Located in Egypt, about 45 kilometers (30 miles) north of the Farafra Oasis in the New Valley Governorate, approximately 500 kilometers from Cairo. It was declared a natural reserve in 2002, covering a total area of 3,010 square kilometers. It is called the White Desert because of the white color that covers most of its areas.

The White Desert is a protected area of deserts and scenic landscapes, representing a model for karst phenomena. It is considered an open-air museum for studying desert environments, geological phenomena, fossils, wildlife, and contains relics from prehistoric times.

The reserve is distinguished by its beautiful landscapes of sand dunes and geological formations of pure white limestone and chalk rocks, which contain fossils.