Mini Oasis Trip

Day 1

Early morning Pick-Up in Cairo, beginning with a 4×4 drive to the Oasis of Bahariya, 320 km south-west of Cairo 28°21’31N 28°52’05E. On the way, students will observe and get on top of sand dunes, and other parts of the desert, that used to be under the sea millions of years ago. There, they will be able to see the shells that still remain to this day. Later, they will   arrive to Bahariya, where they will stop for lunch, proceeded by a drive to the remarkable White Desert (180 km). On the way, students will pass by the Black Desert  28º12’10N 28º44’19E. In the black desert, the mountains have shapes of volcanoes and a big quantity of little black colored stones. These stones are believed to be the remnants from the lava of these volcanoes. The ground has a brown orange color and black stones, too, along with black rocks with soft peek that was made blunt by the wind over the years. The black desert is not as black as some people may expect but is a desert with a totally atypical look as if one is not on earth but on another planet.

Students will then continue driving to the White Desert (known as Sahara el Beda  27°20’39N 28°10’30E. The desert has a white, cream color along with massive chalk, rock formations that were created as a result of occasional sandstorms in the area. While driving, students will be able to observe the desert’s strange, naturally shaped rocks, which have a very dramatic appearance and will have a chance to discover and see many, different interesting rock formations.  After observing a remarkable Sunset at the White Desert, students will check-in Shahrazad Camp. After dinner, they will begin learning about the different star groups and learn how to use this knowledge to direct themselves in the desert or elsewhere. Overnight.

Day 2

Breakfast is in the Camp. After packing, students will proceed to the Oasis of Dakhla, 280 km  25°40’53N 28°52’55E through the fine Sand desert of Darb el Farafra (the caravan route)  26°21’58N 28°47’34E , where we pass by Beir Dekka, the marble plateau of Karafish, and enormous sand dunes, having lunch en route. They will then arrive in Dakhla before sunset and check-in to the Eco hotel of Desert Lodge (or similar). Dinner and overnight stay will be in hotel.

Day 3

Breakfast will be in the hotel, and then a visit to the mysterious city of Al Qasr, in Dakhla, which has retained most of its culture and charm.  Al Qasr, with its narrow streets & maze, was originally a Roman settlement which later became the medieval capital of Dakhla. The old town is a labyrinth of mud-walled alleys, narrowly separating houses with elaborately-carved wooden lintels. Students can also see the Ayyubid mosque and climb to the rooftop of the 10th century Madrassa for wonderful views of the surrounding area. Back to the Desert Lodge for lunch, and, in the afternoon, students will visit the lodge farm, and proceed to see the sunset at the lake.

Back to hotel for dinner & overnight.

Day 4

After breakfast, check-out and proceed to transfer back to the White Desert on asphalted road. Students will stop on the way to visit the remains of the Temple of Amun at Deir EL Balat, then it’s on to the White Desert, where students will have an off-road drive inside the western part with its remarkable and massive rock shapes. Lunch in Shahrazad camp and proceed to transfer to the oases of Bahareya, with a short stop at the Crystal Mountain. Once in Bahareya, the group will check-in hotel Qasr Bawiti (or similar). Dinner in hotel & overnight.

Day 5

Breakfast will be in hotel.  Transfer to visit the attractions of Bahareya, where the “Valley of the Golden Mummies” lies, to see some samples in the “Hall of Golden Mummies” and learn more about Mummification. Students will also visit the remains of Alexander the Great Temple and the tombs of Banenuti. Back to hotel for lunch. Check-out and proceed to transfer back to Cairo to arrive before sunset.