Overview

A journey across Egypt, starting with a stay with Bedouins in the Black and White Deserts, exploring the cultural and historical richness along the Nile in El Minya, and ending in Hurghada with an exploration of the underwater marine life in the Red Sea, showcasing the country's varied landscapes: desert, farmland, and sea.

4 Nights 5 Days Available on request Black & White Deserts, Minya, Hurghada
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

Drive to the black desert, an approximately 5-hour drive. As we arrive, we will first stop at Le Jardin Sous La Lune Eco-Lodge. We'll have some time to freshen up and have light lunch, before hopping on the 4x4 safari cars heading into the White Desert. We'll start with exploring the Old White Desert and the New White Desert, adorned with rock formations. These rock formations, sculpted by the forces of wind and sand over millennia, primarily made of chalk and limestone, give the desert its distinctive white color. Along the way, we'll visit the Agabat area, Crystal Mountain and Wadi El Kebeer. Then, also experience the sands presenting a palette of colours, from traditional yellow and stark white to a vivid red/orange. In the afternoon, we'll reach our campsite in the New White Desert, a perfect spot to witness the transformation of our surroundings. Dinner will be served at the camp site. Enjoy the Bedouins' rhythm as they play some live music. 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
Overnight camping at the New White Desert (breakfast, light lunch, dinner)

 


Day 2

Black Desert

After breakfast, we'll get to see unique rock formations that resemble a chicken, mushroom, and a rabbit. Natural masterpieces sculpted by the wind. Hop in the vehicle and set off towards the Black Desert. Once we arrive, grab the sandboard and prepare to put your skills to the test. Amidst this unique landscape, you'll see a Black Mountain, its darkened facade is a testament to the ages of erosion that have shaped this remarkable terrain. Then, we'll head back to the lodge to freshen up and have lunch before we drive to El Minya, an approximately 2-hour drive. First, we'll check in. Then, we'll ride a felucca boat on the Nile to get to an island, where we'll enjoy tea in the greenery. After the sun sets, we'll have dinner at a famous restaurant in El Minya. If you still have energy, let's go for a walk through the city, exploring the corniche and the Taha Hussein sculpture.

  • 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 C-Boat (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. We'll have light light before hading 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'll make our way back to the hotel for dinner. Today, we'll sleep early because tomorrow we'll be leaving at 3:00 am, heading towards Hurghada.

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

 


Day 4

Hurghada

At 3:00 am, we'll check out from the hotel, heading towards Hurghada port, approximately a 5-hour drive away. From there, we'll take a boat to Abu Minqar Island, where we'll spend our final two nights. We'll relax on the beach, and enjoy some beach games. A zodiac will be available to shuttle us between the boat and the island all day. We'll celebrate our final day with an all-white party on the boat. At night, look up in the sky for some stargazing.

  • Enjoy a boat trip with an overnight stay
  • Spend a day in Abu Minqar Island's crystal-clear waters
  • Have fun with some beach activities
  • Celebrate with an all-white party!
  • Look up for some stargazing
Overnight on a boat (packed breakfast, lunch, dinner)

 


Day 5

Beach Day

Today, we'll enjoy our morning on the island, swimming and chilling by the beach at Abu Minqar Island After lunch, we'll make our way back to Cairo.

We'll head back to Cairo at 4 PM, with an estimated arrival back in Cairo around 11 PM.

  • Spend the morning in Abu Minqar Island
  • Chill by the beach
  • Take a dip in the water
(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


C-Boat - El Minya

Rooms

  • single, double, and triple rooms with private toilets


Boat - Hurghada, Red Sea

Sun Deck

Middle Deck

Cabins

  • each Cabin comfortably accommodates 1-2 people
  • note that based on your chosen cabin category when booking, you may share accommodation with one fellow traveler

Standard Double Cabin

  • private bathroom

Middle Deck Twin Cabin

  • private bathroom

Upper Deck Single Cabin

  • shared bathroom

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 $250 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
  • Bathing Suit
  • 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.

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.