Custom Desert safaris into the unknown

Western Desert experts in deep desert: Abu Muharrik Dunes, Caraween Dunes, Aguabat Valley

Ancient petroglyphs

messages carved in stone, hidden caves, camel caravans, crystal mountains

Lost water systems

Sahara engineering from centuries past

Black & White Desert

otherworldly photography

Sunrise & Sunset views

that will leave you speechless

Roman winery ruins

Golden Mummies and a new archeological sites being uncovered summer 2026!

Beyond the Crowds, Beneath the Eclipse

6m 19s of totality at camp · 12:50 PM Egypt time, 2 August 2027 · 3 days · 2 nights all-inclusive

Abdu Shaban

Owner & Safari leader

+20 100 951 0219 (WhatsApp)

Joanne Clayton

Owner & GM

alhaizegypt@gmail.com

A journey I’ll never forget; Three days in the desert with this incredible team felt like stepping into another world — not only because of the breathtaking landscapes, but because the entire team was kind, patient, and deeply professional & made it all so special.
From the moment we began, I felt supported, and warmly welcomed — like I was among friends I had known forever. Their attention to detail, their joyful energy, and the way they brought the desert to life was beyond what I could have hoped for . The traditional food was fresh, full of love — one of the true highlights of the journey! Thank you dear Abdu, Saied & Khaled for turning this adventure into something unforgettable. You are not just organizers — you’re a tribe, and I’m so grateful I got to be part of it. My Desert Tribe – forever in my heart – Fatema – Egypt

What a find and definitely we will return. As we were looking for a simple stay in the desert, it match and exceeded our expectations. The food was delicious and natural. Amenities are clean and comfortable. We also booked a tour at the camping , so it perfectly fitted our stay.
Our thanks to the whole team. My advice to guests, ask and tell your preferences, Joanne was very helpful and resourceful with our requests. Thanks for the koshari dinner at the end. – Oleksii – Netherlands

We stayed with Joanne and Abdou with our two children and it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thank you for the warm welcome, the wonderful food and the great accommodation. We felt completely comfortable. We also booked a 3 day desert tour with them and it was unique! Also, thanks to Said! We can only recommend everyone not to miss this experience! I’m sure we’ll be back sometime! – Julia – Belguim

Exceptional experience with Al Haiz Oasis! It’s my choice in Baharyia Oasis. The place has beautiful energy, the accommodation is great & food is amazing – Marwa Moussa – Egypt

Amazing people & amazing service. Can’t wait to return. – Kai Rikken – Estonia

A very scenic and relaxing eco desert lodge, warm and friendly service with amazing food and trips in many points where the guides had a good knowledge and understanding. Would definitely recommend this to family and friends – S. Kamel – Egypt/Canada

We had a wonderful overnight stay in the desert! Impeccable communication with Joanne before the stay, excellent food whether on the Oasis or in the desert, super friendly guides, breathtaking landscapes THANK YOU!! – Fabian Verkenne – France

I attest to what everyone before me has said. Great people, hospitality, food, housing, nature, landscapes. Everything. Looking forward to next time. – Neda K – Sweden

AMAZING!!!! You must take this trip. Thank you Saied, Mohammed and Mahmoud you are amazing guys! – Heleni Chrysogelou – Greece

A lifetime experience! I will definitely do it again and soon! Thank you Abdu for being so generous!!! Maria Markouizou – Greece

Truely one of the best places in the world. True serenity, amazing food and the people. It’s a place where you disconnect and create unforgettable memories – Nayrouz Mohammed Aly – Egypt

It was a great experience visiting the desert. – Katerina Moustaka – Greece

An experience of a lifetime, 3 days in the desert absolutely amazing! Abdu was a great guide, knew the desert like the back of his hand. Fantastic food and wild driving!! Highly recommend – Sara Scopsi

Had a great time, awesome team, great food, excellent experience. – Mina Ryad – Absolute Egypt Tours

This is our gate to the Western Egyptian desert. Abdu, Saied, Joanne and their staff are people who live the desert, preserve a real sense of hospitality, and can share the way to enjoy a so fascinating but raw environment. So let yourself be guided by them, leaving behind your habits, concerns, and biases. Don’t ask them for a detailed travel program but make a wish: it will be fulfilled. After the trip you’ll be aware of having new Egyptian friends, so you’ll be back one, two, three, four times… – Michele Marchi – Italy

