White Desert
About
Covering more than 2.8 million square kilometers, this vast desert starts at the western banks of the Nile and continues into Libya and contains five isolated, but thriving, oases: Kharga, Dakhla, Farafra, Bahariyya and Siwa. There are magnificent rock formations that form from wind erosions. The colors change at times from the sun, a beautiful sight to see.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience White Desert
The area
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2 within 5 kms
See what travellers are saying
  • Shaneez P
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Discovering the white desert with Islam - an unforgettable experience!
    We had a wonderful experience in the desert with Islam and his friend Salah! The tour started early at 6am with pickup from our hotel in Cairo and consisted of the discovery of different parts of the western desert of Egypt : Bahariya, the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain, Aqabat Valley, the old White Desert and new White Desert. We managed to spend enough time at each site and we even had time for some sandboarding and some thrilling dune bashing ! Coming from a Bedouin family, Islam knows the desert on the tips of his fingers. We felt really safe with him and Saleh. He is very fluent in English and gave pertinent information. At night, we enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Islam and Salah while having a nice chat with them. The starry sky in the desert at night is just wow! The bedouin tea around the campfire while watching the starry sky was much appreciated. If we have the opportunity, we will definitely return to spend a few nights in the desert with them ! Islam and Salah are both lovely persons and we enjoyed sharing this exceptional day with them. If you are having thoughts about visiting Bahariya and the desert nearby but are having doubts, do not hesitate! You will not regret it! We strongly recommend booking a tour to discover the desert with Islam over a few nights !! (Whatsapp +20 127 709 8180)
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 December 2023
  • ابراهيم م
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful experience in the White Desert
    This experience was really amazing! We recommended a lot ! Our host Ibrahim were really kind. He took his time to explain and describe us the environment. He's such a nice guy who speak French easily too... Thank you for this experience ! Fresh meals were also cooked for us. We recommend the kefta and pastas from the chief !
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 22 December 2023
  • Lauren B
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must-see in Egypt!
    I recommend to spend 2 nights / 3 days in this incredible place where you will find peacefulness and beauty all around. I also can share the contact of a great and serious english speaking guide that brung us to the full tour (and not only the most famous places) : Mohammed +20 128 720 5525. He took care of us and did everything so we can live the best experience!
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 12 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles226 reviews
Excellent
206
Very good
16
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
1

emmacooks
London5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Couples
I went on a two day/one night desert safari camping trip with Islam and thoroughly recommend to everyone (I’ve already started planning a longer trip to come back because one night was definitely not enough!)
I went with our guide Islam (WhatsApp him on 00201277098180) who was lovely, spoke great English and was so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the desert.
He also made an amazing home cooked feast by the campfire which we ate looking at the stars followed by delicious Bedouin tea.
The trip included: pick up from our hotel in Cairo, a tasty lunch at Islam’s house, a trip to the black desert and a short climb to the viewing point, a dip in the fresh springs eating figs, the crystal mountain, the old and new white desert (ask Islam why the difference..), sandboarding, camping under the stars with a genuine feast, and a breakfast watching the sunrise. An experience we won’t forget in a long time. If you have the chance, go with Islam for a couple of nights and you will not regret it (even my partner loved it and he normally hates camping…!)
Written 20 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

