The sight of a lone palm tree standing tall amidst an endless stretch of golden dunes is a picture of resilience and beauty.
These palm trees, often found in desert oases, symbolize life and hope in some of the harshest environments on Earth.
For travelers seeking a unique and serene experience, visiting a desert oasis surrounded by palm trees offers an unforgettable adventure. Here’s a guide for Lykkers to explore this natural wonder, offering key travel tips, activities, and important information to help you plan the perfect desert escape.
Getting to the Desert Oasis
Reaching desert oases with iconic palm trees, such as the ones in the Sahara Desert, can be an exciting part of the journey. For instance, popular oases like the Siwa Oasis in Egypt or Erg Chebbi in Morocco are easily accessible from major cities. If traveling to Siwa, flights to Cairo from various international locations start from $200, with an 8-9 hour bus ride from Cairo to Siwa costing around $10 to $15. In Morocco, Erg Chebbi can be accessed from Marrakesh by car or bus, with prices ranging from $15 to $30 for the 10-hour trip.
Private tours are also available for a more comfortable and personalized experience, costing anywhere from $100 to $300 depending on the tour package. These tours often include transportation, guided experiences, and accommodation in desert camps.
Entry Fees and Open Times
Visiting most desert oases is free of charge, although certain attractions within the oasis, such as natural springs, may have small entry fees ranging from $5 to $10. There are no set opening or closing times for desert oases, but it's recommended to explore them early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense midday heat. Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times to experience the shifting colors of the dunes and the peacefulness of the oasis.
Desert Activities and Exploration
Camel Trekking: One of the best ways to explore the desert is by embarking on a camel trek. These slow and steady creatures have long been the traditional means of transportation through the desert, allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the vastness of the dunes. Camel treks range from short one-hour rides, costing around $20, to full-day treks that include meals and cultural experiences, priced between $50 and $100.
Sandboarding and Dune Bashing: For adventurous Lykkers, the desert offers thrilling activities like sandboarding and dune bashing. Sandboarding, similar to snowboarding but on sand, is a fun way to glide down the dunes, with rentals starting at $10 for a few hours. Dune bashing, a high-energy experience of riding through the desert in a 4x4 vehicle, costs around $50 to $100 for a half-day experience, and it’s an excellent way to cover vast areas of the desert quickly.
Palm Tree Oases: At the heart of the desert, visitors will find small clusters of palm trees that offer shade and a sense of tranquility. These trees often grow around natural springs or man-made wells, creating pockets of life in the barren landscape. In oases like Siwa and Erg Chebbi, travelers can walk among the palms, relax in the shade, and even enjoy fresh dates picked right from the trees during the harvest season, which runs from September to November.
SIWA - The Golden Oasis (4k) | واحة سيوة
Video by Youssef Hanna
Dining and Refreshments
Desert camps in and around the oases often provide traditional meals prepared by local guides. Meals typically include dishes like tagine (slow-cooked stews with meat and vegetables) or couscous, served with fresh dates or fruit grown in the oasis. These meals usually cost between $10 and $20, and enjoying dinner under the stars in the middle of the desert is a special experience.
For a more casual meal, visitors can bring their own picnic to enjoy while sitting under the palms. Make sure to pack plenty of water, as staying hydrated in the desert is essential. Local vendors often sell fresh fruit and water at the campsites, but prices can be higher due to the remote location.
Overnight in the Desert
To fully appreciate the desert’s serenity, Lykkers can spend the night in a traditional desert camp. Many camps offer comfortable tents with modern amenities, along with cultural experiences like storytelling, Bedouin music, and stargazing. Prices range from $50 to $150 per night, depending on the level of comfort and inclusions. Some luxury camps offer private tents with en-suite bathrooms and gourmet meals, providing a more high-end experience.
Waking up to the sight of the sun rising over the dunes, with palm trees silhouetted against the sky, is an experience not to be missed.
In summary
A visit to a desert oasis, surrounded by palm trees and endless dunes, offers a perfect escape from the busy pace of modern life. Whether trekking by camel, exploring the sand dunes, or simply relaxing in the shade of the palms, the desert invites you to slow down and connect with the natural world. For Lykkers seeking a peaceful yet adventurous retreat, a desert oasis is a destination that offers both beauty and serenity in abundance.
