Solo Escape to the Enchanting White Desert

Desert Daydreams: Black and White

The desert has a way of playing with your mind, doesn't it? One moment you're surrounded by blinding white chalk formations, and the next you're navigating a landscape of black volcanic rock. Today was all about embracing those contrasts, a visual feast that kept me on my toes and my camera working overtime.

I woke up this morning to the familiar, yet always stunning, sight of the White Desert National Park bathed in the early morning light. After a quick breakfast under the watchful gaze of the strange rock formations that have become my temporary neighbors, I packed up my gear, eager to see what the Black Desert had in store. It's amazing how quickly the landscape changes here. One moment you're thinking you're on the moon, the next you could be forgiven for believing you've landed on Mars.


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

The Black Desert is located closer to the Bahariya Oasis, a little north of the White Desert. It gets its name from the mountains covered in a layer of black basalt rocks and volcanic remnants. These rocks erupted from volcanic hills ages ago. The contrast of the black mountains against the yellow sands of the Western Desert makes for a striking view. Some hills are reddish due to ferruginous sandstone and earthy minerals.

Driving into the Black Desert felt like entering another world. The landscape is dominated by volcano-shaped mounds, widely spaced across the terrain. Most are capped with basalt sills, giving them their characteristic black color. I spent a good portion of the morning scrambling up these mounds, each offering a unique perspective of the stark, beautiful scenery. The views were incredible. It was easy to imagine the volcanic activity that created this surreal environment millions of years ago.

The desert is a capricious mistress, offering moments of serene beauty punctuated by stark reminders of its unforgiving nature.

I even found some interesting geological features, like iron quartzite and iron sandstone, that added to the visual diversity. It's incredible to think that this area was once lush with vegetation. The Black Desert was declared a natural reserve in 2010 after a large dinosaur skeleton was discovered nearby. Remains of shrubs and fossilized woodlands indicate plants once grew here.

After exploring the Black Desert, I headed back towards the White Desert, ready for another night of camping. Before settling in, I took some time to simply wander, soaking in the silence and the vastness of the landscape. The sun began to set, casting long shadows and painting the chalk formations in hues of orange and pink. It was a truly magical experience, one that reminded me why I embarked on this solo journey in the first place.


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

As the stars began to pepper the inky sky, I built a small fire, the crackling flames providing a comforting soundtrack to the desert night. I thought about Olivia and Ethan back in Hawthorne. I miss them terribly, but I know this time alone is important for me, a chance to recharge and reconnect with myself. I brewed a cup of tea, savoring the warmth as the desert air grew cooler. I thought about the Bedouin people who have called this desert home for centuries. The White Desert holds deep cultural significance for the Bedouin tribes. Their traditional knowledge has allowed them to thrive in this environment.

I also took some time to reflect on how much I've learned during this trip. I came here seeking solitude and inspiration, and I've found both in abundance. The desert has a way of stripping away the unnecessary, leaving you with only what truly matters. It's a lesson I hope to carry with me long after I leave this place.

Tomorrow marks the final day of my desert escape. My plan is to visit Wadi Hitan National Park and the White Canyon. Wadi Hitan, also known as Valley of the Whales, is known for its significant fossil site with early whale skeletons. The White Canyon is known for its white rock formations. I also plan to visit the Cleopatra Bazar Mamsha Mall before heading back to Cairo and eventually back home to the UK. I am looking forward to seeing Olivia and Ethan, but I will forever cherish the memories I have made here in the White Desert.