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Fayoum Desert & Valley of the Whales Day Trip
Waterfalls, fossil whales and dunes in one unforgettable day from Cairo
- Duration1 day (12 hours)
- LocationFayoum, from Cairo or Giza
- GroupUp to 12 travellers
- DifficultyEasy
- From$85 per person
About this journey
Escape Cairo for a day of desert wonders. Drive through Fayoum to the twin lakes of Wadi El Rayan and Egypt's only desert waterfalls, then continue by 4x4 into Wadi Al-Hitan, the UNESCO-listed Valley of the Whales, where the skeletons of ancient whales lie in the sand where the sea once was. End with sandboarding and sunset over the Magic Lake.
See the only waterfalls in the Egyptian desert
Walk among 40-million-year-old whale fossils
Sandboarding on golden dunes
Sunset at the Magic Lake
Traditional lunch in the desert
Detailed itinerary
1Morning — Cairo to Wadi El Rayan
Pick-up from your Cairo or Giza hotel at 7:00. Drive to Fayoum (about 2 hours) and stop at the Wadi El Rayan waterfalls and the lakes viewpoint.
2Midday — Valley of the Whales
Switch to a 4x4 and drive into Wadi Al-Hitan. Walk the open-air trail past the fossil whales and visit the Fossils & Climate Change Museum. Bedouin-style lunch in the shade.
3Afternoon — Dunes & Magic Lake
Sandboarding on the dunes, then sunset at the Magic Lake, whose colours change through the day. Return to Cairo, arriving around 19:30.
What’s included
Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cairo / Giza
- Air-conditioned vehicle and 4x4 in the desert
- English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to Wadi El Rayan & Wadi Al-Hitan
- Lunch, water and soft drinks
- Sandboards
Not included
- International flights
- Egypt entry visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal expenses and drinks
Frequently asked questions
Is this trip suitable for children?
Yes. The walks are short and flat, and children love the fossils and sandboarding. Child seats can be arranged on request.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and layers — mornings and evenings can be cool between November and March.
Can I book it as a private tour?
Absolutely. Choose "private" in the booking form and we will quote a private car, guide and flexible timing.
Book in three easy steps
- 1Choose date & travellers
Pick your preferred date and group size — no payment needed.
- 2We confirm in 24h
Your planner checks availability and sends the final price.
- 3Secure & travel
A 20% deposit confirms it. The rest is paid as agreed.
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