Overview

Discover Egypt's diverse desert landscapes, from the golden dunes of El Fayoum to the striking patterns of the Black and White Deserts, and experience the natural wonders of Egypt’s iconic deserts.

 

3 Nights 4 Days Available on request Fayoum, Black & White Deserts
Gazef Meter
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Highlights
  • Dune in 4x4 safari cars
  • Explore the New White Desert, famous for its white chalk formations
  • Discover the Old White Desert
  • Experience a traditional Bedouin night with the locals
  • Visit the Black Desert, unique for its volcanic hills and black stones
  • Visit the Magic Lake, a serene oasis in the desert
  • Explore the Valley of the Whales, home to ancient whale fossils
  • See the amazing rock formations inside Djara Cave
  • Roam though Tunis Village
  • Camp overnight in the desert
  • Discover Ghoroud Samuel
  • Indulge in the art of pottery making
  • Take your sandboarding skills to the next level 
  • Discover the Crystal Mountain
  • Look up in the sky for some stargazing
Itinerary

Day 1

Fayoum

Your Egypt desert adventure starts with a drive to Fayoum. Upon arrival, enjoy breakfast at Tunis Village. Then, explore its charming streets, and check out unique local crafts. You can even try pottery with the help of local artisans (optional). Next, embark on an exciting Egypt desert safari. Visit the Magic Lake, a shimmering oasis in the desert, and try sandboarding nearby. After a light lunch in the desert, gear up for a thrilling 4x4 adventure at Samuel Dunes. End the day with a delicious dinner at the camp and a peaceful night of stargazing.

Overnight in Tents at Samuel Dunes Camp (breakfast, snack, dinner)
  • Roam though Tunis Village
  • Indulge in the art of pottery making (optional activity)
  • Dune in 4x4 safari cars through Samuel Dunes
  • Visit the Magic Lake, a serene oasis in the desert
  • Discover Ghoroud Samuel
  • Take your sandboarding skills to the next level 
  • Camp overnight in the desert
  • Look up in the sky for some stargazing


Day 2

Black Desert of Egypt

Start your day with breakfast at the camp, then visit Wadi El-Hitan, the Valley of the Whales. It is a UNESCO site with ancient fossils. Next, head to the Black Desert in a safari vehicle. After arriving at the lodge, freshen up, enjoy lunch, and re-energize. Then, explore the Salt Lake and the Black Desert. Discover a magic spring where you can enjoy a swim. Hike the black mountain, and watch the sunset from the top. Return to the lodge for dinner, featuring traditional Bedouin manddi; chicken cooked underground. Enjoy Bedouin music in the evening.

Overnight at the Lodge (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Explore the Valley of the Whales, home to ancient whale fossils
  • Visit the Black Desert, unique for its volcanic hills and black stones
  • Dune in 4x4 safari cars
  • See the historic Salt Lake, once a source of salt for locals
  • Take a dip in the Magic Spring
  • Experience a traditional Bedouin night with the locals


Day 3

White Desert of Egypt

After breakfast, explore the Old White Desert and the New White Desert, known for their stunning rock formations. These rocks were sculpted by the forces wind and sand over millennia. They are made of chalk and limestone, and give the desert its unique white color. The desert sands display a range of colors from yellow and white to vivid red and orange. Visit the Agabat area, Crystal Mountain, and Wadi El Keber. In the afternoon, arrive at your campsite in the New White Desert, where you can watch a stunning sunset. At night, enjoy stargazing under the clear night sky.

Overnight camping at the New White Desert (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Take the 4x4 safari cars for a ride
  • Discover the Old White Desert
  • Explore the New White Desert, famous for its white chalk formations
  • Drive by the Agabat Area and Wadi El Kebeer
  • Discover the Crystal Mountain
  • Experience a traditional Bedouin night with the locals
  • Camp in the New White Desert
  • Look up in the sky for some stargazing


Day 4

New White Desert of Egypt

The final day of your Egypt desert tour. After breakfast, depart the camp and head back to the lodge. On your way back, see unique rock formations shaped like a chicken, mushroom, and rabbit. Visit the Magic Spring, a rare oasis with very hot water around 50°C. Once you reach the lodge, freshen up, enjoy lunch, and then travel back to Cairo.

(breakfast, light lunch)
  • Drive by the unique rock formations (Mushroom, Chicken, Rabbit)
  • Discover the Magic Spring, a rare oasis with extremely hot water around 50 degrees


Add-Ons

Pottery Experience

Explore Fayoum's pottery tradition, a key part of local culture. Learn how simple clay is turned into beautiful pottery. With a local instructor’s help, enjoy the process of making your own pieces

Djara Cave Extension

Add to your adventure with an exploration of Djara Cave in Egypt's Western Desert, where thousands of years have shaped intricate rock formations. Extend your stay for an additional night to fully experience this natural wonder.

