The black Desert is a region of volcano-shaped and widely spaced mounds, distributed along about 30 km (19 mi) in western Egypt between the White Desert in the south and the Bahariya Oasis in the north. Most of its mounds are capped by basalt sills, giving them the characteristic black color.

The White Desert Protected Area, is a National Park. It is located in the Farafra depression, 45 km (28 mi) north of the town of Qasr Al Farafra. Part of the park is in the Farafra Oasis. The park is the site of large white chalk rock formations, created through erosion by wind and sand. It is also the site of cliffs (at the northern end of the Farafra Depression), sand dunes (part of the Great Sand Sea), as well as Wadi Hennis and oases at Ain El Maqfi and Ain El Wadi. White Desert National Park covers an area of 300 km2 (120 sq mi). The highest point in the park is at El Qess Abu Said at 353 m (1,158 ft) above sea level, and the lowest is at Wadi Hennis at 32 m (105 ft). The park serves as the refuge for various animals, including the endangered rhim gazelle and the vulnerable dorcas gazelle, as well as Barbary sheep; jackals; Rüppell's, red and fennec foxes; and the sand cat.

Crystal Mountain is a unique geological formation in Egypt's White Desert, located between the Bahariya Oasis and Farafra Oasis. It is not a traditional mountain but a hill covered in calcite and quartz crystals, formed from ancient caves thrust to the surface by geological pressure. It is a popular stop on desert safari tours due to its sparkling appearance and natural arch, but visitors are urged to preserve it by not removing any crystals