Planning a Desert Safari in Egypt? Here’s Your Complete Travel Guide
Travelling to countries and continents is related to exploring new landscapes and adventures lying within the depths. One such destination is the African country Egypt, which holds everything within its boundaries. It has the longest river, the Nile River, the famous and ancient monument, the Giza Pyramids and parts of the famous desert, the Sahara Desert. The varying landscape of the country contributes to the wide range of adventure activities offered in Egypt.
Every adventure activity in Egypt, such as rafting, hot air balloon rides, skydiving, Red Sea snorkelling, etc., offers different kinds of experiences. It is notable that more than half a percentage of Egypt’s landscape is desert. Travellers visiting Egypt should not lose the opportunity to experience the desert safari in Egypt. The desert and rock formations offer the best places to enjoy the safari and camp under the sky. Even though it is all sand, the safari adventure brings in a lot of fun and excitement. Going prepared is important, such as knowing the inclusions of the safari and what to expect.
Best Desert Safari Places in Egypt
Egypt is home to a whole lot of deserts and other destinations that offer desert safari. Many tour operators and agencies provide various desert safari packages in Egypt. Each safari destination offers a unique experience for travellers, because all the deserts in Egypt have a unique and amazing diversity. However, choosing a destination is important, and below are a few destinations in Egypt to enjoy the desert safari adventure.
The Bahariya or Northern Oasis
The Bahariya or Northern Oasis is a well-renowned desert safari destination in Egypt. The oasis is situated around 300 to 350 Km, a 5-6 hour drive from Egypt’s capital city Cairo. The sight of volcanic rocks and springs offers great relaxation after a drive or adventure. The desert safari tour packages in the Bahariya Oasis include visiting the White Desert rock formation, Crystal Mountains and overnight camp with dinner.
The Siwa Oasis
The Siwa Oasis is considered a hidden gem for desert safari in Egypt. It is an isolated destination situated in Egypt’s western parts. The oasis is famed for quite a lot of attractions including The Shali Fortress, salt pools, Fatnas Island, Cleopatra’s Spring, the Temple of Amun and the Temple of Umm Ubayd. The oasis offers sandboarding and dune-bashing opportunities. Siwa Oasis is a relaxed destination that receives fewer tourists.
The Fayoum Oasis
The Fayoum Oasis desert safari activities include sandboarding and exploring the archaeological sites and natural attractions situated in the oasis. The safari highlights also include Bedouin camp with meals, snacks and tea. The Fayoum is Egypt’s largest oasis, situated in Fayoum city, middle Egypt, which is around 100 Km from Cairo. The oasis is famous for Lake Qarun and the one and only waterfalls in Egypt, Wadi El Rayan.
The Hurghada Desert Safari
The Hurghada Desert Safari offers a great sand dune landscape to enjoy quad bike/ATV or camel ride adventures. The inclusions of the Hurghada desert safari include cultural activities with the Bedouin community, and enjoying the traditional Bedouin dinner and camping under the stars. The desert safari has various activities like sunset and sunrise activities, visiting ancient sites and Sahara Park, situated in the middle of the desert.
The Gilf Kebir Plateau
The Gilf Kebir Plateau is also known as The Great Barrier. The plateau is situated in Egypt’s southwest part and from the desert, it rises over 300 meters. Many tour operators offer long desert safari trips to the Gilf Kebir. The plateau location is remote and isolated. A desert trip to the Gilf Kebir is usually more challenging because it is a sandstone plateau and major attractions are the rock arts and Cave of Swimmer.
The Wadi El Gamal
The Wadi El Gamal desert safari destination is situated in Egypt’s coastal town of Marsa Alam. The desert safari in Marsa Alam offers an unforgettable experience and an amazing opportunity to see the traditions and lifestyle of Bedouins. The safari includes discovering landscapes between the mountains, stunning sunsets and quad biking adventures. Wadi El-Gemal National Park offers a lot of activities and combined adventures like snorkelling and scuba diving.
Desert safari in Egypt mostly includes a variety of activities that can extend for 2 to 4 days. Out of all the activities, camping and stargazing in the desert landscape with dinner would be a great experience. Speak with the operators to get custom-made desert safari tours. Desert safaris are a wonderful way to explore the vast Sahara Desert parts and the landscapes in Egypt.
Best Time for Desert Safari in Egypt
Desert safaris in Egypt are a year-round activity. Considering the climate and temperature of the desert regions in Egypt, November to February (winter season) is the ideal time to experience a desert safari in Egypt. The temperature is more comfortable during the winter season in Egypt. Egypt experiences little rainfall during the winter season, so the temperature rises and drops. Even during the winter months, the temperature can be moderate or hot during the daytime, but the nights can be cold and freezing sometimes.
Travelling to Egypt during the shoulder season, September and March to May (spring season), is a good choice to avoid crowds. The spring season experiences irregular downpours and moderate temperatures, but the khamsin wind starts in March. The khamsin dry and dusty wind blow might cause sandstorms which turns into an additional challenge. Check the weather conditions and temperature before booking the desert safari tour.
Essentials to Pack for a Desert Safari in Egypt
- Lightweight jackets because the nights in the desert can turn cold and freezing (only if camping in the desert).
- Hat, sunscreen, moisturizer, sunglasses, scarf and UV protection clothes or gloves.
- Comfortable walking or hiking shoes (choose breathable and sturdy footwear).
- Reusable water bottles are important to withstand the heat in the desert.
- A first-aid-kit and include personal medications, insect repellent, antiseptic wipes and pain relievers.