A magical dream of a stay, I really can not rate highly enough. Joanne, Abdul and everyone there made us feel so SO welcome. If you want an oasis retreat like you imagine it to be – this is the place. If you want the most delicious healthy food, generous hospitality, a comfortable retreat, an insight into true Bedouin culture and landscapes not of this world – this is the place.
We arrived with one of our companions down with food poisoning and they nursed him back to health with the most tasty food freshly grown on site, beautiful surroundings, long chats by the fire and a kindness like little else. Healing for the soul as much as the stomach! The term paradise is overused but it really is a piece of heaven. Honestly felt like we could have stayed forever.
We weren’t the usual kind of guests being a couple of weirdo artists out on a mission but they were incredibly open and accommodating to our requests. Going above and beyond any expectations I could have had asked for. Allowing us to take our time at various spots and take in the vast expanses of desert that is breath-taking in it’s variety. Always moving at the gentle pace we wanted to.
At the retreat every morning we were treated to a delicious breakfast then taken off across the dunes to various locations, beautiful local music playing over the car speakers while seeing a landscape that was dreamlike and primordial. From alien-looking rock formations to what looked like endless horizon to artifacts that probably hadn’t seen human hands in centuries – we found an ancient Roman wine jug on our first day (we aren’t the British museum so left it where it belongs.) We’d stop with the most delicious picnic prepared, returning in the late evening to relax and wander round the lush green surroundings around the retreat, then settle down by the fire.
/ The hospitality and warmth in which were treated was something else, along with a lot of shared humour. We were treated like royalty and never made to feel anything other than welcome. Getting an opportunity to join in excursions when we wanted to or rest back at the retreat at our leisure (I personally loved the contrast of our short shopping trip to the nearby bustling village)
/ We did one overnight camp in the white desert where we got stuck in a sandstorm and what an adventure. Not only did we experience the bizarre and beautiful landscape but we were met with warmth of the fellow Bedouins on the way there, hunkering down in the cozy camp. When the storm cleared we saw a desert fox that we fed leftover macaroni over the bright starry night-sky. A memory I will always treasure, but to be honest the whole stay was like that.
Away from the chaos of Cairo both the retreat and the journeys out into the desert are a type of tranquillity and generosity that I really can’t put into words. From the retreat itself to the desert to scarabs out of nowhere…it was truly truly mystical and magical.
I can’t thank all of them enough, I hope this place stays forever, I would say a once in a lifetime experience but I do hope we make it back to Egypt one day just to visit here again. If we do we would extend our stay here for weeks, months, years. Its just a shame Google reviews stop at 5 stars. Nothing but love and gratitude to them all. – Rory & Oliver – Scotland

Al Haiz Eco-Lodge and Abdool Hospitality provided an exceptional New Year’s event experience. The eco-lodge’s picturesque surroundings added to the festive ambiance, and Abdool Hospitality’s attention to detail was evident in every aspect. The event seamlessly combined entertainment, delicious cuisine, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a memorable celebration. The staff’s professionalism and commitment to guest satisfaction were commendable, ensuring a delightful experience. Highly recommend for those seeking a unique and enjoyable way to ring in the New Year. – Ahmed Ghanem, Egypt

It was a very special new year, Abdool was so welcoming and everything was so organized and hospitable, food was delicious, I liked that they thought of all the details, toilets were clean. – Dina Shouman, Egypt

I had the great pleasure of staying at Al Haiz after 107 km hike with camels through the White Desert recently. It was the perfect end to an excellent week and our group sunk into the relaxed atmosphere very quickly. Abdu, Joanne and their team are perfect hosts and plied us with fine food in a relaxed atmosphere. We parted as the best of friends and `I look forward to returning. I really did not want to leave. Thank you. – Toby Savage, England

Enjoyed a fantastic experience with this cozy company, offering a great overall adventure in the desert and beyond hospitality. The only room for improvement is the desert toilet; enhancing them would make the stay even more enjoyable. – Moon Hamed, Egypt

