Gilf Kebir National Park is in Western Desert of Egypt. The area is famous for its beautiful natural landscapes and prehistoric drawings on the cliffs and rock caves.

Understand

South side of Gilf Kebir Plateau

Gilf Kebir National Park (Arabic :محمية الجلف الكبير‎ , Maḥmīyat al-Ǧilf al-kabīr, "al-Ǧilf al-kabīr sanctuary") is one of the largest and most remote national parks in the country, covering an area of approximately 3,560 sq mi (9,200 km²). The park is named after the Gilf Kebir plateau, a large plateau that rises over 1,000 m (3,300 ft) above sea level.

Landscape

View from the Gilf Kebir ridge to the south into wadi Sura

The park is home to a number of unique geological features, including sand dunes, caves, and canyons.

Flora and fauna

The national park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many species that are unique to the area. Some of the more notable species found in the park include the Nubian ibex, the desert fox, the Dorcas gazelle, and the Libyan ostrich. The park is also home to a number of threatened and endangered species, such as the Addax antelope and the Rüppell's fox.

Climate

The best travel time is November to early March.

The climate is warm to hot and dry all year round. Rainfall is an absolute exception. The rain rarely lasts longer than a few minutes. Heavy rainfall can occur every few years. In December and January, temperatures can drop below 0°C.

Chamsīn (Arabic :خماسين‎ , Chamāsīn , orخمسين‎ , Chamsīn) are hot south and south-east winds that churn up and sweep away the desert sands. The cause of the emergence are low pressure areas in the Mediterranean region. The storms can occur all year round; their main season is from March to May, they also occur more frequently in autumn. The storms last for several days in large parts of Egypt. Far more dangerous, but more localized, are the sand whirlwinds called Soba'a. Here you have to protect your eyes and electronic devices in any case. The storms often contribute to flight plans being disrupted.

Get in

The journey usually begins in Cairo, el-Baḥrīya, el-Chārga or ed-Dāchla, so that destinations such as the White Desert or the stalactite cave el-Gāra are very often visited beforehand. Most of the expeditions meet in Mūṭ to head for Gilf-Kebir National Park.

Due to the expense for vehicles, navigation devices, satellite phones, it is very difficult to carry out such a trip independently. Some expedition travel companies offer two- to three-week trips.

Get around

A trip to Gilf Kebir National Park is an arduous desert expedition lasting approximately two to three weeks. It is usually conducted by experienced local drivers and guides from the Bahrīya or ed-Dāchla depressions. You will need several four-wheel drive off-road vehicles, sufficient water and provisions and a satellite telephone. And local knowledge.

Sufficient spare parts and spare tires must be carried. It should be possible to repair the vehicles without the use of special tools and electronic test equipment.

See

Yardangs near the Eight Bells WWII air field

Gilf Kebir National Park is also home to a number of archaeological sites. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, and evidence of ancient cultures can be found throughout the park. Some of the more notable sites include the Cave of Swimmers, which features ancient rock paintings, and the Great Sand Sea, which contains the remains of ancient settlements and tombs.

Do

Wadi Hamra

Gilf Kebir National Park is a popular destination for hikers, adventurers, and nature lovers. The park offers a number of hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the area's rugged landscape and experience its unique beauty. Many of these trails are fairly challenging, and hikers are encouraged to come prepared with plenty of water and appropriate gear.

Buy, eat, and drink

Bring everything with you, especially water.m

Sleep

No accommodations are available. You must plan to bring and set up your own camp.

Stay healthy

There are no medical treatment options during the expedition. If necessary, carry a sufficiently large supply of medication with you.

Think about sun protection. Warm clothes are also necessary for the nights. You need about 3 liters of water to drink per day.

Expeditions to Gilf Kebir National Park are considered easy. There are no special requirements for health, endurance, strength and athleticism.

Stay safe

Gilf Kebir National Park is a large protected area located in the western desert of Egypt. It is known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, but it can also be a challenging and potentially dangerous environment for those who are not prepared. Here are some tips for staying safe while visiting the park:

Plan your trip carefully. Make sure you have the necessary supplies, such as food, water, and first aid equipment. It is also important to inform someone of your plans, so they know where you are and can contact authorities if necessary.

Be aware of the weather. The desert can be extreme, with high temperatures during the day and low temperatures at night. Be prepared for these conditions and make sure you have appropriate clothing and shelter.

Stay on designated trails and roads. The park is vast, and it can be easy to get lost. Stick to established trails and roads to avoid getting lost or straying into areas that may be dangerous.

Be cautious of wildlife. The park is home to a variety of animals, including snakes and other potentially dangerous species. Do not approach or disturb them, and be alert for any signs of their presence.

Follow park rules and regulations. The park has rules in place to protect both visitors and the environment. Make sure you are familiar with these rules and follow them at all times.

By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Gilf Kebir National Park. Always remember to be prepared, stay alert, and follow the rules to stay safe in this beautiful but challenging environment.

Go next

• Al Jawf - one of the nearest towns in Libya