Exploring the Mystical White Desert of Egypt with Family

Whispers of Volcanoes and Artistic Visions

Today was a day of stark contrasts, a journey from the desolate, volcanic landscapes of the Black Desert to the vibrant, artistic heart of the Farafra Oasis. It's amazing how much variety this region of Egypt holds, and I'm so excited to share our experiences with you.


Explore the surreal beauty of the Black Desert, Egypt's captivating nature preserve with unique landscapes and starlit skies.

Our day began with an early breakfast right in the heart of the White Desert National Park, surrounded by the otherworldly beauty that has captivated me since we arrived. The cool morning air was a welcome change, and the anticipation of exploring the Black Desert was palpable. After a quick bite, Hans-Peter, Sophia and I packed up our gear and set off, ready for whatever the day might bring.


Explore the surreal beauty of White Desert National Park in Egypt – a natural wonder featuring unique chalk formations and breathtaking landscapes.

The drive to the Black Desert was an experience in itself. As we left the shimmering white formations behind, the landscape gradually transformed. The golden sands gave way to a dark, rocky terrain, a stark reminder of the volcanic activity that shaped this region millions of years ago. The Black Desert is not as far as the White Desert, located closer to the Bahariya Oasis.

The Black Desert is a mesmerizing destination that combines natural beauty, geological wonders, and a rich historical legacy. The mounds of the Black Desert vary in size, composition, height and shape. Some are dark consisting of iron quartzite while others are more reddish as its surface rocks consist of iron sandstone. The volcanic hills prove the eruption of dark volcanic dolerite dating back to the Jurassic period 180 million years ago.

As we ventured deeper, the landscape became increasingly dramatic. The 'mountains' were covered in a layer of black basalt rocks and volcanic rocks that erupted from the volcanic hills ages ago. Despite the name, there were also some red hills with ferruginous sandstone and earthy minerals. We stopped frequently to take photos, marveling at the unique formations and the way the sunlight played across the dark surfaces. Sophia, ever the curious one, was fascinated by the black stones, collecting samples and peppering our guide with questions about the volcanoes that created them.

The desert tells a story of time and transformation, a narrative etched in stone and sand.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and respect for the forces of nature that had sculpted this landscape. It was a powerful reminder of the earth's dynamic history, a history written in the very rocks beneath our feet. The Black Desert has a rich historical heritage that dates back thousands of years. The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human presence and cultural activities discovered through archaeological excavations.

We climbed one of the smaller peaks, Gebel Ingliz (Williams Mountain), for a panoramic view of the desert. From up high, the expanse of black hills stretched out before us, an endless sea of volcanic rock. It was easy to imagine the ancient Egyptians who once traversed this landscape, their caravans leaving faint traces in the sand. The ancient Egyptians considered the desert as a place of mystique and believed it to be a gateway to the realm of the gods.

After spending the morning exploring the Black Desert, we drove towards the Farafra Oasis and the Badr Museum. The transition from the stark, volcanic landscape to the lush greenery of the oasis was striking. It felt like entering a different world, a world of life and art springing forth from the arid desert.


Discover the artistic legacy of Egypt at Badr Museum in Al Farafra, showcasing unique cultural artifacts and beautiful local art.

The Badr Museum is a hidden gem, a testament to the vision and creativity of local artist Badr Abdel Moghny. Badr Museum is located in the Farafra Oasis, not far from the mud city of Qasr Al Farafra. Some say the museum is the only attraction in the area, making it worth visiting. The museum holds many of the original works of Badr Abdel Moghny, a local self-taught artist. He never had any formal art training. Everything he paints and sculpts comes from self-teaching.

Badr Museum is housed in a mud building. The mud buildings are the common houses in this medieval area of Egypt. All of the artwork in Badr Museum created by the artist is quite unique. His work almost always depicts life in the Farafra Oasis and he provides the work through both painting and sculpting. Badr did all of his sculpting and painting in sand, stone, and mud. This makes the artwork quite unique compared to the media generally used by artists.

As we approached the museum, we were greeted by Badr himself, a warm and welcoming man with a twinkle in his eye. He led us through his creation, a whimsical and inspiring space filled with sculptures, paintings, and found-object art. His artwork, crafted from mud, stone, and sand, depicted scenes from daily life in the oasis, capturing the essence of this unique community.

I was particularly moved by Badr's story. A self-taught artist, he had dedicated his life to preserving the heritage of Farafra through his art. His museum was not just a collection of artworks, but a living testament to the power of creativity and the importance of cultural preservation. Badr Abdel Moghny is a self-taught artist whose gift to his town become its only real sight.

Sophia was completely captivated by the sculptures, especially the ones depicting camels and farmers. She peppered Badr with questions about his techniques and the stories behind his creations. Hans-Peter, ever the engineer, was fascinated by the construction of the museum itself, marveling at the way Badr had used simple materials to create such a beautiful and functional space.

Badr's museum is a combination house, museum and studio exhibiting his paintings and ceramics in a garden full of sculptures made from objects found in the surrounding desert. He also uses colored sand of the White Desert for his drawings and palm trunks that characterize any oasis in Egypt, besides the use of silt.

After our visit to the museum, we stopped by a local bar called Déssert blanc for a refreshing drink. It was a welcome respite from the desert heat, and a chance to reflect on the incredible experiences of the day. Sipping on mint tea, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore this extraordinary region of Egypt with my family.


Explore the stunning landscapes of Désert Blanc, a unique desert destination in Egypt filled with mesmerizing chalk formations and unparalleled stargazing.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to our campsite in the White Desert, the sky ablaze with color. The stars began to emerge, twinkling like diamonds against the dark canvas of the night. It was the perfect ending to a day of contrasts, a day that had taken us from the volcanic landscapes of the Black Desert to the artistic heart of the Farafra Oasis.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit the White Desert Camp Safari and Bir Sitta (Well Six). I'm looking forward to more adventures and discoveries in this magical place. Until then, goodnight from the Egyptian desert!

I am so glad that we remembered to bring the camping gear, sunscreen, hiking boots and camera. I am a little disappointed that we forgot the extra batteries for the camera and the portable solar charger.