Thinking about doing a desert safari in Egypt? Honestly, the whole thing can feel kind of intimidating at first. You’re probably asking yourself stuff like: where do I even start? What am I supposed to bring? How much is this going to cost me? What if I’m not some hardcore adventurer type?
Look, I get it. These questions make a lot of people just give up before they even try. But here’s the thing—getting out there and seeing Egypt’s White Desert is way more doable than you might think. You just need someone to actually walk you through it, and that’s what I’m doing here.
At White Desert Travel, we do this every single day. We’ve walked thousands of first-timers through their desert adventure, and we know exactly what makes the difference between a trip that’s okay and one that changes your life.
Figure Out What Kind of Safari You Want
Not all desert safaris are the same. Do you want a day trip (8-10 hours) or an overnight experience? Most of our guests go overnight—you get to camp under the stars, eat around a fire, and see the desert transform from sunset to sunrise. Way better than just a day trip.
Want action or peace? We specialize in both. Whether you’re looking for 4×4 driving, sandboarding, stargazing, or meditation—we build your safari around what you actually want.
Combining with ancient Egypt? Absolutely. We specialize in mixing White Desert with temple visits and Giza. You get both natural wonders and history.
Going solo, with a partner, family, or a group? We’ve got tours designed for literally every travel style.
When to Go
October to March is peak season—15-25°C (59-77°F), clear skies, incredible stargazing. Book 6-8 weeks ahead.
April to September is quiet and cheap, but hot (over 40°C). Early mornings and evenings only. If budget’s tight, we can work with you.
Let us know what you’re interested in, and we’ll help you pick the best dates.
Get Your Stuff Together
Before you book:
- Passport valid 6+ months after your trip
- Americans can get visa on arrival ($25) or online
- Travel insurance covering medical, cancellation, evacuation
- See your doctor 4-6 weeks before (hepatitis A, typhoid vaccines usually recommended)
We’ve been running these tours for years. Your safety is our job. Don’t try wandering the desert alone—always book through an established company like ours. Women traveling solo? Look for group tours and dress appropriately.
Packing List
Clothes:
- Lightweight daytime stuff (sun protection is huge)
- Warm layers (nights get cold)
- Rain jacket
- Good walking shoes
- Hat/headscarf
- Swimsuit if oasis visits included
Don’t forget:
- High SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Portable phone charger
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Reusable water bottle
Skip:
- Heavy luggage (no room in jeeps)
- Too many electronics
- Fancy jewelry
- Breakable items
When you book with us, we send you our full packing guide.
Why Choose White Desert Travel
We’re USA-based—we get how Americans think. But we work directly with local Egyptian operators, so we know the ground-level stuff that matters. We’re not some faceless booking website. You’ll actually talk to real people.
What makes us different:
- Transparent pricing (we’re totally clear about what’s in/out)
- Small groups (we keep them manageable)
- Quality camps (we use good accommodations)
- Vegetarian options? Absolutely
- Fair cancellation policy
- We’ve got your back if something goes wrong
- Real environmental commitment
Check our reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, travel blogs. Real guests. Real experiences. We’ve got tons.
What Your Safari Actually Looks Like
You wake with sunrise, eat breakfast, then explore—maybe 4×4 driving, camel riding, walking. Lunch somewhere with a view. Afternoon chill or photography time. Sunset watching, dinner, stargazing. Nights are quiet and cool.
Our guides know the best spots, the timing, what matters. They care about making your trip good—it’s not just a job for them.
First-time safari visitors often get hit with the emotional part—the vast landscape, the silence, the stars. It’s totally normal and part of the magic. You’ll meet your guide, driver, and camp staff. Often become the best part of your trip. Group tours? You’ll meet travelers from all over and create real friendships.
Make It Amazing
- Be present. Don’t spend the whole time behind a camera. Your brain remembers what you actually experienced way better.
- Talk to your guide. Ask questions. They love working with curious travelers.
- Push through discomfort. First camel ride feels weird? Stick with it a few hours. Usually goes away.
- Leave it as you found it. No trash, no souvenirs from nature. We’re all about responsible tourism.
- Be flexible. Weather happens. Flexibility usually means better experiences anyway.
After Your Safari
We handle all your transportation logistics back to Cairo—no stress. Want to extend your trip to Cairo, Giza, or oases? We can set that up.
Write about what you experienced before leaving Egypt. It helps you hold onto the feeling and tell the story better.
Ready to Book?
Pick your dates. Tell us who’s coming and what kind of experience you want. We’ll put together something perfect for you. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just real people helping you plan an incredible trip.
Contact White Desert Travel today.
Your desert adventure is waiting. Let’s make it unforgettable.
Grab your stuff and let’s get lost.
