Trip Overview
This 6-day Cairo and White Desert tour pairs Egypt’s ancient capital with its most surreal landscape. You spend three days in Cairo for the Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum and the old city. Then a 4×4 takes you into the Western Desert.
In the desert you see the volcanic hills of the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain and the chalk towers of the White Desert. You camp under the stars with a Bedouin dinner cooked on the fire. It is a good choice for travellers who have seen the Nile before, or who want adventure on a shorter trip. You can read about the Giza Pyramids on Egypt’s official monuments site before your Cairo and White Desert tour.
Combine it with: our 4-day Siwa Oasis tour from Cairo, Cairo felucca ride and 2-day Fayoum Oasis desert tour. Or read Siwa or the White Desert? How to choose.
Price Includes
- Meet and assist at Cairo airport
- 4 nights in Cairo with breakfast and 1 night camping in the White Desert
- Private English-speaking guide in Cairo and a private desert guide in Bahariya
- 4x4 jeep with an experienced desert driver
- All meals in the desert (lunch, dinner, breakfast) and lunch on Day 2
- Camping gear: tent, mattress, sleeping bag and blankets
- National park fees and entrance fees to all listed sites
- All transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
Price Excludes
- International flights
- Egypt visa on arrival (25 USD)
- Nile dinner cruise (optional)
- Drinks, personal expenses and tips
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Cairo
Meet and assist at the airport and private transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 2 - Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum
The Giza Plateau and the Sphinx, then the Grand Egyptian Museum. Lunch included. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 3 - Old Cairo
The Citadel, Coptic Cairo and Khan El Khalili, with an optional evening Nile dinner cruise. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 4 - Into the Western Desert
Early drive to Bahariya Oasis (about 4.5 hours). Lunch in the oasis, then a 4×4 safari through the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain and the Agabat valley to the White Desert. Sunset, Bedouin dinner and a night camping under the stars.
Day 5 - White Desert sunrise and back to Cairo
Sunrise among the chalk formations, breakfast at camp, then drive back to Cairo. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Cairo.
Day 6 - Departure
Transfer to Cairo airport for your flight home.
FAQ
What is the camping like?
A simple Bedouin camp with a tent or open-air sleeping by the fire, mattresses and warm bedding. There are no showers; a basic toilet tent is provided.
When is the best time to go?
October to April. Summer days are very hot, and winter nights can drop near freezing, so pack layers.
How long is the drive?
About 4.5 hours each way between Cairo and Bahariya, plus the 4×4 time in the desert.
Can I swap the desert for Siwa?
Yes. Siwa needs at least 4 days; see our 4-day Siwa tour.
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