From Cairo 4x4 Safari, Camel Ride, Magic Lake, Waterfalls & Lunch
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Cairo, Egypt
- 10 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Spend an exhilarating day in the desert on this small-group desert safari, which includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Cairo or Giza. You'll get to try out all sorts of activities, including dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding. You'll also pay a visit to the Wadi El Rayan waterfalls and the Mudawara Mountains on your way out to the desert.
- A barbecue lunch in the desert is included
- Try out camel riding, sandboarding, and dune bashing
- Transfers from your Cairo or Giza hotel add convenience
- Small group sizes ensure personal attention from your guide
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Cairo or Giza)
- Dune bashing in 4X4 vehicle and Sandboarding
- Camel ride or Horse ride
- Visit Mudawara Mountains & Wadi Al Rayan waterfall
- BBQ lunch at a desert camp and Bottled water
- Photo stop at Qarun Lake & Magic Lake Visit
- Professional Egyptologist Tour Guide
- Entrance fee to Wadi El Rayan National Park
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Pickup service is available from your accommodation in Cairo or Giza. Pick up/drop off services at your accommodation from the regions of Al Nasr City, Cairo International Airport, Heliopolis, Mirage City, Rehab City, Madinaty, New Cairo, New Capital hotels, and 6th of October City are available at an additional charge. You will be contacted via WhatsApp, email, or phone the day before the tour to confirm the exact pickup time.
Itinerary
1
Wadi El-Rayan
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Wadi El Rayan
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
3
Cairo
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Dune drive and sandboarding activities may be canceled in the case of bad weather conditions.
- Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- It is not recommended to carry jewelry, expensive watches.
- Entrance fee to Wadi El Rayan National Park USD 10 must be paid directly on-site in USD
- By participating, you acknowledge and accept that some activities involve inherent risks and unforeseen incidents, and adequate travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for your safety and financial protection.
- Recommended Age for Self-Driving Activities: (Sandboarding: 12-50 years)
- Animal-related activities (company not responsible for uncontrollable natural behaviour of animals): Camel Ride (Recommended age: 12–50 years)
- Participation is entirely at your own risk, the company will not be responsible for any accidents, damage, loss, or death from these activities.
- Children under 3 years are not allowed in shared tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 415 reviews
Kristin_R, Mar 2026
O.U.T.S.T.A.N.D.I.N.G!!!
My husband and I booked this activity on our first day in Egypt and it hands down exceeded any expectation my imagination could conjure. Mohamad Hisham was our guide and our driver was Hassa; they picked us up from our hotel right on schedule. After all 6 travelers were picked up we traveled through Fayoum. Along the way Mohamad shared cultural insights about the area and the people who lived there. Once we arrived in Wady El Rayan, we hit the Sand dunes by 4x4 and that was an adventure! Our Sand Bashing driver Muhammad (a different person) made sure we felt how wild and free the desert can be; at times it felt like riding wild waves of sand. Next we went Sand boarding, rode camels by a body of water that led to a WATERFALL. If you didn't ride camels you could ride a horse or go on a boat ride. We then took panoramic views on top of mountains by an oasis and concluded our time in the desert by having BBQ in a Bedouin nomadic campsite. They offered to take our photos while we lived in the moment and even guided us on some creative poses. I thought that was the end of the tour but we then traveled back to Kairo and learned how papyrus paper was made as well as Egyptian incense and perfumes (Bonus activities!) Mohamad, Hassa and the rest of the team were so hospitable and incredible. What added to the experience was that they each seemed to really enjoy the work they did and had strong rapport with each other which made the day really fun. I could not recommend this tour enough and am so glad we got to experience it!
Tia_M, Jan 2026
I had an absolute blast! The Fayoum White Desert was incredible—from dune bashing and sandboarding to camel rides and checking out the waterfalls. After all that adventure, I definitely worked up an appetite, and the lunch at the Bedouin village hit the spot. So good!
Taha was an excellent guide—punctual, attentive, and very knowledgeable. He even took me to an authentic Egyptian restaurant for breakfast, and the falafel was some of the best I’ve ever had. Delicious! He’s also an amazing photographer… basically a personal paparazzi. I came away with so many Instagram-worthy photos thanks to him.
If you book through Viator, just be sure to check whether your hotel is considered “long range.” Many listings say pickup is included, but some locations may have an extra fee. Thankfully, the tour company reached out ahead of time, explained everything clearly, and offered a free pickup option at a nearby hotel. I just grabbed an Uber and saved the extra cost.
Overall, an amazing experience—highly recommend!
Dinah_O, Jan 2026
Very nice trip, 10/10 recommend.
Very friendly guide en the food was good.
See a lot of places the whole day.
