Car rental is a convenient and comfortable, though expensive, option for desert travel. A giant loop along the Great Desert Road and the Lower Nile Valley in either direction beginning in Cairo, is about 1700km (over 1000 miles). Any car must be in top condition in order to survive the long, hot, poorly maintained desert roads-this rules out most of the cars rented to tourists in Cairo. Four-wheel-drive is highly recommended. Look for a caravan (trailer); renting one can solve a lot of problems, including those of transporting food, water, and extra gas, and finding a comfortable place to sleep. If the cost is split among several people, caravans can be economical.

A number of caveats are in order concerning desert driving. It is sometimes a long way between gas stations. While every oasis boasts at least one fuel pump, it is probably wise to buy jerry cans in Cairo or Assyut and fill them with enough gas to cover the vast distances between stations. A caravan consumes ludicrous quantities of fuel; buy enough extra to fill an entire tank. Bring along at least one good spare tire; flats are more common than service stations. Several large containers filled with potable water are also vital in case you get stranded. Foreigners are (probably wisely) prohibited from leaving the main road. Try to drive in the cool of the morning. And finally, never drive at night-the chances of getting lost on the unlit road increase exponentially and potholes hidden in the dark are especially pernicious.