The White Desert in Western Egypt

October 24, 2021

99 2 minutes read

The White Desert, located in the Farafra Oasis in western Egypt, is a treasure trove of wonders in the country. People wandering around these western lands often feel they are visiting another planet, even though they are only a 5-hour drive from Cairo.

The Western Desert in Egypt has grown in popularity among locals and tourists, with activities ranging from sand boarding to mountain biking and kayaking in the nearby Bahariya Oasis.

“the White Desert is completely different from anywhere else on the planet.”
Ziad Omran, co-founder of travel company Destination 31

And your journey into the White Desert begins in a very contrasting place, the Black Desert.

This desert is characterized by countless unique mountain ranges, each bearing a layer of black stones, which were thrown from volcanoes millions of years ago, giving the sandy landscape a colorful character.

After walking over one of the peaks, you will notice that the area is devoid of any signs of life, and there is only one road extending. But it is not the road that leads to the White Desert. Access to the reserve requires four-wheel drive vehicles.

It is astonishing to think that this scene was once a sea or an ocean, and the only evidence remaining is a group of calcified limestone rocks, which have been carved over time by sand and wind.

As soon as you arrive in the White Desert, you will ask yourself a thousand questions about the beauty of the reserve, as it serves as a reminder that the planet is subject to strong climatic changes.

Nestled among the huge rock formations in the Obstacle Valley is a soft sand hill, ideal if you love sandboarding.

At nightfall, the Bedouins prepare a traditional dinner for visitors.

The scent of the food often attracts the fennec fox, also known as the desert fox, which sometimes relies on visitors’ leftovers as part of its diet.

The region is characterized by its beauty at night, especially when its stars illuminate the sky, which makes it one of the best locations to observe the beauty of the Milky Way.

And when the sun awakens the heavy eyes of the sleepers, it is best to visit the rock formation, which is called the “chicken and mushroom”, before packing and leaving the reserve.

After leaving the reserve, some adventurers travel to Bahariya Oasis, where climbing the English Mountain is a common practice in that area. Thus, reaching the summit provides the opportunity for a panoramic view of the entire oasis.

Finally, you will be able to relax and enjoy the salt lake, which is an excellent place for rowers to take unparalleled pictures, during the time of sunset.