Discover the Whale Valley, Magical Lake, Waterfalls, and Camp in the Desert

Wadi El-Rayan - Spanning an area of 1,759 km², Wadi El-Rayan features a prominent water body covering 113 km², formed by the Wadi El Rayan lakes. Situated approximately 65 km southwest of Faiyum city and 80 km west of the Nile River, this valley hosts man-made lakes created from agricultural drainage, resulting in the two distinct Wadi El Rayan Lakes.

The reserve includes a 50.90 km² upper lake and a 62.00 km² lower lake, connected by waterfalls. The southern side of the lower lake boasts three sulfur springs and expansive mobile sand dunes. The Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls are recognized as the largest in Egypt.

To the south and southeast of the springs lies Gabal Manqueer Al Rayan, home to marine fossils and archaeological artifacts. Near the lower lake, Gabal Madwera is noted for its extensive dune formations.

In the northwest, Wadi El Hitan is a protected area containing fossils of extinct whales.

Valley of the Whales (Wadi Al-Hitan) - Wadi Al-Hitan, (Arabic: وادي الحيتان‎, “Whale Valley”) is a renowned paleontological site in the Faiyum Governorate of Egypt, located about 150 km southwest of Cairo. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2005 due to its numerous fossils of early whale forms, the archaeoceti, an extinct sub-order of whales. The site provides crucial evidence for understanding the evolution of whales from land-based animals to ocean-going mammals. No other location in the world offers such a concentration and quality of fossils, along with their accessibility and picturesque setting.

The fossils, while not the oldest, are remarkably concentrated and well-preserved, with some even retaining stomach contents. The presence of fossils from other early animals like sharks, crocodiles, sawfish, turtles, and rays allows for the reconstruction of the ancient environmental and ecological conditions, further justifying its status as a Heritage site.

The first whale fossil skeletons were discovered in the winter of 1902-3, but the site garnered little attention for the next 80 years due to its inaccessibility. Interest revived in 1980 with the advent of four-wheel-drive vehicles, coinciding with visits from fossil collectors, leading to the removal of many bones and calls for conservation. The remains exhibit the streamlined body form typical of modern whales, yet retain primitive skull and tooth structures. The largest skeleton found measures up to 21 m in length, featuring well-developed five-fingered flippers on the forelimbs and the unexpected presence of hind legs, feet, and toes, previously unknown in any archaeological sites. These serpentine, carnivorous creatures are mostly buried in sediments, gradually revealed by erosion. Wadi El-Hitan offers insights into millions of years of coastal marine life.

Visit the Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx with a Chance to Shop for Egyptian Handcrafts

Great Sphinx - The Great Sphinx of Giza, often called the Sphinx of Giza or simply the Sphinx, is a limestone statue depicting a reclining sphinx, a mythical creature with a lion’s body and a human head. It faces directly from west to east and is located on the Giza Plateau on the west bank of the Nile in Giza, Egypt.

Pyramids of Giza - The Giza pyramid complex is an archaeological site on the Giza Plateau, near Cairo, Egypt. It comprises the three Great Pyramids (Khufu/Cheops, Khafre/Chephren, and Menkaure/Mykerinos), the Great Sphinx, several cemeteries, a workers’ village, and an industrial complex. Situated in the Western Desert, it is about 9 km (5 mi) west of the Nile River at the old town of Giza and approximately 13 km (8 mi) southwest of Cairo city center.

The pyramids have long been iconic symbols of ancient Egypt in Western culture, gaining popularity during Hellenistic times when the Great Pyramid was listed by Antipater of Sidon as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It remains the oldest of the ancient Wonders and the only one still in existence.

• Private transportation
• Pick up / drop off
• Lunch
• Private tour guide
• Bottled water
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• One night camping at the desert

• Gratuities
• Personal spending
• Sand boarding
• Entering the great pyramid ( inside ).

Discover a unique opportunity to blend various activities in Egypt by exploring the Whale Valley and the Western Desert. Enjoy a marvelous camping experience in the desert, perfect for stargazing and embracing tranquility.

Next, delve into the wonders of the Giza Pyramids, including the Great Pyramid, the sole survivor of the Seven Ancient Wonders. Be sure to admire the Great Sphinx and seize the chance to explore the rich archaeological and geological history of Egypt, the motherland.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.