Overview

Experience a 4-day Egypt adventure tour from the wild west to the vibrant east. Starting in the White Desert Egypt, you'll go off-roading through chalk formations and the volcanic hills of the Black Desert safari, followed by Bedouin camping under the stars. In El Minya, visit Zawyet Al Amwat, the Beni Hassan tombs, and the temples of Isadora and Petosiris. Sail the Nile on a felucca and sip tea on a green island before ending the trip in Hurghada with Red Sea snorkeling. This journey blends nature, heritage, and local life through Egypt’s desert, farmland, and coast

3 Nights 4 Days 23 Oct and 23 Oct Black & White Deserts, Minya
Gazef Meter
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Highlights
  • Explore the New White Desert, famous for its white chalk formations
  • Discover the Old White Desert
  • Visit the Black Desert, unique for its volcanic hills and black stones
  • Dune in 4x4 safari cars
  • Take your sandboarding skills to the next level 
  • Discover the Crystal Mountain
  • Camp in the New White Desert
  • Experience a traditional Bedouin night with the locals
  • Sail the Nile on a traditional felucca boat
  • Explore Zawyet Al Amwat, a hidden gem
  • Visit Beni Hassan and the Tombs of Isadora & Petosiris, rich in ancient history
  • Enjoy a boat trip with an overnight stay
  • Spend a day in Abu Minqar Island's crystal-clear waters
  • Look up for some stargazing in the clear desert sky
  • Celebrate with an all-white party!
Itinerary

We will meet up at the Emirates Embassy in Heliopolis, with a secondary meeting point at Emarat Misr Gas Station, Wahaat Road, 6th of October, to arrive on the mentioned date of the trip early in the morning to make the most out of the day.

Day 1

White Desert

Kick off with a 5-hour drive to the Black Desert. Our first stop is Le Jardin Sous La Lune Eco-Lodge, where we’ll freshen up and enjoy a light lunch before jumping into 4x4 safari cars for an unforgettable ride. We’ll explore the stunning Old and New White Deserts, with their iconic chalk and limestone rock formations shaped by wind and sand over thousands of years. Along the way, we’ll visit the magical Agabat area, the sparkling Crystal Mountain, and the dramatic sands of Wadi El Kebeer, where colors shift from yellow and white to vivid red and orange. By afternoon, we’ll reach our camp in the New White Desert, just in time to watch the desert transform under the setting sun. After dinner, relax around the fire with live Bedouin music, and let the starlit sky take your breath away.

  • 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
Overnight camping at the New White Desert (breakfast, light lunch, dinner)

 


Day 2

Black Desert

After breakfast, we’ll explore some fascinating rock formations shaped by the wind. These natural sculptures look like a chicken, a mushroom, and even a rabbit. Next, we hop into our vehicles and head to the Black Desert. Once there, grab a sandboard and test your skills on the dunes. You’ll also see the Black Mountain, a striking reminder of how time and erosion have shaped this landscape. After some adventure, we return to the lodge to freshen up and have lunch. Later, we drive to El Minya, about two hours away. Once we check in, we’ll take a felucca ride on the Nile to a nearby island for tea surrounded by greenery. As the sun sets, we’ll enjoy dinner at a well-known restaurant. If you’re still up for it, we’ll take a walk along the corniche and check out the Taha Hussein sculpture before calling it a day.

  • Drive by the unique rock formations (Mushroom, Chicken, Rabbit)
  • Visit the Black Desert, unique for its volcanic hills and black stones
  • Take your sandboarding skills to the next level 
  • Sail the Nile on a traditional felucca boat
  • Enjoy tea with a view in El Gheit, located on an island in the heart of the Nile
  • Take a city walk
Overnight at Grand Aton (breakfast, light lunch)

 


Day 3

Minya

Today, we'll explore Zawyet Al Amwat, a small village known for the Zawyet El-Maiyitin Pyramid, an unfinished pyramid believed to be constructed during the Old Kingdom period. We'll continue with exploring Beni Hassan, where we'll get to see well-preserved wall paintings portraying scenes of daily life, religion, and culture from the Middle Kingdom period of ancient Egypt.  Then, we'll make our way back to the hotel for dinner.

  • Explore Zawyet Al Amwat, a hidden gem
  • Visit Tombs of Beni Hassan
  • Uncover the Tombs of Isadora & Petosiris
Overnight at Grand Aton (breakfast, light lunch)

 


Day 4

After breakfast we will check out heading to Tuna El Gabal, where we'll visit the tombs of Isadora and Petosiris, famous for their detailed carvings and paintings that tell stories from ancient Egyptian times. We'll take a tour around the tombs and the underground city. Then we say good bye to this beautiful city and we'll make our way back to Cairo.

