joer1212

I've been trying to book an 11-day tour of Egypt from the United States. I'm interested in seeing the popular attractions (Pyramids, Luxor, Alexandria, etc.), but I'd also like to add an overnight camping trip in the Western Desert for part of my itinerary (White & Black Desert).

I've contacted several tour operators, and most of them informed me that desert safaris are prohibited for now for security reasons.
One tour company, however, was willing to grant my request. I won't disclose the name of the company, but it has a good reputation.

Would it be safe to book this trip?

If not, when do you think the Western desert will likely reopen for tourism? I feel that a trip to Egypt would not be complete without this experience.

Thanks

IAN-UK

Since the kidnap and murder of a foreigner in the western desert last summer, and (extensive) terrorist activity, there is understandable nervousness about tourism to the region. The UK government strongly discourages travel there.

As part of the region is a designated military zone, you probably need some sort of permit to go there at the best of times. A competent, specialist, agent will arrange this. Said agent will know if permits are suspended, and if there is a work-around.

Siwa should definitely be accessible. For Farfara and anywhere south, ask the experts.

As for trips to Egypt being incomplete without a visit to the western desert .... many would beg to differ

joer1212

Is Siwa currently accessible for overnight camping, or just day trips? Sorry to sound trivial, but I'm only going to Egypt once, and I want to make sure I get the most from my trip.

IAN-UK

I'm concerned at giving non-current information. But I'd be surprised if Siwa were off-limits. I don't know about camping: there are hotels suited to most tastes and pockets.

I'd suggest you pose the question on Tripadvisor, or even better, contact one of the Siwa hotels or a local travel agent.

Doc Savage

You may get all the desert you want with a trip to Abu Simbel.

jaymar01

There's an active Egypt forum on Reddit. You might be able to get a current assessment over there.

https://www.reddit.com/r/egypt

joer1212

Thanks

joer1212

But I want to camp there overnight and see the stars.

joer1212

I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier, but instead of doing my desert safari in Egypt, I can do it in Dubai (which I will be visiting before Egypt). Viator has some great offerings, which are cheap and comprehensive, like this one:

http://www.viator.com/tours/Dubai/4x...828-2168DXB007

sharp5flat9

I'm struggling to understand what you want from a visit to the 'desert'. One definition is any bit of ground outside the city that hasn't been built on If so, just drive between any two cities.

But I imagine you're looking for the rolling dunes, big sky experience. In the UAE you can camp almost anywhere that isn't fenced-off private property, but I wouldn't recommend driving into the desert alone.

There are mid-range offerings which are ok but it's very much a mass-market experience. Drive to the desert camp with 100 other people, some 4x4 dune bashing, 5 mins on a camel, belly dancing (which is not a local tradition) and an average buffet meal.

There are dozens of operators and you definitely get what you pay for, but that number is reduced if you want to stay in the desert overnight.

The 'best' desert safari operator in the UAE by far is Platinum Heritage; they are not cheap but absolutely worth the investment.

WorldLux

Do it in Dubai then. It's a lot of fun and you'll have peace of mind, that definitely nothing bad will happen to.

From my pre-arab spring trips to Egypt, I remember that the security situation wasn't that great in some parts of the country. Leaving Luxor, you would encounter lots of heavily armed checkpoints. On a trip from Luxor to Edfu and Kom Ombo, a soldier even rode shotgun for large portions of the trip.

Annalisa12

I used an Egyptian company called Lady Egypt who were fantastic. The personal trip was fantastic. My guide did say that you could get a security guard along for the trip if you wanted. THis was a few years ago and he said some Americans took up the offer.

I did a trip to Wadi Rum in Jordan for that "desert" experience. It wasn't what I thought it would be and I was disappointed.

Driving between many towns in Egypt there was just sand for miles. That could be desert for you.

joer1212

I'm actually in the process of deciding between Lady Egypt and Ramses Tours for my Classical Tour of Egypt. They both will not do the desert safari, however.

s0ssos

If you want to camp in the desert do it in Morocco. It is the Sahara (UAE is not), can stay in a literal tent and have them cook for you over a firepit, you will definitely see sand dunes as far as the eye can see, stars abound in the sky, and you can even take a camel!
Oh, and Morocco is still safe I think

NYTA

I have done this twice in Morocco - it was great.