Eric_C, Dec 2025
Great day in the desert...i'm a solo traveler and met several new friends. The guide, Ryan, is a very engaging and fun person. You have lots of time to talk in the van and the lunch. Remember to bring pounds for your drivers in the 4x4 as you are with them a good portion of the day and they provide excellent service.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Eric! Ryan loved having you on the desert tour. It’s great that you made new friends and enjoyed the day as a solo traveler.
Joshua_Y, Nov 2025
By far my best experience in Egypt! Full day of activities including 4x4ing, sandboarding, camel riding, delicious lunch, and the most amazing views of three lakes and a waterfall…all in the desert! Definitely book this tour in addition to the pyramids.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Joshua! We’re glad you enjoyed the desert adventure with 4x4, sandboarding, camel rides, and the amazing views. It’s wonderful to hear it was a highlight of your Egypt trip.
Frances_G, Oct 2025
This tour was so fun. Dune bashing and sandboarding was incredible. The waterfalls, oasis and Magic Lake were breathtaking. Lunch included was so good. Absolutely recommend!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Frances,
That day has a bit of everything and it really leaves a mark. Dune bashing and sandboarding always stay in your mind. Glad the mix of nature spots and lunch felt right for you.
Claudio_H, Oct 2025
If you have nothing else better to do or are all “Ancient Egypt”-out, try this change of pace, however do it with a different tour company. Our tour guide was not knowledgeable about the activities nor the area. He was friendly enough to, but he got tired of talking after about 1/2 hour into the tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Claudio,
We’re glad you joined the tour. Our guides provide a brief introduction to each activity, and we always aim to set clear expectations beforehand. We understand some guests hope for more in-depth commentary, and we’ll continue to work on balancing information with time on each activity.
Brooke_C, Oct 2025
An excellent experience overall! A full day of activities with a very nice guide and great group of fellow travelers! Ahmed was friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Brooke,
We’re so happy Ahmed made your full-day tour enjoyable and informative. It was great having you with us, and we’re glad everything went smoothly.
Ludmila_D, Oct 2025
Honestly, this trip (4x4 Safari, Magic Lake, etc.) was incredible, and our guide, Ryan, is the reason it was so amazing.
Ryan brought all the energy and humor. He totally made the car ride with super music during the safari and drive—it was never a dull moment! The 4x4 drivers were professional, so I felt safe but still got that massive adrenalin rush.
The whole agency was great; everything was organized perfectly. They even arranged a special pickup for me outside Old Cairo for an extra cost, which was super helpful.
The Only Bummer
The only thing I'd change is the camel ride. I felt really awful for the camels; they had visible scars, and it just felt wrong. If I could, I'd skip it and do something else instead.
That said, because Ryan was so fantastic and the rest of the trip was top-notch, it still earns a solid 9 out of 10! If you go, ask for Ryan!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Ludmila,
Ryan really enjoyed guiding you on the 4x4 safari! We’re glad his energy and knowledge made the day memorable. Thanks for your kind words, and we’ll make sure your note about the camel ride is taken into account.
Shardean_B, Sep 2025
This is a great tour, picked up on time by very friendly guides, the tour itself was really fun and very well organised. Lunch was lovely. We had a fantastic day and highly recommend it if you want to do something different
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Shardean,
We’re so glad you had a fantastic day! Our team always tries to make the tour smooth, fun, and memorable. It’s great to hear the guides and lunch added to your experience. We’d be happy to have you on another tour anytime!
Brad_C, Sep 2025
The desert safari was a great experience. The trip was well planned and our guides were super fun and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend, especially the dune bashing and sand boarding.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Brad,
So glad you enjoyed the desert safari! Mohammed and Mungi love making the day fun and smooth, and it’s great to hear the dune bashing and sandboarding were highlights.
Henry_C, Aug 2025
We had visited Old Cairo and appreciated its beautiful and rich culture through museums, citadel, mosques and the Coptic neighborhood, and wanted to venture outside to appreciate nature and wildlife and the vast horizon outside of Cairo. We were met by our wonderful and energetic guide, Ryan who brought us to Wadi El Rayan National Park where our adventure started. From sand boarding, camel riding, swimming in the magical Magic Lake, the whole day was absolutely magical. Lunch was prepared deliciously by the local community. This is a must do when you come visit Egypt! My 80 year old parents and teenage daughter loved it!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Henry,
Amazing that your family loved Wadi El Rayan with Ryan! Sandboarding, camel rides, Magic Lake, and lunch all made for a magical day.
Isabella_W, Jul 2025
We had Fares as our tour guide and he was extremely knowledgeable, kind and hospitable. He made sure we were comfortable and safe the entire time, we did many new activities such as camel riding, sand boarding, dune bashing and we saw some incredible places such as the Wadi El Rayan waterfall, Fayoum desert and Mudawarra mountains. It was a 10/10 experience and we cannot express how much fun we had and how highly we recommend it!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so happy you enjoyed your tour and that your guide made it special. Your comfort and satisfaction are always our top priorities.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Egypt again!
