Guest Feedback
I’ve already had the pleasure of experiencing multi-day stays in the White Desert with Mystic Desert Tours twice, in spring 2024 and 2025. We got to know the beautiful Bahariya Oasis and went on hikes through the incredibly diverse and fascinating landscape of the White Desert. Especially unforgettable were the nights spent under the clear starry sky, the delicious food, and the warm yet professional care provided by the guides. A perfectly organized stay all around, which I can wholeheartedly recommend!
Friends (Switzerland), April 2024 and April 2025
“I have visited many deserts on this earth, and Egypt’s White Desert was always one I still wanted to see. In spring ’25, the time had come. With Juliette, her husband, two helpers, and two jeeps, we started our adventure. Every day, we drove to a new place with absolutely stunning landscapes. The three of us women always went for a hike in the morning and towards evening. We were treated to lavish meals, and everything was perfectly organized. The White Desert is a jewel on this earth, an impressive natural wonder, incredibly diverse with rock formations and landscapes I had never seen before. Most of the time, I felt like I was on another planet. The tranquility and powerful aura of this desert deeply touched me. Many thanks for the competent hiking guidance, the delicious food, the great and safe drives through the various landscapes, the beautiful resting places, and the superb service! The trip will remain in my heart forever!”
Friends (Switzerland), April 2025
“We, 2 sisters, wanted to go on a long-distance hike in Egypt and quickly realized during the planning: it’s going to be difficult on our own. But the many touristy group offers didn’t appeal to us at all. Luckily, Juliette and her husband were recommended to us, who openly welcomed our ideas and put together a program tailored to our needs. The desert is a place of silence and vastness. In the first few days, the vastness was almost overwhelming. We hiked through endless dune landscapes, the horizon seemed to stretch further and further, and it was as if time itself passed more slowly in the desert. Juliette and her husband knew the desert like the back of their hand. With every step, we felt more connected to nature and discovered new, small wonders: from crystal stones in the Crystal Desert to white sculptures in the White Desert, desert foxes that cheekily helped themselves to our provisions, black stones in all possible shapes, dunes, a beautiful oasis… The nights in the desert were magical. It was a million-star hotel, with the night camp being set up very comfortably and in the best locations by the two other companions, Taxi and Ahmed. In general, Taxi and Ahmed also spoiled us culinarily like queens: While we couldn’t develop much enthusiasm for Egyptian food in Cairo, that changed abruptly in the desert. Shakshuka and Baba Ganoush were our top favorites, but the soups were also a real treat. Also impressive was the patience and calmness that all four companions showed. Even when the car broke down, a solution was soon found and after a few hours the journey continued. In the desert, you learn that things take their own time. Everything has a rhythm, and you have to embrace it to really understand it. The 10 days with their accompaniment through the desert were an incomparable experience that we still cherish today. We can highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys nature, is looking for adventure and at the same time appreciates super competent, locally well-connected, sustainably acting and caring companionship.”
