White Desert National Park - Egypt

White Desert National Park. Nestled in Egypt’s Western Desert, White Desert National Park—locally known as Sahara el Beyda—was officially designated a protected area in 2002. This surreal park, spanning around 300 km², lies roughly 45 km north of Qasr Al Farafra in the Farafra Depression . Wind and sand over millennia have sculpted dramatic chalk-and-limestone formations—towering mushrooms, spires, and arches—in stark white against ochre dunes and iron-rich cliffs. Highlights include the iconic Crystal Mountain and bizarre “mushroom” rocks best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset . The park shelters desert-adapted wildlife like rhim and dorcas gazelles, fennec and red foxes, Barbary sheep, jackals, and even sand cats . Popular activities include guided 4×4 excursions, short hikes, and, where permitted, overnight camping under star‑studded skies with virtually no light pollution .