The White Desert is a protected area in Egypt's Western Desert north of Farafra Oasis, declared in 2002. It is known for white chalk pillars and mushroom shapes carved by wind and is usually visited on short camping trips.
- Country
- Egypt
- Type
- Desert
- Approx. area
- 3,010 km²
- Best time
- January to March
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days
- Main gateway airport
- Cairo International Airport (CAI)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- None
Why go to White Desert
- White chalk formations shaped by wind
- Overnight desert camping
- Clear skies for stargazing
- Route via the Black Desert and Crystal Mountain
- Marine fossils in the limestone
Best time to visit White Desert
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit White Desert is January to March.
Best months for camping: mild days and cold nights that can drop to a few degrees in winter.
Summer days are extremely hot and fewer trips run.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4–20 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 6–22 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 9–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| April | 14–32 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| May | 18–35 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 21–38 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| July | 22–38 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| August | 22–37 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| September | 20–35 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| October | 16–31 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 10–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| December | 6–21 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in White Desert includes foxes.
Things to do
Getting there
Most trips drive from Cairo to Bahariya Oasis and continue by 4x4 via the Black Desert to the White Desert, or start from Farafra Oasis about 45 km to the south.
Trips to White Desert
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- White Desert for families
- White Desert for a honeymoon
- White Desert for photographers
- White Desert for a first safari
- White Desert on a budget
- White Desert for luxury travel
Compare with
- White Desert vs Merzouga
- White Desert vs Empty Quarter
- White Desert vs Mleiha
- White Desert vs Sossusvlei
- White Desert vs Liwa
- White Desert vs Ras Al Khaimah Desert
Travelling to White Desert from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit White Desert?
Generally January to March. Best months for camping: mild days and cold nights that can drop to a few degrees in winter.
How many days do I need in White Desert?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to White Desert?
Most trips drive from Cairo to Bahariya Oasis and continue by 4x4 via the Black Desert to the White Desert, or start from Farafra Oasis about 45 km to the south.
Sources: Egyptian Tourism Authority - The White Desert · EEAA - White Desert Protected Area Management Plan · Wikipedia - Farafra (NOAA 1961-1990 climate normals) · Japan Meteorological Agency - Farafra climate normals
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.