Fayoum is a green oasis southwest of Cairo, and just past it the land turns to open desert. In a single day you cross from farmland to lakes to a valley where the fossils of early whales lie on the sand.
The drive and Lake Qarun
The drive from Cairo takes about two hours. You reach the viewpoint at Lake Qarun around nine, a large lake that has shaped life in the area for thousands of years.
Wadi El Rayan
From here you change to a 4x4 and drive into the Wadi El Rayan protected area. You see its two lakes and the waterfalls, which are among the few in Egypt. The track passes through dunes, and the ride is bumpy but not dangerous.
Wadi El Hitan, the Valley of the Whales
This is the main reason to come. Long ago this area lay under the sea, and the skeletons of early whales were left in the rock. They are now laid out along a marked trail, with the bones visible in place. Your guide explains what you are looking at. A small museum at the site adds context.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a rare place where you can walk among fossils in open desert.
Lunch and the way back
Lunch is a simple meal in the Bedouin style, around two o'clock. Then you drive back to Cairo, reaching your hotel in the evening, depending on traffic.
What is included
- Private pick-up and drop-off at Cairo or Giza hotels
- Air-conditioned vehicle and driver, and a 4x4 in the protected area
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees for Wadi El Rayan and Wadi El Hitan
- Lunch and bottled water
Who it suits
It suits travelers who like quiet landscapes, geology and open air more than temples. Days are long, but the pace is easy, and most of the walking is on flat ground. The 4x4 section can be bumpy for anyone with a bad back.
It makes a good contrast to a week of ancient sites, and it keeps you out of Cairo traffic for a day.
The protected area has few facilities. Toilets are basic, and there are no shops, so bring what you need. Water is provided in the vehicle.
Wadi El Hitan is best in the cooler months. In summer the midday sun is intense, and we may suggest a different date or an earlier start.
Photographers will like the quiet light over the dunes in the afternoon, when the fossil trail is at its best.
Plan with us
Fayoum and Wadi El Hitan from Cairo: what to expect
A private day from Cairo to Lake Qarun, the Wadi El Rayan waterfalls and the fossil whales of Wadi El Hitan. Timing, driving and what to bring.