Moving on we head to the White Desert to explore the incredible formations and wind carved sculptures that resemble both human and animal faces. At sunset we further explore the surface formations that offer the feeling of being on another planet. It is here that we settle for the night- camping in the “million star hotel.” (B, L. D)
Western Desert Safari: Day 3 
This morning we head back to the Farafra where we explore the city and bathe in the hot springs. After a 230-km road trip, our next stop is the Oasis Dakhla. Here we explore the remains of a time long ago in visiting the Old Covered City with its oil press, the school, courthouse, and the dwelling chambers. We overnight in a hotel here in Dakhla. (B, L, D)
Western Desert Safari: Day 4
This morning before departing Dakhla we visit the Roman ruin- Heir el Hagar, el Muzawakah tombs, and Mut. Then off to the next oasis - Kharga, where we discover the ancient and historic monuments including the Hibis temple. We overnight here in a hotel. (B, L, D)
Western Desert Safari: Day 5
Touring the Kharaga area we continue our discovery of the various ruins from multiple conquering empires- from the Romans to the Greeks to the Egyptians—from the Christians to the Muslims—the history here is vast. Some of the highlights include the El Bagawat Cemetary, El Deir Temple, El Nadura, Qasr El Zayan, the temple of Gheweta, and the Labahka area. Our day will end with a stop at the spring and finally we overnight here in Kharaga. (B, L, D)
Western Desert Safari: Day 6
On our last day, we travel 55-km to Baris where we visit the temple of Dush. After lunch, we continue our day with a scenic road trip to Luxor- where our tour ends. (B, L)
Many variations of the above itinerary and alternates are available:
2-NTS/3-DA Cairo – Bahariyya – White Desert – Cairo
1-NT/2-DA or 2-NT/3-DA Cairo – White Desert – Cairo
3-NT/4-DA Cairo – Siwa – Cairo or 4-NT/5-DA Cairo – Siwa – Bahariyya - Cairo
6-NT/7-DA Cairo – Siwa – Bahariyya – White Desert – Farafra – Dahkla - Kharga
A safari trip into the desert is
a journey into the soul of Egypt
To truly capture the desert culture, join us for a camel
safari for overnight or up to a 5 day trek. Regardless of
which desert you are close to -- there is a camel awaiting
your adventurous spirit.
Over centuries, the camel is the main source of survival
of nomadic people in the desert environment. What better way
to venture in than on camel. These treks focus on the element
of Bedouin way of life and survival. As we trek in the mornings
upon the desert sands through the colorful canyons, we will
visit various nomadic camps. Welcomed by the Bedouins we will
be introduced to the desert wildlife as well as the flora
and fauna, including the medicinal plants that are still used
today to heal ailments and illnesses.
On these camel treks, all meals are prepared by the Bedouins and served in a traditional style of eating together and helping yourself. The evenings provide ample opportunity to relax and engage with these very spirited people. Taking in the sunsets, sitting around the campfire and sleeping under the stars with its breathtaking displays of planets, constellations and shooting stars, will most certainly be a soulful experience.
Available are one to 10 days treks. Rates are based on number of persons and the length of the journey.
 
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