Black Desert
الصحراء السوداء
Cone-shaped hills strewn with black volcanic rock fragments rise from golden sand; climb to the top for a striking view of the black-and-white landscape.
The Black Desert lies along the road about 20-50 km southwest of Bawiti. The conical hills are capped with black dolomite and basalt gravel, so from a distance they look as if someone had sprinkled black pepper over them. Almost every White Desert tour stops at Gebel el-Marsus; the climb to the top takes about 15 minutes and offers views of sand dunes interspersed with black hills. Nearby is the gravestone of French explorer Michaux. There is no entry fee, but the sand is soft, so high-top shoes are recommended.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- El Heiz
- Temple of Alexander the Great
- Temple of Ain el-Muftella
- Bawiti Old Town & Ain el-Bishmu
- Golden Mummies Museum (Bawiti)
- Tombs of Qarat Qasr Salim
- Oasis Heritage Museum
- English Mountain