We'll head back to Cairo at 2 PM, with an estimated arrival back in Cairo around 7 PM.

  • Uncover the Tombs of Isadora & Petosiris
(breakfast)

 

Accommodation

Camp - New White Desert

  • single and double tents available at the camp site in the new white desert
  • used mattress, sleeping bags, and blanket will be provided (you may get your own sleeping bag or purchase a Gazef sleeping bag for hygiene)
  • no toilet will be available at the camp site in the new white desert


Grand Aton - El Minya

 

Rooms

  • single, double, and triple rooms with private toilets

Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All meals mentioned on the itinerary
  • All sightseeing tours and entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle 
  • All service charges and taxes

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Meals other than mentioned in above itinerary
  • Drinks and beverages
  • Optional activities
  • Personal spending
  • Tipping
Pickup point
Directions
Departure is at 3:00 AM from the Emirates Embassy located on Thawra Street, Heliopolis, with a secondary meeting point at 4:15 AM from Emarat Misr Gas Station, Wahaat Road, 6th of October View on Map
Important Notes

Non-Egyptians will incur an additional fee of $160 to cover essential permits, accommodation, and ticket price differences. Make sure you have this amount in cash to be paid to your trip chaperone at the start of the journey.

Adventure Leader

The Adventure Leader's primary role is to ensure your journey flows seamlessly. As your main point of contact throughout the trip, they're dedicated to enhancing your experience. Whether it's offering recommendations on activities or attractions, or facilitating interactions among travelers, they ensure everyone feels connected, although often connections form naturally.

Traveling Solo

Our groups are filled with solo travelers and like-minded individuals who share a passion for adventure and connecting with others. You'll feel right at home exploring with us.

Transportation

We use private buses, either a Hiace for smaller groups of 10 or a Coaster for larger groups of 19.

Electricity

In Egypt, the power supply is Type C and F, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz. Take into consideration that no electricity will be available at the campsite in the new white deserts nor during our day visits at the black and white deserts, so make sure to bring your power banks.

Network

Expect some inconsistencies in network connection. At the 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 Black and White Deserts. Same thing for the boat trip i Hurghada. Jubal Island does not support network connection. However, Abu Minqar Island has network coverage. In El Minya, you can expect reliable network connection. Therefore, be prepared for periods of disconnection.

Packing List
  • Comfortable Clothing
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Slippers
  • Towel
  • Sun Protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
  • Insect Repellent
  • Sleeping Bag (Gazef sleeping bags available for purchase)
  • Pillow (travel size if available)
  • Bed sheets
  • Power Bank
  • Camera / Waterproof GoPro (if available)
  • Speakers (if available)
  • Snacks
Tipping

Tipping directly supports local communities, benefiting drivers and suppliers. The tourism sector heavily depends on this support. While not obligatory, your tip is a meaningful 'thank you' for their service.

FAQs

Q: What is included in the Masr Bel Ard tour?

The tour includes accommodation, meals as per the itinerary, transportation in private vehicles, entrance fees to all listed sites, and guided activities such as safaris, felucca rides, and historical visits.

Q: Where does the tour start and end?

The journey begins in Cairo with pickup from Heliopolis or 6th of October and ends with a return to Cairo after visiting Hurghada.

Q: What should I pack for the Masr Bel Ard tour?

Pack comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes, a power bank, sun protection, insect repellent, a sleeping bag, towel, and snacks. A detailed packing list is provided.

Q: Is the Masr Bel Ard tour suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, the tour is ideal for solo adventurers. Gazef tours attract like-minded travelers and create a welcoming, communal experience.

Q: Will there be electricity and network coverage during the trip?

Electricity is available in El Minya and some desert lodges, but not at the desert campsite. Network coverage may be spotty in remote areas, so come prepared for offline moments.

 

Meter Level
60%
Local Suppliers

Meet our local desert guide, Helal Abed. A true embodiment of Bedouin heritage and expertise. Coming from a Bedouin family and residing in the Western Desert, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every journey. With years of exploration under his belt, he has traversed the vast desert landscape, guiding travelers on month-long expeditions that unveil the desert's hidden gems. His passion for sustainable living led him to build an eco-lodge, where guests are welcomed into an authentic desert oasis. Here, he grows dates, bananas, and lemons, and cares for his cows, providing a unique farm-to-table experience. Certified in food health, he ensures that all meals are both delicious and safe, offering a culinary journey that complements the adventure. Enjoy Helal's expertise and warm hospitality, and let his charismatic presence make your desert experience unforgettable.