The biggest and most mysterious desert of Egypt Are you ready for an incredible adventure in the vast deserts of Egypt? Trekking through virgin territory, visiting amazing rock formations, and experiencing a tranquil desert in Egypt under the night sky. Those of you who are in for a journey containing elements of adventure, history and natural bounty, can book yourself on one of the creatively-organized safari trips from Holiday Tours which are ideal for individuals as well as groups to have memorable desert experiences.
Holiday Tours have perfected the art of desert safaris in Egypt, suitable for those looking to get a closer to the unique nature of the deserts. If you are thrilled enough to head away of touristic sights and boring tours, then you will enjoy discovering places such as the Western Desert, Siwa Oasis, Fayoum and beyond. It is not just about cruising sands, the tours are planned for you to visit Egyptian gems that no one knows about and mix with the locals wherever you go. Holiday Tours gives its best in terms of event experience, providing you with good camping equipment, well-practiced guides, and all forms of logistics required to ensure trekkers new yet unforgettable memories.
The desert safari in Egypt are best done between the end of September and late April, avoiding the scorching summer when desert temperatures soar to high levels. The best time to plan your desert safari in Egypt is usually Novemember and April. Yes, it gets very cold During Jan and Feb.
Quick Facts About the Desert Dafari in Egypt
- Two Main Deserts: Egypt’s deserts include the Western Desert and Eastern Desert. The Western Desert lies west of the Nile, stretching to the Libyan border and down to Sudan. The Eastern Desert extends from the Nile to the Red Sea, covering about 85,690 square miles (221,900 square kilometers) It is roughly one-fourth of Egypt’s land surface.
- Desert Safari Permits: You will need a travel agency to be able to organize a desert safari in Egypt. The authorities only allows those tours to be organized by a certified travel agency and tour operators. The permits will need to be submitted one week before the trip if the safari is more than one day tour or for certain locations. You will have to avoid tours online that is provided by unlicensed travel agencies.
- Transportation: The desert safari tours from Cairo or Western desert will require 4×4 cars and camping equipment. While, the one day tours from Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are usually by quad bikes. It is important to note that 4×4 safari is not available in Sinai region.
- White Desert’s Unique Geology: The White Desert is named for its chalk and limestone formation. The contrast of the white rocks against the yellow sand creates a stunning and surreal landscape that is found nowhere else in the world.
- Wildlife of the White Desert: The desert’s wildlife includes species like the Barbary sheep, Dorcas gazelle, fennec fox, jackal, and the elusive sand cat. Despite the arid conditions, these animals have adapted to survive in this harsh environment.
- Diverse Terrain: Egypt’s deserts feature varied landscapes, including vast sand dunes, rocky plateaus, oases, and unique geological formations like the chalk-white rocks of the White Desert.
- Ancient Caravan Routes: Many desert safari trails follow ancient caravan routes that traders once used to cross the Sahara. Some are dated back to the ancient Egypt, Roman empire and silk roads trails. It is a glimpse into Egypt’s deep history of desert navigation.
- Stargazing Haven: Egypt’s desert skies are perfect for stargazing due to minimal light pollution. You can clearly see constellations, planets, and sometimes even the Milky Way on clear nights.
- Cultural Heritage: Egyptian deserts introduces you to regions inhabited by Bedouin tribes, where you can experience traditional handcrafts, food, and stories passed down through generations.
- Sandboarding: Egypt’s deserts offer thrilling sandboarding opportunities, especially in the Great Sand Sea near Siwa and the dunes of Fayoum. It’s like snowboarding, but on sand.
- Temperature Variance: The desert temperature can fluctuate significantly, with hot days and chilly nights, especially during winter months. Dressing in layers is key to staying comfortable.
- Oasis are Vital: Oases like Siwa and Bahariya are lifelines in the desert, providing water sources, palm groves, and settlements that contrast the arid surroundings. These places are vital stops on longer safari tours.
- Fossil-rich Areas: Egypt’s desert areas, especially Wadi al-Hitan, are famous for fossils, including whale skeletons that date back millions of years when the region was submerged under the ocean.
