Discover Egypt's diverse desert landscapes, from the golden dunes of El Fayoum to the striking patterns of the Black and White Deserts, and experience the natural wonders of Egypt’s iconic deserts.
- Dune in 4x4 safari cars
- Explore the New White Desert, famous for its white chalk formations
- Discover the Old White Desert
- Experience a traditional Bedouin night with the locals
- Visit the Black Desert, unique for its volcanic hills and black stones
- Visit the Magic Lake, a serene oasis in the desert
- Explore the Valley of the Whales, home to ancient whale fossils
- See the amazing rock formations inside Djara Cave
- Roam though Tunis Village
- Camp overnight in the desert
- Discover Ghoroud Samuel
- Indulge in the art of pottery making
- Take your sandboarding skills to the next level
- Discover the Crystal Mountain
- Look up in the sky for some stargazing
Day 1
Fayoum
Your journey begins with a drive into Egypt's desert, heading towards Fayoum. Upon arrival, you will enjoy breakfast at Tunis Village. Roam through its narrow streets, soak in the local ambiance, and encounter an array of unique local crafts. You may even choose to indulge in the art of pottery yourself, guided by skilled artisans to mold clay into beautiful forms (optional activity). Afterwards, gear up for a thrilling Egypt safari. Visit the Magic Lake, located in the heart of Egypt's desert, with its waters shimmering under the sun. Near the Magic Lake, you'll have the opportunity to sandboard. Then, enjoy light lunch in Egypt's desert and head to Samuel Dunes for an adrenaline-fueled 4x4 adventure. Then, head to the camp, where dinner will be served and enjoy a serene stargazing night.
- Roam though Tunis Village
- Indulge in the art of pottery making (optional activity)
- Dune in 4x4 safari cars through Samuel Dunes
- Visit the Magic Lake, a serene oasis in the desert
- Discover Ghoroud Samuel
- Take your sandboarding skills to the next level
- Camp overnight in the desert
- Look up in the sky for some stargazing
Day 2
Black Desert of Egypt
Your day begins with breakfast at the camp followed by a visit to Wadi El-Hitan, also known as the Valley of the Whales. This UNESCO World Heritage site serves as an open-air museum in the heart of Egypt's desert, showcasing prehistoric evidence dating back millions of years. Continue your Egypt safari journey as you step into the vehicle headed towards the Black Desert. Upon arriving at the lodge, take a moment to freshen up, have lunch, and re-energize. Your adventure continues to the Salt Lake and then into the Black Desert. A special surprise awaits: a magic spring inviting you for a swim amidst this unique landscape. After your swim, hike a black mountain and enjoy the sunset in the Black Desert before making your way back to the lodge. Experience the traditional Bedouin way of cooking chicken, known as manddi, where it is buried into the ground for dinner. After dinner, your evening comes alive with the melodic strains of Bedouin music.
- Explore the Valley of the Whales, home to ancient whale fossils
- Visit the Black Desert, unique for its volcanic hills and black stones
- Dune in 4x4 safari cars
- See the historic Salt Lake, once a source of salt for locals
- Take a dip in the Magic Spring
- Experience a traditional Bedouin night with the locals
Day 3
White Desert of Egypt
After breakfast, your journey will take you through the landscapes of the Old White Desert and the New White Desert, adorned with rock formations that evoke a deep sense of wonder. These rock formations, sculpted by the forces of wind and sand over millennia, primarily made of chalk and limestone, give Egypt's desert its distinctive white color. Along the way, you will visit the Agabat area, Crystal Mountain and Wadi El Keber. In Egypt's deserts, you will experience the sands presenting a palette of colors, from traditional yellow and stark white to a vivid red/orange. In the afternoon, you will reach your campsite in the New White Desert, a perfect spot to witness the transformation of your surroundings as the sun slowly dips below the horizon, painting the sky with breathtaking colors. As the sky turns dark and is filled with stars, lose yourself in the beauty of stargazing.
- Take the 4x4 safari cars for a ride
- Discover the Old White Desert
- Explore the New White Desert, famous for its white chalk formations
- Drive by the Agabat Area and Wadi El Kebeer
- Discover the Crystal Mountain
- Experience a traditional Bedouin night with the locals
- Camp in the New White Desert
- Look up in the sky for some stargazing
Day 4
New White Desert of Egypt
After breakfast, you leave the camp to head back to the lodge. As you journey through Egypt's desert on this final leg of your Egypt safari, you will come across unique rock formations that resemble a chicken, mushroom, and a rabbit. Natural masterpieces sculpted by the wind. On your way back, discover the Magic Spring, a rare oasis with extremely hot water, around 50 degrees. Once you reach the lodge, you'll have time to freshen up and have lunch before you head back to Cairo.