Accommodation

Samuel Dunes Camp

  • shared bathroom available onsite

Rooms

  • each tent comfortably accommodates 1-3 people
  • used mattress and sleeping bags will be available in the tents (you may get your own sleeping bag or purchase a Gazef sleeping bag for hygiene)


Camp - New White Desert

  • single and double tents available at the camp site in the new white desert
  • used mattresses, sleeping bags, and blankets will be provided (you may get your own sleeping bag or purchase a Gazef sleeping bag for hygiene)
  • a portable shared toilet will be available at the camp site in the new white desert

Inclusions/Exclusions

What is included in the tour

  • Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All activities and entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
  • Private local tour guide
  • All service charges and taxes

What is NOT included in the tour

  • International flights
  • Meals other than mentioned in above itinerary
  • Beverages
  • Optional activities / tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping
Pickup point
Directions
Samuel Dunes Camp Fayoum, Al Faiyum Governorate Desert, Egypt View on Map
Transportation

We provide private cars for groups of up to 3 people, Hiace buses for groups of up to 10, and Coaster buses for groups of up to 19. In the desert, we use 4x4 safari cars.

Visa

Visa requirements depend on your nationality.

Electricity

In Egypt, the power supply is Type C and F, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz. However, no electricity will be available at the campsite and throughout the day at the desert, so make sure to bring your power banks.

Network

In the populated areas of Fayoum and at the eco-lodge at the Black Desert, you can typically expect reliable network connectivity. We also try to pick a camping spot at the New White Desert with network connection. However, as you drive through the Fayoum, Black and White Deserts, expect some inconsistencies in network connection. Certain remote parts within the desert may have limited or even no network coverage at all. Therefore, be prepared for periods of disconnection.

Packing List
  • Comfortable Clothing
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Jacket
  • Power Bank
  • Sun Protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
  • Sleeping Bag (you may get your own sleeping bag or purchase a Gazef sleeping bag for hygiene)
  • Flashlight (if available)
  • Electrolytes (if available)
  • Camera (if available)
  • Speakers (if available)
  • Snacks (nuts, energy bars, fruit)

Tipping

Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour program. While it's not mandatory, it's customary to tip around $5 per day per person for drivers. For other service providers, the amount is at your discretion, but an average of $5 USD is typical.

Remember, tipping directly benefits the local community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. Giving a tip should be a seen as a formal 'thank you', and the action should in no way be awkward.

FAQs

What is the best time to go to the desert? While the desert can be visited year-round, the cooler months from October to April are often the most comfortable for outdoor activities and exploration of Egypt’s deserts.

Is camping in the desert in Egypt safe? Yes, camping in Egypt’s desert is safe, especially when accompanied by individuals experienced with the desert terrain and conditions.

Do Fayoum and the Black and White Deserts have cellphone network and internet connection? In the populated areas of Fayoum Trips and at the lodge in the Black Desert, you can typically rely on steady network connectivity. However, as you traverse Egypt's desert landscapes, including those of Fayoum, the Black Desert, and the White Desert, expect some inconsistencies in network connection. Certain remote parts within these deserts may have limited or even no network coverage at all. Thus, when planning your adventures in Egypt's desert, it's wise to anticipate periods where you might be disconnected. Despite this, efforts are usually made to choose campsites where some network coverage is accessible.

Should I be concerned about sandstorms in the desert? While sandstorms may occur, particularly in the spring, local guides are well-equipped and experienced to handle such situations, ensuring your safety throughout the Egypt trips.

Are trips to the desert suitable for children? Yes, the Egypt desert trip is family-friendly and appropriate for children. However, be aware that some activities, such as sandboarding or the desert safari, might be challenging for younger kids.

Meter Level
60%
Local Suppliers

Meet our local desert guide, Helal Abed. A true embodiment of Bedouin heritage and expertise. Coming from a Bedouin family and residing in the Western Desert, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every journey. With years of exploration under his belt, he has traversed the vast desert landscape, guiding travelers on month-long expeditions that unveil the desert's hidden gems. His passion for sustainable living led him to build an eco-lodge, where guests are welcomed into an authentic desert oasis. Here, he grows dates, bananas, and lemons, and cares for his cows, providing a unique farm-to-table experience. Certified in food health, he ensures that all meals are both delicious and safe, offering a culinary journey that complements the adventure. Enjoy Helal's expertise and warm hospitality, and let his charismatic presence make your desert experience unforgettable.