Sisters (Switzerland), March 2025
“For a long time, I had wanted to visit the White Desert with its bizarre rock formations. For March 2025, we booked a two-week snorkeling holiday in Makadi Bay on the Red Sea. Three days after our arrival, we interrupted our beach holiday for four nights and embarked on our desert trip. After a 700 km drive to the Bahariya Oasis, we spent one night in a hotel before heading into the desert the next day. Our guide and driver is Juliette’s husband, and the co-driver is our cook. Full of anticipation, we set off from Bahariya Oasis into the desert. After about a 2-hour drive and a short detour into the Black Desert, we entered the White Desert. The limestone rocks and mountains truly amazed us. While crossing a gorge, our pickup got stuck in the sand and had to be laboriously freed to continue our journey. Afterwards, we had lunch. In the afternoon, we drove through the beautiful limestone formations. During the drive, we encountered various zones with wave-like white formations, or areas with only sand and sand dunes, or again, zones with peculiar elevations. Along the way, we spotted three wild camels before reaching our overnight camp. While our driver and cook set up the tent for us and prepared dinner, I went looking for small animals among the widely scattered bushes. The sunset in the desert is something special, especially during the blue hour, long after the sun has disappeared below the horizon. Our cook lit a fire with the wood he brought to grill the chicken pieces. The food tasted excellent. That night, the starry sky, apart from a few cirrus clouds and the already bright moon, was still good enough for photography. Early in the morning, I enjoyed the first daylight, long before the sun rose. There was a sensational sunrise through the clouds on the horizon. We enjoyed breakfast with the first rays of sun, but wrapped in thick jackets. Today, we headed to the center of the White Desert, where many oversized sculptures, shaped by the wind millions of years ago, can be seen. Some of these plaster-like formations have been given names, such as the Hare, or the Tree with the Chicken. In the afternoon, it got very hot, so we enjoyed a long siesta by a water well in the shade of palm trees. In the afternoon, the driver showed us other strangely shaped sculptures in the White Desert. In the early evening, we reached our second overnight camp. During dinner, a desert fox visited us, and we gave it some leftover food. A little later, the fox reappeared; it was probably thirsty after its meal. Our guide prepared a plastic bottle, filled it with water, and placed it a little distance from us in the sand. It was lovely to see the fox drink from it. After the second night in the desert, we returned to the oasis, where Juliette’s palm grove was also shown to us. After another night in the oasis, we were taken back to our resort on the Red Sea. Anyone who loves the desert should experience something like this themselves. We, at least, returned absolutely thrilled.”
Couple (Switzerland), March 2025
“The White Desert is unforgettable! At the end of our trip to Egypt, we spent four days in the White Desert with Juliette and Monti. It’s truly a unique experience to drive and walk through the limestone formations. The nights under the open sky, wrapped in camel hair blankets, were particularly memorable. Throughout the night, the changing moonlight continuously cast new light on the desert landscape. And everything was perfectly organized. We highly recommend traveling with Juliette and Monti. They truly understand Egypt and Swiss sensibilities. For European guests looking for a special experience, they are the perfect choice.”
Couple (Switzerland), November 2023
“Four women between 55 and 65 experience a desert tour in Egypt.” From Cairo to Luxor, they travel through oases, are rocked on camelback through the desert, and sleep under the sparkling starry sky. Leave everyday life behind for a few days, recharge their warmth for winter, immerse themselves in another world – a world of silence and its unique beauty. From Cairo, we travel by comfortable bus to the Bahariya Oasis. The next day, we marvel at the volcanically formed Black Desert and the sparkle of Crystal Mountain before excitedly mounting our camels. Hold on tight! Soon we fall into the rhythm of the animals, swaying in step with them through the seemingly endless desert. The sand whispers stories and continues to shape an extraordinary, distinctive landscape. And slowly, the world of the unique and beautiful White Desert opens before us, with its luminous chalk and limestone formations resembling mushrooms, animals, or other sculptures left to one’s own imagination. Amazement blends with gratitude for our beautiful world! As the day draws to a close, we enjoy the desert cuisine prepared by the camel guides (it rivals hotel kitchens), and after tea and dates, we wrap ourselves warmly in our camel blankets. The starry sky unfolds like a map over the night as we slowly drift off to sleep. After this breathtaking desert experience, our journey continues through Dakhla and Kharga to Luxor, where the Nile, the palm trees, and the scent of bygone eras immediately remind us of the film Death on the Nile. The visit to the Valley of the Kings with its tombs, previously only seen in pictures and now finally real, grants us an impressive glimpse into bygone eras. With warm memories and unforgettable images, we say goodbye – with the quiet feeling that a trip to Egypt could always be repeated.”
Friends (Switzerland), November 2023
“Upon arrival at the hotel, we were greeted by Geddo, which was very helpful as the local people understood little to no English. The afternoon oasis tour with Geddo was exciting, and we learned a lot about the area. It was my husband’s first experience with dune bashing. The next morning, Geddo was again very punctual – which I’ve noticed works wonderfully on my travels in other Arab countries too (hats off to him) – and he brought another man with him. I thought he was the driver. However, it turned out that Geddo was driving, and \”Genesi\” explained and showed us a lot. He also speaks very good English. Overall, this duo was simply fantastic; they complemented each other well and are best friends. Their cooking skills were delicious and perfectly met my dietary needs. We also had very good conversations and were able to share experiences. I am very grateful when I can get to know the people I’m with better and learn about their joys and worries. The driving adventure was sometimes a bit much for my husband – he’s rather timid. Before heading into the desert, we also met Geddo’s children, visited his house, and got to admire the view from the roof of the mosque next to his home. It was very heartwarming. The surprise with the hot spring at the hotel was amazing. The hotel was very nice, and the food was also delicious. All in all, it was a great and very interesting stay and trip, and so – perhaps a day or two longer – always highly recommended.”