- Drive by the unique rock formations (Mushroom, Chicken, Rabbit)
- Discover the Magic Spring, a rare oasis with extremely hot water around 50 degrees
Add-Ons
Pottery Experience
Discover the rich tradition of pottery in Fayoum, where this important craft has been a cornerstone of local culture. Delve into the art of pottery, where each spin of the wheel and touch of the hand transforms simple clay into beautiful creations. Under the guidance of a local instructor, experience the joy and meditative process of making your own pottery.
Djara Cave Extension
Add to your adventure with an exploration of Djara Cave in Egypt's Western Desert, where thousands of years have shaped intricate rock formations. Extend your stay for an additional night to fully experience this natural wonder.
Samuel Dunes Camp
- shared bathroom available onsite
Rooms
- each tent comfortably accommodates 1-3 people
- used mattress and sleeping bags will be available in the tents (you may get your own sleeping bag or purchase a Gazef sleeping bag for hygiene)
Camp - New White Desert
- single and double tents available at the camp site in the new white desert
- used mattresses, sleeping bags, and blankets will be provided (you may get your own sleeping bag or purchase a Gazef sleeping bag for hygiene)
- a portable shared toilet will be available at the camp site in the new white desert
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
- All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- All activities and entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
- All transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
- Private local tour guide
- All service charges and taxes
What is NOT included in the tour
- International flights
- Meals other than mentioned in above itinerary
- Beverages
- Optional activities / tours
- Personal expenses
- Tipping
We provide private cars for groups of up to 3 people, Hiace buses for groups of up to 10, and Coaster buses for groups of up to 19. In the desert, we use 4x4 safari cars.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality.
In Egypt, the power supply is Type C and F, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz. However, no electricity will be available at the campsite and throughout the day at the desert, so make sure to bring your power banks.
In the populated areas of Fayoum and at the eco-lodge at the Black Desert, you can typically expect reliable network connectivity. We also try to pick a camping spot at the New White Desert with network connection. However, as you drive through the Fayoum, Black and White Deserts, expect some inconsistencies in network connection. Certain remote parts within the desert may have limited or even no network coverage at all. Therefore, be prepared for periods of disconnection.
- Comfortable Clothing
- Comfortable Shoes
- Jacket
- Power Bank
- Sun Protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- Sleeping Bag (you may get your own sleeping bag or purchase a Gazef sleeping bag for hygiene)
- Flashlight (if available)
- Electrolytes (if available)
- Camera (if available)
- Speakers (if available)
-
Snacks (nuts, energy bars, fruit)
Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. While it's not mandatory, it's customary to tip around $5 per day per person for drivers. For other service providers, the amount is at your discretion, but an average of $5 USD is typical.
Remember, tipping directly benefits the local community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward.
What is the best time to go to the desert? While the desert can be visited year-round, the cooler months from October to April are often the most comfortable for outdoor activities and exploration of Egypt’s deserts.
Is camping in the desert in Egypt safe? Yes, camping in Egypt’s desert is safe, especially when accompanied by individuals experienced with the desert terrain and conditions.
Do Fayoum and the Black and White Deserts have cellphone network and internet connection? In the populated areas of Fayoum Trips and at the lodge in the Black Desert, you can typically rely on steady network connectivity. However, as you traverse Egypt's desert landscapes, including those of Fayoum, the Black Desert, and the White Desert, expect some inconsistencies in network connection. Certain remote parts within these deserts may have limited or even no network coverage at all. Thus, when planning your adventures in Egypt's desert, it's wise to anticipate periods where you might be disconnected. Despite this, efforts are usually made to choose campsites where some network coverage is accessible.
Should I be concerned about sandstorms in the desert? While sandstorms may occur, particularly in the spring, local guides are well-equipped and experienced to handle such situations, ensuring your safety throughout the Egypt trips.
Are trips to the desert suitable for children? Yes, the Egypt desert trip is family-friendly and appropriate for children. However, be aware that some activities, such as sandboarding or the desert safari, might be challenging for younger kids.
