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White Desert National Park: A Surreal Landscape

Explore the surreal beauty of Egypt's White Desert National Park, a landscape sculpted by wind and time.

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The White Desert National Park, located in the Farafra depression of western Egypt, is a natural wonder renowned for its otherworldly landscape of white chalk rock formations. Carved by wind and sand erosion, these surreal formations create a unique and unforgettable desert experience.

A brief summary to White Desert Egypt الصحراء البيضاء

  • Al Farafra Desert, The New Valley Governorate, 72721, EG
  • +201008947374

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (October to April) for pleasant daytime temperatures and clear skies.
  • Bring warm clothing, as desert nights can get quite cold, especially in December and January.
  • Hire an experienced local guide for safe and insightful exploration of the desert.
  • Pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to protect yourself from the desert environment.
  • Consider an overnight camping trip to fully experience the magic of the White Desert under the stars.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Most visitors access the White Desert as part of a tour departing from Cairo or the Bahariya Oasis. The drive from Cairo to the Bahariya Oasis takes approximately 4-5 hours. From Bahariya, it's another 2-3 hours by 4x4 vehicle into the White Desert. These tours typically handle all transportation logistics. A taxi directly from Cairo to the White Desert is also an option, with a journey of around 7 hours. Expect to pay $40-55 for the taxi fare.

  • Entrance Fee

    An entrance fee is required to visit the White Desert National Park. The fee is US$5 per person during the day. An additional fee of LE10 is required for overnight stays in the national park. There is also a US$5 fee per vehicle.

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Discover more about White Desert Egypt الصحراء البيضاء

The White Desert National Park, or Sahara el Beyda, is a sprawling nature reserve in the New Valley Governorate of Egypt. Situated approximately 45 kilometers north of Qasr Al Farafra, the park is characterized by its dazzling white, cream-colored rock formations, sculpted over millennia by sandstorms and wind erosion. These formations, made of chalk rock, stand as textbook examples of ventifacts, shaped into bizarre and captivating figures resembling mushrooms, animals, and other strange shapes. The park's landscape ranges from the towering white chalk structures to sand dunes, cliffs at the northern end of the Farafra Depression, and the oases of Ain El Maqfi and Ain El Wadi. The highest point in the park is El Qess Abu Said, reaching 353 meters above sea level, while the lowest point is Wadi Hennis at 32 meters. The White Desert serves as a refuge for diverse wildlife, including the endangered rhim gazelle, the vulnerable dorcas gazelle, Barbary sheep, jackals, foxes (Rüppell's, red, and fennec), and the elusive sand cat. Visiting the White Desert offers a unique experience of camping under the stars amidst the surreal landscape. The park's isolation from urban development enhances the sense of being immersed in nature. The absence of light pollution makes it an ideal location for stargazing.

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