By 4×4
Desert adventure
Leave the paved road at Bahariya Oasis and cross the desert in a 4×4 with an experienced local driver.
Day 1
Unique rock formations
Black volcanic hills, the quartz of Crystal Mountain, the rock towers of Agabat Valley and the chalk shapes of the White Desert.
Night
Desert camping
Sunset, dinner cooked at camp and a night under a sky full of stars, far from any city light.
Day 2
Sunrise in the White Desert
Wake among the chalk formations as the first light turns them gold, then breakfast at camp.
The route
About 370 km south-west of Cairo, then off the road and into the desert.
- CairoEarly departure
- Bahariya OasisPalm groves, and the start of the desert track
- Black DesertVolcanic hills dusted with dark stone
- Crystal Mountain and Agabat ValleyQuartz crystals and rock towers
- White DesertChalk formations, sunset and camp
Day by day
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Day 1
Cairo to the White Desert
Leave Cairo early and drive about four hours to Bahariya Oasis, where you switch to a 4×4. Cross the Black Desert and stop at Crystal Mountain and the rock towers of Agabat Valley, then enter the White Desert as the light softens. Watch the sunset among the chalk formations, with dinner cooked at camp and a night under the stars.
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Day 2
Sunrise in the White Desert, return to Cairo
Wake for sunrise over the chalk mushrooms and spires, then breakfast at camp. A last drive through the formations before returning via Bahariya Oasis to Cairo, arriving in the late afternoon.
The camp is a simple Bedouin-style camp: tents, mattresses and blankets are provided. Nights are cold from November to March, so bring warm layers.
When to go
The desert is at its best in the cooler months. These are our suggested seasons, based on the weather at Bahariya Oasis.
Comfortable days and cool nights for exploring and camping.
Spring exploring, or clear winter skies for stargazing.
Arranged according to the cold, the spring winds and the forecast.
From May to September daytime temperatures reach 34 to 37°C and we do not recommend the trip.
Average temperatures by month
| Month | Day high | Night low | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | 5°C | Cool days, very cold nights at camp |
| February | 20°C | 6°C | Pleasant days, cold nights |
| March | 24°C | 9°C | Recommended |
| April | 32°C | 15°C | Recommended |
| May | 34°C | 18°C | Getting hot |
| June | 37°C | 20°C | Not recommended |
| July | 37°C | 22°C | Not recommended |
| August | 37°C | 22°C | Not recommended |
| September | 34°C | 19°C | Still hot |
| October | 31°C | 16°C | Recommended |
| November | 26°C | 11°C | Best month |
| December | 21°C | 7°C | Pleasant days, cold nights |
Monthly averages from the Bahariya Oasis weather station, 2000 to 2010. The camp can be colder, especially before dawn.
What to pack
Daytime
- Light long-sleeved clothing
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
Night
- A warm jacket or fleece
- Long trousers and warm socks
- A warm sleeping bag
- A scarf or light hat
Where you stay
One night in a desert camp inside the White Desert National Park: tents, mattresses and blankets, dinner by the fire and the stars overhead.
Price includes
- Transport from Cairo to Bahariya Oasis and back
- 4×4 desert safari with a local driver
- Camp night with tent, mattress and blankets
- Dinner at camp and breakfast
- White Desert National Park entry fee
- English- or Chinese-speaking guide
Not included
- Lunch on the way
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tipping
Travel with Grace, discover more
Ask about this trip
Tell us your group size and preferred dates and we will reply with the price. This trip also combines well with a few days in Cairo.