14 days / 13 nights
1-2
10 / 4
35% / 65%
1,250 mi / 2,000 km
This expedition style event is unique in the KaravanADV lineup, with primitive camping an essential component in order to truly appreciate the wonder of Egypt’s Western Desert. If you find sleeping beneath canvas unappealing, then the Egypt Western Desert Odyssey is not for you. But sacrificing the comforts of luxury will reward you each night with intense Milky Way stars from horizon to horizon, sharing the warmth of campfires with Bedouin tribesmen and the fascinating guidance of Mahmoud Marai, recognized as one of the great desert explorers of our time. This is no “cookie cutter” tour. Since earliest mankind, the vast Sahara West of the Nile has defied predictability. The groups are small and intimate, attracting those of adventurous spirit. This one just might change your life. Make plans to join us soon.
October
Itinerary, inclusions and amenities are subject to change based on availability at time of booking.
Arrive in the city of Cairo where you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to our rendezvous hotel. We recommend you come in a day or two early to adjust to the North African time zone, and take in additional sights.
A second night in Cairo with a guided tour of the Giza Necropolis and the ancient pyramids, the crown of the Egyptian Empire dating back 2500-2600 BC.
Today we connect with our vehicles and meet your Egyptian team. To be spared driving in the chaos of Cairo City, transfers are arranged to a staging area well out of the city. Into the Western Desert you’ll drive along the formidable Abu Muhareq Dune Belt. We will be camping in the Western Desert, dining around the campfire, relieved to escape from the bustle of the city.
Driving deeper into the Western Desert, the desolation will become apparent. Still a day away from the Oasis of Bahariya, we again will camp in the desert. Tonight a Bedouin chef will prepare classic desert cuisine, the campfire will offset the desert chill as temperatures drop with the sun. These nightly gatherings provide an opportunity to get to know your hosts who with little encouragement will anxiously share their knowledge of Egypt and the desert.
Today we make our way across the desert dunes to our first Oasis. Bahariya has provided comfort and safety for thousands of years, its green olive orchards and groves of date palms contrast the desolation of the desert sands. You’ll be able to wash off the desert dust tonight Tzila - Home Page
A second night in Bahariya Oasis opens up opportunities for personal explorations. You'll be free to enjoy the legendary therapeutic hot springs and meander along the narrow village streets lined with mud brick homes.
The day begins driving the pavement, eventually detouring deep into the desert. The Abu Muahreq Dune stretches for 600 kilometers making it one of the largest in the world, ever shifting; over time it can bury the secrets of civilizations, and as quickly reveal evidence from an ancient past. Desert camping. Finding a spot should be easy! Climb a dune. Find your solitude while gazing into heavens. The Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon.
Breaking camp, this day, the desert landscape will be broken by the rising of a limestone plateau where we will adventure into the mystical Djara Cave, remarkably formed by spring ground water seeping through the desert sands millions of years ago. Desert camping.
The desert is made up of towering dunes, but occasionally interrupted by deep depressions such as Kharga, where the KaravanADV Expedition will explore, often encountering evidence of prehistoric animals and the inhabitation of early man. Desert camping.
Continuing through the Kharga Depression, the route will head towards what is known as the Passage of Fools. It is a place described in ancient writings and folklore, a pilgrimage destination for those seeking transformation. It is also along the route of the famed Pharaohs Rallye, a grueling overland automotive and motorcycle race from 1982 to 2015, with prospects of again being staged soon. En route to our desert camp.We will encounter the lonely Umm Dabadib Roman fortress
Our longest day in the desert, 220 km off road, will call for an early rise and a disciplined driving schedule across one of the most picturesque regions of the Western Desert. Desert camping.
The White Desert of Egypt will gift you with one of the most breathtaking and memorable landscapes in the world. It is another planet. We’ll cross the challenging Qaraween Dune Field, stopping by the Magic Spring and gaze at the chalk cliffs of Aqabat. This will be our final night of desert camping.
We’ve now circled back to the Bahariya Oasis but not before stopping at Crystal Mountain, often referred to as the Jewel of the Desert, particularly beautiful when the sun strikes a mountainous ridge of quartzite. After a week of desert camping, the soothing hot springs of the Bahariya Oasis and comfort of the highly rated Tzila will be welcomed. Vehicles will be returned and our final night together celebrated
Saying goodbye to your staff team , the group heads back to Cairo via private transportation, arranging transfers directly to the airport or the hotel of your choice. No accommodations are provided this night.
