2-Day White & Black Desert Tour from Cairo: Camping under stars
Sleep under the stars in the White Desert, then explore limestone formations shaped like animals and ice cream
This 2-day tour from Cairo or Giza takes you into the White Desert and Black Desert with a licensed guide, camping overnight under clear skies. Day one covers the Black Mountains, English Mountain (a World War II site), the natural spring at El-Haiz Bedouin village, and the crystal mountain before you set up camp for a BBQ dinner. Day two explores the old White Desert's mushroom-shaped rock formations and creamy mountains before returning to Cairo.
Step-by-step itinerary
Day 1: Explore Black Desert and Elhaiz Village
- Start tour at 6 am from Cairo
- Arrive Babariya Oasis at 10 am
- Visit Black Desert and climb Black Mountains
- Explore English Mountain and WW2 remnants
- Reach Elhaiz Bedouin village
- Swim in natural spring at Elhaiz village
- Visit Crystal Mountain
- Have lunch at Elhaiz village
- Drive to panoramic views of Agabat Valley
- See limestone formations in White Desert
- Set up camp in White Desert
- Enjoy BBQ dinner under the stars
Day 2: Visit White Desert and Return
- Have breakfast at camp
- Visit old White Desert and mushroom rocks
- See creamy mountains
- Drive back to Cairo
The experience
The tour departs Cairo at 6 am and reaches Bahariya Oasis by 10 am, where you climb the Black Mountains and English Mountain in a 4x4 vehicle. The English Mountain holds remnants of World War II structures used as a military residence. From there you're driven to El-Haiz Bedouin village, where you swim in a natural spring and visit the crystal mountain before lunch. The afternoon takes you through Agabat Valley's panoramic views and into the new White Desert, where limestone formations stand in shapes (chicken, rabbits, dog, ice cream) that the guide will point out as you approach the campsite.
Camping happens in the White Desert under open sky. Tents, sleeping bags and blankets are provided. A BBQ dinner and traditional tea follow around the campfire. Breakfast comes the next morning, then you visit the old White Desert to see the mushroom-shaped rock formations and creamy-colored mountains before the drive back to Cairo. Your guide is an Egyptologist who speaks English and provides site information throughout both days. Vegetarian meals are available on request, and the operator notes enough time at each place to absorb the landscape rather than rush through it.
The camping grounds include a full-service bathroom and access to the campfire and traditional refreshments. All transportation uses comfortable 4x4 vehicles suited to desert terrain. Pickup from Cairo or Giza is included, and the tour is wheelchair accessible with accessible surfaces and transportation options throughout.
What’s included
- Lunch and dinner on day one, breakfast on day two.
- licensed Egyptologist guide speaking English.
- pickup from Cairo or Giza.
- camping in the White Desert with tent, sleeping bag and blanket.
- access to full-service bathroom at the campsite.
- traditional tea and campfire.
- all transportation in 4x4 vehicles.
Options for this experience
2 optionsInformation
Lasts 2d, runs every day at 06:00, 07:00 and 08:00, from US$ 120 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 9 days ago
Operated by Kemet Grand Tours
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to sleep in the desert itself rather than return to a hotel each night, and if you're drawn to the geological formations and Bedouin culture as much as the landscape. The two-day structure gives you time to experience both the Black and White Deserts without the rush of a single long day.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 9 years); Child (2 to 5 years).
What exactly are the rock formations in the White Desert that look like animals?
The White Desert's limestone formations naturally resemble shapes (chicken, rabbits, dog, ice cream and other figures) created by wind erosion over time. Your Egyptologist guide will identify them as you explore the landscape during both days of the tour.
Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag and tent, or are they provided?
Tents, sleeping bags and blankets are all included with the overnight camping in the White Desert. You bring personal items and clothing. The camping grounds provide the shelter and bedding.
Is there really a natural spring to swim in during the tour?
Yes, El-Haiz Bedouin village has a natural spring where you swim on day one. It's part of the oasis and included in the itinerary after you visit the crystal mountain.
What meals are covered on the 2-day tour?
Lunch and dinner are included on day one (BBQ dinner at the campsite), and breakfast on day two. Vegetarian options are available for all meals if you request them when booking.
How long is the drive from Cairo to the desert, and when do we return?
The drive from Cairo to Bahariya Oasis takes about four hours, arriving around 10 am on day one. Day two ends with a return drive to Cairo after breakfast and exploration of the old White Desert.
2-Day White & Black Desert Tour from Cairo: Camping under stars
2d · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 120 per person