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5 DAYS · SMALL GROUP · FROM SIWA

Great Sand Sea crossing

Five days into the biggest dune field on earth, with Omar driving and two cars for safety. Hot springs in the sand, nights with no one for 200 km.

Great Sand Sea crossing
4×4s leaving Siwa, the old town of Shali behind them
Photo 1 of 10 4×4s leaving Siwa, the old town of Shali behind them
Stopping at the warm spring of Bir Wahed on the edge of the dunes
Photo 2 of 10 Stopping at the warm spring of Bir Wahed on the edge of the dunes
Walking a dune ridge in the Great Sand Sea at sunset
Photo 3 of 10 Walking a dune ridge in the Great Sand Sea at sunset
Looking at fossil shells in the desert with the guide
Photo 4 of 10 Looking at fossil shells in the desert with the guide
A guide showing prehistoric rock art
Photo 5 of 10 A guide showing prehistoric rock art
Two 4×4s crossing the dunes of the Great Sand Sea
Photo 6 of 10 Two 4×4s crossing the dunes of the Great Sand Sea
Camp beside a desert spring at sunset
Photo 7 of 10 Camp beside a desert spring at sunset
Tents in the dunes at sunset
Photo 8 of 10 Tents in the dunes at sunset
A 4×4 cresting a dune deep in the Sand Sea
Photo 9 of 10 A 4×4 cresting a dune deep in the Sand Sea
The 4×4 driving back towards Siwa in the late afternoon
Photo 10 of 10 The 4×4 driving back towards Siwa in the late afternoon
Duration 5 days, 4 nightsType Small group, max 8Start/end SiwaKids 12+Effort Moderate — long days in the carGuide speaks AR · EN · IT
HIGHLIGHTS
  • Dune after dune with no one for 200 km
  • A hot spring in the middle of the sand
  • Fossil beds from an ancient sea
  • Two cars and a guide who has crossed it hundreds of times
ABOUT THIS TRIP

Five days into the biggest dune field on earth. Omar drives the lead car, a second car follows for safety, and after the first afternoon there are no roads, no signal and nobody else.

You camp in the lee of the dunes, soak in a hot spring in the sand, and cross fossil beds that were a seabed forty million years ago.

Who it’s for

Travellers who have done a desert trip and want the real thingSmall groups of friendsTeenagers 12+ who love adventure

Maybe not for you if…

You don’t like long, bumpy days in a carYou need to stay in touch — there is no phone signal for days
THE ROUTE
DAY 1

Siwa to the edge of the sand

Siwa → Bir Wahed

Permits checked, tyres down, and into the dunes. First camp beside the hot spring at Bir Wahed.

3 h off-roadOvernight: camp
DAYS 2–4

Deep in the Sand Sea

Dunes → fossil beds → dune camp

Long dune ridges, fossil beds and rock art, then camp wherever the wind allows.

4–5 h off-road dailyOvernight: camp
DAY 5

Back to Siwa

Dunes → Siwa

A last climb at sunrise and back to Siwa for a shower and a late lunch.

4 h off-road

Included

Two 4×4s with driver-guidesAll meals and waterCamping equipmentDesert permits and satellite phone

Not included

Drinks other than water and teaTipsTravel insurance
WHAT TO BRINGOpens on the season of your dates.

Every season

Passport, or a photo of itSunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 50)A hat or scarf for sun and sandClosed shoes, plus sandals for campHead torch — red light keeps your night visionPower bank: there are no sockets at campToothbrush, wet wipes and a small towelSome cash in Egyptian pounds for tipsA dust-proof bag for your camera and phoneLip balm and eye drops — the air is very dry

Plus, in Autumn

A warm layer for evenings from late OctoberLight long sleeves for the day
MEETING POINT & PICK-UP
Start and endSiwa. The exact pick-up time comes with your quote.
Flying in?Send us your flight — we plan day 1 around it and can collect you from the airport.
Drop-offBack at your hotel (or the airport) on the last day, usually by early evening.
SEASONAL PRICES · PER PERSONShown in EUR / USD / GBP · charged in EUR
Main seasonOct–Nov · Jan–Apr · Best temperaturesYOUR DATES€690
FestiveDecember · Book early — limited camps€785
SummerMay–Sep · Early starts, shorter drives€560
YOUR GUIDEOmarSiwan family, date farmer on the side. Leads the Sand Sea crossings.
ACCESSIBILITY & FITNESS
WalkingModerate — long days in the car. You can always stay by the car at any stop.
TerrainSoft sand and loose rock; a few short climbs to viewpoints.
ToiletsA toilet tent at camp; on the road, café stops and the open desert.
HeatShade and water at every stop. From May to September we start at dawn and rest at midday.
WheelchairsNot suitable: soft sand and high 4×4 steps. Tell us about any needs — we adapt where we can.
GOOD TO KNOW
FitnessModerate. Long, bumpy days.
PermitsPassport copy needed 10 days before.
CancellationFree up to 14 days before.
Main season price€690 pp
When would you like to go?
● main● festive● summerExact dates come with your quote.
Adults12+2
Children12–11 · 40% off0
Estimate for 2, Nov€1,380
Request this tripFree and no payment now. We reply within 24 h with exact dates and a confirmed quote.

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