Safari Travel Tips: Essential Egypt Desert Guide

Egypt's desert dominates the country, and takes many forms besides the long golden dunes that fringe the Red Sea resorts - white chalk formations in the Western Desert, and rocky ravines and valleys around Fayoum's lakes. A desert safari is a great way to explore the different landscapes, from a short quad bike ride to an overnight camping trip under the stars. These Safari Travel Tips are aimed at first-time visitors and act as a useful Desert Safari Guide to the experiences on offer and what to expect from your tour. If you're planning the rest of your trip around your day in the desert, our Egypt travel packages can give you an idea of how a day exploring the desert can fit in with a trip to Cairo, along the Nile and the Red Sea resorts.

What Should You Know Before Your First Desert Safari in Egypt?

A little background information can help you make the most of your experience, since safaris vary from short excursions at sunset to overnight adventures.

What Is a Desert Safari and What Can You Expect?

A desert safari is a guided tour of the desert, typically in a 4x4 vehicle, quad bike or on horseback. They usually include a stop for tea at a Bedouin-style camp, and/or a place to watch the sunset. They can be as brief as a couple of hours or continue into the night with camping. The types of excursions and activities on offer vary between operators, so it's a good idea to check the details of your particular tour rather than assuming you'll get the same kind of day.

Which Safari Experiences Are Popular in Egypt?

The main activities on a desert safari are driving or riding quad bikes, taking a camel ride, jeeping, sand boarding and stargazing, as well as enjoying a meal at a Bedouin-style camp. Some excursions lend themselves to families while others are more suited to adventurous solo travellers. Jeeping is a relaxing way to take in the views, quad biking is more of a thrill, and riding a camel is a slow and serene experience. The different regions of Egypt's desert have different landscapes and attractions, and our guide to the Deserts of Egypt gives you more insight into the variations between the Red Sea, Western and Sinai deserts.

How Can First-Time Travelers Prepare for a Desert Adventure?

Book with a licensed operator and tell your guide it's your first time on a desert safari, to ensure you get the most out of the experience. Pay attention to the briefing when you arrive and stay hydrated during the day. It's also a good idea to bring along some food or eat something substantial before you leave. Tell your operator about any special requirements you have when booking the tour. There are a few small things you can do to prepare in advance, so you can leave the daily worries to the experts and enjoy the adventure.

Good clothing choices beat any gadget for a desert experience, as you will spend hours in sun, wind, and fine sand.

What Are the Best Clothes and Shoes for a Desert Safari ?

As for what to wear to a desert safari, choose light, flowing, and covering clothing made from breathable cotton or linen. Opt for long-sleeve shirts with wide collars, and light-colored trousers or skirts. Loose and flowing garments will keep you cooler in the desert heat. Sandals are not a good choice for a desert safari: they allow the sand to get inside and offer little support when traversing the sand dunes. A broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a scarf to cover your nose and mouth will protect you from the sun and the omnipresent clouds of dust. It gets chilly in the evenings, so bring a light jacket or sweater for the desert overnight tour.

Which Essential Items Should You Bring ?1- a refillable water bottle
2- sunscreen and lip balm
3- sunglasses and a hat
4- scarf or buff
5- wet wipes and tissues
6- phone or camera and a power bank
7- any personal medication
8- some cash in local currency

Also Helmets and goggles are usually provided on a quad biking tour, but it is better to check with the tour operator.

How Can You Protect Your Belongings During Desert Activities ?

Fine sand is challenging to remove from all your clothing and gear, so invest in a ziplock bag to store your phone and camera gear. Protect your phone with a dust-filtering pouch, brought a lens cloth, and a small backpack with a tight zip closure. Keep your jewelry and other valuables at the hotel, and only bring the essential items when going on a desert safari tour.

Ready to test out your packing know-how? Many Egypt tours can be combined with a desert adventure, so ask your tour guide for details.

Most safaris run smoothly under the guidance of a tour leader, and there are certain etiquette rules to be followed. The following desert safari tips are applicable to most types of touring. For more information on the specifics of touring, refer to our Desert Safari in Egypt guide.

How Can You Stay Safe During Quad Biking and Jeep Safaris?

Quad biking tours in Egypt are usually held in a convoy, so as to follow the guide. As such, always follow the guide’s directions and maintain a safe distance from the quad in front of you. Remember to always wear a helmet and goggles while riding and maintain a steady speed to avoid hazards. Age and experience requirements vary from tour operator to tour operator, and many provide shorter and milder itineraries for novice riders. When using a jeep, remember to always wear a seatbelt, if provided, and hold on to the seats or the frame of the jeep while navigating through sandy slopes.

What Should You Know Before Riding a Camel?

Camels will usually bow to allow you to climb on their backs, and then push themselves up using their hind legs to stand. As such, you must hold on to the saddle and lean back to avoid being tossed off when they stand, and then hold on to the saddle again and lean forward as they do so. The most important thing to remember is to always hold on to the saddle, and not attempt to hold the camel itself. Should you go on a short ride with a camel handler, they will usually accommodate less experienced riders, and recommend wearing long pants for the comfort of both the rider and the camel.

How Can You Prepare for an Overnight Desert Safari?

