Desert Excursions
The desert is the main attraction in Al-Farafra, the smallest and most isolated of all the Egyptian oases. Because it lies within close proximity to some of the most stunning desert landscapes in the world, Al-Farafra is the ideal starting point for your desert adventures. The breathtaking White Desert with its famous mushroom shaped white rocks, the Black Desert with its volcanic-shaped mountains scattered with black stones, Crystal Mountain with its caves, and the Great Sand Sea with its massive sand dunes are all easily accessible excursions from Al-Farafra. Check with your travel agency or authorized tour guide regarding permits and regulations before heading out on your desert excursions.
Insider Tips
Getting There
The White Desert is 40 km from Al-Farafra. Excursions to the White Desert can range from one to 10 nights, depending on whether you want to spend your time camping, hiking, exploring, riding camels, or coasting through the desert in a 4x4. Check with your travel agency or authorized tour guide regarding permits and regulations before heading out on your desert excursions.
Booking a Desert Safari
There are no tour agencies located inside Al-Farafra. The easiest way to plan activities in and around the oasis is through your hotel or a travel agency in Cairo, Alexandria, or Al-Dakhla Oasis.
Aqabat Valley
Famous for its soft golden sand, beautiful dunes, and signature white cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional seashell here and there, as this is the dried-up site of an ancient riverbed.
Twin Peaks
A landmark site along the ancient route connecting Al-Bahariyya and Al-Farafra oases. The two gigantic towers of sedimentary rock protrude into the horizon and mark the entrance of a path that leads to the remains of an ancient palace.
Al-Santa Acacia Tree
A lone tree that juts out of a small hill on the horizon in the White Desert, reminding visitors of the once lush vegetation that populated this area.
Great Sand Sea
The Great Sand Sea, a 600-km expanse of desert that forms a natural barrier between Egypt and Libya and stretches to cover most of the desert from Al-Farafra to Siwa. This spectacle, which has some of the largest sand dunes in the world, has mystified travelers for centuries.
Crystal Mountain
Was once an underground cave that has been pushed to the earth’s surface. As you approach it, you can see the iconic arch of the “mountain” and the sparking crystals as they reflect light from the sun.