A tranquil place with peaceful vibes. We went on a professionally arranged tours and visited various areas. The New Year celebration in the desert with wonderful stargazing was the cherry on top of the whole experience. Thanks to Abdoul and the amazing team. – Alaa El Sherif, Egypt

Lovely staff, they are caring to make us happy all the trip. – Mazen Abdelaziz, Egypt

Al Haiz Eco-Lodge and Abdool Hospitality provided an exceptional New Year’s event experience. The Eco-Lodge’s picturesque surroundings added to the festive ambiance, and Abdool hospitality’s attention to detail was evident in every aspect. The event seamlessly combined entertainment, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a memorable celebration. The staff’s professionalism and commitment to guest satisfaction were commendable, ensuring a delightful experience. Highly recommended for those seeking a unique and enjoyable way to ring in the New Year. – Ahmed Ghanem, Egypt

Genuine and warm hospitality, Abdu, Joanne, Saied have become true friends to come and visit whenever I can! The Oasis is a true refuge of peace and tranquility where beauty of the desert blends with the excellence of hospitality. Green spaces, quiet corners combined with a unique culinary experience. Joanne amazed us with fresh, local ingredients combined with skill and creativity resulting in authentic and delicious flavors! I can’t wait to return to this corner of paradise. Super recommended!! – Barbara Milton, Milan Italy

The place is amazing with great hospitality, crew and magnificent scenes all around it. Abdu (Abdel Fatah) made our vacation lovely experience with his friendly and generous way. Will have to go back again – Amr Amr, Egypt

A lovely retreat in a traditional setting. What makes this place exceptional is that once you stepped through the gates, you are not just a customer, you become a friend. Joanne & Abdu make you feel at home and look after you very well. Recommended to all of those in search of a genuine and off the beaten track experience. – Eugen Miller, Romania

Absolutely incredible experience. Welcoming. Food was amazing. We did the desert camping and I don’t have words to describe how amazing it was. – L Mitchell

The Al Haiz Lodge is one of these places that you cannot wait to recommend to others since it is such a great experience to stay there. Together with my brother & sisters & little nephew I enjoyed one week surrounded by beautiful nature, amazingly kind and generous people & cozy place to stay. It’s a perfect place for children too. – Hanna Schultz, Netherlands

One of the best hotels in the world – Mahmoud Tallat, Egypt

It is a wonderful place and the service is excellent and they really deserve 5 stars – Abdo Saad, Egypt

I had my desert retreat trip organized by Abdu Shaban and his experienced team and after a “once in a lifetime trip in the desert” we reached Al Haiz Lodge for our rest and restoration for a few days. Totally suggesting it for its hospitality, tranquillity, beauty, wonderful food and amazing people. You will feel like home, enjoy your time there and have a lot of laugh. Sukran for everything. – Gaia Dimitriou, Greece

Peaceful place, every corner is very special, made with love. Very interesting safari in the White Desert and a tour around Baharya Oasis. Abdu is exceptionally friendly person, and makes your stay in oasis and desert unforgettable! – Flora Vafea

This trip is a MUST DO in Egypt. Abdu and his crew were so hospitable. Starting with the food, Bedouin history, sand boarding, crazy dune rides, crazy views, everything was perfect! He took us to a very secluded part where there weren’t other campers and we were able to have complete privacy. If we had more time we would have stayed for longer.
Abdu surprised us with some delicious dates from his farm after the trip (since we kept saying how tasty they were) He really went above and beyond to connect us with his contacts for the rest of our time in Egypt. He is a kind sole and hope you choose him! – Shayari Chatterjee, Canada.

Desert Safari…an exoplanet experience. Thanks Abdu, who happens to know A to Z of the desert. Inspire of paucity of time, he had arranged our tour in an exemplary manner & covered White Desert, Black Desert, volcanoes, Crystal Mountain, caves, hot spring, Roman Winery, beautiful village of Rees, & terrific adventure on Aguabat, Caraween sand dunes.
At night campfire, Abdu & his crew made our desert stay very joyful & happy with traditional Bedouin songs and dancing. We were amazed by their hospitality & prompt service in desert camp as well as at peaceful Al Haiz Oasis Ecolodge.
I highly recommend to go thru’ Abdu, for adventurous desert safari/tour. – Sharmilla-Shama Shah, Pune, India.