Ann_H, Jul 2025
I hesitated booking this as it was short notice and I'm a solo traveller (mature lady) how glad I am that I went ahead and booked it! It was one of the most magical days with spectacular scenery, great sand bashing fun! and best of all one of the best Tour Leaders Ramy who really made my day special. Such personal approach and I never felt uncomfortable during the day. 100% recommend this trip!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Dear Valued Customer,
Thank you for your kind words! We’re so happy you enjoyed your tour and that your guide made it special. Your comfort and satisfaction are always our top priorities.
We look forward to welcoming you back to Egypt soon!
Rahul_A, May 2025
This was the best experience we had during our time in Egypt. Ahmed did a phenomenal job leading everything. He was clear on what was needed, provided recommendations, etc. beforehand. He was punctual. Finally, my wife and I had an absolute grand time on the tour. I would recommend this tour to anyone and everyone, and if you can get Ahmed as a tour guide, you won’t be disappointed.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Rahul,
So happy Ahmed made your experience seamless! Clear guidance, punctuality, and attention to detail helped create such a grand day.
Michelle_M, Apr 2025
My husband and teen sons had a great time on this trip. The guide, Mohammed, was spirited, playful, and really made sure they had a lot of fun. The kids especially enjoyed the crazy dune driving, sandboarding, and choosing between a rowboat on the lake (which Mohammed made sure to rock crazily for them), horse riding or camel riding. The Bedouin lunch was also delicious and the desert was beautiful.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Michelle,
Wonderful to hear your family had so much fun! Mohammed will be delighted your sons enjoyed the dune driving, sandboarding, and all the activities. The Bedouin lunch was a highlight we’re happy you loved.
Amanjeet_B, Mar 2025
10/10, 5* would 100% recommend this experience! Especially for families and young children. I travelled with 8&11 yr old sons who were getting a bit bored of the museums (!) so this was PERFECT for them.
Fares and Mohammed arrived promptly at our hotel and Fares was the best tour guide we have had on this trip, his sense of humour was so funny and he is great with kids! Mohammed our driver was GREAT! Drove us to the dessert and back with no worries and i felt very safe and looked after as a woman travelling alone with kids. We changed to a 4x4 vehicle when we got to Fayoum and Ali took us on an amazing dessert safari which the kids LOVED but Ali was also mindful of the fact that i mentioned i don’t like fast driving too much and he still made it fun for all of us.
The sandboarding, swim in the magic lake and visiting the waterfall was also a great experience. Camel/horseriding in the desert was great too. So many amazing things!
Fares took great photos and was so professional in the shots/angles/poses he got us to do, he is v experienced 🤣
The BBQ lunch of bbq chicken, rice, salad and potato curry was delicious too (take extra snacks for your kids if they are fussy eaters as my 8 yr old is super fussy but he was ok with snacks from home!)
Fares is so knowledgable about Egyptian history and was explaining everything to us as we drove, also happy to answer my million questions!
He even took song requests from the kids and we introduced him to some Eminem rap☺️
Book this experience, you won’t regret it!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Amanjeet,
We’re so happy to hear your family had an amazing time! Fares and Mohammed will love reading your kind words. It’s great that the kids enjoyed sandboarding, the magic lake, and desert rides, and that you felt safe and well looked after. Fares will also be thrilled that his photos and fun energy made the day extra special.
Jamaris_C, Mar 2025
Awesome activity and well coordinated. From the hotel pick up to transition to all parts. Highly recommend if in Egypt.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Jamaris,
We’re thrilled you found the activity awesome and well coordinated! It’s great to hear the hotel pickup and transitions went smoothly. Your recommendation means a lot and we’re glad you enjoyed your time in Egypt.
DAVID_H, Mar 2025
Be aware this is not very suitable for the disabled, especially for people with walking sticks, but the guide did help as much as possible
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi DAVID,
Thank you for your feedback! We understand accessibility can be tricky, but we’re glad the guide could assist as much as possible.
Marco_V, Mar 2025
We paid $250 but received nothing in return. I paid by credit card just 12 hours before the tour. Unfortunately for us (and fortunately for the host), there was no refund allowed within 24 hours of the tour’s start. They offered no pickup solution except a fee of around $15 per person—on top of the €250 we had already paid—despite this being nearly ten times the cost of an average Uber or taxi for the same route. The pickup conditions were buried in the fine print, which we only discovered after checkout and contacting support. Additionally, the meeting time was changed from the booked 8:00 AM to 7:00 AM.
