Wadi Hitan: Valley of the Whales
Explore the ancient past at Wadi Hitan National Park, a UNESCO site with unique whale fossils in a dramatic desert setting.
Wadi Hitan National Park, also known as the Valley of the Whales, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Egypt's Faiyum Governorate. It's renowned for its abundant, well-preserved fossils of early whales (archaeoceti) that document their evolutionary transition from land to sea.
A brief summary to Wadi Hitan National Park
- 729F+226, Faiyum Governorate, EG
- +201146742577
Local tips
- Visit during the cooler months (October to April) to avoid the desert heat.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on sand.
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water.
- Arrange transportation in advance, as public transport is limited.
- Respect park rules and do not remove any fossils or artifacts.
Getting There
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Car
Wadi Hitan National Park is approximately 150 miles (241 km) southwest of Cairo. Take the Al Wahat Road (Desert Road) and continue onto Fayoum Road until you reach the park. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially for off-road exploration.
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Taxi
A taxi or ride-sharing service (Careem, Uber) from Cairo to Wadi Hitan will take around 3-4 hours. It's advisable to negotiate the fare in advance. Expect to pay in the range of 700-900 EGP. From Fayoum, you can hire a local taxi or arrange a tour to Wadi Hitan National Park.
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Tour
Many tour operators in Cairo offer day trips to Wadi Hitan, which typically include transportation, a guide, and entrance fees. Prices range from $120-$200 USD per person. These tours often include visits to other attractions in the Fayoum area, such as Wadi El Rayan and the Magic Lake.
Discover more about Wadi Hitan National Park
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Jabal El Medawara
33.4 km
Discover breathtaking desert views and tranquil hiking at Jabal El Medawara in Faiyum, Egypt. A perfect escape into nature's beauty.
Wadi El Rayan Lake
37.7 km
Discover Wadi El Rayan Lake: Egypt's stunning desert oasis with waterfalls, wildlife, and ancient history in the heart of Fayoum.
Wadi El Rayan Fayoum Falls
39.1 km
Discover Egypt's only waterfalls at Wadi El Rayan, a stunning desert oasis with lakes, dunes, and unique wildlife in Fayoum Governorate.
شلالات وادي الريان
39.2 km
Discover the beauty of Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls, a unique desert oasis in Fayoum, Egypt, offering stunning landscapes and refreshing activities.
Mangrove Camp Fayoum
41.6 km
Escape to a tranquil lakeside oasis at Mangrove Camp Fayoum, offering nature, relaxation, and cultural experiences near Cairo.
Euhemeria - Qasr el-Banat
51.7 km
Explore Euhemeria - Qasr el-Banat, a captivating archaeological site in Faiyum showcasing Egypt's rich history and stunning landscapes.
Umm El Baragat
73.9 km
Discover Umm El Baragat: An ancient Egyptian statue offering a serene and authentic historical experience in Faiyum Governorate.
Pyramid of Amenemhat III at Hawara
85.0 km
Explore the Pyramid of Amenemhat III at Hawara, a window into the architecture and ingenuity of ancient Egypt's Middle Kingdom.
Labyrinth
85.1 km
Explore the enigmatic ruins of the Labyrinth of Faiyum, a testament to ancient Egyptian ingenuity and a site that once rivaled the pyramids.
Unmissable attractions to see
وادي الحيتان
1.9 km
Explore the wonders of Wadi Al-Hitan, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing ancient whale fossils and stunning desert landscapes.
Magic lake camp
33.4 km
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Sand boarding faiyum
34.1 km
Experience the thrill of sandboarding amidst the breathtaking dunes of Faiyum, a unique adventure in Egypt's stunning desert landscape.
Wadi El Rayan
37.7 km
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Entry gate Wadi Rayan Falls
37.7 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Wadi Rayan Falls, a natural landmark in Egypt, offering stunning vistas and serene landscapes for nature lovers.
