Day 3 - Egypt - Jeep Safari in the White Desert

 

 

Day 3  - Jeep Safari in the White Desert

 

We set off early to discover the mysterious desert of Egypt.
We leave Cairo and also the civilization we know.
For the next 3 days and 1700 km we will not meet any tourists and will only spend Time with Egyptian friends.
We don´t longer feel like "tourists" abroad. We are among friends, almost like a small family.

We cover the first part of the route in our rental car. It goes south on the desert road to the oasis town of Bahariyya. The Bedouins Khalid and Essa are already waiting for us there with their jeep. They have already organized everything; Tent, table, carpet, blankets, firewood, food and drinks. Excellent! Ready to go!

First we reach the Gebel el-Marsus, a mountain in the "Black Desert".
The black stones made of dolerite, as well as the easily recognizable basalt columns, were created millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions.

Our next destination is Crystal Mountain. Here is a rock breakthrough framed by crystals. However, the crystals are not quartz, but calcite.
One of the rocks reminds me of the sleeping fuchur from the "neverending story".

We have lunch at a small oasis and learn how Bedouins use bread as cutlery.
Forks are there for us, but we don't use them - because of course, we eat at Bedouin style.

Well strengthened, we continue with full throttle into the "no man's land".

And if you think desert is sand, sand, sand, then I have to tell you: desert can be varied and fascinating. The landscape of the White Desert is characterized by limestone and chalk cliffs and lies in the Egyptian part of the Libyan Desert. The limestone has been shaped by sandstorms and wind for millions of years,

so that today the desert looks like a sculpture park from another world.We discover camels, tents, mushrooms, rabbits, gnomes and much more. The imagination knows no limits.

In the evening the shadows grow longer and the desert seems to be alive. The stones become picturesque figures and mythical creatures that "move" in the evening light.

It is time to find a place for our night camp.

Khalid and Essa routinely and safely set up our quarters for the night. You have don´t have forgotten anything!

In the evening the shadows grow longer and the desert seems to be alive. The stones become picturesque figures and mythical creatures that "move" in the evening light.

It is time to find a place for our night camp.

Khalid and Essa routinely and safely set up our quarters for the night. They have not forgotten anything!

In the sunset, Khalid conjures up a princely "desert campfire dinner" made from fresh, home-made ingredients. There is salad, vegetables, rice, grilled chicken and Bedouin tea.
Soooo delicious!

We end the day together around the campfire and then crawl into the tent. Yes, we are now a small family, Dietmar, Amr, Khalid, Essa and me. Good night!