Hidden in the Western desert of Egypt, midway between Dakhla and Bahariya oases, is what the locals call Al Farafra or Al Wahat. Heavily unexplored, the Black and White Deserts in Al Wahat are a very different side of Egypt for the adventurous traveler. Essentially an open-air museum of ventifacts or chalk-like rock formations that have formed over the years due to sandstorms. Some 80 million years ago this patch of desert was a complete seabed, which explains the crystallization and formations you’ll be seeing.

How to get to the White Desert

First off, plan on waking up bright and early! Hundreds of tours offer day trips, overnight trips to the white desert and even weekend long ventures. Typically, the tour company will offer to pick up from Cairo around 6 a.m. The drive will take you close to 4 or 5 hours, but is absolutely worth the trek. Here’s what to expect.

Along the way, you’ll notice several rest stops, or what Egyptians call “isteraha,” designed for travelers in mind. Relaxing isterahas will typically have restrooms, snacks and of course black tea with mint. Remember to pack toilet paper; after all, you will be spending the night in the desert.

Let your guide know if you’d like to stop by the many shops along the travel route. You’ll catch sight of tens of small boutiques that mostly sell alabaster souvenirs. The use of alabaster in Egypt dates well back into the Pharaonic period, and makes for lovely little trinkets of your time in the desert.

Reach out to us directly if you’d like to take a tour with our guide. The tour includes a private 4×4 vehicle, your very own local Bedouin guide, transfer from Cairo and back, and warm meals prepared at the campsite. Let them know beforehand if you have any dietary restrictions. Most of the desert meals are centered around chicken/meat, but you can always alter the menu. Now onto the good stuff, here’s why we’re definitely adding this adventure to our list of cool overnight trips from Cairo.

What to See in the Black & White Deserts

A little deceiving as the desert is not all back and white. In fact, the landscape in Al Wahat is so incredibly unique, we’ve never seen anything like it. Here’s what you should plan on seeing.

Lake Marun Salt Lake – Very early on in your trip, you’ll take stop at one of the many salt lakes scattered across the Western Desert of Egypt. Lake Marun is one of the more popular ones, but any of them will be just as breathtaking.

The Valley of Aqabat – There are so many valleys and hidden gems in Al Wahat. You’ll be surprised to learn about the history of each nook in the desert. Even more surprising is the locals’ knowledge of this massive area.

Karawin Dune – Ready to fly down the dunes? Your guide will happily provide you or your entire group with sand boards to enjoy this one of a kind desert experience. Let’s hope your balance is good or else be prepared to get sand all over you and in places you …. i’ll let you imagine the rest. Nonetheless this is the ultimate sport in Al Wahat!

Beir Ein Gomaa –Take a dip in the freshwater hot spring in the largest village in Al Wahat – Al Heiz Village. Despite its warm temperature it’s ironically a nice way to cool down from the sweltering heat of the desert. You’ll know more about why this well is in a special place as you keep reading!

The Black Desert – You’ll see hills and mountains covered in remnants of basalt, or volcanic rocks, and trickling down the sandstone. Coupled with reddish sand, there are several dominant charcoal topped mountains throughout the area.

Jabal Al Dist (Gabal Al Dist) – This sandy mountain is known for its pyramid shape and layered edges, but that’s not the most impressive fact. In 2001, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania were able to trace remains of a giant dinosaur around Jabal Al Dist, its scientific name is Paralititan stromeri, but for our purposes – you’ll be hiking among what remains of these dinosaurs!

Crystal Mountain – Along the way and between the Black and White Deserts is a rocky mountain that is abundant in quartz. The shiny crystals are fascinating and were a favorite part of the expedition. Remember to be kind to the environment and don’t keep the crystals as souvenirs.

The White Desert – And finally, where you’ll be camping overnight and waking up to the bright sunrise – the white desert. This protected area of white chalk rock formations is a hefty stretch of 3010 kilometers. Formed by centuries of intense sandstorms, erosion and the aftermath of, well, geology.

At some point during the tour, your guide will take you to the Valley of Shapes. Resembling the Palabag Valley in Cappadocia, this valley is known for its rock formations. There are three main “attractions,” the Sphinx, the mushroom and the chicken! Let your imagination run wild as the guide will ask you to come up with names for obscure formations.

What to pack for camping in the white desert

Let me tell you what you’ll get and what to pack. The tour package includes a foam pad, sleeping bag, pillow and a wool blanket. Remember that you’re in the desert, and temperatures drop quite significantly at nighttime.

The most essential: Toilet paper & wipes. Although toilet paper will be provided on the tour, you can never have enough. And wipes are just indispensable in the desert.

As we’ve mentioned, it can get pretty chilly at night time and around dawn, make sure to pack a sweatshirt just in case. Other useful pieces are a scarf and sunglasses for the 4×4 ride to avoid getting sand in your eye and face.

Consider a power bank if you plan on using your phone as a flashlight or simply to document your trip. You’ll have no electricity and no service! A bathing suit if you’d like to try out the natural springs in the oases and of course grab a camera and snacks.

Prepare a serene night of stargazing. One of the most magical parts of this strip is the sky full of stars you’ll witness!

We’re all about supporting host communities and locals flourish. Check out our friends’ work Tanweer El Heiz, which translates to Enlighten El Heiz. This is the same village that houses Beir Ein Gomaa. The project we’re highlighting is a volunteer based initiative that works towards bringing electricity to the households in and around Al Heizt. Thus far, they’ve managed to make a difference in 67 households, but their work is far from done. Please consider checking them out as you embark on this journey within their home.

As you travel through Egypt, consider visiting one of the many hidden gems in this historic country. Our favorites are the Nubian Village in Aswan, a stroll through Port Said or of course, best things to do and see in Cairo.

Like it? Pin it for later?