Qasr Qaroun Temple
41.3 km
Explore Qasr Qaroun Temple, a breathtaking historical landmark in Faiyum, where ancient architecture meets the serene beauty of the desert.
Wadi el Rayan Gates
42.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Wadi el Rayan Gates, a stunning natural park in Egypt's Faiyum Governorate, filled with waterfalls and diverse wildlife.
وادي الريان
45.3 km
Explore Wadi Al Raian, a stunning park in Faiyum, Egypt, known for its breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and serene natural beauty.
Tarek Sailing Boat طارق للمراكب الشراعية
47.6 km
Explore the serene waters of Qarun Lake with Tarek Sailing Boat, offering a picturesque adventure amidst Egypt's natural beauty.
Explore Fayoum
47.8 km
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Bird watching
47.9 km
Explore a stunning bird watching area in Faiyum Governorate, home to diverse avian species and breathtaking natural landscapes.
Fayoum
57.9 km
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Watermelon Valley
62.3 km
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Watermelon Valley, a natural wonder in Faiyum Governorate, Egypt, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers.
Danau Qarun
65.8 km
Explore the rich history and natural beauty of Danau Qarun, a serene lake in Egypt's Faiyum Governorate, perfect for relaxation and adventure.
تنظيم رحلات الفيوم بحيره قارون وادي الريان وادي الحيتان
71.2 km
Experience the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of Egypt at the ecological park of Lake Qarun and Wadi Al-Riyan, a true haven for nature lovers.
Essential places to dine
Wadi Rayan Cafeteria
39.0 km
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جنة الوادي
39.0 km
Experience authentic Egyptian cuisine at جنة الوادي in Faiyum - where flavor meets tradition in a beautiful buffet setting.
ايس كريم الشلال
39.3 km
Experience irresistible ice cream delights at ايس كريم الشلال amidst the stunning landscapes of Wadi El Rayan in Faiyum Governorate.
Flamingo camp
42.0 km
Discover tranquility at Flamingo Camp by Qarun Lake—where nature meets comfort with delicious dining options.
Ibis Restaurant & Cooking School
47.2 km
Experience authentic Egyptian flavors at Ibis Restaurant & Cooking School - where dining meets culinary education in Faiyum.
Blue Donkey
47.4 km
Experience unparalleled fine dining at Blue Donkey in Faiyum Governorate, where exquisite flavors meet stunning views.
Lazib Inn Resort & Spa
47.6 km
Experience luxury and tranquility at Lazib Inn Resort & Spa in Faiyum - your perfect getaway surrounded by nature's beauty.
مطعم قرية تونس _Tunis Village Restaurant
47.7 km
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Elsawy Restaurant
47.8 km
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Tunis Cafeteria
47.8 km
Savor authentic Egyptian dishes at Tunis Cafeteria in Faiyum Governorate—where tradition meets taste in every bite.
Set El-Beet - ست البيت
47.9 km
Experience authentic Egyptian flavors at Set El-Beet in Faiyum - a delightful culinary retreat near Qaroun Lake.
الريان
78.7 km
Experience authentic Egyptian flavors at Al Rayan, a delightful restaurant in Faiyum Governorate perfect for every traveler seeking local cuisine.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
White Desert Camp
38.5 km
Discover the serene beauty of the White Desert Camp in Faiyum, Egypt, where adventure and tranquility meet under the stars.
Kom El Dikka Restaurant
47.3 km
Discover the authentic taste of Egypt at Kom El Dikka Restaurant, where organic flavors meet stunning landscapes in Tunis Village.
Tunis stable
47.8 km
Discover the beauty of Faiyum on horseback at Tunis Stable, a premier horse rental service in the heart of Egypt's picturesque landscapes.
Fayoum Pottery School
48.1 km
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of traditional pottery at Fayoum Pottery School, where art and culture converge in Egypt.
