White desert Egypt: Facts information and safety

It is simple to cut itinerary stops that are remote or difficult to get to when you are short on holiday time. Instead of traveling by car or transferring between places, you want to make the most of your time exploring the nation. Particularly in a country the size of Egypt, trade-offs and decisions must be made. However, the rewards might be well worth the time and effort it takes to travel to those remote, off-the-beaten-path locations. 

That is 100% the case when it comes to the White Desert in Egypt.

White Desert National Park in western Egypt is a hidden treasure and an amazing natural wonder that is often overlooked on a holiday to Egypt. This otherworldly portion of the Sahara Desert is truly spectacular. However, getting there involves a 20-hour round-trip drive through barren desert landscapes and is not very accessible. Many people would think that going to Western Egypt is not worth it on a typical holiday in Egypt, but trust Egypt Immigration Services when we say, you must go to Western Egypt. Its unique and incredible beauty makes it the most surprising highlight of any Egyptian experience!

Where is the White Desert in Egypt located?

The White Desert National Park is situated just northwest of Egypt's center with a total of 115.8 square miles (300 sq km). The distance from Cairo to White Desert Egypt is about 500km.

The White Desert is part of the Farafra depression in the Sahara Desert. The Ain El Wadi Oasis, the Ain El Maqfi Oasis, and the Farafra Oasis are also included. The park is well-known for its white sand beaches, white sand dunes rock formations, and the Great Sand Sea's entrance.

There used to be an ocean floor here in ancient times, but karst limestone formations that created stunningly beautiful and strange vistas were left behind after the gathering of water and drainage. Although getting to the White Desert is difficult, you will be impressed by this location.

The White Desert is part of the Farafra depression in the Sahara Desert

Explore white desert Egypt facts

The White Desert in Egypt is a unique and otherworldly natural wonder. Here are some fascinating facts about it:

Chalk rock formations

The breathtaking chalk rock formations of the White Desert are its defining feature. Wind erosion has sculpted these formations over millions of years, creating surreal shapes that resemble icebergs, mushrooms, and even animals.

Lunar landscape

When you explore the White Desert, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto the surface of the moon. The unique desert landscape, with its stark white terrain devoid of vegetation, creates an otherworldly atmosphere.

Camping under the stars

The White Desert is a popular place for campers to enjoy the enchanted beauty of the desert at night. There are amazing opportunities for stargazing because there is no light pollution.

Most often, visitors pitch tents here and spend the night. Since there are no snakes, scorpions, or other potentially hazardous areas in the desert, this is not frightening. The small desert fox is the sole species that lives here. She usually visits the camp late at night to feast on the remains of tourist dinners. The white desert gets rather chilly at night, especially in the early morning hours, so pack warm clothing and a blanket.

Black Desert proximity

Close to the White Desert is the Black Desert, characterized by volcanic hills and black stones scattered across the sand. The contrasting landscapes of the White and Black Deserts make for a unique and varied experience.

Filming location

Due to its unique landscape, the White Desert has been used as a filming location for various movies and documentaries, further highlighting its extraordinary scenery.

The White Desert in Egypt is a unique and otherworldly natural wonder

How to get to the White Desert Egypt

When planning a "White Desert tour from Cairo," keep in mind that the White Desert is primarily accessible via road, although there are discussions about establishing an airport in Siwa within the next decade to streamline access. 

The journey from Cairo to White Desert National Park entails approximately seven hours of driving each way, resulting in a total round trip duration of roughly 14 hours. If you opt to include a bonus stop in Siwa as part of your itinerary, expect to add approximately eight more hours to your travel time. This means that if you decide on a circular route from Cairo, you'll spend approximately 22 hours behind the wheel.

The White Desert is primarily accessible via road

Make a bonus stop in Siwa Oasis

Siwa Oasis, situated in western Egypt near the Libyan border, offers a compelling addition to your journey if you're already venturing to the White Desert. The oasis holds a mystical allure, contrasting starkly with the vastness of the desert. Upon arrival, the sense of relief and tranquility is palpable. After traversing the Sahara Desert for hours, the oasis emerges as a symbol of respite and relief.

Strong rains in the early 20th century nearly destroyed Siwa, a place prone to sporadic flash flooding. Since all of the structures are made of mud bricks, you can only imagine what occurs during periods of intense rain: everything simply washes away. That city's remains are still visible today, and they are eerie and strangely beautiful. They are completely malformed, uneven, and jagged. The entire side of the house is gone, but a few roofs remain. There are still some windows in the walls, although they are crooked or oddly sunken from the rain.

Make a bonus stop in Siwa Oasis

What to see in the White Desert Egypt

Enjoyed the beauty of the white sand desert and the White Desert while on a four-wheel drive jeep trip for the entire day. It is possible to drive around the natural rock formations and up and down these enormous dunes. It is a lot of fun to have the driver perform wheelies on the sand. The heat of the desert is truly felt when there is no air conditioning and just the windows open. As you felt the breeze coming, you were suddenly hit by a burst of extremely hot air.

There are a few high points in the desert where you get some excellent views of the surrounding desert, all in the blinding white color. Now it's not quite the same as seeing ancient Egyptian temples, but some of the formations have nicknames based on their shapes, like the sitting camel, chicken and the tree, and rabbit rock. It is unlike anywhere you’ve ever seen before. Don’t forget to reach down and touch the soft chalky sand, although, we wouldn't recommend rolling down a dune of it; it sticks to absolutely everything and is so hard to get out of your clothes.

Where to stay in the White Desert Egypt

After a day navigating the sandy terrain, you can camp for the night in the heart of the National Park. The campsite, while basic, exuded a cozy. Sheets were arranged to shield against the elements, and mattresses provided a comfortable resting spot. Opting for an open-air setup, the night sky unfolded above you—an authentic glamping experience! Enjoying oneself does not always require these ostentatious hotels or opulent amenities. Beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine, and wonderful people combine to make for an incredible evening.

And you will be amazed at the stars - you have probably never witnessed such a spectacular sight!  With no moon or light pollution blocking your view, you get a full view of the Milky Way, shooting stars, and constellations dancing across the sky in all their majesty. What made the event genuinely spectacular was how simple it was.

You can camp for the night in the heart of the National Park

Conclusion

Winter is the best time to visit the White Desert in Egypt. It gets really hot in the summer—up to sixty degrees. The White Desert's beaches can rival Sharm el-Sheikh's in terms of visitor volume. Most visitors take a leisurely camel ride or a traditional jeep safari to get there.

It is extremely risky to travel alone to the White Desert. You can get lost or, worse, for a dangerous animal to attack you. Make reservations for a jeep safari here at Egyptian travel agencies. The Egyptian driver is familiar with the route and can quickly put lunch on the fire.

Travelers looking for adventure, breathtaking scenery, and a deep connection to the wild and ancient will have an amazing time in the White Desert. As you plan your journey, remember that applying for an Egypt eVisa through Egypt Immigration Services is a simple process.  Our platform offers a user-friendly and streamlined application process, ensuring convenience and efficiency for travelers. By applying through our platform, travelers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their visa application is being handled securely and professionally.