Part of the Sahara, Egypt’s Western Desert rolls across almost two-thirds of the country, covering more than 260,000 square miles (680,000 square kilometers). For most travelers, however, the term “Western Desert” means the area between and around the Siwa, Bahariya, and Farafra oases. Ghostly wind-sculpted forms populate the White Desert’s eerie landscapes; lava remnants darken the Black Desert; and the Great Sand Sea rolls towards the Libyan border. From mummies to salt lakes, dune-bashing to sandboarding, you won’t run short of things to do in the Western Desert.
Western Desert summers can be scalding, with temperatures soaring as high as 118°F (48°C). However, cool winter nights can even fall below freezing, so can make camping uncomfortable and put lake dips off-limits. Fall (late September to mid-November) is the sweet spot for Western Desert adventures; sandstorms can be an issue in April, and sometimes also during March and May.
The Western Desert’s two main travel hubs are the inland oases of Siwa, close to the Libyan border, and Bahariya, a 265-mile (425-kilometer) drive east of Siwa: you can take a public bus to both from Cairo. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find the Western Desert is distinctly short on roads, so to explore you’ll need a 4WD driver who knows the landscapes. Bahariya is the best base for the Black Desert and White Desert; Siwa is better for the Great Sand Sea.
Nothing compares to the silence and darkness of the desert by night and a camping trip is a must. Most Western Desert tours from Cairo and many Western Desert tours from Bahariya or Farafra include one or more nights’ camping: the White Desert rock formations can look spectacular as they glisten in the moonlight. Siwa also offers a range of desert camps, some with their own hot springs.
