Exploring the Mystical White Desert of Egypt with Family

A Day of Crystals and Hidden Valleys

Today was a day of shimmering crystals and exploring the hidden beauty of the Al Aqabat Area. The White Desert National Park continues to surprise and enchant us at every turn. It's truly a landscape unlike any other, and I'm so grateful to be sharing this experience with Hans-Peter and Sophia.

We started our day, as always, with a simple breakfast at our campsite. There’s something incredibly grounding about sipping my morning coffee while watching the sun paint the desert landscape in hues of orange and pink. After breakfast, we packed up our gear and set off for Crystal Mountain. I’d read about it before, but nothing could have prepared me for the sight of this natural wonder.

Crystal Mountain isn't exactly a mountain; it's more like a sparkling ridge composed of quartz and calcite crystals. As the sun hit the crystals, they glittered like diamonds scattered across the desert floor. Sophia was absolutely mesmerized, running her fingers over the formations and exclaiming at every new sparkle she discovered. Hans-Peter, ever the pragmatist, was fascinated by the geological explanation of how the mountain was formed millions of years ago when the desert was covered by an ancient sea. The crystals are the result of mineral deposits left behind when the waters receded, blending into the limestone rock over time. It’s truly amazing to witness such a unique phenomenon.


Explore the stunning landscapes and unique geological formations of Crystal Mountain, a must-visit natural wonder in the New Valley of Egypt.

I made sure to remind Sophia not to take any crystals with us. It's important to preserve the natural beauty of this place for others to enjoy. I think she understood, though I did catch her eyeing a particularly shiny piece.

The desert is a vast and silent canvas where nature paints its masterpieces in crystals and sand.

After spending a good part of the morning exploring Crystal Mountain and taking countless photos, we headed towards the Al Aqabat Area. Al Aqabat, meaning “wonder” in Arabic, is a valley known for its stunning desert landscapes, golden sand dunes, and rugged terrains. The drive there was an adventure in itself, navigating through the sandy paths in our 4x4 with our trusty guide.


Explore the stunning Al Aqabat Area in Egypt, a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and adventure in the heart of the New Valley Governorate.

As we entered the Al Aqabat Area, I was immediately struck by the dramatic rock formations that rose from the desert floor. It felt like stepping into another world, a place where time stood still. Sophia, always eager for adventure, wanted to climb every dune she saw. Hans-Peter and I, while slightly less enthusiastic about scaling the heights, enjoyed wandering through the canyons and taking in the panoramic views.

We found a spot to have our lunch amidst the dunes. Our guide prepared a simple yet delicious meal, and we ate while enjoying the vastness and serenity of the desert. Sophia, of course, found a few interesting rocks and shells to add to her collection. I must admit, even I was tempted to pocket a few.

After lunch, we explored a bit more of the Al Aqabat Area, discovering hidden corners and unique rock formations. The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional whisper of the wind. It was a moment of pure tranquility, a chance to disconnect from the world and connect with nature.

Before heading back to our camp, we made a stop at the White Desert Camp, a small shop in the area. I was hoping to find a replacement for the extra camera batteries I’d forgotten to pack, but no luck. However, I did find a beautiful, hand-painted scarf with traditional Egyptian motifs, which I bought as a souvenir. Sophia, of course, picked out a small camel figurine to add to her growing collection.


Discover the serene beauty of the White Desert Camp in Faiyum, Egypt, where adventure and tranquility meet under the stars.

As the sun began to set, we returned to our campsite, tired but content. The sky was ablaze with color, and the desert seemed to glow in the fading light. We enjoyed another simple dinner under the stars, sharing stories and laughter. Sophia, exhausted from her day of exploration, fell asleep almost immediately.

Hans-Peter and I sat by the fire for a while longer, sipping tea and reflecting on the day. The White Desert National Park has a way of making you feel small yet connected to something much larger than yourself. It’s a place where you can truly escape and find peace in the simplicity of nature.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Black Desert and visit the Badr Museum. I’m looking forward to seeing what other wonders this landscape holds. And perhaps, we'll stop by Déssert blanc for a drink. Until then, I’ll drift off to sleep under the stars, dreaming of crystals and hidden valleys.

One thing I've learned on this trip is the importance of embracing the unexpected. We may have forgotten a few essentials, but those little mishaps have led to new discoveries and unexpected adventures. It's a reminder that sometimes the best experiences are the ones you don't plan for.

I am also reminded of the importance of family. Seeing Sophia's eyes light up as she discovers a sparkling crystal, or sharing a quiet moment with Hans-Peter as we watch the sunset, these are the moments that make a trip like this so special. It's not just about seeing new places, it's about creating memories together that will last a lifetime.

And as I sit here, writing by the light of our campfire, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to experience this incredible landscape, gratitude for my wonderful family, and gratitude for the simple joys of life.

As we prepare to leave the White Desert in the coming days, I know that this journey will stay with me long after we return to our everyday lives in Leipzig. The stark beauty of the desert, the warmth of the Egyptian sun, and the shared experiences with my family will be etched in my memory forever.

I am already looking forward to sharing more stories and photos from our adventure tomorrow. Until then, goodnight from the White Desert.

I am also mindful of the environmental challenges that places like the White Desert face. Desertification and unsustainable tourism can have a significant impact on these fragile ecosystems. It's crucial that we all do our part to protect these unique environments and ensure that they can be enjoyed by future generations. This means being mindful of our impact, supporting local conservation efforts, and promoting responsible tourism practices.

As I reflect on our time here, I am struck by the resilience of life in the desert. Despite the harsh conditions, there is a surprising amount of biodiversity. From the hardy plants that manage to thrive in the arid landscape to the animals that have adapted to survive with minimal water, the desert is a testament to the power of adaptation.

And so, as I close this entry for today, I am filled with a sense of wonder and respect for the White Desert. It is a place that challenges and inspires, a place that reminds us of the beauty and fragility of our planet. And it is a place that I will never forget.