The Pyramids of Giza, The Luxor Temple, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings, all of these attractions are at the top of everyone's must see list in Egypt, but very few manage to find the time to hop in a 4X4 jeep and discover the remote destination of The White Desert. For one thing a trip to the center of the country must be far too expensive, time consuming and difficult to plan.
You can see the White Desert on a 3 day trip from Cairo. Book it from the place you are staying or head to the Dahab Hostel downtown where you will find a great deal. For less than $30 per day, you will receive transportation, accommodation, meals and excursions during your trip to the White Desert. The highlight of the safari comes on the first night when you sleep under the stars in the middle of the desert in an authentic Bedouin camp.
In 5 short hours you will find yourself transformed from the hustle and bustle of Cairo to the desert town of Bahariya. This is where all tours begin. After being picked up by your guide, it won't be long until you are ready to go out and explore the vast Sahara Desert. But not before your bellies are filled and you are properly hydrated.
A traditional Bedoin meal consisting of rice, pita and sweet tea awaits you. Delicious. Not a lot of time to settle in though, because within the hour, you are back on the road to head to the main attraction.
Don't be surprised if you are asked to buy a Bedouin Scarf. It is a good idea to accept, although there is no pressure. It is just a very good item to have in the desert. It keeps you warm at night being able to wrap it around your head and neck and keeps the fine sand out of your nose and eyes during a wind storm.
Hopping into the back of a 4X4 jeep, gives a real sense of adventure. Bumping along the road in the intense heat surrounded by sand makes you fell as though you are in an Indiana Jones Movie. It is not long until you enter The Black Desert, a nice prelude to the forthcoming White Desert. Climbing a high peak you will overlook an amazing desert vista. Black pebbles caused by erosion blowing in from the mountains cover the entire land, turning it to an ominous dark shade.
You will have to go through a couple of check points en route to the white desert, but they don't ask you for anything. Being out in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a guard booth makes you feel like a true adventurer and it isn't long until you finally enter the star attraction.
Words can not do justice to the giant white formations that stand magestically in the middle of this barren land. You will be camping right in the middle of pure chalky white sand structures shaped as mushrooms, birds, and camels. It feels as if you are standing on another planet. Formed by mother nature through erosion, these chalk rocks are solid enough to walk upon.
As you explore the land, true Bedouins set up your camp. It feels as if you have stepped back in time as they set up colorful thick blankets to be used as walls. The front of the camp is left open to the fire and the three walls remain roofless leaving you a view of the clear desert sky.
Day two starts with a hearty breakfast and then it is back to Bahariya for an unforgettable 4X4 adventure through steep dunes. The ride is long and full of excitement as people are tossed about hitting heads on the roof, but laughing through the entire drive. The hot springs are a welcome change to the high-energy thrill ride. The day ends with a hike up to a high plateau for one final look at the desert landscape and to take in that final view of the mythical Sahara Desert.
It may not be the most popular trip on an Egyptian itinerary, but it is certainly the most thrilling and spectacular, giving unique memories that will rival any adventure that you will experience in your life. - 30228
You can see the White Desert on a 3 day trip from Cairo. Book it from the place you are staying or head to the Dahab Hostel downtown where you will find a great deal. For less than $30 per day, you will receive transportation, accommodation, meals and excursions during your trip to the White Desert. The highlight of the safari comes on the first night when you sleep under the stars in the middle of the desert in an authentic Bedouin camp.
In 5 short hours you will find yourself transformed from the hustle and bustle of Cairo to the desert town of Bahariya. This is where all tours begin. After being picked up by your guide, it won't be long until you are ready to go out and explore the vast Sahara Desert. But not before your bellies are filled and you are properly hydrated.
A traditional Bedoin meal consisting of rice, pita and sweet tea awaits you. Delicious. Not a lot of time to settle in though, because within the hour, you are back on the road to head to the main attraction.
Don't be surprised if you are asked to buy a Bedouin Scarf. It is a good idea to accept, although there is no pressure. It is just a very good item to have in the desert. It keeps you warm at night being able to wrap it around your head and neck and keeps the fine sand out of your nose and eyes during a wind storm.
Hopping into the back of a 4X4 jeep, gives a real sense of adventure. Bumping along the road in the intense heat surrounded by sand makes you fell as though you are in an Indiana Jones Movie. It is not long until you enter The Black Desert, a nice prelude to the forthcoming White Desert. Climbing a high peak you will overlook an amazing desert vista. Black pebbles caused by erosion blowing in from the mountains cover the entire land, turning it to an ominous dark shade.
You will have to go through a couple of check points en route to the white desert, but they don't ask you for anything. Being out in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a guard booth makes you feel like a true adventurer and it isn't long until you finally enter the star attraction.
Words can not do justice to the giant white formations that stand magestically in the middle of this barren land. You will be camping right in the middle of pure chalky white sand structures shaped as mushrooms, birds, and camels. It feels as if you are standing on another planet. Formed by mother nature through erosion, these chalk rocks are solid enough to walk upon.
As you explore the land, true Bedouins set up your camp. It feels as if you have stepped back in time as they set up colorful thick blankets to be used as walls. The front of the camp is left open to the fire and the three walls remain roofless leaving you a view of the clear desert sky.
Day two starts with a hearty breakfast and then it is back to Bahariya for an unforgettable 4X4 adventure through steep dunes. The ride is long and full of excitement as people are tossed about hitting heads on the roof, but laughing through the entire drive. The hot springs are a welcome change to the high-energy thrill ride. The day ends with a hike up to a high plateau for one final look at the desert landscape and to take in that final view of the mythical Sahara Desert.
It may not be the most popular trip on an Egyptian itinerary, but it is certainly the most thrilling and spectacular, giving unique memories that will rival any adventure that you will experience in your life. - 30228
About the Author:
Dave Bouskill and Deb Corbeil are and travel couple from Canada. Together they have visited over 30 countries around the world. Follow their website theplanetd.com for more tips, advice and information on exotic destinations. To see their photography stories visit picturetheplanet.com
