Wadi Al-Hitan

Understand

The Valley contains an incredible amount of fossils, particularly those of the earliest whales (hence the name), and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

History These whale fossils from 37 million years ago, showing an evolutionary transition from land-based to ocean-based mammals, were first discovered in 1902.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

Getting there

You must cross an unpaved desert track which required a vehicle able to be driven through rugged terrain. Camel treks have been opened.

Buy

There is a gallery in which you can buy some things made by the Badu or other things made by normal vendors. There are clothes, books, maps, artistic things, and hats.

Eat

It is best to bring everything you want to eat with you. There is a cafe but it's very small and lacks a lot of things.

Drink & nightlife

Bring drinks with you. You have to drink a lot of water during the summer season.

Sleep

Lodging

Camping You can camp there in the tent they provide, or in your own.

Backcountry

Go next

Cairo is the must-see capital. You may need to return to Cairo to reach the oasis towns of the Western Desert.