Wadi El Hitan: Journey to the Valley of the Whales

What You Will Experience at Wadi El Hitan

Your adventure with Egypt Fun Tours takes you through two main attractions: the open-air walking trail and the state-of-the-art museum.

1. The Open-Air Walking Trail

This is the main event. A well-marked trail (approximately 2 km) loops through the desert, allowing you to walk right up to the spectacular fossils. You will see:

• Basilosaurus: The “king lizard” whale, a massive, 18-meter-long carnivore that was the apex predator of its time. You will see several complete skeletons, their serpentine forms stretched out on the sand.
• Dorudon: A smaller, more dolphin-like whale that was likely prey for the Basilosaurus.
• The “Walking Whale” Clues: Look closely! Many skeletons, like the Basilosaurus, still have tiny, fully-formed hind limbs—a leftover from their land-walking ancestors and the key evidence of their evolution.
• A Complete Ecosystem: The valley is also littered with the fossils of sea cows, crocodiles, turtles, and even sharp-toothed shark teeth, painting a vivid picture of this ancient marine world.

2. The Fossil and Climate Change Museum

This modern, beautifully designed museum is built right into the landscape and serves as the centerpiece of the protectorate. Inside, you will discover:

• The Star Attraction: The museum houses the world’s largest and most complete skeleton of a Basilosaurus isis, suspended in a dynamic hunting pose.
• Interactive Displays: Learn the full story of the area’s transformation, from a lush sea to a hyper-arid desert. The exhibits (in English and Arabic) clearly explain the impact of climate change over millions of years.
• A Story of Conservation: The museum, built with support from the UNDP and the Italian government, is a beacon of eco-tourism. Its mission is to show how understanding our planet’s past can help us protect its future.