PURPOSE: Explore this remote region in search of historic sites and artifacts
As we depart Cairo we travel to the western desert of Egypt. Most folks have heard of the White Desert, famous for its one of a kind white limestone rock formations and its Oasis Towns. We will be driving through the White Desert on our way to Dakhla.
This is where our final preparations will be made before we head into the extreme remote west. In Dakhla we obtain our supplies, as it is the last town to acquire any provisions for the next twelve days, our vehicles also go through their final checks before our journey deep into the desert.
Over the next twelve days we head in a westerly direction and then north until we come to the Oasis of Siwa. During our remarkable expedition we will experience some of the most beautiful scenery on our planet. The Gilf area has it all, flat open sand plains where we travel speeds of one hundred kilometers per hour in our vehicles. We climb mountains and deep dunes, with our vehicles and on foot. Camp is sometimes set-up at a site where you get the feeling, no one has ever been here before.
Days are spent covering a lot of ground, however we do this at a very comfortable pace. There are several historic sites on our route including remnants from World War II. In addition to these incredible sites we take the time to make new discoveries, which are very likely in these areas.
As we travel out of the Gilf area, off in the distance one can start to see the Great Sand Sea and its name fits it perfect. We spend the next three days traveling through this complete Sea of Sand. You will be amazed at the varying colors, the changing terrain of the sand and of course the endless large dunes. The Great sand Sea covers some 650 Kilometers in length and is about 350 Kilometers wide. One of the most unusual finds in this area is Silica Rock or Silica Glass as it is also known. It has its own very distinctive color, which are varying shades of green. Historians and Geologists believe Silica was formed about one hundred million years ago when a meteor hit this area of earth. In order for this rock to form in this color scheme, the temperature had to go upwards of twenty two hundred degrees Fahrenheit for only two minutes for the Silica to form. This is the only spot on the planet Silica can be found.
As we start to see a mixture of rocks and sand we know we are getting closer to Siwa Oasis. Driving up over the last dune we see greenery for the first time in twelve days, it is a natural hot spring in the desert. After all of this wonderful desert travel a plunge in the hot spring is most welcoming!
This Expedition is available Oct - April
Duration:
16 Day Safari
Location:
Egypt
Category:
Adventure
Tour Code:
STE901
Price:
$ 4995 (min 8 travellers)
Travel Recap:
Day 1
Arrive in Cairo off your international flight where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Siag Pyramid Hotel
Day 2
Enjoy a half-day tour of Cairo; including the pyramids of Giza. In the afternoon we depart for the desert areas.
Overnight: Baharia Oasis [B, D]
Day 3
Today we will travel from Baharia to the Oasis Town of Dahkla. In route to Dahkla we pass through the White Desert. This region is known for its beautiful white limestone rock formations. The photos you will take in this area will be the talk of your portfolio.
Overnight: Dahkla [B, D]
Day 4
Dahkla is the last town before heading into the remote desert, so this is our last chance to get all of the provisions we need for our journey. The vehicles go through a final check as well. These activities will take up most of the morning. Later in the day we head out into the desert
Overnight:Â Desert Camping [B, L, D]
Day 5 - 13
Travel through the Gilf and Great Sand Sea. These days are spent traveling in the desert on our Expedition. We most likely will not see anyone else for this period of time.
Overnight: Desert Camping [B, L, D]
Day 14
Arrive at the Oasis Town of Siwa. This will be a welcome site as it will be the first time in nine plus days that we will see the color green! Siwa has some fantastic historic sites including a Temple where Alexander the Great stayed.
Overnight: Siwa Hotel [B, L, D
Day 15
Make our long journey back to Cairo.
Overnight: Cairo Hotel [B, L, D]
Day 16
Met this morning and transferred to the airport for your international departure.
There are many extensions available in and around Egypt, so some of you may wish to journey to the Sinai or Red Sea while others will return back home.
Inclusions
All stated accommodations, camping equipment while on the expedition, all meals except in Cairo, all permit fees and entrance fees to historic sites, all airport transfers, accommodation is based on double occupancy, single supplement is available.
Exclusions
Visa fees, any and all airline costs, airport departure taxes, meals while in Cairo, sleeping bag and towel, items of a personal nature, travel and medical insurance, tips for staff, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. On a trip of this nature you can purchase the drinks before we depart town.