Couple (Switzerland), November 2023
“A holiday in Egypt wasn’t on our minds – until we met Juliette. We were interested in learning more about a country than what guidebooks tell you. And that’s where Mystic Desert Tours was the perfect choice for us. From the fiery heat of Cairo to the lush green of the oasis and finally into the endless white of the desert – these were the stunning landscapes we experienced. But beyond that, there was so much more to see and experience. Juliette and Monty, the two ‘cultural bridge-builders’, are an ideal team to bring you closer to the culture, country, and people. If you want to not just see, but feel, marvel, and laugh, then Juliette and Monty and their warm team are the perfect choice.”
Couple (Switzerland/China), May 2023
“The trip with Juliette and Monty was an unforgettable delight from start to finish: the highly individualized travel planning, the professional organization of the trip, Juliette’s cultural and linguistic expertise, and the always suitable selection of hotels and restaurants allowed us relaxed travel, unique experiences, and authentic insights into the local culture. A trip to Egypt is unforgettable: diverse desert landscapes, sleeping under a starry sky, visiting pyramids, temples, sites of ancient civilizations, and gems of Islamic architecture, immersing oneself in a universe of sensory impressions, as well as diving into fascinating, species-rich coral reefs – Egypt has everything one could wish for, and a trip couldn’t be more pleasant than with Juliette and Monty! We wholeheartedly recommend Mystic Desert Tours in every respect and hope to be guests on a trip again soon!”
Couple (Switzerland), December 2022
“We joined Mystic Desert Tours for a trip to Egypt’s Black and White Desert in November 2020, and we had an absolute blast. From the moment we were picked up to the moment we were dropped off, everything was handled so seamlessly that all we had to do was sit back in the jeep and soak up the breathtaking landscapes. The crew kept us well-fed with fresh, delicious homemade Egyptian food, so we were more than happy to stretch our legs afterward, wandering the dunes in search of fossils and fun limestone formations in the White Desert. Another highlight was spending our evenings around the fire, exchanging stories, and then sleeping out in the open beneath a blanket of stars (and camelhair). However, what really sets this company apart is how flexible and professional the team is, while still keeping things friendly and relaxed. They work so well together that it adds a real family feel to the trip. If you’re thinking about a desert tour in Egypt, I can’t recommend Mystic Desert Tours enough!”
Family/Friends (Switzerland), November 2020
Feedback 2009 – 2014
“This journey leaves the deepest marks within me. When I look back, I have images stored in my mind that I can recall, and with these images, the peace and absolute silence of the desert return; it is simply this nothingness and yet everything. I had been on a path to find myself for quite some time, and today I know that it was in the desert, for the first time, that I managed to simply be. Thanks to your excellent all-round care, I didn’t have to think about anything organizational and could go within myself without any everyday worries. Your loving attention, yet considerate restraint, also contributed to my well-being. The storm, during which we sought shelter under a rock, was also particularly impressive; the calm of our companions transferred to me, no fear or concerns arose at all, I never felt unsafe or endangered on my journey with you. My great thanks go to you, keep up the good work, don’t get carried away by the hustle and bustle of time. Thanks also for the impressions I gained in the oasis, this closeness to the people and their way of life.”
“The desert trip I experienced with Juliette, Monty, Kosa, and Taxi was something very special for me. It wasn’t just the starry sky that touched me, but the endless expanse that almost took my breath away and reflected what can also be found within me. The landscape and our respective sleeping places were of indescribable beauty. I no longer had to wonder who the best artist in the world might be 🙂 Each sleeping spot had its own magic, its own mystique. We spent a total of 8 days in the desert without ever encountering anyone else or even a trace of civilization. That was very soothing, and with each day, I came a little closer to myself and was able to rediscover myself completely. The guides were very attentive and kind and, with great sensitivity, opened us all up to the beauty of the desert. Additionally, we always had an incredible amount of fun together, and the laughter of the silence filled me with new courage. Not without reason your name – Mystic Desert Tours 🙂 The food was also very good, and we felt completely safe and well-guided. I would go on a trip with Mystic Desert Tours again anytime.”