5 vehicles / 10 persons
8 vehicles / 16 persons
212 miles / 340 km
60 miles / 100 km
Cairo, EGYPT
Know that this event is conducted during what is accepted as the ideal season for the region. Days in the desert can be warmer with averages as high as 32°C/88°F/ With the dropping of the sun, nights can be as low as 5°C/42° F. Rain is not expected. You’ll be further advised on how to dress and pack for the predicted weather conditions.
2600 miles / 4100 km
35% paved / 65% unpaved
With this application, you are soliciting to participate in a KaravanADV event. We will follow up to advise you of the status of the event and at that time, will request additional information and a deposit to confirm your booking.
Driver
Address
PASSENGER #1
PASSANGER #2
All shelter, gear and bedding will be provided but you are free to bring your own sleeping bag and bedding if you wish. The shelter will consist of open Bedouin styled canvas tents. For an additional upgrade supplementary fee, igloo style tents can be made available which affords more privacy. Chemical toilets are available however this is overlanding camping, and you’ll be instructed on the protocol for how to respond when nature calls in the wild.
Meals will occasionally be prepared and served by local Bedouin chefs. As needed, your Egyptian staff will be preparing sumptuous meals on open fires at the campsite. The menu will be traditional fare of the region to include protein, vegetables, fresh fruits, juices and baked breads.
This is a Muslim country and alcohol is largely forbidden, though easily found in resorts, select bars, cruises and larger cities. It may be expensive. Your Egyptian based expedition staff will not be offended should you wish to imbibe, however their religious beliefs dictate that they do not consume or even handle alcohol in any form. We urge you to be discrete and respectful, and above all, refrain from excessive consumption as any display of drunkenness may have unpleasant consequences.
Following the KaravanADV approach to international overlanding, we consider it essential to become aware of local traditions, customs and mores. Contrary to commonly held beliefs, you should find even the most devout to be welcoming and sensitive hosts. We intend to inform you of the best conduct and proper ways to engage the people we encounter, not for fear of offending, but to enhance your experience and open the doors to meaningful interactions. This is why we travel.
Yes. Definitely. However the camping nature of this special expedition along with the inconveniences and discomforts that can be associated with living in the outdoors, may not be suited for your partner. Have a frank discussion and establish proper expectations. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns
Classification 1-2-3 according to our measure using onX Trail Rating System . As can be expected, sand will be the primary terrain encountered in addition to paved roads of varying conditions. Highly experienced desert explorers will make up the staff team providing instruction and assistance in the event recovery is required.
To be clear, Egypt is in, as we say, “a rough neighborhood”. It also offers unparalleled attractions for travelers, hosting in excess of 15 million tourists in 2024. This event is staged distant from military zones along frontiers with neighboring countries and as of this writing, is not experiencing incidents of political unrest. Overlanding in foreign lands always comes with a degree of risk and exposure, which has to be taken into account.
This event is conducive to traveling in a group, relying on the expertise of knowledgeable desert experts. It comes with navigation challenges and supply demands. When not traveling, there is ample time to break away from the group to find your own space, the solitude of desert camping inviting you to enjoy your private moments.
Yes. Of course.
We recommend SquareMouth as a valuable resource to compare reputable companies to find the exact coverage for your individual needs. You are urged you to undertake your own research, to find the right insurance for your needs. Evacuation insurance is mandatory on all KaravanADV tours and events. Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance is STONGLY RECOMMENDED.
It is good to be current on tetanus and diphtheria. Also world travelers all agree that it is prudent to have the latest in hepatitis innoculations. No other shots are required however you should consult with your physician.
Citizens of the USA are required to obtain a Visa, easily arranged online, in advance of your arrival. Of course you will need a passport, and operators of the vehicle should obtain an International Drivers Permit (IDP) available on line as well or at your local AAA office. More information on this subject will be provided in pre-tour information packets
Yes. Actually private customized tours are our specialty. We are in a position to satisfy your particular requests. For example travel dates, destinations, inclusions, style and special interests, can all be addressed to meet your needs. KaravanADV has a wealth of logistics experience and global resources. Start by filling out this simple Custom Private Tour Inquiry Form, and look for a speedy response.
