What to Pack for an Egypt Desert Safari

A night in the White Desert or a day in the dunes of Fayoum or Siwa needs less luggage than you think, but a few things make a big difference: a warm layer for the night, sun protection for the day and a power bank for all those photos. Here is our packing list for an Egypt desert safari.

The essentials

• A warm layer: a fleece or light jacket. Desert days are warm, but nights cool down quickly, and in winter they can be cold.
• Sun protection: a hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. There is little shade in the open desert.
• Comfortable closed shoes: for walking on sand and rocks and climbing a hill in the Black Desert.
• A scarf or buff: useful against wind, sun and sand.
• A power bank and charging cable: camps in the open desert have no sockets.
• Your camera or phone: sunset, sunrise and the night sky are the highlights of the trip.
• Your ID or passport and some cash for personal expenses.
• Personal medication and any items you need every day.

For a night of desert camping

On our White Desert trips, the camp, bedding and meals are prepared for you. Add a few small things for a comfortable night:

• An extra warm layer (and warm socks) for the evening around the fire and the early sunrise.
• A small torch or headlamp.
• Wet wipes and a small towel.
• A small bag for your things in the tent, so the rest of your luggage can stay in the car.

For springs and salt lakes

Many trips include a stop at a natural spring, and in Siwa you can float in the salt lakes. Bring a swimsuit, a towel and a pair of sandals or flip-flops, and some fresh water to rinse off after the salt lake.

What to wear

Light, loose, breathable clothes for the day, with long sleeves and trousers if you prefer extra sun protection. Layers work best: you can add or remove them as the temperature changes between midday and night.

What to leave at home

• Large, heavy suitcases: a soft bag or backpack is easier to carry in a 4×4.
• Valuables you do not need on the trip.

Packing checklist

Day trip (for example Fayoum)	Overnight trip (White Desert, Siwa)
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen Comfortable shoes Scarf or buff Phone, power bank ID, cash	Everything for a day trip, plus: Warm layer and warm socks Torch or headlamp Wet wipes, small towel Swimsuit and sandals for springs and lakes

Ready for the desert?

See our desert tours and oasis tours, or read White Desert vs Black Desert. Questions about what to bring on a specific trip? Ask us.

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