Siwa, the White Desert and Fayoum: treasures of the Western Desert

The Siwa oasis, camping in the White and Black Deserts, the lakes and waterfalls of Fayoum: our 2 to 4-day stays in Egypt's Western Desert, programmes and tips.

StaysUpdated October 11, 20262 min read

West of the Nile stretches an immense desert, dotted with green oases and landscapes that seem to come from another planet. This is the Egypt of adventurers, far from the classic circuits. Our stays take you there with transfers, accommodation and a guide.

The Siwa oasis

Near the Libyan border, Siwa is an oasis of palm trees, salt lakes and clear springs, with a unique Berber culture.

  • The cold spring and the so-called "Cleopatra's baths".
  • Sunset from the Shali fortress.
  • The Mountain of the Dead (Gabal al-Mawta) and its tombs.
  • The Temple of the Oracle, which Alexander the Great is said to have consulted.
  • The dunes of the Great Sand Sea.

Two options: Siwa 3 days 2 nights Discovery and Siwa 4 days 3 nights Discovery, leaving Cairo at night (prices shown for 2 people).

The White and Black Deserts

The White Desert is famous for its wind-sculpted chalk formations shaped like mushrooms or animals. The nearby Black Desert is dotted with volcanic hills. You sleep in a tent under an exceptional starry sky.

  • Bahariya oasis, the Black Desert, El Hez village and its spring.
  • Crystal Mountain.
  • Dunes and sandboarding, the "magic" spring.
  • Nights in a tent in the desert.

Options: White Desert 2 Days and 1 Night Camping and White Desert 3 Days and 2 Nights Camping (prices for 2 people).

Fayoum

A few hours from Cairo, Fayoum mixes lakes, waterfalls, dunes and ancient sites. The Fayoum 2 Days 1 Night stay includes Lake Qarun, Wadi El Rayan and its waterfalls, the Magic Lake, Mudawara mountain, a marine fossil museum and a pottery workshop.

Getting there from Hurghada

These stays leave from Cairo. From Hurghada, we arrange the journey with our Transfers outside Hurghada, or you can combine with a Cairo stay such as Cairo 3 Days 2 Nights. Message us: we build the full itinerary.

Which adventure to choose?

StayFor whom?Duration
Fayoum 2 Days 1 NightA first taste of the desert, nature and lakes2 days
White Desert 2 Days and 1 Night CampingA night under the stars2 days
White Desert 3 Days and 2 Nights CampingThe full adventure, Black and White Deserts3 days
Siwa 3 days 2 nights DiscoveryBerber culture and springs3 days
Siwa 4 days 3 nights DiscoverySiwa without rushing4 days

Desert tips

  • Nights can be cool, even cold in winter: bring a fleece.
  • Closed shoes, a head torch, wipes, sunscreen.
  • Children: free under 5, 50% off from 5 to 8.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go to Siwa from Hurghada?
Yes: Siwa stays leave from Cairo, and we arrange the transfer from Hurghada. Contact us for a full itinerary.
Do you sleep in a tent in the White Desert?
Yes, White Desert stays include dinner and a night in a tent, with camping equipment provided.
How many days do you need for Siwa?
We offer 3 days and 2 nights or 4 days and 3 nights; the second option leaves time to enjoy the dunes and springs.