2 Days of Fayoum Oasis Tour – Desert Treasures
+4 photos Why you’ll love this journey
Discover the beauty of Fayoum Oasis on a 2-day desert tour. Adventure awaits! Limited spaces, book now to secure your spot.
2 Days of Fayoum Oasis Tour takes you beyond Egypt’s famous monuments and into a landscape shaped by ancient quarries, fossilized forests, desert lakes, and hidden temples. Just two hours from Cairo, Fayoum reveals a rare blend of geological wonders, pharaonic history, Christian heritage, and untouched desert beauty — all in one immersive overnight escape.
Over two carefully curated days, you’ll explore the Ancient Basalt Quarry and the historic Pharaonic Road, walk among fossilized trees in the Petrified Forest, visit Qasr El Sagha Temple and the ruins of Demi El Seba, and experience the serenity of Lake Fayoum and Magic Lake. The journey includes a night at Qatrani Camp under the stars, making it one of the most complete desert experiences within our curated Egypt Safari Tours collection.
Licensed local guides
Egypt-born, Ministry-licensed — not tour leaders passing through.
100% private
Your group only — your pace, your interests.
Free tailored planning
A day-by-day plan within 24 hours, revised until right.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day-by-day plan — 100% private, fully tailored, revised until right.
Day 1
Ancient Basalt Quarry, Petrified Forest, and Qasr El Sagha
Ancient Basalt Quarry, Petrified Forest, and Qasr El Sagha
Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from Cairo in a 4x4 vehicle. The first stop is the Ancient Basalt Quarry, where you’ll witness the remnants of ancient stone extraction processes. From there, drive along the historic Pharaonic Road, once a vital artery in ancient Egypt. Next, explore the Petrified Forest, home to an open-air geological museum featuring fossilized trees that offer a fascinating glimpse into the distant past.
Continue your journey to the Abou Lifa Monastery, a historic Christian site known for its rich history and architectural beauty. Afterward, visit the Qasr El Sagha temple and the ruins of Demi El Seba, immersing yourself in Egypt’s diverse cultural and historical heritage.
Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch amidst these ancient surroundings. Afterward, explore the striking landscape of Watermelon Valley before heading to Qatrani Camp, where you'll be treated to a delicious dinner and an overnight stay under the stars.
Overnight in Fayoum
Meals:Lunch - Dinner
Day 2
Lake Fayoum, Magic Lake, and Tunis Village
Lake Fayoum, Magic Lake, and Tunis Village
Start your day with a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Fayoum. Continue through the picturesque Rayan Valley, stopping at the enchanting Magic Lake, known for its stunning and ever-changing colors. Next, visit Whales Valley (Wadi Hitan), a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its fossilized whale skeletons that provide insights into the evolution of life on Earth.
After a hearty lunch, head to the El Rayan waterfalls, where the natural beauty and serene surroundings offer a perfect spot for photography.
Conclude your adventure with a visit to Tunis Village, famous for its vibrant pottery and crafts. Explore the work of local artisans and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir. The journey ends with a comfortable drive back to Cairo, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this enriching two-day tour.
Meals: Lunch - Dinner
What’s included
Everything below is arranged, paid and covered by your quote. What sits outside is what you'd normally handle yourself.
Always included
- Private 4x4 Desert Transportation
- Desert Camp Accommodation
- All Meals During the Tour
- Licensed Local Guide
- All Required Entry Fees & Permits
- All Taxes & Service Charges
Arranged separately
- Egypt Entry Visa
- Optional Tours
- Tipping (Gratuities)
Traveler reviews
60+ verified reviews across Google & TripAdvisor for tours operated by Egypt Planners.
"A fabulous vacation, mostly thanks to Maro’s planning. Our 8-day private tour covered the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum and a Nile cruise. Our Cairo guide Maii was knowledgeable and friendly, and our cruise guide Abdo took great care of us throughout."
"Nothing short of exceptional. Every question was answered promptly and the whole custom trip was planned with impressive attention to detail. As a mom travelling with my two daughters, we felt completely safe, respected and well cared for at all times."
"From tailoring the itinerary to being dropped at the airport, everything went amazingly thanks to Maro and his team. Our Cairo guide Maii was fantastic, and Amir shared his knowledge beautifully from Luxor to Aswan. An unforgettable experience."
"We did a family private tour — Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Hurghada — and strongly recommend Maro and his team. Communication was excellent at any time and the package very competitive. We kept to the itinerary with all inclusions and no extra charge."
"A French family with two young children. Maro designed a trip exactly as we had imagined — extremely available and responsive throughout. The guides took our young kids into account and showed us incredible places off the beaten track."
"A great trip to remember a lifetime! We travelled as a three-generation group of seven with many special requests, and they replanned several times until the itinerary met our ideas in detail. A very competent, friendly guide throughout."
