🌅 Morning VisitsMorning Visits
Morning light often provides pleasant conditions for photographing the abandoned settlement and its surrounding mountains. Temperatures are also generally lower than during the afternoon.
Item Code: 09-33443
35€
Private Ghost City Safaga Tour | Private Jeep Safari
Ghost City Safaga Tour takes you into Egypt’s Eastern Desert to explore Umm El Howeitat, an abandoned phosphate-mining settlement near Safaga. Once home to mining workers and their families, the village is now known for its deserted buildings, mountain scenery and unusual industrial history. The site can be visited on a desert excursion from Safaga or Hurghada, with transport and activities depending on the selected tour package.
- from Hurghada
- from El Gouna
- from Sahl Hasheesh
- from Soma Bay
- from Makadi Bay
- from Safaga
- Explore Umm El Howeitat, the abandoned Ghost City near Safaga.
- Discover the remains of a former phosphate-mining settlement.
- See deserted residential buildings and traces of the old mining community.
- Enjoy dramatic scenery in Egypt's Eastern Desert.
- Learn about the history of phosphate mining near the Red Sea.
- Discover a less familiar side of Egypt beyond its beaches and ancient temples.
- Travel from Safaga or Hurghada, subject to the selected departure option.
Explore Umm El Howeitat, a unique abandoned village in Egypt’s Eastern Desert. This desert ghost town, located near Safaga, offers a look into Egypt’s industrial history. Once a bustling phosphate-mining settlement, the empty buildings and remnants of daily life now stand as a testament to its past. Known locally as Ghost City Safaga, this site is a compelling destination for those drawn to abandoned places, desert exploration, photography, and travel off the beaten path.
Departure from your hotel
Your Ghost City Safaga Jeep Safari begins with departure from your confirmed pickup location in Hurghada or Safaga. Leave the busy Red Sea resort area behind and travel towards the rugged mountains of Egypt’s Eastern Desert.
As you head inland, the coastal scenery gradually gives way to rocky hills and expansive desert landscapes. The exact pickup time and transfer arrangements depend on your hotel location and confirmed booking.
Journey Through Egypt's Eastern Desert
Head towards Umm El Howeitat, a former mining village often called “Ghost City.” The landscape here features rugged mountains, rocky valleys, and a distinctive desert terrain. This part of your trip shows you a different side of Egypt, away from the well-known beaches and historical temples. If the plan involves an off-road Jeep ride, the specific route and driving conditions will be determined by current local access and safety guidelines.
Arrival at Ghost City Safaga (Umm El Howeitat)
Explore Ghost City Safaga, a former phosphate mining settlement. Wander through its abandoned buildings, set against a striking mountain backdrop, and gain insight into the history of this industrial community in Egypt’s Eastern Desert.
Explore the Abandoned Mining Village
Explore Umm El Howeitat, where you can see the remnants of a former settlement. The abandoned buildings offer a powerful glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited this isolated desert area, working and living there. You’ll gain insight into the significance of phosphate mining in the region and the difficulties of sustaining a community so far from larger towns. For your safety, please stay within the areas designated as accessible by the local operator during your visit.
Desert Scenery and Photography
Take a moment to really soak in the unique atmosphere of the abandoned village. The mountains, the old buildings, and the wide-open desert are perfect backdrops for some memorable photos. You’ll get a chance to capture the distinctive feel of Ghost City, seeing how the former settlement stands out against the vast, natural landscape. Where we stop to take pictures and how long we stay will depend on the planned route and what conditions are like on the day.
Return to your hotel
Once you’ve finished exploring Ghost City, start making your way back towards the Red Sea coast. If your package includes transportation back, you’ll travel through the Eastern Desert and return to your designated drop-off point in Hurghada or Safaga. Your tour of Ghost City near Safaga will wrap up, leaving you with memories of one of Egypt’s most unique abandoned places.
Ghost City Safaga Tour Prices:
What's Included in Your Ghost City Safaga Tour:
- Transfer from/to hotel
- Safari guide
- Entrance Fees
- Soft drinks in the car
- Insurance
- Taxes and Fees
What's Not Included in Your Ghost City Safari?:
- Personal Expenses
- Drinks during Lunch
Why book Ghost City Safaga Tour with egyVibes?
24/7 Support
Live chat & WhatsApp help before, during and after your tour.
Free Reschedule
Change your date for free before the cutoff—simple and flexible.
Egyptologist Guide (English)
Certified, story-driven tours with an English-speaking expert.
Secure Payments
Visa / Mastercard, PayPal, bank transfer & pay on arrival.
- VISA
- Mastercard
- PayPal
- Bank
No Hidden Fees
Transparent pricing—what you see at checkout is what you pay.
🚙 COMPARE YOUR DESERT ADVENTURE
Jeep Safari vs Quad Bike Tour to Ghost City Safaga
Both Jeep safaris and quad bike tours offer ways to explore Egypt's Eastern Desert, but they provide different experiences. Compare the transport, physical effort and sightseeing focus before choosing your Ghost City Safaga excursion.
| Feature | 🚙 Jeep Safari to Ghost City | 🏍️ Quad Bike Tour to Ghost City |
|---|---|---|
| Main experience | Desert sightseeing and exploration | Off-road adventure and riding |
| Transportation | 4×4 Jeep with a driver | Quad bike, usually with an instructor or guide |
| Physical effort | Generally lower | Requires more active participation |
| Best for | Families, couples, photographers and history enthusiasts | Adventure lovers and experienced or first-time riders |
| Ghost City visit | Depends on the itinerary | Depends on the itinerary |
| Desert scenery | Enjoy views during the drive and stops | Experience the landscape while riding |
| Safety considerations | Follow driver instructions and remain seated during travel | Protective equipment, instruction and riding restrictions are important |
Which Ghost City Safari Should You Choose?
