Desert Tour · Fayoum, Bahariya & White Desert
Fayoum and White Desert 3-Day Tour from Cairo
- 4.9 on Tripadvisor · 88 reviews
- Licence No. 121
Tour Overview
Fossil whales, desert lakes and a camp among chalk towers all fit into this private three-day trip. It starts in Cairo, spends the first day in the Fayoum depression, then heads west to Bahariya Oasis and the White Desert National Park.
In Fayoum you stop at Lake Qarun, a large salt lake left over from a far older body of water. Next is Wadi El Hitan, the Valley of the Whales, a UNESCO World Heritage site where skeletons of early whales lie in the open sand. The day ends at the Wadi El Rayyan waterfalls, which run between two lakes in a protected area.
On the second day a 4×4 takes you over the Black Desert, where dark stones cover the hilltops, through the Valley of Agabat and on to Crystal Mountain, a ridge full of quartz. You sleep at a camp in the White Desert, surrounded by wind-carved white rock. The last morning gives you a second look at those shapes in early light. You then climb English Mountain, a lookout used by British troops in the First World War, and stop at the Bahariya hot springs before the drive to Cairo.
Good to know
The tour suits travelers who like nature, geology and simple camping, and who are comfortable with long drives. It runs every day. Our representative meets you at Cairo Airport, and a private English-speaking guide travels with you. You spend one night in a Fayoum hotel or lodge and one in a desert camp, with Golden or Diamond accommodation to choose from. Pack warm layers for the desert night, plus a hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes.
Prices start from $800 per person.
Tour Highlights
Whale skeletons at Wadi El Hitan, a UNESCO site
A night camping in the White Desert
Black Desert, Agabat and Crystal Mountain by 4x4
Tour Itinerary
Your guide collects you in Cairo and you drive southwest to the Fayoum depression. The first stop is Lake Qarun, a broad salt lake ringed by farmland and desert.
From there you continue to Wadi El Hitan. This UNESCO-listed valley holds fossil skeletons of early whales that lived when the area was covered by sea. Later you visit the waterfalls of Wadi El Rayyan, a rare sight in Egypt.
You spend the night in a hotel or lodge in Fayoum. Lunch and dinner are included.
After breakfast you head to Bahariya Oasis and switch to a 4×4. The route crosses the Black Desert, where volcanic-looking stones darken the slopes of the hills.
You then pass through the Valley of Agabat and stop at Crystal Mountain, a low ridge glittering with quartz. The drive ends in the White Desert, known for its white chalk formations shaped by wind and sand.
Camp is set up for the night in the desert. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Wake early to see the chalk formations change color in the first light. After breakfast you drive back toward Bahariya.
Stops include English Mountain, a hill with remains of a British lookout from the First World War, and the hot springs of Bahariya. You then return to Cairo, and we transfer you for your flight home. Breakfast and lunch are included.
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Inclusions
- Meet-and-greet by our team at Cairo Airport
- Support from our guest relations staff throughout your stay
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers between Cairo, Fayoum and Bahariya
- One night in a hotel or lodge in Fayoum
- One night in a camp in the White Desert
- 4x4 jeep for all desert driving, including the White Desert, Black Desert and Agabat
- Private English-speaking guide
- All sightseeing listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for the listed sites, including Lake Qarun, Wadi El Hitan and the national parks
- Meals as shown in the itinerary
- Bottled water during desert drives and outings
- Luggage handling when needed
- All taxes and service charges
Exclusions
- International flights
- Egypt entry visa
- Optional tours
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Tour Prices
Golden Accommodation
Prices per person in USD
4 People — per person
$975
3 People — per person
$1150
2 People — per person
$1300
Solo — per person
$2200
Bedouin Camp, Palm Shadows Lodge Tunis Village Fayoum or similar
- 0 Stars
Diamond Accommodation
Prices per person in USD
4 People — per person
$800
3 People — per person
$880
2 People — per person
$1120
Solo — per person
$2100
Helnan Auberge Hotel Fayoum, Shahrzad Camp White Desert or similar
- 0 Stars
Important Notes
👨👩👧 Delta Tours Child Policy:
- 0 – 1.99 years: Free of charge (except for flight tickets where airline rules apply).
- 2 – 5.99 years: Pay 25% of adult price (if there is a flight tickets).
- 6 – 11.99 years: Pay 50% of adult price (sharing parents’ room/cabin).
- 12 years and above: Considered an adult and pay full price.
Notes:
- Child discounts apply when sharing a room/cabin with two full-paying adults.
- If a child requires a separate room, the full adult rate applies.
- Some tours, cruises, or hotels may have different rules; in that case, the stricter policy applies.
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Questions about the Fayoum and White Desert tour
Prices start from $800 per person. The per-person rate drops as your group grows, with solo travelers paying the most.
You spend the first night in a hotel or lodge in Fayoum and the second night in a camp in the White Desert.
It is the Valley of the Whales, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Fayoum. Fossil skeletons of early whales lie exposed in the desert there.
You get lunch and dinner on day one, three meals on day two and breakfast and lunch on day three.
Bring warm layers, as desert nights can be cold. A hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes are useful during the day.
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