March 17, 2025 10:52 pm
Varies by group size
5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 70 reviews)

Wonderful Wadi El Hitan Trip from Cairo

Explore Wadi El-Rayan, Qarun Lake, Tunis Village, Wadi El Hitan, and Mudawara Mountain through this magical day trip to Wadi El Hitan from Cairo. If you are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of Cairo, then this Wadi El Hitan trip might just be what you need.

Located in the Egyptian Western Desert, Wadi El Hitan—also known as “The Valley of the Whales”—is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its unique geological formations and fossilized remains of ancient whales. Consequently, this remarkable setting makes the Wadi El Hitan Tour an extraordinary experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes. Meanwhile, they will learn about the fascinating prehistoric marine life that once inhabited this area.

Furthermore, you can join us on this day trip to Wadi El Hitan from Cairo to enjoy this spectacular reserve. Not only will you experience the natural beauty, but you will also explore the prehistoric remains of Wadi El Hitan. For those seeking adventure, this Wadi El Hitan Desert Safari offers an exciting way to traverse the desert landscapes while learning about this remarkable site.

So, don’t miss out on these unforgettable trips to Wadi El Hitan. Book your Wadi El Hitan trip today and immerse yourself in the wonders of this incredible destination!

Tour Price

Price per person in USD: (Please choose your pricing option.)

Option 1: Air-conditioned transportation

  • Solo: 200$ USD
  • 2 to 4 people: 112$ USD
  • 5 to 12 people: 95$ USD
  • 13+ people: 70$ USD

Option 2: 4WD Transportation

Day Trip to Wadi El Hitan from Cairo by 4wd

  • Solo: 230$ USD
  • 2 to 4 people: 135$ USD
  • 5+ people: 120$ USD
  • Wadi El Rayan
  • Qarun Lake
  • Tunis Village
  • Mudawara mountain
  • Wadi El Hitan
  1. All transfers
  2. All tours
  3. Air-conditioned vehicles or 4WD
  4. Tour guiding
  5. Mineral bottled water
  6. Lunch
  7. Entrance fees
  8. Pick up and drop off

Wadi El Hitan Trip from Cairo excludes

You will be picked up at 7:00 a.m. from your location/hotel. The trip from Cairo to Lake Qarun takes around 75 minutes.

After breakfast, we will pick you up and start our trip to El-Fayoum Oasis, continuing to Wadi El-Hitan. First, El-Fayoum Oasis is located approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Cairo, making it an ideal getaway.

As we embark on our journey, our first stop will be Lake Qarun. Here, you can enjoy a morning coffee while taking in the stunning open scenery of the lake, complemented by the majestic Qatrani Mountain in the background. This peaceful setting is the perfect way to begin our adventure!**

Afterward, we will continue our trip to Wadi El-Hitan. Upon arrival at Wadi El-Hitan around 11:30 am, we will kick off our tour by visiting the open-air museum. Here, you can enjoy a short walking track that features some whale fossils displayed exactly where they were originally unearthed. As you explore, this fascinating experience will allow you to appreciate the rich history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site even more! Moreover, you will gain insight into the ancient marine life that once thrived in this region, making it a memorable part of your journey.

Lunch at Wadi El-Hitan restaurant.

After lunch, continue our tour in Wadi El-Hitan by visiting the Climate Change and Fossils Museum. This small museum accommodates some of the whales’ fossils and other marine fossils found in the valley. The fossils are 40 to 200 million years old! We then leave Wadi El-Hitan and continue our trip to Mudawara Mountain, which overlooks the lakes of Rayan Valley and the mountains of Magic Lake.

Next, we will proceed to Wadi El-Rayan to see the beautiful waterfalls and, if we’re lucky, catch a glimpse of migrating birds. Afterward, we will begin our transfer back to your location in Cairo. It’s important to note that this trip lasts between 9 to 12 hours, providing ample time to fully enjoy the experience.

Overall, this day trip to El-Fayoum Oasis and Wadi El-Hitan from Cairo is truly unforgettable. During our journey, we will visit the fascinating Wadi El-Hitan site, which includes two museums showcasing fossils. Additionally, we will explore the stunning Mudawara Mountain, Wadi El-Rayan, and Lake Qarun. Hence, you can look forward to a diverse and enriching adventure!

Learn About our trip destinations

First stop: Time: 7:00 am: Lake Qarun

Located just 20 km from Fayoum and 80 km from Cairo, Lake Qarun is considered one of the most important natural lakes. It is the remaining part of the ancient Moeris Lake, which adds to its historical significance. Covering an area of 1,155 km2, it features varying depths—5 meters in the east and 13 meters in the west.