- Eco-Tourism: Many desert safaris focus on eco-tourism, using sustainable practices to protect the fragile desert environment. At Holiday Tours we often include guidelines for minimizing impact, like waste disposal and respecting wildlife.
Western Desert: Bahariya Oasis, Farafrah, Dakhla, and Kharga Oasis
White & Black Desert Safari
Ever wondered what it feels like to step into another world where the sand meets the stars? The Bahariya Oasis is the closest to Cairo with around 5-6 hours drive, making it a perfect start to your Western Desert adventure. Holiday Tours offers packages ranging from 2 to 4 nights which is the ultimate time span. Immerse yourself in the local culture, explore the surrounding hot springs, date palms, and the famous hot springs.
Continue your journey into the mesmerizing White Desert, to meet the bright white landscape before you change the contrast and visit the Black Desert’s volcanic nature. White Desert have been listed as one of the most beautiful deserts in the world. You will feel at some moments that you are walking on the ice and not bright white sands. The mushroom valley is another beautiful sight to visit with a lot of rocks shaped as mushrooms.
With Holiday Tours, you’ll camp under the stars, enjoy a sandboarding at the dunes, and explore beautiful scenes on the road while driving around the different types of deserts. A 2-4 day itinerary is ideal for truly embracing these beautiful Oasis.
Farafrah Desert Safari
Do you seek solitude in one of Egypt’s most unique oasis? Farafrah, bordered by limestone cliffs, is a hidden gem in the Western Desert. Known for its healing hot springs and El-Bagawat Cemetery, this oasis offers a quieter alternative to its neighbors. Explore the ancient Roman ruins and mud-brick architecture with Holiday Tours on a 3-5 day safari. Their expert guides know the ins and outs of this quiet sanctuary, ensuring you don’t miss any of its treasures. Farafrah tour is highly recommended since it is more closer to the white desert and has more sightseeing and activities comparing to Bahraiya Oasis.
We usually offer various tours and programs for this oasis due to it’s unique culture and stunning scenery of palm trees and hot springs. Farafrah is usually described as the most unique adventure and tour package if you compare with the different programs of desert safari in Egypt
Dakhla Oasis Safari
Ever imagined exploring a labyrinthine mud-brick town lost in time? The Dakhla Oasis, rich in historical relics and blessed with more than 600 natural springs, provides a truly unique experience. Wander through ancient towns like Mut and Balat, both boasting medieval architecture and surrounded by lush orchards. Holiday Tours offers 4-6 day safaris that dive deep into this oasis, showcasing not only its natural beauty but its cultural history as well.
Kharga Oasis
Looking for something off the beaten path? The Kharga Oasis is one of Egypt’s most intriguing desert destinations. Historically, it served as a caravan hub, and today, it offers remnants of its ancient past, like the Temple of Hibis and Bagawat Necropolis. The oasis stretches for over 180 km and is home to some of Egypt’s best-preserved Roman and early Christian monuments. A 3-4 day tour with Holiday Tours covers both the historical and natural marvels of Kharga, making it a perfect adventure for history and nature tours combined.
Siwa Oasis: Egypt’s Hidden Gem
Have you ever dreamt of bathing in natural springs amid palm groves while surrounded by ancient history? The remote Siwa Oasis offers just that. Situated on the edge of the Great Sand Sea, Siwa is one of Egypt’s most isolated but alluring oases. With Holiday Tours, you can embark on 5 to 7-day trips that take you through Siwa’s most iconic attractions, including Cleopatra’s Spring, the Oracle Temple of Amun, and the stunning salt lakes that provide a natural spa-like experience.
Siwa’s hot springs and sandboarding opportunities are also notable highlights, along with swimming in its therapeutic salt lakes. Holiday Tours ensures that each visitor gets a taste of Siwa’s rich history and peaceful solitude, while also indulging in the thrill of its vast sand dunes.
