House of Tarfa: Desert Poetry

Join us on this sacred journey, where the Desert’s diverse landscapes reveal the poetry within, as you pause, surrender and embrace the transformative power of this unique retreat.

Embark on an immersive journey through Egypt’s western desert, where the timeless beauty of the Western Desert and the rich traditions of Bedouin life await you.

Let the ancient sands of the desert and the whispers of Bedouin lore guide you to new depths of being.

This interlude transcends mere travel, merging a rich cultural expedition with a transformative yoga retreat.

Retreat location
From 01.03.2025 to 08.03.2025
8 days, 7 nights
From 1750€

For three days and nights, traverse striking desert landscapes, guided by Bedouin wisdom and hospitality. Discover their ancient culture while camping under the stars, connecting deeply with the nature that has shaped their way of life for centuries.

After this desert expedition, retreat to the tranquil oasis of Dakhla. At Al Tarfa Eco Lodge, history and nature create a sanctuary of peace and luxury. Explore lush palm groves and ancient villages, deepening your connection to the earth and your inner self.

This retreat is a sacred journey within, where daily yoga flows seamlessly integrate into your experience. Each day, practice under the vast desert sky, embracing the tranquility and stillness, guiding you to surrender and reveal the poetry within.

Program

DAY 1

Arrival in Cairo
Dinner and early night in the hotel to be prepared for the early departure the morning after

DAY 2

Drive to Bahariya Oasis
Lunch at Bahariya Oasis in Tzila lodge
Visiting Black desert, crystal mountains (180 km off road)
1st night camp in Agabat area
Opening circle & meditation
Bonfire, Dinner and night

DAY 3

Morning yoga practice
Visiting Aqabat Mountain and Qaraween Sand dunes
Free time & yoga practice
Sunset, dinner and night at New white desert

DAY 4

Morning Yoga & meditation
Djara cave
Drive south towards Dakhla and 3rd night camp set up in the area of Shawshaw
Sunset silent walk & meditation
Evening and night at the camp

DAY 5

Free time at sunrise (meditation, silent walk..)
Drive south to Dakhla Oasis
Arrival & set up at Al Tarfa Eco Lodge
Gentle yoga flow and guided meditation in the shala
Evening and dinner at the lodge

DAY 6

Inversions workshops
Visit of Alqasr village with an Egyptologist originally from the oasis
Stroll in the oasis, meeting with the inhabitants, discover the traditions and crafts of the Oasis
End of the day and meals at a farmer’s lodge
Night at Al Tarfa lodge

DAY 7

Heart opening workshop
Private lunch arranged amid the palm groves
Free afternoon (Guided tour in the sanctuary, swimming pool, walks, meditation, yoga…)
Dinner and last night by the bonfire

DAY 8

Early breakfast at the lodge
Departure to Cairo by minibus (7/8 hours drive, 800 km)
Arrival in Cairo in late afternoon

This retreat is not just an adventure; it’s a unique inner odyssey: a profound journey into the desert where each step brings you closer to yourself.

You will have the rare opportunity to experience the desert not just as a landscape but as a space for connection and reflection. Here, Bedouin wisdom, rooted in both ancient and contemporary traditions, blends with the tranquility of the dunes to offer a truly unique experience, where time seems to stand still.

Then, in the heart of the Dakhla Oasis, immerse yourself in Egyptian culture, where the practice of yoga seamlessly integrates with the exploration of living traditions, offering you the perfect balance of nature, culture, and well-being.

Included in the price

All meals and transfers in Egypt
Yoga classes
1 night in Cairo in Hotel 4* or 5* or luxury boutique hotel in a shared room, 3 nights camp in the desert (all equipment provided), 3 nights in the eco lodge of Al Tarfa
Entrance tickets to cultural sites
All local and cultural activities

Details

A professional and experienced support team preview

A professional and experienced support team

Dunya Escapes Coordinator and Egypt specialist, speaking Arabic.
An experienced team of Bedouins from the oasis
Selection of locally engaged partners with a significant positive impact on the groun
A certified and experienced yoga teacher

Proximity, sharing and solidraity preview

Proximity, sharing and solidraity

A small-group journey organized and guided, off the beaten path.
An immersion into the local culture, meeting with the inhabitants while respecting their way of life and environment.
Meaningful journeys for the traveler and beneficial to local communities.

Dunya Escapes preview

Dunya Escapes

Dunya Escapes is a personal travel company born out of a passion to offer immersive and exclusive escapes in Egypt. Each escape is crafted with unique themes and activities—ranging from yoga and horseback riding to art and culture—designed to enrich and deepen the immersive experience.

The Camp

Camping in the White Desert is a unique way to experience the stunning beauty of this natural marvel. As you set up camp for the night, you’ll be surrounded by the surreal landscape of crystal-white rocks and sand formations. With no light pollution from nearby cities, you’ll gaze up at a sky full of stars that seem to go on forever.

A team of experienced bedouins from the oases will ensure your security, your
confort, and share their rich culture and traditions.

You will be transported in Toyota 4X4, and sleeping in individual tent.

Al Tarfa Ecolodge

Al Tarfa was to set a model for sustainable tourism development in the Egyptian oases. By building the lodge, one of the main objectives was achieved : to revive the oasis’ classical building style and establish a base for further archaeological and geographical research. 

Built with local natural materials and using primitive techniques the twenty individually designed, furnished and decorated suites and rooms are unique. Each room is complemented with artistic and comfortable Saharan architecture, with modern-classic furniture with a luxury flavor. 

The ‘highlights’ of the interlude.

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Unique sceneries

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Deep and authentic connections

The most beautiful sunrises & sunsets

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In-depth flexibility & inversions workshops

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An exceptional ecolodge

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Delicious bedouin meals

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Unique spiritual experience