Cairo & White Desert Tour Review: A 4-Day Bahariya Oasis Trip
So, you’re maybe considering a getaway from Cairo to the White Desert and Bahariya Oasis? Well, that’s certainly quite the idea! Spending a number of days moving around the desert might seem a bit extreme, or possibly it will be perfect. I had to see if it was worth it, like you, and this is what I found.
Why Pick This Tour? Finding the Allure of the White Desert
Actually, before booking this particular tour, I did think hard about why I even wanted to see the White Desert. It’s not like it’s just next door, and, anyway, Egypt’s already jam-packed with a whole bunch of other cool sights. Very likely, pictures showcasing strange rock formations got to me first. So, too it’s almost like a real-world Dr. Seuss landscape but sculpted by the desert wind and sun. Plus, getting out of a huge space like Cairo sounded really refreshing. This tour, a “Cairo 4 Days White Desert and Bahariya Oasis Tour,” promised adventure without demanding that I deal with all the little planning details – pretty tempting, truthfully.
Day 1: From Cairo to Bahariya – The Start of Things
The tour almost seemed to begin like any other: pretty early! We had a morning pickup right from my hotel in Cairo. The trip to Bahariya Oasis, well, that ended up being about a four or five-hour drive. Sort of long, I think, yet the scenery was gradually turning more and more into a desert landscape, which had me feeling pretty eager. Arriving at Bahariya, the vibe was certainly much more laid-back compared to the bustle of Cairo. We had lunch there (tasty, local food) and then had a bit of time to just walk around the small town, you know, just getting a vibe for the area. So, after that, we did visit the local museum, which gave some context to the area’s past. That evening, it’s almost like we checked into a comfortable hotel. This part of the trip honestly felt like getting into position for the things that would come.
Day 2: Exploring Bahariya Oasis – More Than Just Desert
Day two made me rethink what I felt an oasis trip would actually be. After having seen the Valley of the Golden Mummies, an amazing discovery made relatively recently, it’s clear there’s layers and layers to see! The tombs of local leaders were amazingly well-kept, that is, filled with colorful paintings, a glimpse into the lives of the people that called this remote place home long ago. Then we paid a visit to the Temple of Alexander the Great – very fascinating, particularly, because you don’t think of Alexander being here. So, too it’s almost the end of the day when we did something special: climbed the so-called English Mountain. That spot provided pretty wide views, definitely picture-worthy, over the entire oasis. Back at the hotel in the evening, you know, after dinner, I definitely went to sleep pretty easily.
Day 3: White Desert – Surreal Landscapes
The desert part of this tour really begins now! Early in the morning, we drove into the White Desert by 4×4. Right away, the landscape was changing dramatically. You’ve got chalk rock formations popping up all over the place, like giant statues, really. Our guide pointed out the most well-known ones: “chicken” and “mushroom.” So, in the daytime, we investigated many cool formations and little nooks of the desert. And the climax was definitely the sunset in the White Desert. That is when the rocks basically changed into hues of orange and pink. It made you feel like you were on a different planet, almost. Dinner was cooked by our guides right there in the desert, and we camped beneath the stars. That night was super quiet and impressive with literally countless stars. A once-in-a-lifetime kind of evening, for sure.
Day 4: Back to Cairo – Bringing It All Together
Waking up in the White Desert, well, that was something special, so to speak. So, too it’s almost like we had breakfast while watching the sunrise. Then we saw the desert some more before beginning our trip back towards Bahariya. The tour there included a swim in a hot spring – definitely welcome after having slept in the desert! The lunch in Bahariya tasted good as always, and then we headed back to Cairo. That ride gave me a lot of time to consider everything I’d just seen. It made me realize that the country provides way more things than simply the pyramids, yet, very likely, the desert can be quite powerful, too.
What You Really Should Think About
- The Heat: That’s right, desert = heat, mainly during the daytime. Packing hats, sunblock, and those long sleeve things will be so helpful.
- Keeping Hydrated: Very definitely you have to drink plenty of water. Bring a refillable bottle with you!
- Camera Stuff: Of course, make sure to bring cameras! But bring extra batteries and memory since you will really want a lot of pictures!
- What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes are an actual need. You’re doing some walking on sometimes tricky terrain.
Who Would Actually Enjoy This Trip?
Actually, this tour fits someone that’s a bit adventurous but also appreciates some structure to their planning. It’s amazing for anyone that really likes seeing unique natural stuff and maybe is searching for stuff aside from the regular old tourist things. Those really sensitive to long drives could find the traveling pretty hard. And definitely it’s something to consider about comfort with tenting, or else you may not want that portion of it. But it’s a pretty awesome chance to touch on a totally different section of Egypt!
FAQs About the White Desert & Bahariya Oasis Trip
Is the White Desert portion of the tour secure?
So, too it’s almost natural that tourists wonder about safety, you know. Tours are almost always organized with accredited guides and the local tourism police. They actually evaluate the area to check that there’s not any problems.
Are there restrooms in the White Desert?
Restrooms exist in the camps typically. If traveling far out into the desert, plan that there aren’t facilities around! Our guides always let us pick appropriate bathroom spots way away from everybody.
What is the best season of the year to travel?
Winter months (October to April) are without doubt easier to deal with when traveling. The temperatures stay cooler, making your day trips outside easier. Summertime might feel very hard because of the really scorching heat.
Do I require any kind of specialized gear or tools?
Essentially, tour companies normally supply sleeping bags for the camping trip; nevertheless, it is a fine idea if you are able to pack your personal blanket liner if you’ve got one. Similarly, provide yourself a tiny flashlight.
How challenging is this visit, actually?
Actually, it is regarded as average in issues of bodily undertaking. You would be best with reasonable physical health that will enable one to benefit from walks and smaller climbs. However, it is possible, it isn’t really excessively tiresome. Actually, our very own older members managed perfectly fine; just go slowly.
Can I personalize my own trip itinerary??
Typically, trip businesses are extremely accomodating! Speak about this together! Quite a few are inclined to customise a visit and incorporate a spot that’s truly essential!