niels r
Frederiksberg, Denmark47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The White Desert stretches for 50 km between Bawati and Farafra, or 70-120 km from Bawati / Bawiti.
The most photographed area is the southern end closest to Farafra. As most tourists stay in Bawati they arrive to the White Desert in the late afternoon as witnessed by the photos. The calcite formations look slightly yellow in the low sunshine, which is attractive. However for giving the real white image you should arrive not later than 3 p.m. and stay or wander around in the desert until sunset around 5 p.m. depending on the month of the year. Many want to stay overnight in a tent freezing and looking at the stars. Certainly an experience. But you will not be alone as it is very popular. What you miss is having sufficient time for the likewise impressive Black Desert and Crystal Mountain. So, if you are more interested in the landscapes than the overnight experience my advise is to take a full day in the deserts leaving at 9-10 a.m. and returning at 7.30 p.m. (still with ample time for marvelling the million of stars).
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andrea C
Isla Mujeres, Mexico8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Friends
Our tour was expectional was Islam and Salah from the start as they are Bedouin people who grew up in this area.We had a transfer from our hostel in downtown Cairo which took around 5 hours where the driver was waiting promptly at the entrance at 7am. We arrived at Bahriya, had lunch (delicious foule) before heading into the desert in our 4x4. We first headed to the black desert where we did a short hike for an amazing panoramic view. Secondly, we had a quick dip in the hot springs followed by a cup of Bedouin tea with Islam. We loved learning about the desert and it's stories from him. We then had a quick stop at Crystal mountain before speeding through the dunes before spotting at the best view of the white desert. Islam was always on hand to show us the best photos spots and take our group photos 📸.  He even added in a few extra stops that other groups didn't have. We loved cruising through the sand dunes and then did some sandboarding. We drove further into the desert to set up camp at the new White desert. We enjoyed the sunset while Islam and Salah set up the most lovely camp with a fire. We had a delicious feast for dinner with soup, rice, potatoes and barbecued chicken. We had to take a lie on afterwards as we were so full for our home-cooked meal. The guides set our beds on up under the stars where we saw shooting stars and even a white desert fox dancing around the camp in the middle of the night. We woke for sunrise the next morning followed by an amazing breakfast of fresh fruit, yogurt, eggs, bread, tea or coffee. We cruised around the white desert seeing different rock formations of a chicken, mushroom, rabbit and camel before heading back to town. This tour was one of our best experiences in Egypt and Islam and Salah made us feel so welcome and relaxed. Islam can be reached at +20 127 709 8180 and replies promptly.
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Paola D
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Couples
We’re so glad we decided to book a night in the White Desert and our only regret is not staying longer. We would love to go back and we will definitely be booking again with Islam. We enjoyed the multiple stops exploring the Black and White Desert. Sand-boarding was so fun! Amazing sunset and sunrise. Sitting by the campfire at night, enjoying Bedouins tea and live music performance by Islam and his friends. Islam cooked us a delicious dinner and it was one of our best meals in our 2 weeks in Egypt. When booking the reservation I was nervous about being cold on a winter night in the desert but they provided us with sleeping bags, mattress, blankets, camel blankets that kept us warm all night. We even decided to buy some camel blankets in Aswan at the Nubian village. Amazing amazing amazing and you won’t regret it! Islam is a chill man and he would do his best for you to have an amazing experience.
Written 20 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

eVe 🇸🇬🇸🇬🇸🇬
Singapore, Singapore1,268 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Couples
As part of a 2 days 1 night Bahariya Oasis trip, we went to the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain and White Desert in late April. The Black Desert was a volcanic area million of years ago. In Crystal Mountain, we picked small and beautiful crystal rocks. Thereafter, we sand boarded down a steep sand dune which was fun. Daytime weather fortunately was around 28 degree Celsius. The highlight of my trip is definitely the White Desert. It has stunning chalky formations of all sizes and shapes. Use your imagination and the formations can be rabbit, chicken, ice cream, lion head etc. We stayed 1 night in the White Desert under bright stars and a moon. We also enjoyed a bedouin BBQ and performance near a campfire. White Desert whether in the day or night has stunning views. Both sunset and sunrise is beautiful!! Highly recommended to stay more than 1 night as it is a 4-hour one way journey from Cairo. Bring along camping essentials such as a torchlight, toilet papers and wet wipes.
Written 11 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shaneez P
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
We had a wonderful experience in the desert with Islam and his friend Salah!
The tour started early at 6am with pickup from our hotel in Cairo and consisted of the discovery of different parts of the western desert of Egypt : Bahariya, the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain, Aqabat Valley, the old White Desert and new White Desert. We managed to spend enough time at each site and we even had time for some sandboarding and some thrilling dune bashing !
Coming from a Bedouin family, Islam knows the desert on the tips of his fingers. We felt really safe with him and Saleh. He is very fluent in English and gave pertinent information.
At night, we enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Islam and Salah while having a nice chat with them. The starry sky in the desert at night is just wow! The bedouin tea around the campfire while watching the starry sky was much appreciated.
If we have the opportunity, we will definitely return to spend a few nights in the desert with them !
Islam and Salah are both lovely persons and we enjoyed sharing this exceptional day with them. If you are having thoughts about visiting Bahariya and the desert nearby but are having doubts, do not hesitate! You will not regret it! We strongly recommend booking a tour to discover the desert with Islam over a few nights !! (Whatsapp +20 127 709 8180)
Written 5 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lauren B
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Couples
I recommend to spend 2 nights / 3 days in this incredible place where you will find peacefulness and beauty all around. I also can share the contact of a great and serious english speaking guide that brung us to the full tour (and not only the most famous places) : Mohammed +20 128 720 5525. He took care of us and did everything so we can live the best experience!
Written 12 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Harold. F
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
Special Camel safary With Islam (+20 127 709 8180)
(2 night desert+ 1night in the oasis camp)