Fayoum Safari: Wadi El-Rayan and Wadi Hitan
Do you love combining history with nature? Just a couple of hours from Cairo, the Fayoum Oasis is a historical haven that offers both natural and archaeological wonders. Holiday Tours offers an array of 1 to 2-day tours that take you to Wadi El-Rayan, famous for its cascading waterfalls and beautiful lakes.
The desert area also includes Egypt’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wadi Hitan, home to fossilized remains of ancient whales, showcasing a snapshot of Earth’s evolutionary history.
Fayoum is also home to the best sandboarding adventure in the nearby sand dunes, making it a great destination for adrenaline seekers. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins or try your hand at sandboarding, Fayoum offers something for everyone.
Day Safari from Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, and Hurghada
Looking for a quick desert escape during your beach vacation? Holiday Tours offers 1-day safaris departing from Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab, and Hurghada, providing tourists a chance to break from the beaches and dive into the desert.
Sharm El-Sheikh Safari
Have you ever wanted to feel the thrill of riding ATV in the desert? The Sharm El-Sheikh desert safari offers this and more. Embark on a thrilling day trip into the Sinai Desert, and enjoy a quad bike or ATV ride as well as a traditional dinner while having an unforgettable sunset with the surrounding mountains of Sinai.
Dahab Desert Safari
What has Dahab to offer? The Dahab safari takes you through the rugged landscape of the Sinai, with highlights including camel treks, colored canyons, beautiful mountains, and camping under the stars. The day concludes with breathtaking views of the sunset and a peaceful night around a campfire. You can easily book your one day safari while you are visiting Dahab and enjoy a wild ride between the mountains and exploring the other side of Dahab which is not just about snorkling and diving.
Hurghada Safari Tours
Looking for a quick escape from the resort life? The Hurghada desert safari includes quad biking through the sand dunes, camel rides, and an evening spent enjoying a Bedouin feast. If you’re short on time but long on adventure, this one-day tour is perfect.
Gilf Kebir: The Longest and Most Intense Desert Safari in Egypt
Are you ready for Egypt’s most extreme and remote adventure? The Gilf Kebir is not for beginners or luxury safari seekers but is ideal for thrill-seekers and adventurers. Located deep in the southwestern corner of Egypt, this immense plateau offers an unparalleled sense of isolation and wilderness. Gilf Kebir is renowned for its ancient rock art, prehistoric sites, and connection to World War II expeditions.
This wild tour is considered as the top desert safari adventure in Egypt. A 10-14 day safari through Gilf Kebir with Holiday Tours is the most intense desert experience Egypt has to offer, taking you through the Great Sand Sea and some of the most untouched landscapes in the world. The remote location has some of most untapped mysterious and is like a National Geographic discovery. Usually this tour is combined with Siwa tours and other highlights of the western desert.
Marsa Alam and Wadi El-Gemal Safari
Craving both sea and desert? The Marsa Alam region offers a unique safari experience where the desert meets the Red Sea. Combine snorkeling or diving in the crystal-clear waters with a desert safari into the Wadi El-Gemal National Park. Known for its biodiversity, Wadi El-Gemal is home to wildlife, ancient mines, and hidden Bedouin settlements.
Holiday Tours offers 2-3 day safaris from Marsa Alam, combining adventure and relaxation, perfect for nature lovers who want a bit of everything. This unique safari in Egypt also offers some of the most beautiful beaches and could include diving and snorkling activities.
Whether you’re after short desert escapes or long expeditions into Egypt’s untouched wilderness, Holiday Tours offers varities of unforgettable experiences. As one of the top listed travel agency in Egypt with over 50 years of operations we offer customized itineraries. We tailor design our trips to suit both individual travelers and groups. As a leading tour operator we work according to the top tourism standards, ensuring that each safari is organized with to become a once in lifetime journey. Our commitment to professional service, high-quality equipment, and safety ensures you can relax and enjoy the adventure without worry.
From the quaint oasis of Siwa to the wild expanse of the Gilf Kebir, Holiday Tours offers a journey into Egypt. Plan your desert safari in Egypt with a trusted tour agency and enjoy your adventure.