Bahariya Oasis, Black & White Desert 2-Day Camping Tour from Cairo
- Duration2 days
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
- Real people, not bots
- Confirmed before you pay
- Secure payment
Overview
This shared two-day tour takes you from Cairo into Egypt's Western Desert, to Bahariya Oasis, the volcanic Black Desert, Crystal Mountain and the chalk sculptures of the White Desert National Park, with a night of camping under the stars. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo or Giza, transport by air-conditioned vehicle and 4x4, entrance fees, a licensed guide, one breakfast, two lunches, one dinner and bottled water are all included. It suits adventurous travellers, couples and friends who are comfortable with basic camping.
Highlights
- Bahariya Oasis, with its palm groves and desert villages
- The Black Desert's volcanic hills and the English Mountain viewpoint
- Crystal Mountain and the chalk formations of the White Desert National Park
- One night camping in the desert, with meals included
- 4x4 transport across the sand and hotel pickup in Cairo or Giza
- Licensed guide, entrance fees and bottled water included
Full Description
Bahariya Oasis
Bahariya is a green oasis in the Western Desert, about 360 kilometres southwest of Cairo, with palm groves, springs and small villages. The drive from Cairo takes around four to five hours, and the oasis is the gateway to the desert sights on this tour. It has been inhabited since ancient times, and the area is known for archaeological finds from the Greco-Roman period.
For travellers searching for a Bahariya Oasis tour from Cairo, this itinerary combines the oasis with the best-known desert landscapes in one trip. Your guide explains local life and the role of springs, and you can walk a little in the oasis before heading into the sand.
The Black Desert and the English Mountain
The Black Desert is a landscape of dark volcanic hills, where a covering of black basalt dust and stones lies over golden sand. The contrast is striking, and the hills look like something from another planet. One of the best viewpoints is the English Mountain, a hill you can climb for a wide view over the surrounding cones.
The climb is short but steep on loose rock, so wear closed shoes. Many visitors ask about the best time for Black Desert photos, and the answer is the late afternoon, when the light softens and the shadows lengthen across the hills.
Crystal Mountain and the White Desert National Park
Crystal Mountain is a rocky hill whose surface is covered in quartz crystals that sparkle in the sun, and it is a popular stop on the road between Bahariya and the White Desert. Beyond it lies the White Desert National Park, a protected area where wind has carved soft white chalk into shapes like mushrooms, tents and animals.
The chalk formations glow orange at sunset and appear ghostly under moonlight, which is why a White Desert overnight tour is so rewarding. The park has a small visitor area, and your guide explains how the formations were made by erosion over thousands of years.
Desert camping and meals
You spend one night in tents in the desert, with a campfire, dinner and a night sky full of stars, far from any city lights. Meals are included, with one breakfast, two lunches and one dinner, and bottled water is provided. The camp has no toilet facilities, and you experience a natural desert night, so bring toiletries and warm clothing, because it gets cold after dark.
The tour needs a minimum of two people to run as a shared trip, and it may be rescheduled if the minimum group size is not met. Bring your passport, since there are checkpoints on the road, and a small bag rather than large luggage.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Hotel pickup in Cairo or GizaDepart in the morning, around 07:30, in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Drive to Bahariya OasisAbout four to five hours, with a stop for lunch on the way or in the oasis.
- Black Desert and English MountainChange to 4x4 vehicles and see the volcanic hills and the viewpoint.
- Crystal MountainA stop at the quartz crystal hill on the way to the White Desert.
- White Desert sunset and campWatch the sunset among the chalk formations, then dinner and a night in tents.
- Day 2: Sunrise and breakfastWake up to the sunrise, have breakfast and explore the formations again.
- Return to CairoDrive back with a lunch stop and drop-off at your hotel in the evening.
What's included
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or location in Cairo or Giza
- Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
- 4x4 transport to the Black and White Desert
- One night camping in the desert
- Breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
- Licensed tour guide
- Entrance fees to the sites visited
- Bottled water
Not included
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Any extras not mentioned
Not suitable for
- Pregnant women
- Wheelchair users
- Travellers who cannot manage camping without toilet facilities
Meeting point
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from your hotel or a location in Cairo or Giza, and the exact pickup time is confirmed before the trip, usually early in the morning. Pickup from far areas of Cairo may be arranged for an additional fee. Please carry your passport at all times.
Important information
- Bring your passport, because there are checkpoints along the route
- Bring warm clothing for the night, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen
- Sleeping is in tents, and there are no toilet facilities at the camp, so bring toiletries
- Meals included are one breakfast, two lunches and one dinner, with bottled water
- A minimum of two people is needed for the shared tour to run, otherwise it may be rescheduled
- Large luggage is not allowed; take a small bag
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible
- Travel insurance is recommended, and the programme may change depending on desert conditions
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Bahariya and White Desert 2-day tour cost?
The price depends on the option and the number of travellers. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for the option offered.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or a location in Cairo or Giza are included.
How long is the tour?
It lasts two days and one night, including about four to five hours of driving each way and the time in the desert.
Are entrance fees and meals included?
Yes. Entrance fees to the sites visited, one breakfast, two lunches, one dinner and bottled water are included.
Where do we sleep?
You sleep in tents in the desert camp. There are no toilet facilities, so the experience is close to nature.
Is the tour suitable for children?
It suits older children who are comfortable with a long drive and camping. It is not suitable for pregnant women.
What should I wear or bring?
Bring your passport, warm clothes for the night, comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and toiletries.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Booking at short notice is sometimes possible, but the trip needs preparation and a minimum group size. Check the booking panel for available dates.
What is the best time to visit the White Desert?
The cooler months from autumn to spring are best, while summer days are very hot. Nights can be cold in winter, so pack warm clothes.
Is the White Desert worth the journey?
Yes. The chalk formations, black volcanic hills and starry sky make it one of the most memorable trips in Egypt.
More in Cairo
Popular across Egypt
-
-
-
-
-
-
