Day 03 :  Siwa (the Oasis and the Protected Area)

Today, we reach our journey’s westernmost point by arriving to the Oasis of Jupiter Amen. En route, we shall have the opportunity to dip into Abu Shuruf—-one of the Sahara’s magical springs—-located on the shore of Lake Zaytoun with sand dunes in the background. After lunch, we visit Siwa’s archaeological sites (i.e. Aghurmi, the Oracle Temple, the Temple of Amen and the Fountain of the Sun) nestling amid the overwhelming greenery of the oasis). Camp and dinner in the dunes.

Day 03 :  Siwa (the Oasis and the Protected Area)

Today, we reach our journey’s westernmost point by arriving to the Oasis of Jupiter Amen. En route, we shall have the opportunity to dip into Abu Shuruf—-one of the Sahara’s magical springs—-located on the shore of Lake Zaytoun with sand dunes in the background. After lunch, we visit Siwa’s archaeological sites (i.e. Aghurmi, the Oracle Temple, the Temple of Amen and the Fountain of the Sun) nestling amid the overwhelming greenery of the oasis). Camp and dinner in the dunes.

Day 04 :  Bahrein Oasis

After breakfast, a walk through Siwa’s palm-groves allows us to perceive the serenity of a desert island. We then leave, along the route of Alexander the Great, to the oasis and lakes of Bahrein. Lunch en route. Heading southeastwards, we visit the rock-tombs of Bahrein (dating back to the 1st century AD). Camp in the dunes of the Sand Sea.

Day 05-06 :  The Great Sand Sea

We start our sail through the spectacular dunes of the Sand Sea, one of the world’s largest dune-fields. Besides the sound adventure and the geo-archeological attractions we are to encounter during the crossing, the drive in itself is the destination.

Day 07 :  The White Desert Protected Area

Having reached the central part of the Western Desert, we turn due east. We visit the outstanding Nummulite Scarp, made of billions of cretaceous-fossils and rocks of marine-origin. We then land at the spring of Ain Dalla—the only surface-water source in western Egypt. From there, we proceed to the White Desert Protected Area for a night camp and dinner.

Day 08 :  Farafra Oasis-Cairo

After breakfast, we leave the desert near the small Farafra Oasis. Our drive to Cairo (450km) will go through the Black Desert and Baharia. Lunch en route. We then arrive to Cairo by sunset.

 Day 02:  Baharia – White Desert

After breakfast, we cross the Black Desert and climb a black rocky mount where one can enjoy the incredible silence and solitude. Lunch at El Heiz Farm and we continue to the Crystal Mountain with its sparkling  fissures. On to the White Desert with its artistic snowy-white limestone formations. Witness an unforgettable sunset and camp under a starry sky in the “New” White Desert.

Day 03:  White Desert  - Oasis of Farafra  & Oasis of Dakhla

This  morning we head towards the Oasis of Farafra. On the way we visit the Roman tombs of El Mozawaka, the most notorious in the New Valley.  Strolling in the quaint streets of Farafra and visiting its Crafts Museum is followed by an invigorating stop at the hot springs of Bir Sitta and a visit to Al Quasr, built in traditional Islamic style.  Dinner & night at hotel.

Day 04:  Oasis of Dakhla & Oasis of Kharga

After breakfast, we visit the villages of Balat and Bashandi, depicting the development between the old and new dwellings of the Bedouins; then the Pharaonic tombs and we continue to the Oasis of El Kharga to visit the necropolis of  El Bagawat with its 200 tombs featuring  painted biblical faces  dating to the early centuries of Christianity. Camping or Hotel.

Day 05:  Oases of Kharga & Boulaq

After a pleasant stroll in the souk of the old city of Kharga, we visit the museum of El Wadi El Gedid and the temple of Hibis famous for its bas-reliefs, built by the Persian king in 500 BC.  On the caravan route, we continue to the Oasis of Boulaq with possibility of bathing in its local springs to shed the desert dust.  Camping.

Day 06:  Boulaq – Luxor

Visit of Boulaq, then on to the southern most oasis of Egypt, Dush, at one of the oldest crossroads of caravanserais.  Visit the Temple of Dush in Darb El Arbein and continue to Luxor.  Farewell dinner.  Camping or hotel.

DAY 1: Cairo/ Baharia

Departure from Cairo early in the morning to Baharia Oasis on paved road. Lunch at Baharia. Visit the Oasis museum where the recently discovered “Golden Mummies” are displayed; then on to El Bishmo (Roman spring), old village, gardens and Black Desert. Dinner.

Overnight camping or at hotel.

DAY 2: Baharia/ Farafra

After breakfast, drive to Bawity, visit the market then continue to El Heiz Oasis. Picnic lunch. Continue to the White Desert, an area of limestone formations where the forces of erosion have created fantastic natural rock sculptures, some of which are shaped like mushrooms and animals. Dinner.

Overnight camping or at hotel in  Farafra.

DAY 3: Baharia

Morning swim in a hot spring and visit the village where local artists exhibits different paintings and crafts. Lunch. Drive to the South and on the way visit the Crystal Mountain. Drive to Baharia Oasis.

Camp at Bir El Ghaba (hot springs) or at hotel.

DAY 4: Wadi El Rayan

Visit the market then cross the desert to the northeast till Wadi El Rayan. Visit the lake and waterfall.  Drive back to Cairo.

 Day 02:  Serabit El Khadem – St Catherine

After breakfast, we cross the Black Desert and climb a black rocky mount where one can enjoy the incredible silence and solitude. Lunch at El Heiz Farm and we continue to the Crystal Mountain with its sparkling  fissures. On to the White Desert with its artistic snowy-white limestone formations. Witness an unforgettable sunset and camp under a starry sky in the “New” White Desert.

Day 03: St Catherine – Wadi Arada

The breathtaking view of the sunrise on Mount Moses (2285m)  will compensate the arduous climb of its 3600 steps at dawn.  A well deserved breakfast will await us upon our return to camp, then we will visit the Fortress-Monastery of St Catherine, built in 527AD.  In the afternoon, we head on sandy treks to Wadi Arada, reputed for its prehistoric drawings and its wildly creviced canyons. Camping.

Day 04:  Wadi Arada – Wadi Ghazala 

This morning we cross the impressive Arada Canyon and visit the enigmatic and circular tombs of Nawami, dating back 6000 years.  We continue to the Oasis of Ain Hudra with its picture pretty houses surrounded by palm trees.  A little walk will bring you to El Maktoub mount where you can enjoy a panoramic view.  Then we see the Bedouin and Greek epitaphs.  Dinner and camping in Wadi Ghazal .

Day 05:  Wadi Ghazal - Nuweiba

After a pleasant stroll in the souk of the old city of Kharga, we visit the museum of El Wadi El Gedid and the temple of Hibis famous for its bas-reliefs, built by the Persian king in 500 BC.  On the caravan route, we continue to the Oasis of Boulaq with possibility of bathing in its local springs to shed the desert dust.  Camping.

Day 06:  Nuweiba – Sharm El Sheikh

On the road to the Nature Reserve of Nabq, a brief stop at the Bedouin village of Dahab and the possibility to watch fishermen at work.  In the afternoon, during a stroll in the mangroves forest, we discover a sector of the second nature reserve of Sinai.  Overnight at hotel in Sharm El Sheikh.

Day 07:  End of Safari after breakfas