Egypt expands safari tourism programmes welcoming 20,000 visitors in H1 2025

Nevine El-Aref , Wednesday 16 Jul 2025

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has expanded the safari tourism programmes to meet the growing global demand of nature and adventure travellers.

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The initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote non-traditional tourism products and highlight Egypt’s unique natural landscapes.

It included introducing new desert destinations and launching a variety of activities. Among these are Al-Gara Cave, one of the most striking landmarks in Egypt’s Western Desert, and Umm Al-Sughair Oasis.

In response to the rising demand, the one-day trips to Siwa Oasis and surrounding areas, such as Tebghagh, Al-Arag, and Bir Wahid, have also resumed after a temporary pause.

According to Assistant Minister for Tourism Companies Samia Sami, these developments are the result of close coordination with relevant authorities and tourism stakeholders.

She revealed that 80 tourism companies had organized 300 desert excursions, catering to over 20,000 tourists of various nationalities, during the first half of 2025.

In addition, the ministry introduced a range of distinguished activities to enhance the visitor experience, including camel trekking, paramotor flights over the White Desert, birdwatching, and guided hikes and runs through Egypt’s dramatic desert landscapes.

“The ministry focuses on service quality and safety standards across all desert tourism routes. In collaboration with partner entities, it ensures that trips are conducted in secure conditions while delivering enriching experiences for travellers,” Sami asserted.

She added that the initiative also contributes to the national economy and the sustainability of the tourism sector.

Ongoing efforts include evaluating proposals from tour operators, removing logistical barriers, and maintaining coordination with local authorities to ensure the long-term success of this growing tourism segment.

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