Choose a Jeep Safari to Ghost City Safaga
Choose a Jeep Safari to Ghost City Safaga if you want to concentrate on the abandoned village, learn about its mining history and enjoy the surrounding desert scenery without operating a vehicle yourself.
A Jeep excursion can also be more convenient for families or travelers who prefer a less physically demanding experience.
Choose a Quad Bike Tour to Ghost City
Choose a Quad Bike Tour to Ghost City if you enjoy outdoor adventure and want to experience the desert from a different perspective.
However, confirm whether the quad bike route actually reaches Umm El Howeitat. Some quad biking excursions operate in other desert areas and do not visit the abandoned settlement.
Can You Combine a Jeep Safari with Quad Biking?
Yes, some operators offer combination packages that include a Jeep excursion and a separate quad biking activity.
Before booking, check whether the price includes both activities, how long each activity lasts and whether the abandoned village itself is part of the itinerary.
Travel tip: A combined tour can be a good option for travelers who want to experience both desert adventure and the history of Ghost City Safaga.
☀️ SEASONS & WEATHER
🌅 Morning Visits
🌇 Late Afternoon
Best Time to Visit Ghost City Safaga
The best time to visit Ghost City Safaga is generally between October and April, when temperatures in Egypt's Eastern Desert are usually more comfortable for outdoor sightseeing.
Although the abandoned settlement can be visited at different times of year, desert heat, sunlight and weather conditions can significantly affect the experience.
✓ Generally more comfortable
October to April: Comfortable Desert Exploration
Autumn, winter and early spring are generally the most comfortable seasons for exploring Umm El Howeitat.
During these months, visitors can enjoy the desert landscapes, photograph the abandoned buildings and spend time outdoors without the extreme heat commonly experienced in summer.
However, mornings and evenings can feel cool, particularly when wind increases.
☀ Hot desert conditions
May to September: Hot Desert Conditions
Summer temperatures in the Safaga region can become very high, especially during the middle of the day.
If you are planning a Ghost City tour from Hurghada or Safaga during summer, an early-morning departure may provide more comfortable sightseeing conditions.
Carry sufficient drinking water, wear sun protection and follow your operator's advice regarding heat and outdoor activities.
Morning vs Afternoon: When Is the Best Light?
🌅 Morning Visits
🌇 Late AfternoonLate-Afternoon Visits
Lower sunlight can create warm tones and long shadows across the desert landscape. However, visitors must allow enough time to complete the route safely before darkness.
Weather Conditions to Consider
The Eastern Desert is generally dry, but visitors should still consider several environmental factors:
- Extreme heat: Particularly during summer afternoons.
- Strong winds: Can make sightseeing uncomfortable and reduce visibility.
- Dust and sand: Windblown dust may affect photography and travel conditions.
- Occasional heavy rainfall: Although uncommon, rain can cause dangerous flash flooding in desert valleys.
- Temperature changes: Evenings can feel significantly cooler than daytime.
Before your visit: Check the weather forecast and follow the advice of an experienced local operator for the most enjoyable and safe desert experience.
🧭 IS THIS EXCURSION RIGHT FOR YOU?
💬 Enquire on WhatsApp
Is Ghost City Safaga Worth Visiting?
Yes, Ghost City Safaga is worth visiting for travelers interested in abandoned places, desert landscapes, industrial history and unusual attractions near Hurghada. Unlike Egypt's famous ancient temples and pyramids, Umm El Howeitat offers a glimpse into the country's more recent mining heritage.
The abandoned village is not a restored museum or a conventional archaeological attraction. Its appeal lies in the remains of a former community, its isolated mountain setting and the stories associated with phosphate mining in the Eastern Desert.
Who Will Enjoy Visiting Ghost City Safaga?
📜 History Enthusiasts
Discover a lesser-known chapter of Egyptian history and learn about the mining communities that once lived in the Eastern Desert.
📷 Photographers and Explorers
Capture abandoned buildings, weathered walls, dramatic mountain scenery and the unusual atmosphere of a deserted settlement.
🚙 Adventure Travelers
Combine a visit to an unusual historical destination with the experience of traveling through Egypt's Eastern Desert.
Who Might Prefer Another Excursion?
Ghost City Safaga may not be the best choice for travelers expecting a restored historical attraction, extensive museum displays or a typical entertainment-focused desert safari.
The site also has uneven ground and deteriorating structures, which can make parts of the area unsuitable for visitors with limited mobility.
If your main priority is quad biking, camel riding or evening entertainment, compare the itinerary carefully with other Hurghada desert safari options.
Is Ghost City Safaga Better Than a Traditional Desert Safari?
Neither experience is necessarily better — they simply offer different attractions.
A traditional desert safari from Hurghada often focuses on outdoor activities and desert entertainment, while a Ghost City excursion emphasizes the atmosphere and history of an abandoned mining settlement.
For travelers who have already experienced a conventional desert safari, Ghost City Safaga can provide a particularly interesting alternative.
Discover Ghost City Safaga
Interested in visiting Umm El Howeitat? Ask about available departure options from Safaga or Hurghada and confirm the exact excursion itinerary before booking.