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.
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.
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. |
 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. In the North, the desert is certainly
flat but from Cairo southwards it rises to 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 worn by the
occasional rainstorms. As one of the most arid regions on earth,
people settled down in the lower depressions where water remained
accessible by drilling artesian wells.
Water comes from numerous wells springing from the porous sandstone,
which underlies a great portion of this area. The ancient wells
are as deep as 400 feet resulting in 5 luxuriant oases that dot
the area: Bahariyya, Farafra, Dakhla, Kharga and Siwa. Date palms
are the principal crop of most oases and their fruit is considered
superior to that grown in the Nile Valley. Rice, barley and wheat
are also cultivated at Kharga where the palm, the tamarisk, the
acacia and the wild senna are also found. These plateaus are recognized
as the Western Desert
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 full 6-day 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.
See below a sampling of our Western Oasis safari trip
or contact us directly for a full list of programs and rates.
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)
Egypt Desert Safaris.
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