• Valley of the Whales (Wadi Al-Hitan) - Whale Valley is a renowned paleontological site located in the Faiyum Governorate of Egypt, approximately 150 km southwest of Cairo. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2005 due to its extensive collection of fossils from some of the earliest forms of whales, known as archaeocetes (a now extinct sub-order of whales). This site provides crucial evidence for understanding one of the greatest mysteries in whale evolution: the transition of whales from land-based animals to ocean-going mammals. No other location in the world offers the same number, concentration, and quality of such fossils, combined with their accessibility and the site’s picturesque and protected landscape. This is why UNESCO added it to the list of protected World Heritage sites.

The fossils at this site may not be the oldest, but their high concentration and exceptional preservation, including some intact stomach contents, make them invaluable. The presence of fossils from other early animals such as sharks, crocodiles, sawfish, turtles, and rays at Wadi El-Hitan (its name in Arabic) allows for the reconstruction of the environmental and ecological conditions of the time, further justifying its status as a Heritage site.

The first fossil skeletons of whales were discovered in the winter of 1902-03. For the next 80 years, the site attracted relatively little interest due to its remote location. Interest in the site resumed in the 1980s with the advent of four-wheel-drive vehicles. As fossil collectors began visiting the site, many bones were removed, prompting calls for conservation. The remains display the typical streamlined body form of modern whales while retaining some primitive aspects of skull and tooth structure. The largest skeleton found measures up to 21 meters in length, featuring well-developed five-fingered flippers on the forelimbs and the unexpected presence of hind legs, feet, and toes, previously unknown elsewhere. These whales had a serpentine form and were carnivorous. While a few skeletal remains are exposed, most are shallowly buried in sediments and slowly uncovered by erosion. Wadi El-Hitan provides evidence of millions of years of coastal marine life.

• Wadi El-Rayan - Located less than two hours from Cairo, Wadi El Rayan is one of Egypt’s most famous nature reserves. Named after King El Rayan Ibn El Walid, who lived in the area with his army, the nature reserve is part of the El Fayoum Governorate and is situated 40 km from El Fayoum itself.

The Wadi El Rayan reserve consists of seven parts: the upper and lower oases, El Rayan Oasis, El Rayan Falls, El Modawara Mountain (or Jabal El Modawara in Arabic), El Rayan Mountain (Jabal El Rayan), and Wadi El Hitan (The Valley of the Whales). These areas are filled with stunning landscapes, including oases, mountains, rock formations, and waterfalls.

The area is also home to diverse Egyptian wildlife, including white gazelles, Egyptian gazelles, sand foxes, and fennec foxes, as well as rare species of resident and migratory birds, and various kinds of eagles and falcons.

The region is a major attraction for archaeologists due to the abundance of marine fossils and archaeological remains. Wadi El Hitan is named after the prehistoric whale fossils discovered there, which are considered the earliest whale fossils ever found and have earned the valley its place on the UNESCO list of protected World Heritage sites.

El Rayan’s waterfalls are about 20 km from the reserve’s gate on the left side of the road, with nearly two kilometers of the road being unpaved. The waterfalls are beautiful, but unfortunately, they appear worn out due to a lack of attention from authorities.

Just five kilometers away, Jabal El Modawara is a sight to behold. Climbing this magnificent mountain is relatively easy, and the view from the top is breathtaking. It’s also an excellent spot for bird-watching, especially for those hoping to see eagles or falcons.

Adventurers can venture further past Jabal El Modawara, taking a right turn and driving east for 30 km on a dirt road to reach Wadi El Hitan.

Arriving at Wadi Hitan is quite an experience. Although the visitor center is designed in a Bedouin style, it can feel a bit disorienting after 30 km of off-road travel. As visitors continue past the center, they embark on a journey through history, with every turn in the path revealing another set of fossils from prehistoric marine giants. While many of the remains are only partially fossilized, the sheer size of these ancient creatures is still awe-inspiring.

• Tunis - The Tunis Village was established in the 1960s by two renowned Egyptian poets who encouraged locals to become artists. However, it gained more fame in the 1980s with the arrival of Evelyne Porret, a Swiss potter who, along with her husband, opened a pottery studio. They quickly transformed it into a pottery school, teaching local children the art of pottery and encouraging them to become budding potters. Today, the village continues this tradition, with children creating pottery and earning money for their families.

• Private transportation
• Free visit to pottery workshop
• Bottled water
• Lunch
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Pick up / drop off

• Gratuities
• Any extra

Discover the enchanting Whale Valley, the mystical Magic Lake, and the artisan Pottery Village located in Egypt’s Western Desert. Escape the city’s frenzied pace and immerse yourself in the tranquil landscape to unearth the region’s geological history. Navigate the terrain by Jeep, climbing the rugged cliffs and rolling hills.

Relish a lunch prepared by local nomads, whose cooking skills are unmatched, and savor the uniquely delicious flavors of their cuisine.

Visit one of the world’s most renowned pottery villages, founded by Ms. Evline, who has brilliantly revived these traditional Egyptian crafts. This activity is a splendid opportunity for those who cherish safari adventures to experience a diverse side of Egypt.

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