- Power bank and battery-powered torch (carry extra batteries).
- High-energy snacks such as energy bars, dry fruits and nuts.
Egypt Desert Safari Tour Itinerary
Desert safari is a common tourist activity in Egypt. A lot of tour operators provide desert safari tour packages with combined activities. The activities and inclusion differ according to the length of the excursion. Desert safari in Egypt is available from a few hours or one day to five or seven days. Mostly, the safari package is customizable, so check the options before booking the excursion.
The inclusion of the desert safari packages might seem standard but they might differ for each operator. The desert safari tour package will have a camel ride, which is an iconic way of exploring the desert regions and landscape of Egypt. Camel rides are ancient means of transportation that help people cross the desert and explore new places. The jeep tours or rides are perfect for adding a little adventure to the safari tour. Driving in the sand dunes and desert landscape can be really thrilling.
Most desert safari tours in Egypt include quad bikes or ATV rides. It is the best off-road adventure to experience in Egypt. The quad bikes are easy to operate and training sessions on how to ride them will be provided before the tour. It is hard to calculate the excitement experienced while speeding through the desert sand. The quad biking hour will differ according to the booked tour operator. Usually, quad biking times range from one hour to three or five hours.
An important aspect of the Egypt desert safari is Bedouin village visits. Many desert safari packages include exploring the Bedouin settlement area with the traditional Bedouin tea. Visiting the Bedouin settlement is an opportunity to learn the lifestyle and culture of the Bedouin tribes and their survival techniques. Some desert safari packages include Bedouin camp with trekking, rock climbing or hiking activities. Visitors are also welcome to join and listen to the Bedouin stories around a campfire.
A few other Egypt desert safari activities include sandboarding, dune bashing, exploring the archaeological or fossil-rich areas and hiking to the nearby natural resources such as lakes, waterfalls, palm groves, etc. Do not miss the sunset in the desert mountains and star-watching activities. There will be short breaks for refreshments and quick stops to restore the energy which is much needed to continue with the desert adventure. Search for an Egypt desert safari package that fits all the listed activities. All the activities combined offer a truly bliss experience to cherish forever.
Planning the Desert Safari Destination in Egypt
Undertaking desert safari in Egypt requires proper preparations and planning. The first challenge is to choose the destination. Most of Egypt’s landscape is covered with desert, so the desert safari is available in various places in Egypt. Each destination or oasis has its own uniqueness in terms of landscape, natural attractions and sightseeing places. Travellers are free to choose any of the destinations that draw their attention. While choosing the destination consider the distance, other travel plans and cost before blindly booking the excursion. Also, the seasons might affect the Egypt desert safari experience. The desert region in Egypt is unbearably hot during the summer months, so it is the worst time for desert safari. The ideal time is the winter season because the temperature is more pleasant and cold during night time offering the best atmosphere for outdoor activities and camping in the desert.
Duration of the Egypt Desert Safari
The duration or length of the desert safari in Egypt is completely a traveller’s choice. Several tour operators offer desert safaris starting from a few hours or one to several days. The length of the desert safari is customizable. Go for a reasonable length depending on the desert safari destination, adventure and sightseeing activities. Ideally, 3-4 days is enough for Egypt desert safari. Stargazing in Bedouin or tent camps in Egypt desert safari is a must-do activity. Also, remember camping in the desert can be tough such as adapting to the temperature and withstanding the heat particularly when taking the safari with family and children, consider the comfortability of everybody before booking the excursion.
Egypt Desert Safari with Kids
Egypt desert safari is safe for kids. Some kids tend to like desert adventures and some might not like them. Signing up for Egypt desert safari with kids or children requires a lot of concern. Some tour operators imply age restrictions and certain guidelines like parental consent to allow children to take the desert safari. Always check the specific requirements with the tour operators. They may suggest family or children-friendly tours and destinations. Some tour agencies offer discounts for children under a certain age limit. Check the availability of private or family tour options and vehicles that will be safe and comfortable for children. Avoid sand bashing, it might not be suitable for young children. Private tour packages will have the option to alter the travel itinerary so the whole desert safari experience will be more comfortable for kids.
Safety Tips for Desert Safari in Egypt
- Book certified and licensed drivers because safety is important and diving in sand dunes really requires specialized skills and experience (check with the tour operator).
- Verify with the tour operators if the vehicle is well-kept and equipped with all safety features (seat belts, roll bars, etc).
- Listen carefully to the quad biking training sessions and general safety briefing.
- Dress according to the weather and choose UV-protected clothing (long sleeves and full-length pants help to cover the whole body).
- Follow the guide’s instructions, stay close and avoid acting on your own.
- The desert activities such as quad biking can be exhausting. Trekking and hiking in the desert are different and it can be weary, know the limits and take rest or small stops amidst the activities.
- Use insect repellents particularly in the evening (even though the risk is lower).
- Do not litter the landscape and dispose the waste properly.
Avoid getting near the wildlife and maintain a safe distance (do not try to touch them).
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Securing a visa is important before planning an international trip. The Egypt e-visa initiative introduced by the Egyptian government simplified the process of getting a valid visa to enter Egypt. In this regard, eligible foreign travellers can get an Egypt e-visa without any hassle. Learn more at Eligible Countries for Egypt e-Visa.
Check your eligibility for Online Egypt Visa and apply for Egypt e-Visa 5 (five) days in advance of your flight. Citizens of many countries including Czech citizens, Brazilian citizens, Croatian citizens, Georgian citizens and Greek citizens can apply online for Egypt e-Visa.