|
|
Egypt's White Desert, A Once in a Lifetime Destination
Egypt is one of the top must see destinations on the planet. It is everyone's dream to see the great pyramids, King Tuts Tomb or Abu Simbel. They are etched in our minds as the great wonders of the world. However, there is a little known place in Egypt that is far more exciting and unique that people really should visit when exploring the Country. The White desert is an adventure destination that you won't soon forget.
You can book your trip from any guest house downtown Cairo. Hotels probably book it too,but it will be far more expensive for the exact same experience. It costs $80 per person for a 2 night 3 day excursion including all of your meals, travel and accommodations. Activities like camping in the desert under stars like a true Bedouin and a 4X4 jeep ride in the sand dunes are included in the deal as well.
It is only a 5-hour bus trip from Cairo to Bahariya. You will be met by your organizer who will pick you up letting you relax and ignore the touts that wait at the station. It is not off to the desert yet, time to go back to your hotel where you will eat some lunch before the long journey ahead.
Make sure to fill up on the delicious rice and potato meal with pita followed by delicious sweet desert, it will be a while until you eat again. Don't take to long though, because it is time to be whisked away to explore the incredible scenery of the Black and White Desert.
It may sound a bit touristy, but you will be offered to buy a scarf before you leave. It is highly recommended that you buy one as they make a great souvenir, but because they are also very practical to keep the sand out of your eyes and to keep the heat in your head at night. The temperature drops greatly in the desert.
Hopping into the back of a 4X4 jeep, gives a real sense of adventure. Bumping along the road in the intense heat surrounded by sand makes you fell as though you are in an Indiana Jones Movie. It is not long until you enter The Black Desert, a nice prelude to the forthcoming White Desert. Climbing a high peak you will overlook an amazing desert vista. Black pebbles caused by erosion blowing in from the mountains cover the entire land, turning it to an ominous dark shade.
Making sure to keep with the feeling that you are truly traveling off of the beaten path, you will pass through a couple of security check points with armed guards and road blocks. The thrill is worth it because the instant you are allowed through check point number two, the terrain instantly turns to a white landscape that looked as if a blanket of snow has just fallen on the ground.
White monoliths jut out of the sand and become larger and more impressive until you reach your final destination. A campsite surrounded by the most amazing rock formations seen on this planet. Giant pure white sculptures resembling mushrooms, camels and hawks scatter the landscape. Made of chalk, these works of art are formed by wind and erosion. Solid enough to walk upon, yet so fragile that they can flake off with the stroke of a hand.
As you explore the land, true Bedouins set up your camp. It feels as if you have stepped back in time as they set up colorful thick blankets to be used as walls. The front of the camp is left open to the fire and the three walls remain roofless leaving you a view of the clear desert sky.
The sun is a welcome sight after the cold night under the stars and it is perfect timing to watch it come up over the awesome shapes. Hot tea and a warm breakfast give you the fuel to move on and it is time to head back and enjoy your Jeep ride through the dunes. What a thrill to be tossed around the high dunes with the fear of rolling at any minute. Never fear, these guys have been driving this desert for years and they know every twist and turn. One quick stop at the hot springs and you are at a high plateau to watch the sunset over the desert one last time.
Many people don't think of the white desert when traveling to Egypt, but they should. It is one of the most unique and beautiful destinations in the country. Step back in time and experience life in a simpler time and get a taste of what it was like for the ancient Bedouins of the great Sahara Desert.
About the Author Dave Bouskill and Deb Corbeil are and travel duo from Canada. Together they have visited over 30 countries around the world. Follow their website theplanetd.com for more tips, advice and recommendations on unique destinations. To see their photo stories visit picturetheplanet.com
|
 |
Please Rate: |
|
Rating: |
 Processing ... |
(Average: Not rated) |
| Views: | 131 | |
|
| More Articles from Camping | | |
| Top Articles in Camping | | |
|
