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Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls: Egypt's Desert Oasis

Discover the beauty of Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls, a unique desert oasis in Fayoum, Egypt, offering stunning landscapes and refreshing activities.

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Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls, located in the Fayoum Governorate, are a unique natural attraction in Egypt's desert landscape. Formed by the overflow of water between two large lakes, these waterfalls offer a refreshing escape and a picturesque scene.

A brief summary to شلالات وادي الريان

  • 6C7C+4Q7، الظهير الصحراوى لمحافظة الفيوم،, Youssef Al Seddik, Faiyum Governorate, EG

Local tips

  • Visit during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds.
  • Bring plenty of water, food, sunscreen, and a hat, as there are few facilities nearby.
  • Wear hiking boots for exploring the rocky terrain.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the area's history and geology.
  • Take a boat ride on the lake for stunning views of the waterfalls and surrounding landscape.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Cairo, take the road to El Fayoum. Turn right towards the southern shore of Lake Qarun. Continue until you reach the Wadi El Rayan National Park. The waterfalls are approximately 15 km past the entrance to the reserve. Note that the last 2 km are unpaved. Entrance fee to the National Park is 10 LE for the car/bus and 5 USD for foreigners.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be hired from Fayoum to reach Wadi El Rayan. A taxi ride from Fayoum to Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls will cost approximately 13-16 USD and take around 2.5 hours. Negotiate the price before starting the journey.

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Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls, situated approximately 65 km southwest of Fayoum city and about 170 km southwest of Cairo, present a striking contrast to the surrounding arid environment. These waterfalls are not entirely natural; they were created as part of a water control project to channel excess water from the Fayoum oasis, resulting in two large lakes connected by cascading waterfalls. Wadi El Rayan is considered the largest waterfalls in Egypt. The upper lake flows into the lower lake, creating a series of falls that have gradually eroded the sandstone cliffs over millions of years. While the waterfalls themselves may appear worn due to a lack of maintenance, they remain a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Visitors can swim in the lower lake, take boat rides, and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Wadi El Rayan is also a protected area, known as Wadi El Rayan National Park, established in 1989. The park encompasses an area of 1759 square kilometers and includes the two lakes, El Rayan springs, El Modawara Mountain, El Rayan Mountain, and Wadi El Hitan (Valley of the Whales). Wadi El Hitan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its invaluable fossil remains of early whales. Other activities in the area include sandboarding, bird watching, and interacting with local fishermen.

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