Moreover, Lake Qarun offers a variety of recreational activities, including water sports, fishing, and bird watching. Notably, the best period for fishing occurs from July to September, making it an ideal time for enthusiasts. Thus, whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Lake Qarun provides a perfect backdrop for your activities!

Stop 2: Tunis Village

First, the small village of Tunis (‘izba Tunis) is located in the oasis of Fayoum, conveniently situated on the way to Wadi Rayan. Nestled on a hill facing the large saltwater lake Qarun, the village not only offers a picturesque setting but also overlooks a stunning view of the edge of the desert on the other side of the lake. As a result, it is considered one of the most beautiful places in Egypt. Thus, visitors are treated to a unique blend of natural beauty and tranquil surroundings, making it a must-visit destination.

Main Trip Highlight

Stop 3: Wadi El-Hitan

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2005, Wadi El Hitan is renowned for its hundreds of fossils of some of the earliest forms of whales, including archaeoceti (a now-extinct sub-order of whales). Furthermore, the site reveals crucial evidence that explains one of the greatest mysteries of whale evolution: the emergence of the whale as an ocean-going mammal from a previous life as a land-based animal.

Importantly, no other place in the world yields the same number, concentration, and quality of such fossils, particularly given their accessibility and the site’s setting within an attractive and protected landscape. For these reasons, it is clear why UNESCO added this remarkable site to the list of protected World Heritage Sites.

Stop 4: Mudawara Mountain

Mudawara Mountain is conveniently located only a couple hundred meters south of Wadi El Rayyan Road, just after it passes to the north of Al Fayyum Lake. As you approach, you will notice that the mountain features three main summits, along with a few smaller bumps rising to the west. Notably, the easternmost summit is a short spire of rock that has a surprising pit dug into its summit.

Moreover, the mountain has such a small footprint that Google Earth doesn’t even register its presence. Interestingly, it is also the hardest summit to reach and is likely to have a top that lies below sea level. In addition, Mudawara Mountain is approximately 45 million years old. It is associated with the pre-Middle Miocene period, which moved north of Egypt, resulting in arches in both the northeast and southwest directions. Thus, this mountain not only offers a unique geological experience but also a glimpse into ancient history.

Stop 5: Wadi El-Rayan

Wadi El-Rayan spans an impressive area of 1,759 km², with 113 km² dedicated to the dominating water body of its lakes. Specifically, it is located about 65 km southwest of Faiyum City and 80 km west of the Nile River. Notably, the Wadi has been utilized for artificial lakes created from agricultural drainage, thus forming a reserve that encompasses the two separate Wadi El Rayan Lakes.

In detail, the reserve consists of a 50.90 km² upper lake and a 62.00 km² lower lake, with stunning waterfalls connecting the two. Furthermore, among the springs in the area, there are three sulfur springs located on the southern side of the lower lake, accompanied by extensive mobile dunes. Notably, Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls are regarded as the largest in Egypt. It makes this destination a remarkable natural wonder to explore.

Pick up for the tour is in the morning at 7:00, 7:30, or 8:00
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Prices: Prices are quoted in US Dollars per person per trip except during Christmas, New Year & Easter holidays.

Price varies depending on your group size

0 – 05.99 Free of Charge
6 – 11.99 pay 50% of the tour price
12+ pay full tour price per adult person.
Notes: Child pricing applies to children who share rooms with their parents (Max 2 Children in one Room)

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This week we had a great tour with Mohamed to the pyramids of Sakkara and Dahshur as well as Memphis. He tailored the tour to our preferences, took a lot of time with us and gave us detailed background information on everything. It was also great that he never tired of taking the time to answer our many questions.

You can definitely tell that he has studied Egyptology as he has a very deep understanding of the subject and can explain everything well. He also speaks perfect English and is really good driver.

We would definitely book a tour with him again in a heartbeat and would recommend him to anyone. 🙂

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Upon arrival, Gilman efficiently assisted us in obtaining our day tourist visas (note: $25 per person in cash). She then introduced us to our guide, Mydo, who was absolutely phenomenal! Mydo’s knowledge, friendly demeanor, and ability to adjust the tour to our pace made the experience unforgettable.

We returned to the airport with plenty of time to relax before our flight. The entire experience was smooth, stress-free, and incredibly memorable. Egypt Fun Tours offers reasonable prices for a private, customized experience that truly exceeds expectations. Thank you, Egypt Fun Tours! We will definitely use your services again in the future.

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