Camping in Egypt’s White Desert is a magnificent and unique experience. While all of my experiences in Egypt were incredible, this was the highlight of my trip. When sifting through Egypt itineraries, you will find a lot of the same great itineraries. However, very few have this included in them so I am here to tell you (and convince you!) to add camping in the White Desert in Egypt to your itinerary. If I ever get to make it back to Egypt, it will be to go camping for a week in the White Desert.
I would highly recommend booking this experience with Western Desert Tours. They offer a variety of trips to suit your needs best and provide excellent communication. I truly had a great experience with them! Visit their website here and inquire about their camping tours.
How Long Should You Go Camping in the White Desert in Egypt?
Western Desert Tours offers a variety of trips to cater to the amount of time you may have. They have trips from 1 night to a week. If you have limited time, it is still 100% worth it to do the 1 night trip. However, if you do have flexibility you should definitely extend to however long you have and are comfortable with. Take it from my personal experience, and from other reviews, the 1 night and 2 day trip was incredible, but so incredible that I wished I had more time.
Check out the trip options here. Each extension you are able to see more of the desert.
What To Expect While camping In the white desert in egypt?
In the early morning (around 7am) you will get picked up by a driver at your accommodation in Cairo. You will drive about 5 hours to the Bahariya Oasis where you will be provided with a delicious Egyptian meal. There is a nice bathroom (with a shower) for your use. After you are done eating, you will get into a 4×4 vehicle with a driver and a guide. The car has all of your camping gear and food packed and provided for your trip. Now, it is time to start the true adventure!
Each of the trip options have different highlights, so read about them here. Some highlights include a stop at Bahariya’s hot and cold springs, hiking to see views of the black desert, seeing crystals at Crystal Mountain, visiting the Magic Spring’s pools, seeing rock sugar loaves at Agabat Valley, sand boarding in the dunes, and exploring the White Desert National Park.
Throughout the trip, your guide will talk you through the history of the desert and you will be in disbelief as you hear about the area being underwater, creating these unique monoliths.
Despite the amazing scenery you will be glued to, the most spectacular aspect is after each day of exploring, the peacefulness you will feel under the stars in complete silence, with only the sound of a fire crackling in front of you. The driver and guide will cook you a delicious meal over the fire. You can drink tea and soak in the serenity of the Egyptian desert under the stars. Once you are ready, you will head into your prepared tent and sleep away in the peacefulness of the night. The night is chilly, but you are provided with camel blankets to keep you warm.
The sunrises in the desert are spectacular if you have the desire to wake up for it, and a delicious breakfast will be prepared for you in the mornings.
After your camping adventure comes to an end, you will have a final meal, the option to take a shower, and be transported to your location of choice as discussed with Western Desert Tours. Your drop-off could be back to your accommodation in Cairo, the Cairo International Airport (CAI) to catch a flight to your next adventure, or the train station to catch the night train to Luxor.
When Should you go camping in the White Desert in Egypt?
You can do this activity year-round, with the best time being October through March due to the temperature. In the Summer the days can be scorching. During the Winter, the days, although warm, are much more bearable than the Summer but the evenings get quite cold. You will be provided with ample blankets to keep you warm, but make sure to dress in layers with clothing options for the various conditions. I personally did this trip in December and had a good experience.
Preparing For Your Trip
Visit the Western Desert Tours Preparation Guide to understand how to prepare and what to bring for your camping adventure
To Prepare:
- Communicate with your tour to discuss all transportation plans, food preferences, or any other concerns
- Book all necessary flights/transportation and accommodations before and after your camping trip
What To Bring:
- Travel essential documents/money (cash for tipping, passport)
- Clothes appropriate for your duration including:
- Loose-fitting t-shirts/tops, long-sleeve shirts, shorts, pants
- Sleepwear
- Jacket
- Towel and swimwear (for hot/cold springs)
- Comfortable shoes (sneakers and flip-flops/sandals)
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries
- Shower Wipes
- Toilet Paper (and a lighter to burn toilet paper after usage)
- Day Backpack
- Snacks (granola bars, trail mix, etc.)
- Insulated Water Bottle
- Sunscreen
- Medication / first-aid travel kits
- Flashlight
- Power Bank to charge your phone/camera
Camping in the White Desert in Egypt is an incredible experience! Contact me if you have any questions about camping in the desert in Egypt or let me know your experience if you have been lucky enough to go on this adventure.
Check out the full Egypt page here to help with your trip.
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