11th of Feb- 17th of Feb 6 Nights/7 Days
OVERVIEW:
EGYPT has quite a few ancient desert highways; most of them are unexplored. We tend to explore a lot of these desert trails. Recently, amazing efforts by few desert enthusiasts opened new trails in the Red Sea Trail (RST), and Sinai- the Sinai Trail (ST). I plan to open new trails in the Western Desert and this is the second undertaking; following a very successful trail we crossed in the area of North Fayoum.
The area we will cross is in areas that are less traveled and still has a lot of mysteries and amazing hidden landscapes. We will be hiking each day for 20-25km in the vast and magnificent region between the oases of Baharya and Farafara. This track will also include the picturesque and the unique White Desert.
The White Desert is one of its kind on earth; certainly a unique and magnificent area that lies in the heart of the Western Desert of Egypt. It is like being on a different planet with lunar landscape, amazing sunsets and spectacular night skies. This trip is designed to get a complete desert experience; silence, camels, unmatched landscapes, and traditional food. This is a journey through time and unique spaces where one can rejuvenate and self-reflect for a deeper self-understanding while enjoying a physically challenging experience which elevate the whole experience. This is a different desert and certainly a unique crossing of one of the most spectacular areas of the Sahara Desert.
Day 1
Sunday, 11th Feb
10:00
Meet in hotel and pickup… Head immediately to Baharyia Oasis- 400km from Cairo
13:00
Arrive at Al Haiz Oasis Eco-Lodge for lunch, and rest amid palm trees and water pools.
15:00
Regroup for final preparation and head to the desert towards Crystal Mountain Area. A fascinating region with tens of crystal hills lithering the desert floor.
16:00
Meet our camels and our camel attendants. After the introduction to the members of the camel caravan (attendants and guide) we will spend half an hour around the Crystal Mountain site after which we have a cup of tea and off we head deep into the desert of Aqabat.
18:00
Arrive at Base Camp1. Bedouin dinner and sleep in camp.
Day 2- Day 5
Monday, 12th Feb- Thursday 15th Feb
During those days our daily routine is as follows;
5:00
Wakeup before dawn and light fire
5:30
Hot drinks of coffee and tea are being served together with some light breakfast
6:00
Prepare our hiking gear and load the camels
7:00
Begin the hike and continue hiking all day; only stopping when rest is needed or at interesting and important sites.
We will have a major stop at midday;
This is an important stop for the following reasons; first, to stay away from the heat of the day; second, for a decent fulfilling lunch, and thirdly, for rest.
11:30- 14:00
Rest and lunch after which we will resume our hike.
18:30
Arrive at night camp and unload camels; set up camp, dinner will be cooked and then sleep
Day 6
Friday, 16th Feb
6:00
Early rise as usual; hot drinks and breakfast.
Slowly we will dash our last 1okm towards the asphalt road where we will have reached our final stop under a lone palm tree for lunch.
13:00
We bid farewell to our camels, the beasts of burden, and to our crew.
15:00
Head back to the oasis for a hot natural spring for shower and refreshments. Diving into a mineral-rich natural hot spring is an amazing, particular of Egyptian Oases, experience not be missed.
18:00
Go to the Al-Haize Desert Eco Lodge for spending a splendid night amid palm trees and simple, clean and comfortable rooms.
21:00
You will have a delicious traditional Bedouin dinner with some local band entertainment.
Day 7
Saturday, 17th Feb
9:00
Wake-up at leisurely pace and breakfast is served in Eco Lodge.
11:00
Go for a tour of AlHaiz Oasis and enjoy a cup of tea on a dune overlooking some old ruins. 14:00
Lunch
15:00
Drive back to Cairo.
READ CAREFULLY: Important information
- – Our itinerary will (roughly) be: Crystal Mountain- Aqabat- Ain El Sareo (Magic Spring)- Wady Hinnis- White Desert.
- – Each day we will be covering between 20-30km depending on our pace and the weather.
- – At least one night will be spent at the White Desert.
- – For safety; we will have a support vehicle accompanying us; which will not be seen or felt throughout hiking time;however, we will meet our crew twice a day- once at lunch and another time at night camp.
- – Luggage will be safely kept inside the vehicle, while you will only carry your light backpack with snacks and a bottleof water for the 3-4hrs hike.
- – Extra water and provisions will be carried by our camels.
- – Every 2 to 3 wanderers of the desert will share a camel. The camels will be fit to carry any tired individuals; however,for an optimum experience of a nomadic Bedouin, we advise to not ride the camel at ALL times.
- – Those individuals who feel tired or not want to hike may ride in the 4×4 support vehicle with our crew, however,they will not be driven around the desert at leisure; on the contrary, they will just accompany our crew who will be performing their own duties.
- PRICE: 950 EUROS/ All Inclusive (no alcohol)
- Special discounts for past participants from previous tours and for groups more than 3 hikers.
- This price includes the following
- – All transportation from and to Cairo.
- – All meals minimum 3meals/day/wanderer.
- – All supplies of bottled water needed for the hike.
- – All permissions, guides, camels and the support is also vehicle included.
- – All camping gears is also provided which include, a mattress, and blankets; however, you may bring your ownfavorite sleeping bag.
- – Price does not include international flights, or any hotels in Cairo
For Guests coming from overseas; we can provide additional assistance during their visit. These services include
- – Meet and Assist in Cairo airport whenever you will arrive. And drive you to the hotel (not included in the price).
- – Guests can extend their visits and we can plan additional activities, or extend our camel trip.*Please provide us with the flight details.
For any additional information and enquiries, kindly don’t hesitate to contact me at Whatsapp: +201220190989 mahmoudmarai@yahoo.co.uk or mahmoudmarei@email.arizona.edu