“First of all, a heartfelt thank you for everything. For me, this trip was the greatest thing I have ever done: this infinite finiteness, these springs, tombs, poverty, the dirt of the people, etc., and you as an absolute top tour guide, simply excellent. The sleeping arrangements and the food were exquisite; what these people provided for us, we couldn’t even cook without a refrigerator and stove.”
“A very heartfelt thank you again for the impressive days you made possible for us. It couldn’t be organized better, more pampering isn’t possible, and I can’t imagine a safer tour. Since it’s not the first time I’ve traveled in the desert with local guides, I allow myself this judgment: You were truly knowledgeable about the area and terrain, and that gave me a sense of security that allowed me to sleep soundly. And what’s more: You all pampered us, fussed over us with a service that couldn’t be better in a hotel. Factual information on culture, geography, and geology was also exceptional. In short: Heartfelt congratulations on this achievement. You all gave me an unforgettable experience.”
“We spent wonderful days in the desert! The desert itself is naturally beautiful, and then we had Mohammed “Kosa” as a competent guide, with two cooks/drivers who did their job very well. We ate well (there was always far too much!), slept warmly, and were completely taken care of; ‘pampered’ is probably a more accurate description. We walked in sections again and again, which was a special experience for us. Everything was simply beautiful and good!”
“For me, the week with you was simply brilliant! Since I usually travel alone, I truly enjoyed spending a perfectly organized holiday week for once. Everything was perfect: great food, very comfortable accommodations for me, your information about the country and its people was just right; in short, it was a super week!!!”
“This was my third trip to the Black & White Desert and my first with Juliette and Montaser. This trip was the best of all. Despite a sandstorm, thanks to the excellent equipment, we were able to sleep outdoors and enjoy the food with only a few grains of sand. It was truly great. Juliette and Montaser had everything perfectly organized and prepared. You didn’t have to worry about anything! You could simply BE, enjoy nature, and relax. Our wishes were taken into account, and Juliette and Montaser were very flexible. The staff were pleasant, helpful, and competent. We were able to spend this time with excellent food, breathtaking, beautiful scenery, exceptional weather conditions, and interesting people. The team was there with much love, respect, attention, joy, and helpfulness, so we enjoyed the trip from beginning to end. It was an exciting experience with a guaranteed relaxation factor. Thank you very much.”
“Juliette, Monty, what you both offered us during nine days far exceeded all expectations – our heartfelt thanks for these unforgettable days in the desert. The Great Sand Sea with its endless expanse particularly impressed us; these three days without solid ground beneath our feet, the fascinating landscapes, the picturesque sunsets, the stimulating evenings around the campfire; all this and so many more impressions will stay with us for a long time! Above all, you impressed us with your thoughtful manner; you pampered us completely, both culinarily and culturally – we will come again!”
“Everything went very well with our trip, and we enjoyed it immensely. It was truly very impressive – an unforgettable journey. Everything really worked out perfectly; Saad was very punctual and also very kind. It was fun practicing our Arabic a bit with him! After half a year in noisy Cairo, the days in Siwa were truly wonderfully relaxing. Back in Cairo, the days almost seem a bit unreal to me now!”
“Everyday life has me back. But I’m still reveling in the fantastic, indeed overwhelming, memories of the Mystic Desert Tour. For me, the structure of the trip – a new highlight every day – and the careful introduction to this different world were very pleasant. From an organizational standpoint, truly skillful. The intertwining of European expectations and the Egyptian way of life was very successful for you. All in all, my already high expectations were far exceeded. I sincerely thank you for all the unforgettable experiences!”
