Introduction
The Egyptian deserts provide a completely different landscape from the Nile Valley. Taking part in a desert safari in Egypt will allow you to get up close to this beautiful landscape. The Western Desert alone covers around two-thirds of the country, providing a range of beautiful landscapes including chalk formations, volcanic hills, dunes and lush oases. Combined with the Bedouin culture and camping under the stars, you can really make the most of your time here.
Many tourists choose to incorporate a safari into their itinerary, whilst seeing the famous pyramids, temples and tombs. There are many Egypt travel packages with OFT Travel which provide a perfect balance. See below for more information on what a desert safari involves, what activities you can do, and where you can go.
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What is a Desert Safari in Egypt?
A desert safari in Egypt involves much more than just a drive through the sand. You will be taken on a short journey with your guide in a 4x4 vehicle through rocky plateaus and soft dunes. Stops will be made at beautiful rock formations, viewpoints, and campsites.
Often the highlight of the journey is the evening. As there is no light pollution, the night sky is full of stars. If you are camping overnight, you will spend your evening around a campfire as your Bedouin hosts talk to you about their life in the desert. Due to the unpredictable and sometimes difficult terrain, you will be taken by a licensed guide.
What Are the Best Desert Safari Activities?
There is a range of desert safari activities you can try. Many more than you would expect as a first-time visitor. You can often combine a couple of the following activities.
4x4 Dune Bashing
Driving across the dunes and rocky areas in 4x4 vehicles. You will be able to get to grips with reading the terrain and feel the vehicle go up and down the sand.
Sandboarding & Quad Biking
Slide down the dunes on a board, or ride across the open desert areas on a quad bike.
Camel Trekking & Stargazing
A slower-paced activity, camel trekking allows you to see the dunes at a steady pace. Once the sun has set, you can enjoy some stargazing.
Bedouin Culture
The desert is not an empty space. Your hosts will be a big part of your experience. They know the routes, campsites, and the pace of life in between the dunes. Many tourists comment that the conversations they have around the campfire are the most memorable part.
You will be able to get a real insight into the local culture, food, and heritage by eating and having tea with the locals. Getting involved with the local culture and respecting their ways in places like Siwa will give you a greater understanding of the region.
What Are the Best Places to Go on a Desert Safari in Egypt?
There are a few spots that stand out. Each offers a different experience.
White Desert & Bahariya Oasis
Bahariya Oasis is a lush town and often the starting point for trips to the White and Black Deserts. The White Desert is famous for its chalk rock formations, which look like sculptures. Camping in this area is a huge attraction. Check out our White Desert Egypt guide for more information on the chalk rocks, Bahariya, and camping.
Black Desert & Crystal Mountain
The Black Desert is famous for its dark volcanic hills and iron-rich soil. Often, trips to this area will be combined with the White Desert. Many safaris will involve camping overnight and visiting Crystal Mountain. This will give you a great contrast of landscapes.
Siwa Oasis
Located in the far west of Egypt, close to the Libyan border. This area has lush palm groves, natural springs, and salt lakes. Guided camel treks can be done through the dunes and the local community have their own unique language of Siwi. This differs from Arabic.
Sinai & Red Sea Coast
The Sinai Desert has a completely different landscape to the dunes. Instead, you will be surrounded by mountains and monasteries. Further down the coast in the south, you will find the Red Sea meeting the desert. Areas like Wadi el Gemal National Park can be visited. Check out our Marsa Alam attractions guide for more information on Abu Dabbab Bay, Samadai Reef and Elphinstone Reef.
How Do the Oases in Egypt Shape a Safari?
The oases provide breaks in the desert. Siwa, Bahariya, Dakhla, and Farafra all provide a break from the sand with beautiful water and greenery. These are natural starting points for your safari. Farafra is one of the smallest oases and has a peaceful vibe with open landscapes.
As these are located in different areas of the Western Desert, they will influence your safari. If you go from Bahariya, you will head towards the chalk and volcanic landscape. If you go from Siwa, you will be travelling between dunes, natural springs, and salt lakes. This contrast will make you want to visit both.
Now you know what a desert safari in Egypt involves; combine your dunes with the Nile on one of our Nile River Cruises.
Can I Combine a Safari with Sightseeing in Cairo?
Yes! The Western Desert can be accessed from Cairo. Siwa, Bahariya, and Farafra are the main entry points. Many tourists choose to spend some time in Cairo. This provides a great contrast to the peaceful dunes. The two complement each other.
Start your trip in Islamic Cairo. Check out our Khan El-Khalili guide to see what to see and which cafes to visit. If you want to learn more about the history of the country, check out our National Museum of Egyptian Civilization guide. This will tell you about the Royal Mummies Hall and the central exhibition hall in Fustat.
FAQS
What is included in a desert safari in Egypt?
A desert safari will usually involve driving in a 4x4 and visiting beautiful landscapes such as the White Desert, Black Desert, and Siwa. Many routes will include camping overnight and getting to know your Bedouin hosts. This will depend on the route and company you go with.
What are the most popular desert safari activities?
The main activities are 4x4 dune bashing, sandboarding, camel trekking, and quad biking. Most routes will also include some stargazing due to the lack of light pollution.
Where do safaris to the White and Black Deserts start?
Many start in Bahariya Oasis. The Western Desert can be accessed from Cairo. The main entry points are Siwa, Bahariya and Farafra.
Do I need a guide for a desert safari in Egypt?
Yes. The terrain can be unpredictable and challenging, so you will go with a licensed guide.
Will I see anything other than dunes?
Yes! You will be travelling through chalk rock formations in the White Desert, volcanic hills in the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain, natural springs and salt lakes in Siwa, and mountains and monasteries in Sinai.