We had the time of our lives. I took my two elder kids (3 and 5) for a few days to Al Haiz Oasis. We saw camels, bathes in hot springs, saw a Roman Winery and just played in the sand for hours. For oe night we spent in The White Desert and it was simply outstanding, breathtaking and amazing. Abdu and Joanne and the whole team went out of their way to make it the best trip for the kids and I. They helped me with the kids, played with them, explained everything. They accommodated us with the food and tried to come up with something the kids would eat.
Adbu took us to an absolute amazing trip through the desert to Fayoum. We visited the Whale Museum, swam in the Magic Lake, and visited the village of Tunis. I just can’t wait to come back and show this place to the rest of the family. Even with small kids, this trip is feasible and worth the drive from Cairo; which by the way went smooth too. – Taucherblog, Austria.

Joanne & Abdu are seriously THE most incredible hosts & friends! Joanne helped us arrange the most epic 3 night safari with Al Haiz Oasis – a trip of a lifetime with the best desert driver, guide, and chefs. Arriving back to the Ecolodge to a beautiful, serene space with a hot shower, cozy beds, more delicious traditional food was the perfect way to end our time in the area. Dream stay – Thank you Joanne, Abdu & Khaled. – Shellie & Brian, Comox, Canada

We were so happy with Abdu’s place, the house was very comfortable and Joanne provided us even a small excursion in the black desert on our way from Bawiti to the place. Thanks for the great experience and information about Bahariya. We wish to stay next time longer – Sergii, Kyiv, Ukraine

A wonderful experience, we have been treat like a kings me and my friends. Don’t miss this opportunity if you are in Egypt ! – Jordi, Paris, France

I have the huge privilege of posting the first review of this beautiful place. Abdu, Joanne, through Airbnb and the whole team do their best to make our stay enjoyable and authentic. A warm and friendly welcome. One of the best on all my trips. The food is exquisite and an intro to a new world. Really do not hesitate to add the breakfast and dinner that you will share around the campfire. A real treat! A comfortable home with everything you need to feel good. Lots of space and charm in a quiet environment. Meaningful exchanges and laughing every day. A sublime view of the black desert. This place is a bubble where time is suspended and we can recharge our batteries. It’s not just an airbnb, it’s a real life experience for everyone who’d stop here. – Foued, Nuits-Saint-Georges, France

We have a large 2 bedroom house surrounded by the majestic mountains of The Black Desert, and our working date orchard for nightly or weekly rentals.

It has 2 spacious bedrooms, each with a single and a queen bed with full linens, blankets and towels provided. With a kitchen, bathroom, large living space, full wrap-around patio to enjoy the sunrise to the east, and sunset to the west.

Great for families, or couples looking to relax and recharge in the peaceful desert surroundings. Property has its own fresh water spring and plunge pool for those hotter days.

We have a 24 hour Bedouin kitchen on the premises if you don’t want to cook your own meals, we offer traditional Bedouin breakfast with fresh bread made over a wood fire, dates with oil, fresh fruits, iconic Egyptian fool, fresh fruits and more.

Our expert desert guides will be happy to plan an overnight camping trip to the White desert, or tours of the local attractions like: Ancient Roman winery ruins, Crystal Mountain, Abu Muharrik Dunes, Djara Cave, Dakhla Oasis, El Qasr ancient Islamic village and much more.

Fruits of the Oasis

We grow an abundance of fruits, nurtured by the desert sun and our natural spring water:

Egyptian limes Watermelon Guava
Meyer lemon Grapes Bananas
Mango Apricots And the pinnacle of all fruits—the Oasis Date, from over 200+ palms!

Vegetables & Legumes

Our organic gardens supply our kitchen year-round, with seasonal variety:

Ful (fava bean) Lentils Peanuts
Wheat Eggplant Peppers
Onion Zucchini Arugula
Romaine and green lettuce cabbage varieties Onions Garlic, Egyptian Okra and more!

The Spring Pool

On hot desert afternoons, there’s nothing better than cooling off in our natural spring pool—or simply floating in silence as the sun dips below the palms, contemplating life at sunset.

Farm-to-Table Dining

Our Bedouin chefs prepare every meal with love and fresh ingredients—straight from our garden to your plate.

