Photo Tour to White Desert
Available for individual booking
The White Desert in Egypt is characterized by its table mountains, bizarre limestone formations, dunes, oases, and the hospitality of the Bedouins. Immerse yourself in an extraordinary desert experience!
After a flight to Cairo and a first night in the Egyptian metropolis, we will start our desert tour in the Bahariya Oasis, located about 350 km southwest of Cairo. Equipped with comfortable Toyota Land Cruiser 4×4 vehicles, we will drive through magnificent table mountain landscapes and the first foothills of the Libyan Desert. The first sunset in the dunes of the eastern escarpment will already become an unforgettable experience.
In the following days, we will dive deeper into the core area of the White Desert. Various erosion formations have resulted in a region full of bizarre limestone sculptures. These limestone monoliths are sedimentary deposits from the end of the Cretaceous period. We often find shells, snails, corals, or even shark teeth.
In addition to the well-known rock formations, the White Desert region, which was declared a national park in 2002, offers much more. Springs surrounded by palm trees and other vegetation, beautiful small dune areas, as well as the larger rock formations of the Western White Desert, make this area one of the most beautiful and diverse deserts in the world. Look forward to an endless reservoir of photographic opportunities.
Trip Details
Dates
on request / September – April / (8 days)
Destination
Egypt, White Desert
Number of Participants
minimum 3 people
Cost
CHF 3’400 per person (in a double room)
Questions
WhatsApp +41 79 772 49 93
Day 1
Flight to Cairo. Transportation from the airport to our hotel near the pyramids is organized.
Overnight at the Pyramids Top Inn Hotel.
Day 2
After breakfast, we will be picked up and then drive by minibus to the Bahariya Oasis (350 km). There, we will be welcomed by Rahab, my partner, for a traditional lunch.
After lunch, we will pack our luggage into the 4×4 vehicles, already equipped for the desert, and begin our desert adventure. First, we continue along the asphalt road towards Farafra until we turn east into the Crystal Mountains area. We pass by table mountains and will reach our first campsite just before sunset.
Overnight: Camping.
Day 3-7
In the following days, we fully immerse ourselves in the White Desert. Our daily routine will be determined by photography. In the mornings, we will photograph the sunrise near the camp. Meanwhile, Rahab and his crew will prepare breakfast. After breakfast, we pack up the camp and then drive through the stunning desert landscape. Around noon, we find a shaded spot and have lunch, followed by a siesta. Between 2:00 and 3:00 PM, we continue towards the new campsite. After setting up the new camp, we will look for a suitable spot to photograph the sunset. Depending on the campsite, there may also be a night photography session after dinner.
The White Desert offers countless photographic highlights. Especially the bizarre limestone formations will likely be the most striking during the first visit to the White Desert. But the table mountains and the smaller erosion forms, called «Bubble Mountains» by the Bedouins, are also photographic delights.
Overnight: Camping.
Day 8
Today, we enjoy our last sunrise in the White Desert. Afterward, we drive back to Cairo via the Bahariya Oasis, where we say goodbye to our Bedouin crew. We will then catch an evening flight back. We will certainly return home with a variety of impressive photos.
Looking forward to an incredible journey!
You can see more pictures of this unique area in my Portfolio.
Tour Leader
- Rolf Gemperle and local guides
Included
- 1 overnight stay in a hotel in Cairo (double room)
- 6 overnight stays in the desert under the open sky or, upon request, in a tent. Very good mattresses are provided.
- Full board for the entire trip
- Transfer to the desert (Cairo – Bahariya)
- Entrance to the White Desert National Park
- Toyota Landcruiser desert vehicles for guests and luggage
- Experienced Bedouin team
- Photo coaching and tour guidance by Rolf Gemperle
Not Included
- International flight to Cairo
The flight can be booked via rolfgemperle.ch. Let us know your preferences regarding arrival or potential extensions. - Cancellation insurance
- Travel accident insurance
- Single room/single tent additional charge CHF 80
- Tips for local guides (approximately CHF 80)
- Visa
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
Is this the tour for you?
- Yes, if you appreciate nature and photography
- You are ready to short hikes to explore the landscape
- Plenty of time for photography planned
- Guests with all camera brands are welcome (Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fuji, Panasonic, Olympus, etc.)
- Both beginner and professional photographers are equally welcome. Non-photographing partners may also join the trip