Choose your package
Choose your comfort level — all packages are 100% private with transport, a licensed local guide and the hotels/cruise below. Prices are per person, indicative for October–April — your exact quote (with named hotels) is confirmed on enquiry.
Prices are per person for October–April, standard season. Christmas & New Year peak-season pricing available on request — ask on WhatsApp or use the form.
Why book with Egypt Tours by Locals
Licensed local guides
Egypt-born, Ministry-licensed guides — not tour leaders passing through.
100% private
Your group only — your pace, your interests.
All transfers & domestic flights
Every airport, hotel and internal flight handled end to end.
Hand-picked hotels
Comfortable, well-located hotels chosen for each city.
24/7 Cairo support
A real local team reachable by phone and WhatsApp all trip.
Tailor-made
Adjusted to your dates, budget and must-sees — revised until right.
Booking & policy
Payment
- 30% deposit confirms dates
- Balance due 60 days before departure
- Any major currency
- Itemised quote — no hidden fees
Cancellation
- ≥45 days: full refund
- 30–44 days: 50% refund
- <30 days: non-refundable — insurance advised
Children
- 0–2: free · 2–5: 25%
- 6–11: 50%
- 12+: full adult price
Good to know
Flexible Payment & Transparent Pricing
- Tour Prices: Quoted in USD per person. Payment accepted in any major currency.
- Inclusions: All packages include accommodations, domestic flights, guided tours, Nile cruise, entrance fees (as per itinerary), and local support.
- Validity: Prices apply from October to April and exclude Christmas & New Year peak periods.
- Price Adjustments: Subject to change due to airline tax increases, hotel rate changes, or local government fees.
- Not Included: International flights, travel insurance, and Egypt entry visa (~$25 on arrival).
💡 Tip: Ask us for price-lock options or to reserve your package at current rates.
🤝 Easy Booking Terms
- Only 30% Down to Confirm: Reserve your space with a small deposit covering hotels, Nile cruise cabins, and domestic flights.
- Flexible Balance Payment: Pay the rest up to 48 hours before arrival, or settle on arrival in cash with your tour manager.
✅ No hidden fees. No surprise charges.
Tipping in Egypt – What to Expect
Tipping is not included in your package — but it's an important part of Egyptian hospitality. While not mandatory, it is appreciated by drivers, guides, cruise staff, and service workers.
Suggested Guidelines:
- Guide: $10–15 per day per traveler
- Driver: $3–5 per day
- Cruise Crew (shared tip box): ~$5–10/day
We’ll provide a detailed tipping guide in your welcome packet to make it stress-free.
Optional Extras & Additional Costs
Not included but available on request:
- Entry to special sites: Inside the Great Pyramid, Tomb of Tutankhamun, Mummies Room at Egyptian Museum.
- Optional upgrades: Hot air balloon ride, Nubian village visit, sound & light shows, spa treatments.
- Alcoholic beverages, personal snacks, souvenirs.
- Extra accommodation due to unforeseen weather or flight delays (rare, but not covered).
💡 Ask your tour manager to help arrange optional experiences locally.
Desert Environment & What to Wear
Fayoum’s climate can shift dramatically between day and night. We recommend:
- Light, breathable clothing for daytime desert exploration
- A light jacket for cooler evenings at Qatrani Camp
- Closed shoes suitable for sand and uneven terrain
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection
Desert winds are common — a scarf or light wrap can be helpful.
Desert Safety & Travel Logistics
All desert travel is conducted in professional 4x4 vehicles with experienced desert drivers familiar with terrain conditions and protected routes. Fayoum’s desert zones include soft sand areas and fossil hills that require trained navigation.
Mobile signal can be limited in remote sections — which is normal and part of the experience.
Best Time to Visit Fayoum Oasis
The ideal months for this tour are October through April, when daytime temperatures are comfortable for desert exploration. Summer tours are possible but begin early to avoid peak heat.
Sunset at Magic Lake and Watermelon Valley is particularly stunning in winter and early spring.
Questions about this tour
How far is Fayoum Oasis from Cairo?
Fayoum Oasis is located approximately 100 km southwest of Cairo, about a 2-hour drive depending on traffic. The tour includes private round-trip transfers from your Cairo hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
Is the 2 Days of Fayoum Oasis Tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers in good general health. The desert portions involve light walking on sand and uneven terrain, but the majority of travel is conducted in a 4x4 vehicle. Families, couples, and small groups often enjoy this experience.
Will we stay in a hotel or camp in the desert?
You will spend one night at Qatrani Camp in Fayoum. The camp provides comfortable desert-style accommodation in a designated safe area, allowing you to experience the desert atmosphere while maintaining basic comfort.
What should I pack for the overnight stay?
We recommend:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light clothing for daytime
- A jacket for cooler evenings
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- Personal toiletries
Basic bedding and meals are provided.
Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
Yes. All required entrance fees and permits for protected areas, including Wadi Al Hitan and Wadi El Rayan, are included in your tour price.