We are happy to accommodate any nutritional or dietary needs:

• ·Vegetarian
• ·Vegan
• ·Gluten-free

Just let us know in advance, and we’ll create something delicious just for you.

Al Haiz Area Tour (Local Gems)

• ·Roman winery ruins – step back in time
• ·Village of Rees – authentic oasis life
• ·Picnic lunch by a spring
• ·Swim in a warm natural spring
• ·4×4 dunes adventure
• ·Sandboarding on golden slopes
• ·Tea & snacks at sunset in the dunes

Bahariya Oasis Tour (Bawiti Village)

• ·Golden Mummies Museum – ancient wonders
• ·Pyramid Mountain – hike and history
• ·Lunch at the breathtaking Salt Lake
• ·Visit local natural springs
• ·Shop for fresh dates and olive oil at local markets

Saturday 1 August · Arrival

You'll be met by a private transfer from Cairo at 8 AM, with meeting points across Cairo in Giza, Maadi and New Cairo.

After 1 rest stop you will arrive in The Black Desert camp on 25 acres of private land, surrounded by hundreds of ripening date palms and the sound of a rushing fresh water spring. This is your base camp, a sanctuary of tranquility.

Check-in on arrival with room and tent assignment, orientation, lunch.

We will have set up a massive main tent with fans and A/C for dining, meeting & lounging, charging stations, and, crucially, space for you to set up your photography equipment to capture the perfect shot. Toilets and shower facilities are on site in several locations for your accessibility and comfort.

This day is yours to settle in, acclimatize, and plan for the big event.

Optional · White Desert 4×4 Safari · 150€ per person

Join our day trip 4×4 Safari to the White Desert! Don't miss this incredible photo opportunity only an hour away. Includes 4×4 Landcruisers, Bedouin tea, juices, water and snacks along the many stops. We will see the magnificent Agabat Valley, Crystal Mountain and finally the White Desert at sunset! The tour returns after sunset to a Bedouin BBQ dinner in the Black Desert camp in Al Haiz Oasis.

Sunday 2 August · Eclipse Day

By now, you will know this land intimately. You'll have already scouted the perfect vantage points.

In a place where the Bedouin sky has been read for generations, you will witness the sun's corona blaze high in the cloudless sky, against the backdrop of the palm trees and the black desert hills. There is no rush; we have prepared everything for your comfort.

Breakfast will be served before and lunch after the eclipse for all guests. The timeline of activities and meal times will be available during orientation.

Black Desert photo excursion · free for all guests. After you finish lunch, if you choose, we will have cars moving for a 2-hour Black Desert excursion for photography of the desert away from the camp. Off-road you will visit an ancient Roman winery, soft dunes and stunning black-topped mountains, which 12 million years ago were under water. Booking times are available on site through Joanne. Minimum 4–5 people per car.

Al Haiz Oasis will have cold drinking water, fresh juices, sodas, snacks, coffee, Turkish coffee and herbal teas available all afternoon. Swim in our fresh spring pools, refresh under the many outdoor showers or relax under the palm trees until sunset.

Camels will be available all 3 days for photos and riding, along with a full animal farm, a yoga and meditation space with spectacular 360° views, and our organic vegetable garden to visit.

After dark, dinner will be served in the communal tent, and of course a Bedouin party with dancing & drums for your last night with us in the desert.

Step away from the activity, go for a walk to several locations across the property and enjoy the millions of visible stars, the Milky Way and the beginnings of the Perseid Meteor Shower!

Monday 3 August · Departure

After a final sunrise & breakfast, you have full access to Al Haiz Oasis property: meet the camels (rides 20€, please tip for pictures) or swim in our fresh spring pools. Lunch will be served before the private transfer leaves for Cairo at 3 PM, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Bus option to Luxor available, price to be confirmed.

