Private Tour
Adventure Day Tour To The Whale Valley, Magic Lake, Pottery village By Jeep
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Marvel the legendary whale valley, magic lake and the pottery village at the western desert of Egypt, get rid out off the hustle and bustle of the city, go to the serenity to explore the geological history of ancient Egypt while to go around by Jeeps, get up and down of the cliffs and hills.
enjoy having lunch prepared by the nomads, they are really wonderful chiefs and cookers as well, food there has different taste.
explore one of the most famous pottery villages on earth planet, Ms Evline the founder of this beautiful village and the re-creator of this Egyptian products, this activity is an excellent chance for discovering different part of Egypt especially for who loving Safari.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Valley of the Whales (Wadi Al-Hitan)
Whale Valley is a paleontological site in the Faiyum Governorate of Egypt, some 150 km southwest of Cairo.[1] It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site[2] in July 2005[3] for its hundreds of fossils of some of the earliest forms of whale, the archaeologist (a now extinct sub-order of whales). The site reveals evidence for the explanation of one of the greatest mysteries of the evolution of whales: the emergence of the whale as an ocean-going mammal from a previous life as a land-based animal. No other place in the world yields the number, concentration and quality of such fossils, as is their accessibility and setting in an attractive and protected landscape.[4] This is why it was added by the UNESCO to the list of protected World Heritage sites. The fossils found at the site may not be the oldest but their great concentration in the area and the degree of their preservation is to the extent that even some stomach contents are intact. The presence of fossils of other early animals such as sharks, crocodiles, saw fish, turtles and rays found at Wadi El-Hitan ( it is name in arabic ) makes it possible to reconstruct the surrounding environmental and ecological conditions of the time, adding to its justification to be cited as a Heritage site. The first fossil skeletons of whales were discovered in the winter of 1902-3. For the next 80 years they attracted relatively little interest, largely due to the difficulty of reaching the area. at 1980 interest in the site resumed as four wheel drive vehicles became more readily available. Continuing interest coincided with the site being visited by fossil collectors, and many bones were removed, prompting calls for the site to be conserved. The remains display the typical streamlined body form of modern whales, yet retaining some of the primitive aspects of skull and tooth structure. The largest skeleton found reached up to 21 m in length,[6] with well-developed five-fingered flippers on the forelimbs and the unexpected presence of hind legs, feet, and toes, not known previously in anywhere else, Their form was serpentine and they were carnivorous. A few of these skeletal remains are exposed but most are shallowly buried in sediments, slowly uncovered by erosion. Wadi El-Hitan provides evidences of millions of years of coastal marine life.
Wadi El-Rayan
Located less than two hours away from Cairo, Wadi El Rayan is one of Egypt’s most famous nature reserves. Named after King El Rayan Ibn El Walid who had lived in the area with his army, the nature reserve is part of El Fayoum governnate and located 40km away from El Fayoum itself. The Wadi El Rayan reserve consists of seven parts; the (loosely translated) 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). All these areas are full of amazing landscapes such as oases, mountains, rock formations and waterfalls. Egyptian wildlife can also be seen in the area including white gazelles,Egyptian gazelles, sand foxes and fennec foxes, as well as rare species of resident birds, migrant birds and various kinds of eagles and falcons. The area is also a major attraction to archaeologists due to the volume of marine fossils and archaeological remains found in there. Wadi El Hitan is named after the pre-historic whale fossils discovered in the area, which are considered to be the earliest whale fossils ever found and earned the valley. its position on the UNESCO list of protected World Heritage sites. El Rayan’s waterfalls are about 20km away from the reserve’s gate on the left side of the road (of which nearly two kilometres are unpaved). The waterfalls are beautiful but the unfortunate lack of attention by authorities makes them look worn out. Only five kilometres away, Jabal El Modawara is the definition of beauty, When you climb this amazing mountain– which isn’t too bad to climb by the way– the view from above will easily take your breath away. It’s also a great spot for bird-watching, especially if you plan on catching a glimpse of eagles or falcons. Venturing further past Jabal El Modawara, adventurers may take a right and drive east for 30km on a dirt road to Wadi El Hitan. Arriving in Wadi Hitan itself is quite an experience. Although the visitor centre is built as a Bedouin-style building; it does feel a little disorienting to come across it after 30km of off-road hiking. As you venture past that, you are literally taking a walk through history as every turn in the. path set out in the valley reveals another set of fossils belonging to pre-historic monoliths of the sea. Unfortunately, many of the remains were only partially fossilized but you still get a feeling of the sheer size of these animals.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Free visit to pottery workshop
Bottled water
Lunch
Air-conditioned vehicle
pick up / drop off
Gratuities
Any extra
Pickup points
Marriott Mena House, Cairo
6 Pyramids Road, Giza, Giza Giza Egypt
Options
Adventure Day Tour To The Whale Valley, Magic Lake, Pottery village By Jeep
Pickup included
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best day in Egypt with Youssef
771emam,,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We book this tour last minutes for our last day, not sure how it will be. I must say, this was from far the best part of my trip ! The best day. We met Youssef, an incredible guide, funny, nice and as talkative as us ! I highly recommend this tour because the landscapes, the vibe, and everything was amazing ! It was a few hours ago and i'm not over it. I will remember this for whole life, and it's all thanks to the guide who was the best we could ever had. Thanks Youssef for this trip !🥰
A unique experience!