Aditi_J, Feb 2025
Highly recommend this day trip to Fayoum from Cairo! My partner and I happened to be the only people on this tour in Feb and it was great. Ryan was an excellent and energetic tour guide and took amazing photos for us. We did sand sledding, swam in the Magic Lake, rode camels, and ate a delicious meal in a Bedouin camp/bnb (which they were able to make vegetarian). Be prepared to have to walk uphill on the sand dunes after each sled. We had a great local driver who rollercoastered up and down sand dunes and drove us up a mountain to overlooking the beautiful landscape. Things to bring: swimwear, towel, scarf to protect your neck/face from sand and sun, sunscreen, hat. Recommend cash for tipping the drivers, camel guy, chef, and tour guide. I would also recommend confirming all your preferences with your specific tour guide once you get their contact info. Because some things were not communicated between the operators and the tour guide himself (dietary restrictions). Highly recommend, because we would not have been able to arrange such a good experience on our own.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Aditi,
We’re so happy you enjoyed your Fayoum day trip! Ryan will be thrilled to hear your kind words. It’s great that the sand sledding, Magic Lake swim, camel ride, and Bedouin meal made the day so special. Thanks for sharing tips for future travelers!
Taniya_C, Jan 2025
The guide Ahmed was best. He really explained everything in details and made our tour unforgettable. He is truly a gentleman and didnt hurry to complete the tour. He also helped everyone to climb the mountain. Such a nice gesture from him. I would give 10 out of 10 on this tour.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Taniya,
Ahmed will be delighted to hear you enjoyed his detailed guidance and support. Helping everyone climb the mountain is something he’s happy to do!
Zachary_B, Jan 2025
Amazing trip thru the desert with stunning views of magic lake. Safari style ride thru the dunes with a fun camel and horse ride. Ryan our guide was amazing and so fun!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Zachary,
Fantastic! We’re so glad the desert views, dunes, and activities with Ryan made your trip memorable and exciting.
Amy_K, Dec 2024
I had a great time on my excursion. My guide was very knowledgeable and he was super helpful. He took the time to make sure I had a good time and enjoyed myself. The experience was unforgettable! It was well worth it.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Amy,
It’s wonderful to hear you had such a memorable excursion. Ryan will be thrilled knowing his effort made your day truly unforgettable.
Abigail_w, Nov 2024
Fantastic experience. From hotel pick up to drop off. Guides and drivers were knowledgeable and friendly. And we had lots of fun sand boarding
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Abigail,
We’re thrilled you had a fantastic experience! Our team will be happy to hear that the hotel pickup, fun sandboarding, and friendly guides made your day so enjoyable.
Solinda_C, Oct 2024
I highly recommend this excursion without hesitation. The landscapes are breathtaking. Our guide, Ali, was very friendly and taught us a lot. However, I advise you to be mindful of your belongings. Despite your trust in the driver, it's always best to keep your items with you at all times.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Solinda,
Thank you! Ali will be pleased to hear that you enjoyed the breathtaking landscapes and learned a lot on your tour.
Destene_P, Aug 2024
The trip was great! Fares was a wonderful guide. He kept the day fun and interesting. Never a dull moment. The sights were beautiful and definitely a must see.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Destene,
Fares will be delighted that you found the day fun, interesting, and full of beautiful sights.
Ije_U, Jul 2024
I did the desert safari with Fares. I had such a good time. Fares took me sanboarding, showed me the waterfalls, and is so knowledgeable about the area. He also took me to a wonderful lunch and took beautiful pictures of me. I recommend this tour with Fares.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Ije,
Fares will be delighted to hear that sandboarding, the waterfalls, lunch, and photos made your day so enjoyable.
Barry_P, May 2024
We were spending the second half of our honeymoon in Egypt, and it was our first time visiting the country. Our tour of old Cairo the day before was not the best experience, so we weren’t quite sure what to expect with this one, but it certainly exceeded any expectations we had.
Fares was a wonderful guide, showing from the beginning his knowledge and skill as a guide, while ensuring we were comfortable and having a good time. Also Mohammed, our driver in the desert was great and a lot of fun.
All of the activities throughout the day were a lot of fun, and we never felt rushed. Also the lunch was delicious and the camp where we ate was very nice.
Would definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Barry,
Fares and Mohammed will be happy to know your honeymoon day was fun, relaxed, and perfectly organized, with delicious lunch and a comfortable camp experience.
Chrisanthidou_K, May 2024
We had the most unforgettable day! This trip was more than just a desert safari for us, it was an amazing exploration about Egyptian culture.
And of course this could not happen without our very knowledgeable, smiling and willing guide Rayn!!!!
So thank you Rayn for the unforgettable day
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Chrisanthidou,
Rayn will be happy that the cultural exploration, knowledge, and warm personality made your desert safari unforgettable.
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$114.75
per personWas $135.00
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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