Essentials

• ·Certified solar eclipse glasses (ISO 12312-2)
• ·Sunscreen (high SPF, 50+). Reapply often, or limit sun exposure
• ·Mosquito spray. Evenings on the Oasis can bring tiny visitors
• ·Power bank (fully charged). Limited charging stations available, especially on safari
• ·Phone charger + cable. Bring a car/USB adapter just in case
• ·Flashlight or headlamp. Pathways are sandy; hands-free is best
• ·Extra camera batteries
• ·Refillable water bottle. Double-lined insulated, available for purchase
• ·Wet wipes. Instant refresh between showers
• ·Scarf (keffiyeh/shemagh). Protects from wind and sun, and adds that Bedouin flair; available for purchase
• ·Wide-brim hat. Shade for your face and neck

Clothing

• ·Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes. Linen or cotton only; avoid polyester/activewear (traps heat)
• ·Flip-flops. Easy on/off for inside Bedouin tents, sand and showers
• ·Supportive sandals. Birkenstock-style or athletic strap style, breathable and sturdy (too hot for closed shoes)
• ·Swimsuit for our fresh spring pools
• ·Light shawl or wrap. Cool desert evenings can be breezy and beautiful
• ·Cotton socks, if you wear sandals with socks (no judgment!)
• ·Underwear (enough for 2 days + spare) · Sleepwear (lightweight)

Comfort & Wellness

• ·Rose or jasmine water spritz. Cooling mist for the face, available for purchase at camp
• ·Handheld fan or spritz bottle. A lifesaver during peak heat
• ·After-bite
  allergy
  motion sickness meds, just in case
• ·Travel towel + hand/face towel. Quick-dry recommended
• ·Polarized sunglasses (not eclipse glasses)
• ·Earplugs for light sleepers. The desert farm has its own soundtrack
• ·Lip balm with SPF. Dry air + sun = chapped lips
• ·Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)

Optional (But Nice)

• ·Camera & tripod. Astrophotography? The night sky is staggering
• ·Extra memory cards · Binoculars · Portable phone tripod
  selfie stick
• ·Journal or sketchbook. You'll want to remember this
• ·Small daypack for excursions and safari
• ·Book or e-reader · Playing cards or small travel game
• ·Cash (Egyptian pounds) for extras

Documents & Money

• ·Passport (with valid visa for Egypt)
• ·Photos of passport
• ·Flight
  travel itinerary
• ·Camp booking confirmation (printed or saved offline)
• ·Travel insurance documents
• ·Cash: US$30–33, Euro or Sterling for the 30-day tourist visa on arrival (check visa2egypt.gov.eg before you fly)
• ·Cash: Egyptian Pounds (for extras & gratuities)
• ·Credit
  debit card (as backup)
• ·Emergency contact details
• ·Photos, make and model of all suitcases, plus a current name tag

Final Check · Before You Leave

• ·Charged all devices & power bank
• ·Downloaded offline maps
  music
  books
• ·Downloaded UBER or INDRIVE
• ·Notified bank of travel (if using cards)
• ·Shared itinerary with family/friend back home
• ·Double-checked flight times
• ·Packed medications in carry-on

HEAT GUIDE

Pro tip: Rest during the peak heat. Meditate, nap, or sip mint tea in the shaded palm grove, or fly in the 4×4s with the windows down and the desert wind at your back. Save your energy for sunset, safari, and the eclipse itself.

Cold drinking water is free all day and night, so keep sipping. If you feel dizzy, headachy, nauseous or stop sweating, get into the A/C tent and tell a team member straight away.

EYE SAFETY

Your eclipse glasses (bring a certified ISO 12312-2 pair) are your eyes' best friend. Keep them on for every moment the sun is even a sliver bright. Only during totality (12:50–12:56), when the moon covers the sun completely, can you take them off and look with your naked eyes, and put them straight back on the moment the first bead of light returns. Your phone solar filter goes on the camera for the partial phases. Never look through a camera, binoculars or telescope at the partly eclipsed sun without a proper solar filter on the front.

More from NASA: eclipse safety

WHERE WE ARE

Al Haiz Oasis, south of Bahariya Oasis, 4.5 hours SW of Cairo. 25 acres of private land, date palms and a fresh water spring.

Coordinates: ≈28.03°N, 28.715°E

Open the map (OpenStreetMap) · Google Maps pin

CONTACT

Secure your place in the shadow of the eclipse. Contact us today.

• ·Joanne Clayton · Owner & GM · alhaizegypt@gmail.com
• ·Abdu Shaban · Owner & Safari leader · +20 100 951 0219 (WhatsApp)
• ·Instagram: @alhaizoasis
• ·Hours: Monday–Sunday, 7 AM–12 AM, Egypt time