“The desert trip, however, miraculously recharged my batteries, so hopefully I can draw on it for a long time 😉 You and Monty are a well-coordinated duo that considers many things: It was a journey from highlight to highlight, very professionally organized, with expertise and attention to detail (the small thoughtful gift of a scarf and pillow was incredible too!): The routes, the selected locations – with the special touch of somehow bringing a small new enhancement every day… Bravo! The cooking team was superb: always conjured up wonderful things with great kindness. The car was simply perfect. And the hotels in Siwa and especially in Bahariya were absolutely great.”
“I recommend the Mystic Desert Tours team to anyone who wants to take a trip to Egypt! Whether it’s a desert trip, a journey to the country’s great cultural heritage sites, or into the hustle and bustle of Cairo, you are always optimally and individually looked after. The fact that the core of the team consists of Juliette Kaltenrieder (Swiss) and her husband Monti Farag (Egyptian) is incredibly beneficial. There are no language barriers. Both are at home in both cultures and are knowledgeable. They master the sometimes difficult conditions in Egypt with flying colors. And since they themselves are enthusiastic about the incredibly impressive cultural heritage of the country, they provide travelers with an impressive access to the history of Egypt. It is particularly wonderful to travel into the desert with them. Calmly and serenely, one traverses the different types of deserts on camelback, discovering an overwhelmingly rich variety of rock and sand formations. At the rest and overnight stops in the middle of the desert, you are truly pampered, allowing you to completely surrender to the silence and beauty of the desert. Conversely, you are also in excellent hands with them in the hustle and bustle of Cairo. Since they know the city intimately, you are safely guided from place to place and can explore the labyrinth of the Cairo souk to its furthest corners. A trip with Mystic Desert Tours will definitely be an unforgettable experience, thanks to the very personal, dedicated, locally knowledgeable, and expert tour guiding!”
“Ancient Cairo, Coptic Cairo, Islamic Cairo, Downtown Cairo, shopping, Dervishes – Cairo, all the treasures, Cairo this menacing behemoth, Cairo – hundreds of images. And you guided us through it, advised, accompanied, translated, and taught us in a way I couldn’t have dreamed of better: equipped with great knowledge, calm, unruffled, solution-oriented, never annoyed, impatient, or uncomprehending – what more could one wish for. Then the trip: Siwa, the desert, Bahariya, camels, a thousand impressions again – wonderful. The hotels, the food, the bed in the sand, the organization and the processes – just perfect.”
“The trip and the time with you were very beautiful! I have been richly gifted on various levels and am very grateful for it! The desert, in particular, gave me so much and made me realize how little we need… what it means when heaven and earth touch, how the soul is one with everything – and much more – forgiveness on a spiritual level and connection to new ideas seems possible.”
“The trip to Egypt was unforgettable for me. With a Swiss woman who could translate and explain everything, and an Egyptian desert guide, we had chosen exactly the right thing; an uncomplicated, well-organized trip that was rich in experiences. I never felt that decisions were made over my head; I was allowed to express my wishes and say if something wasn’t right for me. I saw an incredible amount and gained new experiences – for example, that you can never ‘tick off’ Egypt in 10 days. An extremely pleasant tour guide and many unexpected beautiful experiences made the trip, so much so that I still regularly enjoy looking back on it.”
“For us, it was 10 unique and unforgettable days – especially the desert days. You organized and carried out the trip exceptionally well. You put together a program that suited us. We greatly appreciate that. We felt very well looked after, and our wishes were accommodated. The people who work for you are, in our opinion, competent, friendly, and extremely pleasant. We would like to sincerely thank you again for the wonderful and unforgettable days. We often and fondly look back on them. Besides the impressions of the country, the people, and the food, we took away many positive experiences, great conversations, and unique moments with you. Thank you very much!”
“Our expectations for this trip were very high. It was meant to be a break for us from our currently stressful everyday lives. We wanted to experience the lightness of being, childlike carefree spirit, and the feeling of ‘just letting go’ once again. All of you involved managed to whisk us away into this world. We didn’t have to worry about anything! … And then the landscape, paradisiacal! Words fail to describe these images! Once again, a big thank you to everyone, you all gave us so much!”
“Well, I don’t really have much to say about our trip: It was simply brilliant! I’ve never had such an eventful holiday! Monti and you, you are a perfect team, super organized, experienced, and intimately familiar with the local conditions. The love for what you do is clearly palpable! Keep up the great work!”