Overview
Reason for the Name
The reserve is called the White Desert because the white color covers most of its parts as a result of geological formations of limestone and white chalky rocks.
The Nature of the Reserve features
The White Desert is a protected desert type and is filled with picturesque landscapes, and it is considered a good opportunity to study the desert environment, geographical phenomena and wildlife and contain them on the effects of prehistoric times. The reserve is distinguished by the beauty of sand dunes, geological formations, chalky rocks and the fossils that it contains.
This reserve is the site of large white chalk rock formations, which were created by erosion by the movement of wind and sand. It also contains cliffs (at the northern end of the Farafra Depression), sand dunes (part of the Great Sand Sea), as well as Wadi Hanis and oases in Ain al-Maqfi and Ain al-Wadi.
Al-Qas Abu Said is the highest point in the reserve (353 meters above sea level), and Wadi Hanis is the lowest point (32 meters).
The park serves many animals as a refuge for them, such as the endangered reem and Dorcas deer, in addition to the Barbary sheep, ruble, jackal, sand cats and fennec foxes.
The most important landmarks of the White Desert
Most of the people visiting the White Desert enjoyed the white sand and white sand rock formations that are unique compared to the traditional shades of red and orange sand that cover the rest of the Sahara desert.
Crystal mountain
Crystal Mountain or Crystal Rock. It is a series of hills between the Bahariya and Farafra oases at the northern end of the White Desert Reserve. The mountain consists of a rocky hole formed by crystals.
The rock formation was discovered by chance during roadworks from Farafra to Bahariya, as the sub-volcanic basement was opened and partially destroyed.
Crystals of the same name reach lengths ranging from several centimeters to a few decimeters. Consisting of barite (Barite, BaSO4) and / or calcite (CaCO3), they are usually very well crystalline and colorless transparent to white translucent.
Due to the unusual and magnificent crystal formations, the Crystal Mountain has become one of the major tourist attractions in the area.
Great Sand Sea
The Great Sea of Sand is a major part of the Sahara Desert between Egypt and Libya. This section covers an area of approximately 27,799.36 square miles (72,000 square kilometers). The sea is famous for its abundance of sand dunes that cover nearly three-quarters of the area.
The Great Sea of Sand stretches far beyond the boundaries of the White Desert which only serves as a precursor to this wonderful display of nature. However, there are more opportunities to explore the White Desert as part of an exploratory adventure that travels deeper into the Great Sands Sea providing a more comprehensive discovery of the splendor of the Pleasant Desert.
Corridors of the White Desert Reserve
Most of the people drive through the park and out for hiking around some of the distinctive rock formations. There are many opportunities for hiking and camping across the park, but unfortunately this has been restricted by the government.
Chicken and mushroom pass:
It takes visitors to one of the white rock formations that appear like a chicken sitting under a giant mushroom.
English mountain path:
This is a short, moderate hike to the top of an English mountain. The name comes from the ruins of a British WWI site sitting on top. Once you reach the ruins, you will also be provided with a panoramic view of the area.
Desert hike:
This is a 12-day excursion traveling through the White Desert, Black Desert, and Mount Crystal. This is an adventure that will allow you to experience the many different facets of the world's largest desert.
The Road
It is possible to travel in the White Desert through the oases - Farafra Road, and the car takes approximately 6 hours directly from Cairo without rest
The trip might be difficult, but believe me, you will enjoy a unique and fun experience
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