On my journey through Egypt I would have to say that one of my favourite days was camping out in El-Sahara El Beida. Having already been in Egypt for about 2 1/2 weeks we had finally left the big cities behind. We had a really long travel day and getting there was quite an adventure. Coming from Dakhla we drove about 3 hours to Farafra, from there we switched over into 4 x4 vehicles and we were on our way into the White Desert!
A short walk from the campsite makes you appreciate exactly where you are.
It was only about 45 km from Farafra, however this journey takes us 3.5 hours. The paved road quickly ends and the new “road” becomes the trail that the other 4×4 vehicles left on their way to the same spot.
This barren land is dotted with giant chalk formations have playful names like the “chicken” and the “giant mushroom.” Having a chance to sit back and relax, it feels like you’re on another planet. The cool desert air was a welcome feeling, only the fox and bird footprints in the sand reminded us that someone else had been there. It’s places like here that leave you inspired, camping out under the stars makes you pause for a second and wonder why we even bother to live inside.
Before going to Egypt I didn’t even know the White Desert existed, is there anyplace that you have discovered while travelling?
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Wow – has made me travel hungry for somewhere a bit closer to home. Am currently travelling Australia, did see some desert landscape in Peru but this looks pretty special. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
After my experience in Egypt it’s made me crave to see the Gobi Desert too. There is nothing better than stumbling upon beautiful and stunning places. If only I could find a place as special as this on all my adventures!
Nice …great choice too. The White Desert was definitely something else. Mut, in Dakhla Oasis is still one of my top three little towns in the world too (along with Hoi An, Vietnam and Debark, Ethiopia).
A few days down the road and one short, ok long, ferry ride later over Lake Nasser I found my favorite, along with Yankari NP in Nigeria …and the Bandiagara Escarpment in Mali, but I worte about it here…
http://wanderinground.wordpress.com/2011/05/21/travels-through-sudan-vi-dune/
…not sure if your extending the trip down through Sudan, but if you are you’ll have pleasant surprises ahead (sounds like your already home though!!!
Good post
John