detailed programme (delivered in French - please contact me to request this workshop in English)
Deserts & Oases of Egypt
November 23 – 30, 2025
with Haniel Sofia Rivière
Discover the fascinating world of the oases and deserts of Egypt. We'll meditate by a fire, take silent walks, explore the area's natural beauty, and take in the Milky Way and stars. Nous allons explorer des oasis qui renferment des sites sacrés, ainsi que la culture et l’artisanat des Bédouins. Nous allons organiser nos excursions en Jeep 4 x 4 avec notre chauffeur expérimenté dans le désert. We will stay in individual tents in the desert and in charming hotels in the oases.
| Programme (delivered in French) | |
| Sun 23/11 | Arrival at Luxor Airport / Transfer to the hotel in Luxor West / We will take a moment to get to know each other, and, if the schedule allows, we may visit a pharaonic temple. Dinner at the hotel or on the banks of the Nile. |
| Mon 24/11 | Breakfast at the hotel / Early departure for Djara Cave (El Qaf). It is located near the caravan trail connecting the Farafra Oasis and Assiut. A captivating space of shimmering rocks created by the erosion of limestone by rain around 55 million years ago. We will admire the superb stalactites and stalagmites and rock art probably dating back to the Neolithic period. Lunch near Assiout / Dinner and overnight in a tent in the desert. |
| Tue 25/11 | After the unmissable sunrise... breakfast will be served in the desert before heading to the White Desert. This part of the desert has the particularity of having a soil formed of white limestone that contrasts with the yellow sand, as well as many rather astonishing formations due to erosion. In the midst of this mineral world, we will pause to honour the improbable existence of a massive tree—a 600-year-old acacia (El Santa). Dinner and an overnight stay in the desert under canvas. |
| The Desert Lodge | |
| Wed 26/11 | After breakfast, depart for the Dakhla Oasis. Our hotel, The Desert Lodge, boasts a traditional architectural style and is located atop a hill offering breathtaking views. It is probably the most picturesque and authentic oasis in Egypt's Western Desert, as much for its landscapes of palm trees and crops among the dunes as for its monuments. We will visit Deir el-Hagar (Roman temple) and the village of Qalamun. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. |
| Thur 27/11 | The Dakla Oasis is made up of around twenty villages, where the oasis traditions are still strongly preserved. We will visit El-Qasr, which has a lot of charm, and the village of Balat, which is a photographer's paradise. We will spend the night at the hotel. |
| Qasr-el Bagawat | |
| Fri 28/11 | Breakfast at the hotel / Departure for the Kharga Oasis. (distance: 200 km) / Our hotel, Qasr-el-Bagawat, is an ecolodge. We will visit two magnificent sites located near our hotel. – The Temple of Hibis: Dedicated to the god Amun, this ancient Egyptian temple dates back to the 6th century BC. It is one of the best-preserved temples from the late period of ancient Egypt, with inscriptions and reliefs depicting religious rites and mythological events. |
| Sat 29/11 | After breakfast, we will continue our journey to Luxor. / Overnight at a hotel in Luxor West. |
| Sun 30/11 | Breakfast at the hotel. If the itinerary allows, we may visit a pharaonic site. / Transfer to the airport. Transfer to Luxor airport |
Workshop cost
€2360 which includes Haniel's accompaniment, accommodation, all meals, all transfers, the experienced 4x4 jeep driver and bivouac, all guided tours as well as tips.
There is a supplement of €250 for a single room.
What is not included
Your international flight, your domestic flight Cairo–Luxor, your travel insurance, and your visa (€25 to be collected upon arrival at Cairo airport).
To register
Contact me [email protected] To receive a registration form. The maximum number of participants is six people divided into two 4x4 jeeps. Il n’y a plus que 4 places disponibles.
Registration deadline
Please send me the €1000 deposit on registration and by July 30, 2025, and the remaining €1360 by September 30, 2025.
This is the roadmap for your journey...
