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White Desert National Park: A Surreal Escape

Discover the ethereal beauty of Egypt's White Desert National Park: a surreal landscape of chalk rock formations and serene desert vistas.

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The White Desert National Park in Egypt is a geological wonderland, showcasing surreal white chalk rock formations sculpted by wind and sand. This protected area offers a unique desert experience, attracting adventurers and nature lovers alike.

A brief summary to White Desert National Park

  • 76M2+5CJ، الظهير الصحراوى للفرافرة،, Al Wadi Al Gadid Desert, The New Valley Governorate, EG
  • +201222287932
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October to April) to avoid the intense desert heat.
  • Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Wear warm clothes for the night as desert temperatures can drop significantly.
  • Hire a local guide and a 4x4 vehicle to navigate the desert terrain safely.
  • Respect the environment by not littering and sticking to designated tracks.
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Getting There

  • Car

    To reach the White Desert National Park by car, start from Cairo and drive approximately 550 km southwest towards the New Valley Governorate. The journey takes about 6-7 hours. Alternatively, drive from Al Farafra town east on Al Wahat Al Bahriya - Al Farafra Rd for about 15 kilometers. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for navigating the desert terrain. Consider joining a tour from Farafra or Bahariya Oasis.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the White Desert using public transportation, take a bus from Cairo to Al Farafra. Buses are available from the Turgoman bus station in Cairo. The journey takes approximately 10-12 hours. From Al Farafra, hire a local taxi or arrange a tour operator to take you to the park entrance. A taxi ride will take around 30 minutes.

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Discover more about White Desert National Park

The White Desert National Park, or Sahara el Beyda, is a captivating natural reserve in the Farafra depression of Egypt's Western Desert. Established in 2002, the park spans 300 square kilometers, offering a unique landscape of striking white sands and otherworldly rock formations. These formations, sculpted over millennia by wind and erosion, resemble giant mushrooms, towers, and other bizarre shapes, creating a surreal and unforgettable experience. The park's geological history dates back millions of years when the area was a seabed. The white color comes from calcium carbonate and silica in the sedimentary rock. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including the endangered Rhim gazelle, Dorcas gazelle, fennec fox, and sand cat. Visitors can explore iconic formations like Crystal Mountain, where quartz crystals shimmer in the sun, and Mushroom Rock, a towering limestone formation. Camping under the stars, hiking, and 4x4 safaris are popular activities. The park also includes oases like Farafra, Ain El Maqfi, and Ain El Wadi. The best time to visit is between October and April when the weather is milder.

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