Planning a trip to Egypt? Some of Egypt’s lesser visited areas are the inner oases and the wonderful desert landscapes surrounding them. The White Desert (Sahara el-Bayda) is probably the better known of these spots. It’s well-worth taking a few days away from the crowded Nile Valley tourist trail to visit the strange, lunar landscapes dotting this area of the Eastern Sahara. Whether you chose to explore on foot, by camel or in a jeep, it’s a trip you’ll never forget.

The White Desert is located North of Farafra Oasis which is approximately 540km South East of Cairo. Though it is closer to Farafra, most visitors reach the area on safaris from Bahariya Oasis 180km to the North. Bahariya is jokingly called the “Toyota Landcruiser capital of Egypt” due to the many desert safari operators headquartered there. Competition is fierce, especially in the off season (Summer and Winter), and prices for excursions vary widely so shop around.

The area is best explored on a 2-3 day off-road excursion with an experienced driver/guide. If you’re pressed for time, a simple day trip, taking in sites accessible from the highway, can easily be arranged from Bahariya Oasis or even Cairo.

Over the course of a few days and nights, you’ll be amazed by the varied landscapes the desert presents. Huge dunes, armies of huge boulders scattered on valley floors, salt flats, rolling sandy hills as far as the eye can see. There are also several small springs dotting the White Desert and most guides will take in one or two of them on multi-day excursions.

Approaching the White Desert from from the North, most excursions take in sites like Crystal Mountain, and then continue the off-road descent towards the sugar loaf formations of Agabat. Farther South, the terrain merges into the White Desert with its strange chalky white sculptures (called yardangs) in the shape of mushrooms, chicks, lions, human heads. On the way you’ll pass huge fields of iron pyrites that look like a giant went over the place with a pepper grinder.

Spending the night in the White Desert, sleeping under the stars shouldn’t be missed, especially during the full Moon. The yardangs reflect the purple, gold and red hues of the desert sunset with the whole show peaking with the Moon rise when the entire landscape glows eerily white. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another planet.

When to go? Autumn and Spring are the best times with tolerable daytime temperatures and the nights aren’t too cold. Obviously, Summer’s are scorching hot (up to 50c) with night time temperatures rarely going below 20c. Daytime temperatures in the Winter are very comfortable, but it can go below freezing at night.

What to bring? Confirm with your guide what is and what is not included: food, water, sleeping gear, etc. The quality of meals, gear and vehicles used varies greatly and is not always reflective of the price you’re paying. Most desert safari operators provide blankets and foam mattresses for sleeping and some even have sleeping bags. Bring your own sleeping bag if you tend to sleep cold. A sleeping bag liner can come in handy as a layer between you and the often itchy camel hair blankets provided.

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