Art House Furniture
59.1 km
Explore the beauty of handcrafted furniture at Art House Furniture, where artistry meets tradition in the heart of Al Shawashna, Egypt.
al-Nazla
61.1 km
Explore the artistry of Egypt at Al-Nazla, a unique pottery store in Faiyum, where tradition and craftsmanship come alive.
Global Green for export
64.3 km
Explore Global Green in Faiyum, a vibrant hub for cannabis, spices, and food exports, celebrating sustainable trade and local culture.
Helnan Auberge Fayoum
75.9 km
Experience luxury and tranquility at Helnan Auberge Fayoum, where stunning landscapes meet rich Egyptian culture in a perfect getaway.
Drake Store - DS
79.0 km
Explore the vibrant Drake Store in Faiyum - a unique shopping destination for locals and tourists alike, offering handmade crafts, souvenirs, and more.
Joe Store
79.4 km
Explore Joe Store in Faiyum for top-quality computer accessories and exceptional service in the heart of Egypt's tech scene.
LG Brand Shop - Ahmed Ateya
79.5 km
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I Wear - Men's Clothes
79.5 km
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Girly - جيرلي
79.5 km
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Creme
79.5 km
Experience the taste of Faiyum at Creme, a charming bakery offering delectable pastries and a cozy ambiance for all to enjoy.
2B Egypt
79.6 km
Discover the best in electronics at 2B Egypt in Faiyum, offering top phones, computers, and accessories for every traveler’s needs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
ريست
40.3 km
Experience the essence of nightlife at ريست, a vibrant cocktail bar in Faiyum, blending local flavors with creative mixes.
Tunisia Green Resort - منتجع تونيزيا جرين الفيوم
45.9 km
Experience tranquility and adventure at Tunisia Green Resort in Faiyum, where dining meets nature in a stunning getaway.
Kom El Dikka Agri Lodge
47.3 km
Discover the beauty of organic living and outdoor adventure at Kom El Dikka Agri Lodge in Tunis Village, Faiyum Governorate.
تونس الريفيه
47.6 km
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مطبخ قرية تونس ( Tunis village kitchen)
47.8 km
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تونس هاوس - Tunis house
47.8 km
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Tunis House - Fayoum
47.8 km
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Safari Arabs - Tunis Village
48.0 km
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Haduta Tunis - حدوتة تونس
48.1 km
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Bahia Restaurant
57.9 km
Experience the rich flavors of Egyptian cuisine at Bahia Restaurant, nestled in the breathtaking Al Faiyum Governorate Desert.
Mefreh 2 Fish Restaurant
70.6 km
Experience the authentic taste of fresh seafood at Mefreh 2 Fish Restaurant in Ibsheway, Faiyum - a culinary gem for every food lover.
Oasis Resort and Hotel
71.8 km
Discover tranquility and luxury at Oasis Resort and Hotel in Faiyum, Egypt—your ultimate destination for relaxation and adventure.
دندرمه . Dondurma
80.7 km
Discover Dondurma in Faiyum, a lively cocktail bar offering refreshing drinks and a perfect ambiance for relaxation and socializing.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
الخيمه البدويه
52.6 km
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Hwarii PlayStation Cafe
64.5 km
Discover the thrill of gaming and nightlife at Hwarii PlayStation Cafe, the ultimate destination for fun and entertainment in Ibsheway.
انغينفهث
79.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of انغينفهث, a leading night club in Faiyum, where unforgettable moments and vibrant music await you.
ملاهي المنشية
79.8 km
Discover the nightlife at ملاهي المنشية in Faiyum, Egypt - a vibrant night club with pulsating music and an electric atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.
Arabian Nights Country Club And Resort
94.1 km
Experience luxury and adventure at Arabian Nights Country Club and Resort, a serene oasis in the heart of Faiyum Governorate, Egypt.
مكتبة الشيخ عبد الرحم
98.4 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Sheikh Abdul Rahman Library, a premier night club in Beni Suef offering music, dance, and cultural experiences.