An overnight desert safari is a popular choice among those who wish to experience camping in the desert. As such, it bears little resemblance to a day tour. There are several things you must bring with you on an overnight tour, including warm clothing for the evenings, a flashlight or a headlamp, a power bank and personal hygiene items. Tents and bedding vary from camp to camp, so it is advisable to inquire about their availability. It is also recommended that you sit outside the tent after dark, if you can, to enjoy the spectacle of the night sky, which is best seen away from the city lights.

Each region has its own unique combination of beauty and activities, and the choice should be made bearing in mind where you are headed.

What Makes Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh Popular for Desert Safaris?

As both of these resorts lie at the edge of the desert, a half-day desert excursion is a perfect addition to any Hurghada or Sharm itinerary. A Hurghada desert tour usually involves a half-day quad or jeep ride and usually ends with a camp experience under the Bedouin tents and sunset views. Alternatively, a Sharm El Sheikh desert tour features a drive into the Sinai Mountains to enjoy a similar camp experience and stargazing opportunities. Often, such excursions are organized as an extra activity by Egypt desert safari tour companies while staying at a Red Sea resort.

Why Is the White Desert a Unique Safari Destination?

The White desert is a unique place to witness incredible rock formations in the Western Desert near Farafra. It is a great place to spend a night in a tented camp and explore the most popular White Desert attraction – unusual rock formations formed from mineral chalk and resembling various mythical animals. This region is best discovered during a sunset when the rocks are glowing with bright pink and golden hues followed by a dark sky with bright stars at night. The most popular way to reach the White Desert is to hire a driver and a four-seater car in Bahariya Oasis as explained in this Bahariya Oasis guide, or join a local desert tour.

What Can Travelers Experience on a Fayoum Desert Safari?

Being only two hours away from Cairo, Fayoum is a perfect option for a desert tour when visitors do not have much time to spare. A desert tour in the Fayoum area usually involves exploring Wadi El Rayan’s dunes and waterfalls and discovering ancient fossils at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wadi El Hitan, mostly by 4×4.

Timing and a few photo tips can make the difference between something that was a good time and something that was epic. These desert safari travel tips will help you plan the best adventure for the kind of vacation you’re looking for.

When is the Best Time for a Desert Safari?

Egypt’s cool season, which runs from roughly November to March, is ideal for daytime touring or overnight camping. During the warm spring and summer months, morning or afternoon departures offer shade during the hottest part of the day. Evenings are sublime, making sunset departures a good option in any season. Some itineraries allow for an extension to meet an oasis, like Siwa Oasis, where desert and lakeside recreation are possible.

What are the Best Photo Opportunities on an Egypt Desert Safari?

Golden hour, the time just after sunrise and before sunset, is the best time for dramatic photos of the desert landscape. Take pictures of people and vehicles in the foreground of an image if you want to capture a sense of scale. Don’t forget to clean your camera regularly and to store or change lenses away from swirling sands. Ask permission before taking pictures of people or their belongings.

What Should I Look For in a Desert Safari Tour?

Departure options, inclusions, comfort, duration, and customization are all important factors. While quad biking, camel riding, and camping are popular activities, they are not always offered, so be sure to determine what is and isn’t included in your tour. A responsible operator will have a detailed safety briefing, reasonable group sizes, and certified guides. Recent reviews from real travelers are another helpful resource for comparing companies.

Why Add an Egyptian Desert Safari to my Travel Plans?

Egypt’s ancient wonders dominate the imagination but the Egyptian desert has a raw beauty few have seen. Time spent in the Egyptian desert creates a relaxed yet adventurous break between exploring ancient wonders. And the Beddauin people, many of whom still live traditional lifestyles, will share their world with you. Whether you are looking for an adventure-filled day or a more leisurely evening, the options for an Egyptian desert safari are ideal for adding variety to an Egypt historical tour. With these Safari Travel Tips, you’ll be ready to choose the adventure that’s right for you. To incorporate an Egyptian desert into your grand tour or adventure, explore Egypt with Trans Travel and discover more with their Egypt adventure tours.

1- What Should I Wear on a Desert Safari in Egypt?

You should wear something that is comfortable and breathable, full-sleeved clothing, closed shoes, sunglasses, and a hat. It is advisable also to bring a scarf to avoid the dust and a light jacket for the evenings.

2- What Should I Bring for My First Time Doing a Desert Safari?

You will need to bring your water, sun cream, phones or cameras, and other personal belongings with you. It is advisable to ask your tour operator about additional items you may want to bring according to their advice.

3- Is Desert Safari in Egypt Suitable for First-Time Visitors?

Yes, it is suitable for first-time visitors. Most tour operators offer activities for beginners, although there may be variations in terms of restrictions and fitness levels of the tourists.

4- Where Can I Go On a Desert Safari in Egypt?

You can go to Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, White desert, Fayoum, or Siwa.

5- Can I Go On a Desert Safari Without Doing the Quad Biking?

Yes, some options of the desert safari in Egypt do not include quad biking. It depends on the place you are going to as some itineraries include camping in the desert, taking pictures, and visiting some of the most popular spots in the desert by driving in a 4×4 car or taking a camel tour.