Wadi El Hitan Tours and Activities

Whale fossil in the "Valley of the Whales", Wadi El Hitan, Western Desert, Egypt, about 150 km southwest of Cairo. The fossils here are one of the earliest forms of whales, the link between the previous land based mammal and the ocean mammal of today. There is a small delightful museum and several fossils were left in situ in the desert that you can hike to see. It was worth the drive from Cairo for me.
The #history: The Valley of Whales was once submerged beneath the Terhys Sea. It is now home to an obscure museum which was built around the fossils of the prehistoric whale, Basilosaurus Isis. These fossils show the archaic species to have small hind legs; which supports the evolutionary notion that whales evolved from land based animals to sea dwelling creatures. What you see in this photo: Most of the museum is open air but the rest of it is in these structures, designed to mimic their surrounding landscape. You can also see the beauty of the petrified coral on the ambient rock formations. Travel tips: You can take a 4x4 tour to this National Park, the ride itself is part of the fun! At the museum make sure you explore the trail and then relax and have tea and snacks in their cafe. Afterwards, have a BBQ with the locals, go sand surfing, see the Magic Lake and go horse riding as the sun sets! It is a very doable day trip from Cairo, and an unforgettable one for sure.

Plan a trip to see Wadi El Hitan

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Central Cairo Hotel

Central Cairo Hotel

3 out of 5
Downtown Cairo
Price was CA $1,775, price is now CA $1,487 per person
CA $1,487
per person
Jun 2 - Jun 7
found 22 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YYZ) to Cairo (CAI)
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
Vibotel Residence Hotel Apartments

Vibotel Residence Hotel Apartments

3 out of 5
Price was CA $2,016, price is now CA $1,666 per person
CA $1,666
per person
May 2 - May 4
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Montreal (YUL) to Cairo (CAI)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
Very nice and helpful staff.

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2025

Le Riad Hotel de Charme

Le Riad Hotel de Charme

3.5 out of 5
Al-Matariyah
Price was CA $2,673, price is now CA $2,272 per person
CA $2,272
per person
May 4 - May 9
found 4 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Cairo (CAI)
8.8/10 Excellent! (24 reviews)
All i can say is that it was one of the best stays i had in a while .. everything was nice and helped put you in the mood of old cairo once you step in through the door of the hotel you feel that you went thru a gate to the past and the staff were very friendly and helpful especially the guy at the entrance and the guys at the restaurant and nurhan at the reception she was so nice .. thank you for a wonderful stay will definitely come back again

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2025

Popular places to visit

People riding horse by the Great Pyramids, Giza, Egypt

Pyramids of El Fayoum

Enjoy an outing to Pyramids of El Fayoum during your stay in El Faiyum. Discover the area's waterfalls and temples.

Pyramids of El Fayoum

Medinet Madi

Learn about the local history of Itsa with a stop at Medinet Madi. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Medinet Madi

Qasr Qarun Temple

You can learn about the history of Yusuf as-Sidiq with a trip to Qasr Qarun Temple.

Qasr Qarun Temple

Water Wheels Park

You can find out about the history of El Faiyum with a trip to Water Wheels Park. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's waterfalls.

Water Wheels Park

Governorate Building

You can browse the exhibits at Governorate Building, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to El Faiyum. Discover the area's museums and temples.

Governorate Building

Hawara Pyramid

You can learn about the history of El Faiyum when you stop by Hawara Pyramid. Stroll along the lakeside or discover the area's waterfalls.

Hawara Pyramid

Best Lodging Options Near Wadi El Hitan

Zad Elmosafer Guest House

Zad Elmosafer Guest House

2.5 out of 5
Izbat Tunsi Yusuf as-Sidiq
Zad Elmosafer Guest House
Lazib Inn Resort & Spa

Lazib Inn Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
Youssef El Sedeeq Center Yusuf as-Sidiq
Lazib Inn Resort & Spa
Golden Horizon Villa - Tunis village

Golden Horizon Villa - Tunis village

Youssef Al Seddik
Golden Horizon Villa - Tunis village
ZAD Villa - Tunis Village

ZAD Villa - Tunis Village

Youssef Al Seddik
ZAD Villa - Tunis Village
Tunis Pyramids Hotel

Tunis Pyramids Hotel

2 out of 5
Tunis Village Yusuf as-Sidiq Faiyum Governorate
Tunis Pyramids Hotel
Tunis castle

Tunis castle

2.5 out of 5
Qaroun, 12 Yusuf as-Sidiq Faiyum
Tunis castle
Spacious 7-bedroom villa in brilliant Faiyum Governorate with AC

Spacious 7-bedroom villa in brilliant Faiyum Governorate with AC

Faiyum Governorate
Spacious 7-bedroom villa in brilliant Faiyum Governorate with AC
Modern 4 bedrooms Villa with private pool & garden In Tunis village

Modern 4 bedrooms Villa with private pool & garden In Tunis village

Faiyum Governorate
Modern 4 bedrooms Villa with private pool & garden In Tunis village
Charming 2-bedroom villa with AC, WiFi in lovely Youssef Al Siddik

Charming 2-bedroom villa with AC, WiFi in lovely Youssef Al Siddik

Youssef Al Siddik, Faiyum Governorate
Charming 2-bedroom villa with AC, WiFi in lovely Youssef Al Siddik
See all 54 properties in Wadi El Hitan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.