It started « whaaaao » end up « whaooooo »and in the midle it was « wahooooo » also

This experience just blow my mind
I did not wanted to just go through the desert with a 4x4 jeep but wanted to really explore and feel the desert so we took the camel tour with our guide. This is a one in a lifetime thing, i recommend you to do it .

It was the best idea I could have:
While we was going deeper in the desert , we could really enjoy this beautiful moment
It was specially nice cause this desert have so many different desert inside( you will understand when you see it)

The camel:
You can see they are in very nice condition and well treated. They dint smell compared to the one you will see in the Cairo. . They DONT USE OR HAVE A WHIP. You can see the owner love his beast. They are very smart animals .

The camping:
If you are the kind of people affadi of insect, this is for you , no mosquito no ants in the desert. And it is so nice and peaceful.
The guide gonna make you a camp in a random place in the desert and fix you the best meal you will have in egypt. (He had a tons of fresh fruit and vegetables that he bring on ice) and with his assistant they compete to make the best food.the camp fire will keep you warm while looking to the incredible clear starry night.
You will also choose to sleep under the « shooting » stars or in a tent.

Activity :
In the desert you will be able to do some sand bord its really fun
Sunrise is crazy, sunset is awesome . And someting we wasnt prepared was the moon rise.
And in bahariya oasis , he gonna make you visit so much nice things . It was over 30*C but i specially loved to bath in the hot spring.

The guide:

Islam (+20 127 709 8180)
He will do anything to make your trip perfect.
He made my fiancé a special birthday surprise that was over my expectations.

I think he is the best option for you and maybe the only one who can offer you camel tour. And if you still want to go with the car, he is still the best option
He dont work for tour company or hotel resorts so thats mean you gonna have the best price without having a low/cut budget experience.( food is fresh , tent and mattresses are new…)

So I recommend you 3or4 night :at least 2 in the desert by camel and 1 in bahariya oasis.

Anyway , the best thing I did in Egypt 🇪🇬

.
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ivona G
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021
My favourite part of the trip to Egypt. We did 2 days/1 night private tour to White desert and it was amazing! Time in the White desert was the highlight of our trip and trust me it will leave you speachless. Our guide was Islam (+20 127 709 8180-you can contact him directly). He is very friendly and his meals were very delicious. If you are planning to go to a White desert don`t hesitate to contact Islam. His family is also great, they cooked for us one more delicious meal when we arrived to the village again. Thank you very much Islam for a great experience! :)
Written 9 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vacationer691929
Athlone, Ireland4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Friends
My trip to the desert was amazing! A car was arranged for us to be picked up right outside our hotel and we were dropped to the camp where we met Islam. He welcomed us with a beautiful lunch and this amazing tea. Afterwards we went to the black desert where we climbed up this mountain and the view was amazing when we got down we went to the hot springs which were breath taking. Islam was great he told us many stories and brought us to secret places in the desert. We went to the white desert and camped under the stars. I saw my first shooting star!! We also got to see the desert fox playing in the middle of the night. Islam and his colleague cooked excellent meals for us, definitely my favorite food from Egypt! If you are considering doing this trip I would definitely recommend Islam!! It was so much fun and a once in a lifetime experience
Written 24 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 145
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

White Desert - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

All things to do in Farafra
Day Trips in Farafra
RestaurantsFlightsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars