Black and White desert

Black and White desert

If you’re looking for a landscape that defies logic, the

Black and White Desert in Egypt’s Western Desert is a must-see. Located near the Bahariya Oasis, this dual-natured wilderness offers a visual journey from volcanic remains to a surreal, snowy-white wonderland.

The Black Desert: A Volcanic Relic

The journey usually begins in the Black Desert (Sahra al-Suda). Thousands of years of volcanic activity have left the golden sand dunes covered in a layer of black basalt and iron-rich stones.

• The View: Climbing one of the many cone-shaped hills provides a panoramic view of a charred, majestic landscape that looks like the surface of Mars.

Black and White desert

The White Desert: An Alien World

As you travel further south, the dark stones vanish, replaced by the blindingly white chalk of the White Desert National Park (Sahra al-Beida).

• The Formations: Over millennia, wind erosion has sculpted massive chalk deposits into bizarre, cream-colored shapes. You’ll find the famous "Chicken and Mushroom" rock, along with formations resembling sphinxes, icebergs, and waves.
• The "Snow" Effect: At high noon, the ground looks like it’s covered in snow, but at sunset, the chalk reflects a spectrum of gold, pink, and deep violet.

Black and White desert

The Camping Magic

The only way to truly experience these deserts is an overnight safari.

• The Stars: Far from city lights, the sky becomes a glittering canopy of stars.
• Bedouin Traditions: Local guides set up camp, cook traditional meals over an open fire, and share stories of desert life, making the trip as culturally rich as it is visually stunning.