Egypt is not only temples and the Nile. West of Cairo lies the Western Desert, one of the most striking landscapes in North Africa: chalk-white rock formations, black volcanic hills, golden dunes and green oases fed by natural springs. Our desert trips are private and run with experienced local drivers in 4×4 vehicles, and we can tailor every itinerary to your dates, group and pace.

Jump to: Bahariya & the White Desert Siwa Oasis Fayoum

Bahariya & the White Desert

Bahariya Oasis is about four to five hours by road from Cairo and is the gateway to the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain and the White Desert National Park, where wind has carved chalk into giant mushroom and rock shapes. Most trips include a night at a desert camp, with dinner around the fire and a sky full of stars.

A desert camp under the stars in Egypt2 Days White Desert Safari – Egypt Desert SafariView tour →A desert camp under the stars in Egypt3 Days Tour to White Desert and BahariyaView tour →A desert camp under the stars in Egypt6 Days Safari Tour in Cairo and White DesertView tour →7 Days Safari Tour to Cairo & Bahariya Oasis7 Days Safari Tour to Cairo & Bahariya OasisView tour →

Siwa Oasis

Siwa is a remote oasis near the Libyan border, famous for its palm and olive groves, salt lakes, natural springs, the mud-brick fortress of Shali and the Temple of the Oracle of Amun, where Alexander the Great came to consult the oracle. It is a long journey from Cairo, so Siwa trips usually last several days.

5 Days Trip to Siwa Oasis – Egypt Safari Tours5 Days Trip to Siwa Oasis – Egypt Safari ToursView tour →

Fayoum

Fayoum is the easiest desert escape from Cairo, about two hours away. Visit Lake Qarun, the waterfalls of Wadi El Rayan, the dunes around Magic Lake and Wadi El Hitan (the Valley of the Whales), a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fossil whales millions of years old.

The waterfalls of Wadi El Rayan in FayoumFayoum Oasis & Modawara Mountain From CairoView tour →6-day Egypt Tour Package6-day Egypt Tour Package | Cairo, Alexandria, and FayoumView tour →Honeymoon couple at the Great Sphinx of Giza6 Days Cairo, Fayoum, Alexandria & Luxor TourView tour →

See all our Fayoum tours from Cairo.

Good to know before a desert trip

  • Best season: October to April, when days are warm and nights are cool. Summer days are very hot, and desert nights can be cold in winter, so bring a warm layer.
  • Safety and permits: some desert routes need permits and others are restricted. We follow current official travel advice and only use permitted routes with experienced local drivers.
  • Comfort: desert camps are simple but comfortable, with tents, blankets and meals prepared by the crew. Tell us about any dietary needs.
  • Combine it: a desert trip pairs well with Cairo and the pyramids, or with a Nile cruise.

Frequently asked questions

How far is the White Desert from Cairo?

The White Desert is roughly six to seven hours by road from Cairo, usually via Bahariya Oasis. That is why most White Desert trips last at least two days with one night camping.

Is a desert safari in Egypt safe?

The main desert areas visited by tourists, such as Bahariya, the White Desert and Fayoum, are visited regularly. Some remote areas are restricted, so always travel with a licensed local operator that follows the current official advice.

Can I do Fayoum as a day trip from Cairo?

Yes. Fayoum is about two hours from Cairo, so a full-day private trip is easy to do.

Can you tailor a desert trip?

Yes. All our desert trips are private, and we can change the length, the stops and the level of comfort to suit you.

Want a desert trip made for you? Tell us your dates and group size and we will send you a day-by-day plan.