237deneshaj,,Jan 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This experience was unlike any other tour we did while in Cairo. The views of Whale Valley are amazing!!! The day was full of light-hearted activities and fun, which was navigated by our guide Ali. Thanks, Ali!
Unforgetable desert tour!
955suzannem,,Dec 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a fantastic visit to Al Fayoum, The Whale Valley, Magic Lake and the waterfall. We left New Cairo at 7:30am, and spent the day adventuring to the desert and made it back to New Cairo by 4pm. It was a full day with incredible sights. Taking the SUV through the desert was an experience I will never forget. Ali is so well-informed. He arranged everything perfectly and had answers to all my many questions. Prepare to have your mind blown by this trip--gorgeous desert views, fossils that are 4000 years old, and beautiful salt-water lakes in the middle of the desert. Unforgettable! I highly recommend.
Recomendado para tu aventura en Egipto!
SandraBruz,,Nov 5, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellente servicio, tomamos varios tours con Wonders of Egypt Tours, nuestro viaje fue espectacular, cada dia nos buscaban en el hotel y nos llevaban a cada lugar con un guia en español, el el aeropuerto del Cairo nos apoyaron con la visa, y en los 3 aeropuertos adicionales que usamos se encargaron de los boletos, y de guiarnos en todo lo que necesitamos. Visitamos Cairo, Luxor, Aswan y Hurgada todo bajobsu asesoria y apoyo. Esta mas que recomendado para tu aventura en Egipto.! Excellent service, we took several tours with Wonders of Egypt Tours, our trip was spectacular, every day they picked us up at the hotel and took us to each place with a guide in Spanish, at the Cairo airport they helped us with the visa, and in the 3 additional airports we used they took care of the tickets, and guided us in everything we needed. We visited Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Hurghada all under their advice and support. It is highly recommended for your adventure in Egypt!
Visit to valley of the whales
Phyllis s,,Sep 15, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Guide Ali and driver Mohammad were exceptional! Pick up was timely, guide reviewed the day 1st thing so we knew expectations. Drive thru the desert was a such a unique and memorable experience. The whale valley was incredible to see and actually have the opportunity to walk next to the findings. Ali was extremely knowledgeable and interactive. We encourage anyone visiting Cairo to take this unique, exceptional tour!
Amazing Day in Nature
conniemF4099VX,,Oct 24, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We wondered whether this tour was worth spending a full day of our trip... it was SO WORTH the drive! With due respect, Cairo is noisy, frantic and a bit shabby. What a refreshing adventure to leave the city far behind for the gorgeous countryside where the sky and the desert go on for miles, the air is crystal clear and all you'll hear is the sound of the wind! Four-wheeling to the top of huge dunes, and seeing for miles in all directions when you get to the top. The cool, crystal clear waters of the Magic Lake tempt the toes, but we just splashed our fingers. Book the earliest departure you can get, so you can make it to the whale valley before the heat of the day. We were provided a delicious full meal at the end of our hike and a second serving of the fabulous potatoes. One of the top experiences of our trip! *****
Cairo Luxor Aswan and Abu Simbel- 8 day tour
Vera R,,Apr 18, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great time with our guides Ali in Cairo and George in south Egypt. I have Been on many tours but the professionalism and complete loyalty to all our needs was unmatched and outstanding by ‘Wonders of Egypt.’ Beyond happy with how they conduct business with thoughtfulness and care. Their English was perfect. They were extremely informative about anything and everything. I loved how Ali knew exactly where to take the best pictures- he is a great photographer as well. Highly recommend!
A Trip to Remember
456aliciaw,,Oct 7, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing overnight trip to Fayoum! I texted Ali last minute asking for a trip over the holiday weekend and as always Ali came through. I have used his company many times and always get 5-star service. He has amazing prices and an upfront itinerary of the day with optional add-ons for those looking for more adventure. The Jeep we used was clean and safe, our driver Mohammed was very experienced and made sure we had a fun time. Ali was our guide and the amount of knowledge he shared with us is incredible. We went sandboarding, off-roading, visited the lakes and waterfalls in the area, saw prehistoric whale bones, hiked through the desert and then finished the day at a relaxing campsite with clean facilities and a delicious dinner under the star. The next day we toured Tunis Village and shopped for treasures at the pottery school where we had a hands on lesson in making bowls out of clay. If you need a tour guide, call Ali, you will have a wonderful time.
A trip to Fayoum
GoPlaces45331661024,,Sep 17, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was a very nice trip , clean camping and friendly driver , we had a 7 years old child and he enjoyed it too , the food was good too specially breakfast we loved it , tent was good too
Best Tour Guide
bradbV8760VR,,Mar 12, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ra’fat was my tour guide for Wadi Al Hitan and I can’t say enough about my experience. His kindness, professionalism and level of knowledge and experience when it comes to Egypt is incredible. He was very accommodating to me and I recommend you ask for him by name of you book this tour. You won’t be disappointed!
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Operated by Wonders of Egypt Tours