Sharqiya Sands (Oman) and White Desert (Egypt) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Sharqiya Sands | White Desert | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Oman | Egypt |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Approx. area | 12,500 km² | 3,010 km² |
| Best time | December to February | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Muscat International Airport (MCT) | Cairo International Airport (CAI) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Big Five | — | Not all five |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Sharqiya Sands | White Desert |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Sharqiya Sands if
- you are travelling in September to April
- you want dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, quad biking and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see camels and birdlife
Choose White Desert if
- you want hiking
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Sharqiya Sands or White Desert?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Sharqiya Sands is stronger in September to April.
When is the best time for each?
Sharqiya Sands: December to February. White Desert: January to March.
Sources: Experience Oman – A'Sharqiyah Sands · Wikipedia – Wahiba Sands · oman.de – Wahiba Sands · Weather Spark – Badiyah (Bidiyah) climate · 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.