Wadi Al-Hitan: The Valley of the Whales

Thirty-seven million years ago, in the waters of the prehistoric Tethys Ocean, a sinuous, 50-foot-long beast with gaping jaws and jagged teeth died and sank to the seafloor. Over thousands of millennia a mantle of sediment built up over its bones. The sea receded and as the former seabed became a desert, the wind began to plane away the sandstone and shale above the bones.

Slowly the world changed. The pharaohs built their pyramids. Rome rose, Rome fell. And all the while the wind continued its patient excavation. Imagine this dry expanse underwater, with whales hunting and diving. Today visitors to Wadi Al-Hitan walk a stone-lined path to see rocks that hold the fossils of the long-gone sea creatures.

White Desert National Park

Upon first glimpse of the 300-sq-km national park of the White Desert, you’ll feel like Alice through the looking-glass. 20km northeast of Farafra, on the east side of the road, blinding-white chalk rock spires sprout almost supernaturally from the ground, each a frost-coloured lollipop. White Desert, an “outdoor museum of contemporary art”. Walking around the White Desert feels like visiting an art museum. The desert was recognised as a Natural Protectorate by the Egyptian government in 2002 so as to keep the area as pristine as possible. You are really in the middle of nature!

Black Desert : Crystal Mountain : Agabat Valley

Visiting the Black Desert is like stepping onto a different planet – postcard-perfect golden dunes surrounded by fully black powder-covered hills. A start contrast. Crystal Mountain: This is a large rock made entirely of quartz! It’s a special moment to climb to the top of a mountain made of crystal to enjoy panoramic views. Agabat Valley: A spectacular vision of white and gold limestone boulders that decorate an otherwise flat landscape.

Bahariya Oasis & Hot Springs

During the Middle Kingdom and especially during Roman times, this oasis was a centre of agriculture, producing wine sold in the Nile Valley and as far away as Rome. Its strategic location on the Libya–Nile Valley caravan route ensured it prospered into later ages. In recent years, stunning archaeological finds (such as that of the Golden Mummies) and easy access to the hot springs are one of the main attractions in this verdant area filled with palm trees and fresh fruits. The over 40°C sulphur-scented waters are perceived by many locals and visitors to hold healing properties, as well as offer a pleasurable way to end a long day.

Trip Highlights

White Desert camping · Riding in Cairo · Black Desert · Agabat Valley
Cookery lessons · Sandboarding · Riding in Fayoum
Crystal Mountain · Bedouin villages
Sunset Camel ride in the White Desert · Bathing in the Hot springs of Bahariya
Mixed accommodation, from guest houses to sleeping under the stars